Sunghee Bang‘s Spring/Summer 2011 collection, “Astronaut vs. Samurai,”
is a collaborative piece with videographer John Karian. Using elements
from astronauts and samurais, the viral film features fashionable
women’s utilitarian wear from the past and the future. Bang’s large
collection consists of novel, one-of-a-kind costume pieces and
ready-to-wear.
The collection plays with the juxtaposition of the future versus the
past, East and West, and tradition in contrast to innovation. The
collection communicates modernity and tradition through different types
of fabrication as well as through silhouettes. Though the inspiration
is very unique, what is particularly striking about the collection is
the use of different textures and prints. The collection’s signature
marbled, kaleidoscopic digital jersey print really helps in melding the
collections different surfaces. The strong trims and construction
details allow everything to carry a definitive aesthetic. From the
black column-maxi dress with its sheer black, webbed back panels to the
structured blazer jacket, Sunghee Bang’s clothing has potential to
blend perfectly with a plethora of wardrobe closets. Each piece is
singularly just as intriguing as the collection’s styling. It would be
interesting to see how this collection could be styled given a
different perspective.
INFASHUATED and Sunghee Bang Interview:
Since designers tend to pull information from all areas, I thought it
would be interesting to ask Sunghee Bang some questions:
Whose idea was it to create a collection/viral film this season? What
spurred the “Astronaut vs. Samurai” concept?
John Karian originally asked me to create costumes for him to use for a
personal project, but I didn’t have time since I was always working on
building my line. When it came time to start designing Spring 2011, it
occurred to me that I could create costumes that not only could be used
for the video project, but also be a part of my collection. I created
the Samurai suit and the Astronaut suit with both the video and a
ready-to-wear line in mind. I chose the Samurai and the Astronaut
because they were perfect representations of contrast. One represents
the past, tradition, and eastern ideas, while the other represents
future, modernism, and western ideas. My clothes are about expressing
beauty through seemingly opposing ideas.
Whats the Sunghee Bang customer like (what is their personal style)?
My customer is fashion-forward and is not afraid to stand out
style-wise. She is edgy, confident, and creative.
What is We The People NYC and how did this collaborative effort come
into being? How did Sunghee Bang get involved?
It was actually all pretty random. We The People Fashion Collective was
doing an open call for new designers and I just responded to it. I
brought my collection over to the shop and met Vera and she loved it.
Vera has a great eye for interesting design and I love that she’s
supporting upcoming talent.
After reading the brief Sunghee Bang collection statement, I feel like
there is a bit of a fight to keep traditional techniques in fashion
design, is this true? Is new and innovative fashion hurting or sprucing
up the youthful perspective on the fashion world?
I don’t think I’m fighting for either side. My aesthetic is about
embracing both the past and the future and marrying them in a beautiful
and wearable way.
In such a big industry, what would you say is the key to staying
relevant as a fashion designer and business?
Stay relevant by being open in every way. Immerse yourself in all
creative fields whether it’s design or food or art, and be inspired!
What’s on your reading list these days? what keeps you Infashuated and
inspired ? (Magazine, literature, poetry, et cetera).
I am an avid blog reader! My Google Reader has a list 30+ long of
fashion, food, design, knitting, and travel blogs!
What would you say is IN or trending this Fall/Winter?
Classic, simple silhouettes. Shapes seem to be more conservative.
What’s in the future for Sunghee Bang? (Collaboration’s, special
projects, retail opportunities, et cetera).
Only time will tell!
* Special thanks to Michelle Yin and Sunghee Bang for taking time from their busy schedule to shed some light on the Sunghee Bang collection. It’s been a pleasure.
All images supplied by SungheeBang, written by James Buford, and edited by Alicia Fairclough for INFASHUATED © 2010
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