Hi, I had to return to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco to take a closer look at the work by Jung Misun and Im Seonoc in the exhibit Couture Korea, which opened last month. During my first visit, my phone ran out of power by the time I got to the room devoted to their work so I went back to take more photos. (You can read my first post here.)
Three rooms are devoted to this special exhibit, which the curator encourages you to view in chronological order, starting with the historical reconstructions of hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, and concluding with the work of Im and Jung.
The work featured in this room was a yearlong collaboration between each designer and the Arumjigi Culture Keepers Foundation. Im and Jung were challenged to reinterpret Korean historical fashion for life today. They both agreed that hanbok wasn’t very comfortable wear and they each chose fabrics that would be comfortable to wear.
Jung Misun
Jung Misun’s fashion line, Nohke, has been featured in Seoul Fashion Week. Here’s link to Vogue’s recent coverage of Jung’s 2018 Spring collection. (Note: Vogue spells her name Mi Sun Jung.) And here’s a link to a May 2017 Post Magazine interview with the 33-year-old designer.
As part of the Arumjigi collaboration, Jung designed this beautiful wool knit dress.
I love the details in the top. You can really see the elements of traditional Korean women’s clothing in the wrap around the bust (see my earlier post on this exhibit for examples). I think this design is best suited for a small bust.
I like the layers and unique sleeve details in this dress by Jung Misun.
The leather belt it attached to part of the top.
This leather tie is a dramatic detail that echoes traditional garments.
The delicate layer of organza is a nice contrast to the leather.
These traditional women’s jackets are in the exhibit. The leather tie of Jung’s design is similar to the tie on these jackets.
Im Seonoc
Founder of the PARTsPARTs fashion brand, Im Seonoc uses neoprene (scuba) in her designs, which you can see here, along with an interview and a YouTube video.
Im also used scuba fabric to create this jacket and skirt for the Arumjigi collabroation. (Please excuse the glare on the glass.)
This is a side view. The lines on this skirt are very interesting, aren’t they? I like that curving line.
Take a look at Im’s reinterpretation of a man’s outer robe, also using scuba.
You can see the lines of the traditional men’s robes in her design. Here’s a reconstruction of a garment from the late 1600s/early 1700s that’s in the exhibit.
Be sure to take a good look at all the traditional garments before you get to this room. Then you can really appreciate each designers’ unique reinterpretation.
There are six garments in this room, three by each designer. I wish there was more of their work in the exhibit. Maybe they only made three garments for the collaboration with Arumjigi. Still I would have liked to see their other work as well.
I’ve highlighted four of their garments. You’ll need to see the exhibit to see the other two. And lucky for you, I have two tickets I’m giving away! To enter, just comment below that you’d like to see the exhibit. I’ll pick two winners at random next Tuesday, December 12! This exhibit is up through February 4, 2018.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see the exhibit!
Awesome designs and I would love to see it in person 😀
Oooh, yes please! Those curves, those robes, that scuba. Really beautiful.
I haven’t been to this museum since they relocated from the de Young into their own space. I remember the smaller collection from when I was a kid, but haven’t made it to the Larkin St. location, yet.
Woah! Stunning! I’d love an opportunity to check this exhibit out in person! *crosses fingers for a win*
Great review! I would love to win tickets to see this exhibit!
I would love to go to this wonderful exhibit!!!
Gorgeous designs and fabrics. Would love to go to this exhibit !!
I would like to see this exhibit.
Alice, you won the second ticket! Congratulations! Send me your mailing address [info at csews dot com] and I’ll send you the ticket. 🙂
I’ll go even if I don’t win the tickets! I have never seen the work of Korean designers before and I’m excited to see more.
Definitely worth a visit – plus you can explore the rest of the museum as well.
Christina, you’re a winner! I used random number generator and got number 5! Send me your mailing address [info at csews dot com] so I can send you the ticket! Congratulations!! 🙂
I love the use of scuba fabric! Very interesting interpretation of the classic lines.
Me too – especially those curving lines.
I would love to win tickets to this Korean Couture exhibit at the Asian Art Museum! I’m new to the Bay Area and I’m so excited that we have an exhibit such as this to see. Thank you for sharing this inspirational exhibit with us in your blog!
Welcome to the Bay Area! You’ve come to the right place to see fashion in museums. There usually seems to be at least one fashion exhibit on display at one of the museums here.
And you’re welcome!
OMG I would love to see this exhibit. I am due for a trip to the Asian Art Museum.
It’s a fascinating exhibit. I only wish it were bigger!
I would love to win a ticket to this exhibit. Viewing the modern pieces after the traditional looks very interesting, and inspiring! That gray wool knit dress!
Yes, it’s really interesting to see the contemporary designers interpretation of the traditional. I love that gray wool knit dress, too.