Swarovski meets Korean traditional design

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The Korea Times

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The Korea Times

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Fri, February 3, 2023 | 06:26

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Swarovski meets Korean traditional design

Posted : 2011-01-17 18:31

Updated : 2011-01-17 18:31

Photos show a hanbok designed by Yoon-eui Hanbok incorporating Swarovski Elements, left, and a hanbok designed by Chai Young-jin Kim.

/ Courtesy of Swarovski Elements

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia

Swarovski Elements has teamed up with six Korean designers to merge the mesmerizing sparkle of the company’s signature crystals with Korean hanbok and traditional lifestyle accessories.

Swarovski Korea handpicked designers Kim Young-seok, Chai Young-jin Kim, Beak Oak-soo, Hanbok Lynn, Hyojae and Yoon-eui Hanbok to participate in this project.

``The cooperation (between Swarovski and Korean designers) is designed to position the world’s finest crystal elements within the hanbok segment and illustrate how Korean tradition can be harmoniously melded with modernity to suit the demands of today’s market,’’ Swarovski said, in a statement.

The results of the collaboration were seen at the Han by Swarovski Elements exhibition at Art Link in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul. Swarovski Elements is the brand name for the loose precision-cut crystals used in fashion, jewelry, lighting and interiors.

The designers interviewed by The Korea Times agreed that using Swarovski crystals add much style to their unique and modern hanbok designs.

``I envied the global brand’s value and the positive image. It was time that I understood Swarovski Elements more,’’ said Hyojae, a designer famous for incorporating traditional Korean designs into everyday lifestyle.

Beak Oak-soo, who has presented traditional Korean wear at overseas shows in Hong Kong and Japan, said she sought to combine the luxurious allure of crystals with Korean hanboks as a way to showcase the Korean traditional design.

Using Swarovski Elements is a plus factor especially if the Korean designers want to see their work recognized by foreigners.

Chai Youngjin Kim, who has worked as a director with the Louis Vuitton Korea fashion team, said traditional designs that incorporate Swarovski Elements will be considered fresh and modern.

``I always try to use new materials, but it is very important how it can harmonize with my design. If we study and understand more about Swarovski Elements, there would be more possibilities to make creative designs… If we use Swarovski Elements in our traditional design, it will become more unique and fresh,’’ she said.

For Chai’s hanbok displayed at the exhibition, she sprinkled Swarovski Elements around the neckline and bodice, keeping it simple but adding much elegance.

Yoon-eui Hanbok, who is known for her glamorous royal hanboks, infused colorful Swarovski Elements into traditional Korean patterns for the first time.

``I expressed the first encounter between hanbok and Swarovski into traditional Korean flower motifs… It was such a pity that I didn’t have much time to understand Swarovski Elements. I will develop various products by using the charm of Swarovski Elements,” she said.

Ultimately, combining a global brand like Swarovski Elements with traditional Korean design is expected to introduce Korean culture to a wider audience.

``Swarovski is well known globally, and many international designers have worked with the crystals. Therefore when we use Swarovski Elements in our traditional design, then it will become more familiar and easier to feel closer to foreigners. Swarovski can be a medium between foreigners and us,’’ said Kim Young-seok, one of the top three designer brands in hanbok fashion.

After working with Swarovski, designer Hanbok Lynn is planning on designing hanbok with more crystals. ``I thought it was difficult to decorate with crystals, but through this exhibition, I feel more at ease,’’ she said.

The project is part of Swarovski’s tradition of working with the world’s leading designers in artistic projects.

``The cooperation also forges closer relationships with Korean designers while playing an active part in encouraging the hanbok market to integrate Swarovski Elements while also inspiring the development of new Korean traditional products, including Hanbok wedding gowns,’’ the company said.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr