YEOHLEE 1990s Layered Architectural Cape Coat

Founded in New York in 1981 by Malaysian-born designer Yeohlee Teng, YEOHLEE is known for its architectural approach to clothing, exploring the relationship between geometry, fabric and the human body. Her work emphasizes the structural possibilities of textiles, economical construction and freedom of movement. Her designs have been collected by institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York [🔗Yeohlee Teng — The Met Collection] .

This 1990s cape coat reflects Yeohlee's distinctive approach to volume and proportion. Constructed with overlapping layers of fabric, the coat features a short, sculptural shoulder cape above a long, generously cut body. The cascading panels create an interplay of geometric lines and soft draping, while the expansive silhouette changes naturally with movement. Despite its substantial volume, the design retains a sense of restraint and lightness, balancing architectural structure with fluidity.