WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE?

I draw inspiration from experiences collected through the five senses. Whether it's magazines, exhibitions, movies, social media, or conversations shared with close ones, along with the tastes of food, music playing in the background while working, and the tactile process of creating silhouettes with my hands, inspiration for creation emerges from accumulated experiences and stories sensed through all senses.

WERE THERE ANY BARRIERS IN YOUR CAREER? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?

In the fashion industry, challenges are ever-present as fashion is not a solo endeavor. Fashion shows, in particular, being comprehensive performance events, always face unforeseen circumstances. There have been instances where artists scheduled to perform suddenly canceled, or where we had to proceed with the runway despite music not syncing during rehearsals. In moments of crisis, I tried hard to hold onto my mind to make the best choices, and put all my energy into achieving best outcomes. I believe this is the most effective way to turn crisis into opportunities.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUCCESS?

My greatest success was during the 2023 Spring/Summer season when Carla Bruni performed
live on our stage during Paris Fashion Week, our debut there. It was astonishing enough that she joined us, but the unforgettable moment came during the finale when she embraced me and whispered how amazing the show was.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROCESS OF WORKING WITH ALPHA LIKE?

It was enjoyable working with Alpha as we created our preferred design approach, "combining familiar yet unfamiliar elements." We added EENK's lace details to Alpha's signature item, MA-1, and crafted new silhouettes infused with EENK's DNA using signature materials. This collaboration marked my first experience in working with a global company from design, material and color selection, pattern making, garment construction, to final sample production and quality control. Although I had concerns about time and communication, smooth progress with Alpha Industries Korea and Casestudy led to satisfactory production.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN LOOKING TO SUCCEED IN A CREATIVE FIELD?

Investing in time and experience is crucial. Any creativity left unexecuted remains mere
imagination. To connect imagination to creation, execution is necessary, and to minimize the chances of failure in execution, a wealth of experiences and expanded thinking through numerous simulations are necessary. When designing, starting from a certain thought and putting it on paper leads to whole new designs. Turning drawings into patterns reveals possibilities for different silhouettes, and selecting materials and fabrics yields yet more outcomes. Thus, through execution, various possibilities continue to emerge, and the choices among these possibilities shape the outcomes of my creation. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Throughout the time spent gaining experiences, one must believe in positive signals regarding their own creativity.

IF YOU WEREN'T DESIGNING, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

During my college years, I once dreamed of becoming an architect. I perceived it as a field requiring mathematics and science, which made me consider it difficult. But since I became adesigner, fashion also involves creating "small architectures" around the body using patterns that require mathematics and materials that require science factors.