In the heart of Brooklyn’s Dumbo district, where cobblestone streets meet the hum of creative energy, Hanna Yoo is quietly redefining the language of contemporary accessory and sculpture.
Walking into her studio is like stepping into a small universe. Accessory pieces displayed on a large white table and canvas invite closer inspection. Kneel down and you’ll discover a miniature landscape beneath—an imaginative tableau inspired by “The Little Prince”, one of Hanna’s favorite French books. This whimsical touch reflects the childlike wonder that underpins much of her work: a balance between playfulness and philosophical depth.
One of her most personal explorations, Soft Sculpture(2022), leans fully into this space of inner nostalgia and tactile tenderness. Crafted from air-dry clay and shaped with delicate intent, the works echo softness—emotional and literal. Each form feels like it came from a dream you almost forgot. They're playful, quiet, and full of gentle contradictions.
Then came DEAR…,(2023) a sweet letter to those who remain in memory. Rooted in her parents and childhood echoes, it’s a series about presence—physical and otherwise. Each accessory holds a story, shaped slowly by hand, often cataloged with a serial number—like artifacts from an emotional archive. Clay, metal, memory.
BONBON (2023)—a deeply personal ode to the shy, sensitive child she once was: “In my early years, I was filled with shyness, a stubborn little child.”
Yet within her lived another version—one who could sing, dance, and light up a room when coaxed just right. “Banana gum” was her secret weapon—something small and sweet that gave her just enough courage to show herself. The collection is shaped by that memory: small, bright, candy-like forms that hold the power of transformation.
Unlike much of the accessory market, Yoo’s work doesn’t after trends. It moves slower, closer to the pace of thought. Her pieces ask to be worn, but also to be felt.
“No matter how old we are,” Hanna says, “we still have a playful heart and stories inside.”