By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
A Korean fashion designer was awarded the grand prize at the 14th Dinard Fashion Festival. Lee Jae-hwan won the highest mention for women’s wear by a unanimous vote from the 13-member panel of judges.
More than 200 candidates from all over the world applied for ten spots in the fashion festival, which took place from May 11 to 13 in Dinard, in northern France. The chosen few exhibited their work and organized a fashion show during the event.
The 28-year-old designer presented seven pieces under the theme ``Sweet and Sexy.’’ Employing luxurious fabric like silk and cashmere, he created sophisticated black and ivory colored apparel.
In particular, Lee’s elegant cream-tone wedding gown received much praise. Inspired by the glamour of the 1940s, the dress tastefully highlights the curvaceous feminine form.
Pascal Millet, artistic director of fashion house Carven and head of the festival’s jury, explained that Lee’s superb choice of fabric and color was not the only reason for his grand prix.
``He created a pattern that most perfectly expresses the female figure in a graceful and beautiful way,’’ said Millet, according to Yonhap News.
After graduating high school in New York, the former painter returned to Korea, where he trained at Esmod Seoul. He continued his studies in Paris, at the famed Esmod and Studio Bercot.
The artist interned at major couture houses such as Christian Dior, Paco Rabanne and Chloe. Lee then became an assistant designer at Martine Sitbon, and an accessories designer at Rose Marant while working freelance for Hermes.
The up-and-coming designer also collaborated with renowned French illustrator Yazbukey to create posters for Bon Marche, a major department store in France. Lee plans to open his own boutique in Paris this coming October.
``This festival is even more important than what is being created in fashion,’’ Donald Potard, jury member and former director of fashion house Jean Paul Gaultier, was quoted as telling AP. ``Even if France remains an indisputable leader in the international fashion industry, the festival is a means to compete in the search for young talent.’’