When I start a new collection, I look at how I was brought up through the difficulties, successes, and experiences I have been through. This collection, “Full”, represents my full confidence in my Korean and American heritage. It took multiple trials and errors of becoming my full confident self as a both proud Korean and American. I grew up in the States, however I was surrounded by Korean culture, having a bit of a confusion on who I was. But, now I can confidently say, I am fully Korean and fully American.
Throughout university, many collections I have produced emphasize how important each and everyone’s heritage is and staying true to your culture. Coming from a small town in California, everyone dressed the same, talked the same, and acted the same. When moving to New York, I realized how culturally diverse everyone was and how it was an important factor in being fully confident. Before, I was unsure of my heritage and culture, I was ashamed, I wanted to fit in with the majority. However, New York, woke me into a new realm of having these special heritages is what creates who we are as an individual. We are all immigrants at one point, but keeping the culture and heritage brings a sense of home to our new home.
Through my volume and silhouettes, I wanted to emphasize the fullness of what I am feeling when I am confident. I want to pass on the full confidence to my peers, family, and friends. I wanted to create something fun and exciting to see in the eye, playing with silhouettes and choosing gingham to add a playful touch. Gingham is a special print that reminds me of my childhood, and tends to be a “childrenswear” print. However, I wanted to break that stigma and bring back the fun and playfulness of gingham to show that gingham is appropriate for any age.
This collection is also inspired by balloon dog animals. Living near The Broad in Los Angeles, I have stopped and looked at the Jeff Koons balloon dog countless times. It was almost like a signature of LA. The balloon animal clicked after playing with a pair of old ripped stockings and a broken frame during my 7th semester sustainable fabric manipulation class. I stuffed, twisted the stockings and experimented with ties and knots. The piece stuck with me to the next semester and I was reminded of the two cultures and how they tie together in my life.
The balloon dog ultimately reminded me of myself, starting off with knots and twists that eventually come together to a dog. My ties with Korean culture and American culture make up who I am today, and I am fully confident in both cultures. Through this collection, I also want to show people confidence in these garments through a big silhouette with a not-so-popular print and fun accessories. I hope my collection inspires people to tie cultures together and fully become a balloon dog animal!
