Aya Kim

Gyopo

Blending traditional hanbok silhouettes with contemporary Western elements such as pleats, braided details, ties, and signature sleeves, this collection reinterprets traditional Korean “hanbok” through a modern lens. Inspired by Issey Miyake’s sculptural pleats, the fluidity of contemporary dance, and the elegance of traditional Korean dance, my designs merge structured forms with dynamic movement to create sculptural yet fluid silhouettes.

My personal connection to this concept stems from my identity as a first-generation Asian American. Growing up, I constantly navigated the space between Asian and Western cultures, always adapting and blending to find a sense of self. That experience of cultural fluidity became a core theme in my life and in my work, with clothing serving as a medium to express transformation, history, and identity. This project is deeply personal, rooted in my cultural experiences and how they’ve shaped the way I view fashion—not just as garments we wear, but as evolving expressions of who we are. This collection pushes back against the disposable nature of fast fashion by creating pieces infused with meaning, memory, and timelessness.

Artist Statement

"I am a Los Angeles-born fashion design student in my final year of completing a BFA. Raised by artist parents, I found my deepest inspiration in my mother, a former fashion designer, whose creativity sparked my own love for fashion and design."

"My design approach centers around texture exploration and material innovation, using fabric as a medium to express emotion and narrative. I focus on silhouettes and tactile surfaces to push storytelling through garments, creating collections that are both personal and expressive. My work aims to connect on a deeper level—transforming clothing into an experience beyond function or trend."