Paul Smith exhibition celebrates 5th anniversary of DDP
A recreated version of Paul Smith's office in Covent Garden, London, is on show at the special exhibition “My Name is Paul Smith” at the DDP Design Museum until Aug. 25. Courtesy of GIC Cloud
By Anna J. Park
A special retrospective exhibition is under way to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in central Seoul.
It is being held in the Design Museum on the DDP's second floor.
Titled “My Name is Paul Smith,” audiences can browse the paths of past endeavors and passion for creativity and design of prominent British fashion designer Paul Smith, 72.
The exhibition ― jointly hosted by the Seoul Design Foundation and the Design Museum in London and organized by GIC Cloud ― features over 1,000 items, ranging from Smith's historic collection of clothes and personal belongings to his vast array of paintings and photos.
Fashion designer Paul Smith's photos and paintings are displayed at the special exhibition “My Name is Paul Smith” at the DDP Design Museum until Aug. 25. Courtesy of GIC Cloud
But the sheer number of artifacts does not do justice to the originality of this exhibition. It is more like walking into the renowned designer's consciousness and absorbing his life's history at a glance. Actually, there is a media art installation titled “Inside Paul's Head,” with various-sized screens and monitors showing flashy images and colors.
The exhibition has recreated his very humble first shop ― dating back to 1970 ― of about 10 square meters. There also is a replica of his first fashion collection display in a Paris hotel room in 1976. Smith recounted that almost nobody showed up.
The exhibition contrasts the designer's humble beginnings as a designer to his current global fashion empire; it exhibits a reproduction of his crowded desk and office, as well as his fashion studio that he shares with his teams. Videos show the process of his fashion collection preparation, while there are photos on the walls of his numerous shops around the world.
The exhibition also features some products made in collaboration with other brands using Smith's designs, such as vehicles, tea cup sets and Evian water bottles.
There is a reason this retrospective exhibition is at DDP ― it is in Seoul's Dongdaemun district, which is the capital's largest fashion hub, where thousands of shops, factories and markets are gathered. This area is also where Seoul Fashion Week is held every spring and autumn.
At this location, where the yearning for creativity and fashion design is already in full swing, audiences will get a chance to be fully acquainted with this famed British designer's individuality, curiosity and endless creative energy.
British fashion designer Paul Smith speaks during a press conference of "My Name is Paul Smith" exhibition at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul on June 5. Courtesy of GIC Cloud
Smith said during a press conference in Seoul on June 5 that he would like to inspire Korea's young people, including designers, with his exhibition.
“The exhibition is very open and honest,” he said. “I hope young people can come and look at it and see you can start in a humble way, and with hard work and patience, you can grow your business.”
The exhibition was launched in 2013 by the Design Museum in London. So far, it has drawn some 600,000 visitors, making it the most popular exhibition curated by the museum. Seoul is the 11th location to hold the exhibition. It will continue until Aug. 25. From September, the exhibition will travel to the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju.
The exhibition is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.) Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.) Friday to Sunday. Admission is 16,000 won ($13) for adults.