At 24-years-old, Fashion Institute of Technology student Enoch Park has his sights set on a career in the fashion industry and hopes to launch his own namesake label within the next few years. The college junior, who majors in fashion design with a focus in womenswear, has adopted a specialization in knitwear and will graduate from the prestigious institute next year with dual qualifications.
Inspiration for fashion design came to Park naturally through his mother’s love of art and fashion, as well as his emigration from South Korea to the vastly different cultures of both Thailand and Mexico.
Surprisingly, it was the first piece designed by Park—a simple black-and-red plaid circle skirt—that granted him enrollment to F.I.T. Yet, Park knew instinctively that, in order to carve out a niche for himself, he would have to set himself apart and he chose to do so through specialized fabrications.
Park experienced an “Aha!” moment when he saw a nun dressed in her traditional habit, “standing in the street, with the sun shining brightly behind her.” This moment inspired him to create a hybrid collection, an homage to nuns and queens, both of which appeal to him due to their “elaborate dignity.” The collection, which made its debut at the 2016 F.I.T. Fusion Fashion Show, was all black and white in an ode to nuns, with delicate lace and beadwork as a nod to queens.
In addition to his education and personal instincts, Park stated the importance of Designow Studio for his continued success.
“When I first heard about this opportunity, I was really excited,” he said, noting that he saw the benefits of presenting his work to industry professionals. “I realized after my first meeting [with the Designow team] that real-life people don’t buy show pieces [referencing the exaggerated pieces shown in his presentation], so I had to reduce the features somewhat, while maintaining the fabric quality….When I hear opinions from others, I realize that they can see the thing I don’t see. Design isn’t only about design. I have learned about selling my designs. It’s about teamwork, not just an individual.”
“I can’t wait to see my design [on the Designow website],” he continued. “I think it will be a really good opportunity and source of inspiration for me. I look forward to feedback from customers on what I should change or modify, while maintaining my own taste.”
