DESIGNOW shines the spotlight on the THE COLLECTIVE 2017 winner: Junghan Lew.
A panel of respected industry judges including: fashion designer, Michael Costello; fashion photographer and philanthropist, Sophie Elgort; celebrity footwear designer and CFDA member, Ruthie Davis; ELLE Magazine Fashion News Editor, Naomi Rougeau; and designer and Project Runway winner, Irina Shabayeva selected Lew as the winner for his thoughtful and forward designs.
Beyond the coveted title, Lew was rewarded with a cash prize of $1000, plus a 3 month paid contract as a designer at the Designow Studio, and one design from his collection to be developed, manufactured, photographed and sold on designow.com.
Learn more about Junghan Lew’s design inspiration and love of fashion below. Plus, his acclaimed signature design is available to buy now.
More about THE COLLECTIVE X DESIGNOW 2017 fashion show: DESIGNOW brought together a collective group of talented design students from New York City’s top fashion schools: the Fashion Institute of Technology, The New School: Parsons School of Design and PRATT Institute. Together they competed in a runway show on Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 at the West Chelsea Gallery.
INTERVIEW: JUNGHAN LEW
School: Fashion Institute of Technology
Age: 23
Hometown: South Korea
What do you love about fashion?
I think fashion is the most functional and beautiful artwork.
What/who inspired you to become a designer?
I had an affinity for fine arts from childhood, which makes me naturally gravitate towards “fashion designer” as my future career.
How would you describe your design style?
In my opinion, fashion is attractive when it is wearable, functional, and also beautifully artistic. My design style is very sporty, casually avant-garde, and also has little unique details. I believe this element of wit can change expected things into very special things.
What is the name of your collection and the inspiration behind creating it?
The Honor of Infinite Beauty. I was inspired by Korean traditional uniforms called “Hanbok.”
“Hanbok” has a very loose and relaxed fit. It has straps for closures (Jeogori), large, simple, voluminous silhouettes, and is beautifully constructed. The combination of my Korean heritage and spirit is reflected in my collection. It is my wish to bring my country the honor of its infinite beauty.
Interested in purchasing any of the collaborator x DESIGNOW styles, contact us info@designow.com
