We sat down with the 5 designers selected from 100 designers by fashion veterans like Vogue Korea and Colette. Each of TaeYong Ko (Beyond Closet), BumSuk Choi (General Idea), Kathleen Kye (KYE), JinHee Moon (Moon J), and EunAe Cho (Tibaeg) have introduced us to their background and fashion line.
TaeYong Ko (Beyond Closet)
AM: Please provide us with a brief summary of your education and career
I graduated from the Catholic University of Korea and majored in fashion design. Ever since I launched my own brand in 2008, I showcase at Seoul Fashion Week and in New York since 2014.
AM: In your opinion, what differentiates Korean fashion from that of other Asian countries?
I think Seoul is simply the trendiest place.
AM: What are some know-hows which are representative of the Korean fashion industry?
We have good quality of fabrics and sewing techniques. Our young designers possess excellent designs.
AM: What is your source of inspiration?
I am inspired by everything around me in my daily life, and from my friends and colleagues.
AM: What is your strategy to reach a global audience?
Using online platforms, like social media, which is a good marketing tool.
BumSuk Choi (General Idea)
AM: Please provide us with a brief summary of your education and career
I dropped out of high school and started working at a garment market where I learned sewing and pattern making at age 16. Then I started selling clothes at 19 and made my own clothes for wholesale at 20. Eventually, I debuted at Seoul Fashion Week when I was 26 as the youngest designer.
AM: In your opinion, what differentiates Korean fashion from that of other Asian countries?
Korean fashion is highly influenced by K-Pop, but I also think it is more about being an active industry, which is an added value.
AM: What are some know-hows which are representative of the Korean fashion industry?
Korea has significantly grown with fabrics and witnessed strong fabric development and distribution.
AM: What is your source of inspiration?
Mostly from social phenomenon and issues.
AM: What is your strategy to reach a global audience?
Though the Korean label, which is a country that produces quality garments for a good price.
Kathleen Kye (KYE)
AM: Please provide us with a brief summary of your education and career
I have a B.A. and M.A. degree from Central Saint Martins back in 2011. KYE was launched in the same year, and was shortlisted for a LVMH Prize and Woolmark Prize.
AM: In your opinion, what differentiates Korean fashion from that of other Asian countries?
There is a lot of energy in Korean fashion as well as a lot of diversity and style.
AM: What are some know-hows which are representative of the Korean fashion industry?
I believe it is the fast speed and good quality.
AM: What is your source of inspiration?
It varies, but mostly from my raw and abstract feelings.
AM: What is your strategy to reach a global audience?
I want to suggest unconventional style and ideas while satisfying and pleasing people’s eyes.
JinHee Moon (Moon J)
AM: Please provide us with a brief summary of your education and career
I received a prize during graduation at the London College of Fashion, followed by an exhibition by the British Fashion Council. I then debuted at Fashion Scout London, and showcased my collection for three seasons at Milan Fashion Week supported by Milan Fashion Council and Vogue Italia. I also showcased in Dubai with Vogue Italia, Emaar Group and Milan Fashion Council.
AM: In your opinion, what differentiates Korean fashion from that of other Asian countries?
Both Korean men and women are very fashion conscious and are early trend adopters.
AM: What are some know-hows which are representative of the Korean fashion industry?
The sewing and quality of fabrics.
AM: What is your source of inspiration?
I like to visit galleries and art bookstores.
AM: What is your strategy to reach a global audience?
Using social media, which is constantly growing stronger, and especially Instagram.
EunAe Cho (Tibaeg)
AM: Please provide us with a brief summary of your education and career
I graduated from Yonsei University in Seoul. Then I worked for 8 years in a famous national fashion company, before launching my own brand in 2011 in Seoul, and then doing wholesale abroad in 2015. We designed uniforms including leggings and shoes for Who’s Next Paris, and now we are at Tranoi Paris Femme every season since SS17. We are currently in many countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Switzerland, Canada and Los Angeles.
AM: In your opinion, what differentiates Korean fashion from that of other Asian countries?
In Korea, people like casual and wearable designs over formal and avant-garde. Korean fashion is sensitive to the trend. We have a good manufacturing system and sense of fashion. Many K-pop stars dress that way, and most of us have started off with street casual.
AM: What are some know-hows which are representative of the Korean fashion industry?
Koreans can make good fabric and clothing. In particular Daegu city is specialized in textile products. Koreans can make special items with high quality for reasonable price in short delivery. For instance, I use special sewing techniques from Hanbok (the Korean traditional dress) called, “Kkeki” sewing which makes it durable and beautiful when using delicate fabrics such as Organza.
AM: What is your source of inspiration?
I get inspired from everything that surrounds me. It could be music, pictures or just a sentence in a human relationship. I enjoy traveling and some pictures I took could turn into prints on garments in my collection. I like tea, so my brand name is Tibaeg. The most of inspiration for the brand mood is from the tea culture, as it will release the colors within you, just like the way a tea bag infuses its rich flavor into the water.
AM: What is your strategy to reach a global audience?
We are constantly trying to demonstrate brand identity through special prints and fabrics. Every season, we announce our new collection at a reputable trade show. Many famous people and bloggers introduced our collections as well. We are trying to introduce through pop-up at famous department stores located abroad too.
For more information about the K-Fashion Project in Paris click here.