Fashion often dances between the whimsical and the rigid, and Sun Woo appears as a master and commander, beautifully blending contradictions that challenge our views on design. A place where playful structures meet practical elegance, where clothing is not just worn but experienced. This is the essence of Sun Woo’s clothing, where each piece balances the fine line between art and functionality without needing a narrative.

As we explore her journey, we’ll uncover how her unconventional upbringing beneath a karaoke room has shaped her creative vision and why she believes that every garment deserves to be felt rather than just seen. From pop-up tents that whisper tales of mobility to the delicious imagery of a baguette topped with whipped cream, Sun Woo talks all about her fashion and upcoming C.at Work Festa. 

View of the Art: Your work seems to thrive in contradictions. With structures that appear rigid yet playful, and designs that are artistic yet practical, how do you harmoniously express this tension in your collections?

Sun Woo: I often ponder what “fashion” or “design” truly means. Should it exist as an artwork or be supplied as a product? I constantly consider ways to maintain its value while allowing it to be a collective creation. In a capitalist market, is making money prioritised over art? The irony of the luxury market is that it ultimately chases the value of art. I find myself wanting to engage in actions that don’t conform to market logic while also negotiating at the boundaries of the market. I believe these thoughts are embedded in the narrative and design of my brand.

VOA: Growing up beneath a karaoke room sounds like a surreal childhood memory! How did that environment influence your creative vision, and do you think its impact is still reflected in your work today?

SW: Even as a child, I preferred creating small things at home and spending time alone over playing outside. While I was painting in that house beneath the karaoke room, I covered the walls, yet the landlord didn’t scold me; instead, he encouraged me to pursue my dreams, saying that it didn’t matter if the wallpaper was replaced since a future artist was living there. I think this memory has contributed to my fearlessness when it comes to taking on challenges.

VOA: Your pop-up tent collection is truly captivating! If these garments could speak, what stories would they tell about mobility, temporariness, and a sense of not belonging?

SW: If I were to give an answer that might not directly address the question, I’d say they wouldn’t tell any stories at all! Clothes are meant to be felt and enjoyed as they are.

VOA: Having lived in three different countries, how does your experience as a “global nomad” influence your fashion? Do elements from each country manifest in your designs, or does the journey itself carry greater significance?

SW: The feeling of “not belonging anywhere” is deeply ingrained in my life and brand. I think we all feel like outsiders at some point, and I want to convey that anyone can be part of the world I’ve created. Ultimately, emphasising the concept of becoming a “fan” of our brand is meaningful as it centres around the idea of everyone playing together through fashion.

VOA: You once described your aesthetic as “a baguette topped with whipped cream.” It’s such a fascinating combination! If your next collection were to be compared to food, what dish would it be, and why?

SW: If the mood until now has been something you hold and eat with your hands, I’d say this time it would be a baguette topped with whipped cream placed on a plate!

VOA: You mentioned that fashion and art often blur boundaries in your designs. If you could further expand those boundaries, what would the ultimate “meeting of fashion and art” project look like?

SW: This is the first time I’ve received such a question. However, I started to wonder if it’s really necessary to expand those boundaries. I believe that as much as fashion and art transcend boundaries, they are always together.

VOA: Your creative process is very hands-on, using cardboard and wire. How do you transition from envisioning playful, almost impossible shapes to creating wearable art that people can move in?

SW: Technically, it requires a lot of experimentation. After creating aesthetically pleasing proportions with rigid materials, I use soft and elastic Lycra to consider movement, which involves many trial and error processes. It’s a continuous cycle of experimentation and development.

VOA: Your designs feel like an invitation to another reality. If your brand had its own universe, what would that universe look like? And what kind of people would live there?

SW: My world might have vehicles with square-shaped wheels and land that are both flexible and very steep. The people living there take all of this for granted. They are like aliens living here in their everyday lives.

VOA: How do you maintain a balance between creativity and commerciality?

SW: That’s a difficult question. It’s a key concept that I think about a lot, but ultimately, I’m not necessarily trying to maintain a balance. I don’t focus on creativity or commerciality. I’m more focused on the act of creating an image, and if someone needs something, whether materially or conceptually, I think it becomes commercial, even if it’s unintentional.

VOA: What can fashion fans expect from you at the C.at Work Festa in Seoul this year? Are you planning to showcase new concepts or designs that push the boundaries of your usual work at this event?

SW: The collection I’ll be showcasing at this catwalk fiesta aims to present a bolder and more mature version of Sunwoo’s identity. I’m adding elements that may feel a bit more universal while also displaying some aspects more daringly.

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

Featured image courtesy of Sun Woo & C.at Work Festa

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}