Unforeseen beauty
Sumin Sim
This collection was inspired by the idea that "the most Korean is the most global" - a belief that the unique beauty of Korean tradition can resonate universally. I drew from elements often overlooked in everyday life, blending them with the glamour of 1920s Western culture. Imaging a Great Gatsby party set in Korea, I created a collection that fuses heritage with vintage elegance in a modern, cross-cultural narrative. This collection explores the harmonious coexistence of East and West. I combined the linear, pleat-based pattern structure of traditional Hanbok with the curved, form-shaping techniques of Western tailoring. Hanbok fabrics - light yet structured, uniquely subtle colours - were paired with Western suiting fabrics. The primary colour, jade green, draws inspiration from Korean Celadon, while gold accents reflect 1920s chandeliers. Traditional Korean patchwork (bojagi) and hand-pleating techniques were used throughout, along with hand knitting and crochet to add artisanal depth and a refined shimmer. Every detail was crafted to embody elegance without excess.
I'm a graduating Fashion Design BA student at the University of Westminster, with a background in fashion design from Korea. I'm skilled in sewing, pattern making, and cutting, and I've produced full garments for a designer brand during an internship in London. My strength lies in blending traditional Korean dressmaking, including Hanbok, with Western techniques. I aim to reinterpret and share the beauty of Korean craft through the garments I create. Outside the design, I enjoy hand knitting and crochet. Through fashion, I hope to make tradition wearable and preserve it for future generations.
