By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India

Korea's uniforms for the Paris Summer Olympics were designed by Musinsa Standard, an in-house brand of the leading online fashion store Musinsa, standing out with their blend of tradition and modernity. These uniforms embodied Korea's innovative spirit and were ranked among the top 10 best among those at the competition's opening ceremony by the International Olympic Committee.

The following are excerpts from an email interview with Musinsa Standard from July 30 to Aug. 6.

Musinsa Standard designed Korea's uniforms for the Paris Summer Olympics. (Musinsa Standard)

What was the concept and vision behind the design of the uniforms?
For the 2023 Asian Games, we used the concept of baekui minjok (white-clad people) incorporating the color white. For the Olympics, we wanted to experiment with colors and create a color scheme that stood out even on TV. Our in-depth research and analysis on traditional Korean colors to present Korean elements found the blue color spectrum to carry significant messages and meanings such as progressiveness, youth, dynamism and vitality. These keywords align well with the spirit of Olympic athletes, leading to our choice of byeokcheong (traditional blue color).

Explain the cultural significance and inspiration behind the traditional elements.

During the design process, we studied traditional attire and were impressed by the gakdae (traditional ceremonial belt) of the Joseon Dynasty. As a result, we created a belt based on it and incorporated it into the blazer. 

After selecting byeokcheong, we were reminded of the cheonghwa baekja, or Joseon Dynasty era blue-and-white porcelain. We incorporated the beautiful patterns of the porcelain into the blazer's lining so that the athletes could show traditional Korean beauty in their uniforms.

Artistic gymnast Kim Hansol (top left), pentathlete Kim Sunwoo (top right), fencer Yoon Ji-soo (bottom left) and fencer Do Kyeong-dong wear the national team uniforms made by Musinsa Standard for the Paris Summer Olympics. (Musinsa Standard)

How did the athletes and the public react to the uniforms?
Most of the young athletes liked the uniform, especially the bright color and stylishness added by the belt.

As for the public, we had diverse opinions as there was no definitive answer to what a national team uniform should be like. But at an exhibition of the uniforms we held at four offline stores the week before the opening ceremony, those who saw the outfits praised their vibrant colors and design and took a lot of photos.

The 262-member national Olympic team on July 9 poses with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (sixth from front right), Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon (third from front right), and Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Lee Kee Heung (fourth from front right) at the sendoff ceremony for the Paris Summer Olympics at Olympic Hall in Seoul. (Korea.net)

Any other projects coming up for Musinsa Standard?
Around the same time when we produced the national team uniforms, we also collaborated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to create fashion items such as T-shirts and ball caps with the city's slogan "Seoul My Soul." 

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.