In the Fashion & Ways section of AMOR-K, we explore identities that evolve without losing their roots. And when speaking about the contemporary reinterpretation of the Hanbok, one name is essential: Young-hee Lee.
The designer was among the first to bring the hanbok beyond its purely traditional context, introducing it to the international fashion system without stripping it of its essence.
The Traditional Hanbok: Structure and Symbolism
Before discussing reinterpretation, it is important to understand the original form of the hanbok.
The traditional hanbok consists of:
- Jeogori (short jacket)
- Chima (wide skirt worn by women)
- curved lines and a high waist
- a fluid silhouette without the structured cuts typical of Western tailoring
Unlike Western fashion, the hanbok does not tightly follow the body—it wraps around it. Its strength lies in movement, lightness, and the balance between fullness and emptiness.
The Quiet Revolution of Young-hee Lee
Young-hee Lee did not simply modernize the hanbok. She did not transform it into folklore nor reduce it to a costume. Her work was more subtle and profound.
The designer worked on:
- lightening the volumes
- experimenting with fabrics (light silks, organza, natural fibers)
- contemporary color palettes
- greater everyday wearability
The result is a hanbok capable of dialoguing with global fashion while maintaining its cultural identity.
Between Tradition and Haute Couture
Young-hee Lee presented her collections in Paris, bringing Korean aesthetics into a fashion environment traditionally dominated by Western couture.
Her creative strength lies in preserving:
- the iconic proportions of the hanbok
- the symbolic value of color
- the soft, non-restrictive construction
All reinterpreted through a minimalist and almost architectural vision.
Why Her Work Is Still Relevant
In today’s global fashion landscape—where many cultures risk being flattened or diluted—Young-hee Lee’s work stands as an example of:
- cultural identity and preservation
- intercultural dialogue
- evolution without losing authenticity
Her approach is not nostalgia. It is cultural continuity.
A Modern Gesture Rooted in Tradition
The reimagined hanbok of Young-hee Lee demonstrates that modernity does not require the erasure of the past.
In a world constantly rushing toward the new, the designer chose to slow down and listen to tradition.
And perhaps that is the most contemporary gesture of all.
