During the course of this semester, I have been researching North Korea and trying to formulate in my own mind what is required to introduce, cultivate and expand the fashion/garment industry in North Korea taking into account the present political and geopolitical climate. I am still in the process of gaining an appreciation for the complexities of the geopolitical situation but am slowly beginning to get a clearer sense of the intersectionality of fashion and politics in a unique country called North Korea which has essentially for the past 70 years been cut off from the international community. My belief is that a new content for fashion, in addition to a new business model in North Korea, could emerge through the process of exploring and analyzing three sectors: labor, industry, and investment. Labor would address improving the life of the workers (human rights), the industry would be the creation of a sustainable business sector based on “best practices” and economic development and trade would be supported through investment by foreign capital. What could therefore emerge is a brand new business sector with unique content in a country that otherwise would have very limited potential for the creation of a fashion/garment industry.
I have made edits below in structure and content taking into account feedback received and my on-going research into fashion in North Korea.
“What When Where Why Wear
I’m not really talking about the what, when, where, why and how. What I’m really talking about is the philosophy behind my work. When I look through a piece of garment, I ponder the questions of “what,” “when and where,” and “why” and realize the piece of garment is not just a piece of garment anymore.
- What am I looking at? I am looking at the fabric, fiber, materials, labor, distribution channels, ideas, technique, construction, traditions (although it is not a traditional dress, every clothing has been influenced by traditions), history rather than just a piece of garment. Additionally, it contains the special characteristics and/or stories associated with the owner of the garment. I look not only to the past to answer the “what” question but want to think about what “new” content and methodology could we create to lead the future.
- The when and where are following my thoughts. When was it made or where was it worn by a person or vice versa. A dress is a product of a long and complicated process continuing from antiquity to the immediate present. Not only have human beings evolved but also dresses. Dresses have evolved as a result of lifestyle changes, historical incidents, and environmental changes. At the same time, the philosophy behind my work is not to follow and be a passive observer of fashion but to explore all facets of fashion and the fashion industry from my unique viewpoint.
- Why do we dress then? The Polish Anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski answered this question. People dress for protection, modesty, and decoration. I would like to add one more reason. We dress, and we remember who we are. Although Malinowski’s view was protection from outside physical dangers, I believe that a dress also protects one’s root and identity. We wear, and we protect ourselves and communicate with others.
I love fashion no matter what; but I also have specific reasons why I love fashion. It is because a dress is a very significant component for us. I hope more people admit that clothing is not “just” clothing. It is a comprehensive intermediation rather than just utilitarian. When it becomes a fashion, it represents time and space we live in. It also represents politics. The complicated relationship between time, space, people and fashion inspire and compel me to design. I like Da Vinci because he had accurate eyes and I like Picasso because he was able to see things differently. When a dress was made it requires accurate eyes and unique vision. Therefore, I love to use a tailoring technique, creative construction, or deconstruction on my design. I aspire for my beliefs to be expressed in my design and deliver the meanings to people through beautiful clothing.
