Second Year Collection

My second-year collection was a personal exploration and expression of the hybrid cultural influences that have shaped me as a South Korean-born and New Zealand-raised individual. Drawing inspiration from traditional Korean garments like the hanbok from the Joseon dynasty, alongside Western silhouettes from the Victorian era, the collection blends both traditional and contemporary forms. The goal is to make these cultural references resonate with a modern audience. This collection is a tribute to my childhood and the unique cultural experiences that have shaped who I am today.

The collection also comprises pieces made from the traditional Korean patchworking technique called bojagi/pojagi, using 30 metres of discarded curtains sourced from a goodwill store. This technique holds significant meaning in the creation of both the garments and the collection as a whole. Bojagi, a form of patchwork traditionally used by Korean women during the Joseon dynasty period, reflects their resourcefulness and creativity within the constraints of their roles in society. During this time, women's roles were confined to the domestic sphere, and bojagi was one of the few ways in which they could express themselves creatively. They would upcycle discarded materials from around the home-such as old clothing or fabric scraps-into functional items like food covers, blankets, and decorative pieces.

While these women were taught virtues of subordination and endurance from a young age to prepare for their future roles as wives and mothers, bojagi allowed them to subtly assert their creativity and individuality within the home. Their self-expression was largely limited to domestic tasks, and creating with bojagi became an outlet for artistic freedom in an otherwise constrained environment. However, over time, bojagi has become a dying practice, with fewer people today learning and carrying it forward. The traditional technique, once passed down through generations, now faces the risk of disappearing as modern, industrialised methods of production have taken over.

For me, using this technique in my collection was a meditative and reflective process, as it allowed me to connect with my heritage more deeply. The act of creating something that spoke to both my personal history and the historical context of Korean women during the Joseon dynasty became not only an artistic expression but also a healing journey.

This collection was awarded the 2021 Bachelor of Fashion Design Year 2 Award for Upcycling and Sustainable Design Practices, sponsored by Sewingtime.

Credits:
Models: Jenny Ruan, Michael Park