By Honorary Reporter Minnath Azeez from Sri Lanka
Photos = Vogue Korea, VOY Magazine, Elle Korea

Sun-woo Chang is a Korean designer known for her pop-up tent designs. 

Chang Sun-woo is a Korean designer known for her pop-up tent designs that have been worn by celebrities worldwide like American rapper Doja Cat. Her collections have been featured in the U.K. edition of Vogue magazine and Elle Korea and Marie Claire Korea.

The following are excerpts from an interview with her.

Explain the concepts behind your designs.
In London, I saw a bunch of people carrying pop-up tents with them. I felt I had something in common with them. These portable garments, imbued with the properties of pop-up tents, are inspired by my lack of a sense of belonging. The functionality, portability and protective nature of pop-up tents are incorporated into my garments through technical fabrics and wire hardware.

Has design and art always been a part of your life?
My dad is an interior designer, and my mom always taught me the importance of art and culture. I was influenced a lot by my parents and that naturally led me to experience a variety of art fields. I liked drawing and making things at home rather than going outside and seeing friends. I remember going to a fabric shop when attending elementary school, hand sewing clothing and giving it to my friend for her birthday.

How hard is it to work with fabrics?
To create the clear 3D structure that I want to implement, the shape is formed when all three elements -- the clothing pattern, fabric and hardware -- are all perfectly matched. I use jersey, the most expressive of all my experiments so far, and my favorite material in my collection.

Chang Sun-woo's collections have been featured in the U.K. edition of Vogue magazine as well as the publications Elle Korea and Marie Claire Korea. 

What is most important to you when designing outfits?

I value design with philosophy and storytelling.

What have your designs taught you?
The frustration of technical failure and a sense of accomplishment when successful. 

How do you feel about your designs being worn by both Korean and international stars?
I never expected to collaborate with great artists and get many audience reactions to my collections. Thankfully all these experiences gave me confidence and gave direction to my fashion journey.

enny0611@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.