Young Fashion Designers

Interviewed by Lee So-eun

Translated by Lee So-eun, Ki Su-yeon and Karina Prananto

Photos courtesy of Kang In-hye, Yoo Hee-jeong and Lee Yu-jeong

Kang In-hye

Chonnam National University Clothing Department

Hi, my name is Kang In-hye, and my dream is to become a fashion designer. When I was a senior in high school, my keen interest was fashion. One day, I heard the news of Alexander McQueen’s death, so I searched for his works. His fascinating works led me to my dream to be a designer, and I entered Chonnam National University.

I majored in the department of clothing. At first I was interested in Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood’s work where sensibility was both exaggerated and expressed directly. However, I am more interested in body shapes (lines) than exaggerated beauty.

I think that it is fun to understand designer’s values also. Franco Moschino, called a “Rogue of Fashion,” is a surprise to me because Moschino is a brand that expresses wit and sense of humor in works. The head designer for Moschino, Jeremy Scott, made trendy images like “pop style.”

Thus, you can expect to see a “characterful” designer, Kang In-hye, who can embrace both the commercial design of America and the emotional design of Europe!

Yoo Hee-jeong

Chosun University Design Department

Why did you choose to study fashion?

I am very interested in fashion. I think that fashion shows the identity of people wearing clothes, and I think that is the most important attraction. I felt a lot of passion for fashion, so I picked my major for “Design.”

Which fashion designer inspires you? Why?

My favorite fashion designer is Tom Brown. He did not learn about design formally, and his career was only as a salesman at Giorgio Armani and an assistant designer at Club Monaco. Although he had a simple career life beforehand, Brown had a firm motto to make clothes which he wants to wear. Furthermore, he really enjoys his job, and these things are similar to my motto too.

Describe your design philosophy or style.

I seek remarkable works that are unique, unlike popular styles. There were some works that people found difficult to understand in my graduate work because some of the clothes were grotesque. However, I am now satisfied with my work, because I could convey my purpose to the audience.

What are your future plans after graduating? What is your dream job?

Because I am a student graduating soon, and due to the fashion industry being so expansive, I just want to know and learn about a lot of things. I am going to build my career with the sportswear brand, Apple Leiden, as an intern. I want to participate in fashion week and become a successful fashion designer.

Lee Yu-jeong

Chosun University Design Department

Why did you choose to study fashion?

Frankly it has been my dream since I was a child. I like creating and drawing. One day in middle school I watched a fashion show on TV where models walked down the runway with amazing clothes. I thought “Wow, I want to make amazing clothes as well!” I think after that day, I wanted to become a fashion designer.

Which fashion designer inspires you? Why?

It is difficult to choose just one person as I have changed my preferences over time. But if I can really just choose one person, it would have to be Phoebe Philo. She is currently the designer for the Celine brand. I think her designs look simple yet modern and perfect. I think she makes clothes that are a perfect fit for anyone. I think she gives me a lot of inspiration and a lot of good examples.

Describe your design philosophy or style.

To me, all my clothes have to be comfortable. I do not want clothes to be troublesome for the wearer. So I like basic, minimal styles. For many people, minimal styles may look boring, but from that simplicity there is something that gives energy. Although it is of simple design, from the right pattern to cut out sewing, it will be a perfect and neat cloth. Sometimes it still gives me goose bumps when I see such a design.

What are your future plans after graduating? What is your dream job?

First my purpose after graduating is to find a job. I want to work with a design team. While working in a company I want to gain hands-on experience.

My final goal is to design my own brand. I think it is my wish to accomplish this feat before I die. Whenever I see a collection book I always feel: “Ah, this is the design from this designer.” I always thought that this is amazing. From it people will recognize and know instantly about that designer. I want to be that kind of person!