AUDI STAR CREATION 2012: Q&A with the sixth finalist Ko Youngji from South Korea

Currently studying in Paris, the sixth (and the oldest) finalist of the Audi Star Creation is Ko Youngji from Korea. Youngji’s collection draws inspiration from dance and literature and translates it in a way that is personal to her experience living in Europe at the moment. Read what she has to say about this interesting collection and the story behind it.

Name of designer: Ko Youngji (South Korea)
Age: 32
Name of Collection: Li Jin

1. What made you participate in the Audi Star Creation? How did you hear about it?

I’m currently studying at l'Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) in Paris. There, I learnt of the various fashion design competitions around the world and was able to look at the collections of the previous Star Creation winners through the website. It made such an impression on me that I found myself waiting for the call for entries for this year’s competition. I want be able to take part in this competition and stand on the same stage like those impressive designers did.

  

2. What was the inspiration behind your collection?

Two years ago, I chanced upon a novel written by famous Korean author, Shin Kyun-Sook, about a woman named Li Jin, the very first royal court dancer who moved to France during the Joseon dynasty. While preparing for this competition, I was reminded of Li Jin and after grasping the theme I decided to base my collection, Li Jin, on her. Her life in France and the struggles she went through while living as a court dancer is a reflection of what I feel right now, living there myself.

3. What new ideas/approach do you think you bring to the fashion scene in the region?

I believe that Asia's fashion scene will soon represent the fashion scene of the world, thanks to our rich culture. I plan to use my interest in the diverse cultures and traditions of our region and translate that into international fashion.

4. Any Asian designers/labels that you like and look up to?

Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons and Takada Kenzo from Kenzo inspire me. They are very good at spotting future trends, and that is something that I would like to learn to do.

5. What would you like to do if you win and who would be your target audience (people in the region, age group, style, etc...)?

I would like to save up the prize money to launch my label in the future. Also, I would like to have the chance to undergo the internship and be able to learn more English in Singapore!

I hope that women in their late twenties and Korean dancers would wear my creation. If the Korean dancers would dance light movements when wearing my clothes, that would be a bonus too. I also imagine that strong and mild-tempered women would wear my collection. 


For more interviews with the finalists, go to the 'Audi Star Creation 2012' section on this blog.