Lie Sang Bong

I'm sure some of you are familiar with the Korean designer Lie Sang Bong. His designs infuse elements of Korea, dashes of French imperialism influenced by his intrigue for historical empires. From an outsider’s perspective, his clothes seem very unique, with splashes of colour and quite avantgarde yet still giving off that wiff of romantic touch which convinces you that you could possibly wear one of his runway outfits in real life. You can find Korean calligraphy, prints, illustrations and written Hangul on many of his dresses and shirts. From his Spring/Summer ’07 runway collection.

Below are pictures from his latest Spring/Summer 08’ collection. We all know how florals are big nowadays but I believe that he's presented flowers in a whole new dimension. He is a current fixture on the runways in Paris and Seoul so I'm quite excited that he will be participating in the Fall 2008 Seoul Collection week held from 17^th-24^th of March. I am hoping to get tickets for his show or any other for that matter, there are always some good designers exhibiting at the Seoul Collections every year. I don’t know how I will manage to squish three exams between these events though. I really don’t want to jeopardized my chances with either...so if you don't hear from me it'll probably be because of preoccupation with the latter.

Let me introduce you to Park Jin Woo

but I think he actually goes by Zinwoo Park when overseas- a visual artist/designer hailing from South Korea who is gradually taking over the art world to my great delight! Hee hee. I've been meaning to post about his quirky designs ever since discovering him in a subway magazine article and then seeing Camilla from Glam & Tonic blogging about his famous, Warhol-influenced, canvas 'FAKE bag' made we want to blog about him even more! A degree in metalworks at Seoul National University (woah whoo!), a graduate course completed at London's Royal College of Art in Product design, experience in designing for Samsung electronics and his variety of work ranging from lighting, furniture, graphics, interior, and visual art shows that his repertoire is exciting as his capacious resume. His major artworks include the 'Spagetti Chandelier" made from red industrial electrical wires and '5 Minute candles' (I think he's sold thirty thousand of those already). Erotic Works, the 'Toilet Paper Project' and his 'Bubble bubble' interactive chair are some of his other innovative projects.His works are becoming more well-known in Korea due to features in the current Korean drama, '못된 사랑' (Bad Love). If you want to see his current installation in real life come to downtown Gwanghwamun(광화문), Seoul to see the 'Christmas Factory' featured next to the 'Hammering Man' sculpture. and if you're ever in Korea his (gorgeous!) products can be purchased at 'Second Hotel' (a interior shop in front of Dosan Park, Sinsadong) or at 'Artmart' (in Insadong).