MOON CHOI SOUTH KOREA

Tell us about yourself. Where were you born and where have you lived and studied? Moon Choi: “I was born and grew up in South Korea until I was 20. Then I moved to Los Angeles, where I spent a year studying fashion design at Otis College of Art and Design, and later I transferred to Parsons where I graduated in 2016.” Where are you based? “My manufacturer is in Korea, so I spend ve months in New York, and the rest of the year in Korea.” When did you establish your brand and when was your rst collection? “I started my brand in May 2017 with FW 2017 18 as my rst collection, but SS 2018 is o cially when I launched to the press and buyers.” Why did you decide to launch right

after your graduation? “I started my own label as a fresh graduate because I felt that only a young designer can address the issues facing our society, and have the courage to make change possible.” What is your brand ethos? “In my design philosophy, clothing shouldn’t be de ned by gender. I want to shift the notion of gender and identity.” What about artisan

craftsmanship in your country? “Korea has a very long history of natural dyeing techniques for silks and cottons, because traditional Korean clothing is mostly made of these naturally dyed fabrics. It’s a very eco-friendly process, as only natural materials are used.” What is your dream for the

future? “I want to break rules and blur boundaries.” •