By Honorary Reporter Alaa Atef Ebada from Egypt
Photos = Marmar Halim

Actor Youn Yuh-jung on April 26 made history as the first Korean to win the Oscar for Best Supporting actor for her role in "Minari." Her attire also impressed as Vogue magazine called her one of the best dressed at the ceremony.

Egyptian fashion designer Marmar Halim beat out 250 international fashion brands for the right to dress the actor for her moment of glory. 

The following are excerpts from an interview with Marmar.

Marmar said Youn asked for a simple dress that fit her age, personality and body type.

Egyptian designer Marmar Halim designed the dress worn by Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung at the April 26 awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Describe the dress chosen by Youn.

It was a great honor to have a great artist like Korean actor Youn Yeo Jung wear my design because above all, she is well suited for my brand. When I looked at her artistic history and what she usually wears, all the costumes were very elegant but simple, far from being heavy or complicated just like her personality.

We have partners in Los Angeles, and Youn's stylist Alvin Goh chose the design because she asked for a simple look. The dress was part of one of our previous collections and a bestseller. What pleased me most was that she chose the dress for its simplicity and suitability for her age and personality. In my opinion, the wearer adds to the dress more than vice versa. 

Because Youn is the first Korean to win the award, I felt that I also set a precedent.

Youn Yuh-jung wears Marmar Halim's dress that the Korean wore to the Oscar ceremony on April 26 in Los Angeles.

Were you familiar with the outfits that Youn or Koreans in general preferred before the Oscar ceremony?

I was surprised that a big star like her wore one of my designs, but I did have a general idea because I've been attracted to Asian fashion for a long time, especially the traditional clothing of Korea, China and Japan. All of them are different, strange and unique so I was pleased to know that Koreans admired and were interested in my designs. 

What also made me happy was that my brand is now known in Seoul, and my lifelong dream of my brand going global is happening.

Do Korean and Arab fashion have things in common?
It differs by the preferences of each woman. For example, I as an Egyptian Arab love Korean designs as well as those of Japan and China because of the differences, not similarities. Asian fashion has completely different trends, clothing lines and color palettes, and also seems more interested in the quality of materials and treated fabrics than what is popular or widespread.

Egyptian designer Marmar Halim says Korea launched the global expansion of her brand, which she calls a lifelong dream.

What imprint has Korea left on you?

I've been so fortunate that such a great artist (Youn) wore my brand at a major event and chose me; this makes me eternally grateful to her. As I mentioned before, Korea was the starting point for my lifelong dream of achieving global expansion.

kalhong167@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.