By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Miranda Day

Hanbok Day falls on Oct. 21 in Korea. Select U.S. states including New Jersey, Arizona and California, honor the cultural significance and timeless elegance of the traditional attire on this day as well.

Miranda's Hanbok creations

Miranda Day, 29, is an Australian designer who promotes Hanbok globally. Her brand MiranDay Designs offers customized and ready-to-wear Hanbok, rentals and cultural experiences Down Under and abroad. She has been interviewed by the Korean news network YTN and taken part in a cultural expo in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, with other up-and-coming Hanbok designers. 

I discovered her Hanbok and accessory creations on Instagram, and they were crafted so impeccably that I initially assumed they were the works of a Korean artisan. 

The following are excerpts from an interview with Day from Oct. 20-23 via email.

Briefly introduce yourself.
I live in Melbourne, Australia, and have been designing and crafting Hanbok for 11 years through my brand MiranDay Designs. My Hanbok journey began while studying costume design, where I first learned about Hanbok and developed a deep interest in Korean culture. This fascination led me to pursue Hanbok design.

What initially drew you to Hanbok and why do you focus on it as a designer?
Hanbok's vibrant colors and unique aesthetics initially captured my interest. The more I delved into Hanbok, the more fascinated I grew with its history and evolution over the years. I was particularly drawn to the adaptability of Hanbok in contemporary lifestyles. And another thing that intrigued me was that Korea is one of a few countries that maintain such a strong tradition of wearing its traditional attire.

How did you learn to craft Hanbok and what were your challenges when starting out?
My mentor Yang Sun-ok in Melbourne played a significant role in teaching me the art of crafting Hanbok. I also studied the Korean language at Monash University in Melbourne and Yonsei University in Seoul, which gave me access to valuable resources. A challenge I faced was sourcing traditional Korean fabrics in Australia, something difficult to do. To overcome this, I've creatively utilized a range of fabrics such as silks, cottons and linens and often incorporate vintage and second-hand materials.

Miranda Day helps a woman wear a Hanbok outfit.

What obstacles did you face when starting out as a Hanbok designer?
My biggest obstacle was acquiring traditional fabrics, and that is still a challenge. They are very difficult to ship to Australia, so I often can only buy in Korea. I have found ways to work with fabrics available here in Australia like other kinds of silks, cotton and linens. I also use many vintage and second-hand fabrics in my sewing as well. I can create more unique garments with a mixture of the above.

What makes your traditional and modern Hanboks unique?
I offer custom-made Hanbok outfits each of which is unique and tailored to individual preferences. Traditional models maintain the classic silhouette while I often blend traditional and modern fabrics for a contemporary twist. My modern Hanbok editions prioritize comfort and practicality, making them easy to wear. What sets my designs apart is my emphasis on affordability and individuality.

What is your opinion of the rising global popularity of Hanbok?
It's wonderful to see the growing global popularity of Hanbok. The Korean diaspora, along with government initiatives promoting Korean culture, has played a pivotal role in this rise. I eagerly look forward to more Hanbok-related events and possibly a Hanbok Culture Week here in Australia.

What's the best thing about being a Hanbok designer?
My favorite aspect of crafting Hanbok is working with traditional fabrics. They are incredibly unique and beautiful, allowing me to create designs with intricate details. 

What is your most memorable moment in Hanbok design?
In 2019, I participated in the exhibition Fashions of Multicultural Australia to showcase my Hanbok designs. There, I had an unforgettable encounter with a young designer of Korean descent in Australia. My work rekindled his connection to his ethnic roots, sparking his passion for Hanbok and his Korean heritage. I feel honored to have helped him embrace his heritage.

What are your goals for Hanbok design?
I aim to expand my business by offering specialized Hanbok including children's outfits for rental. I will also source more traditional fabrics from Korea for our rentals for a unique cultural experience. My ultimate vision is to foster a strong Hanbok community in Australia. 

msjeon22@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.