Students in Konkuk University's Fashion Design department have successfully launched their own fashion brands, bringing them to market through a hands-on course designed to prove the effectiveness of practical education. The 'Fashion Startup' class empowered students to manage the entire process, from initial brand conceptualization to product distribution, as a real-world project.
Practical 'Fashion Startup' Course in Action
Students from Konkuk University's Fashion Design department are showcasing the excellent results of their practical entrepreneurship education through the 'Fashion Startup' course. This program goes beyond theoretical instruction, enabling students to establish actual brands and challenge the market. By directly handling every stage from brand planning to product development, production, marketing, and distribution, students gained vivid, real-world experience in the fashion industry.
Professor Tae-kyun Han, who operates the fashion brand 'Seismik,' guided the students' startup process based on his extensive field experience. Student teams successfully registered their businesses, launched actual brands, and introduced their first products. They actively utilized crowdfunding platforms and their own online channels to directly gauge consumer response.
In total, 11 Fashion Design students participated in this project, successfully establishing three unique fashion brands. This initiative serves as a crucial stepping stone for students to develop into well-rounded fashion professionals, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Three Brands, Each with Unique Character
Among the three newly launched brands, 'Luvit' was founded by students Ha-kyung Choi (Class of '20), Jae-hyun Yoo (Class of '21), Ga-in Wang, and Ga-roo Wang (both Class of '22). They introduced a hooded zip-up jacket utilizing lace material. The design merges romantic sensibilities inspired by a blooming garden with everyday practicality, adding delicate lace textures to a casual hoodie for a distinctive style. This product is available for purchase via funding on Tumblbug until June 15.
'ISO,' created by students Jae-kyung Moon, Moo-jin Jung, and Hyun-min Jo (all Class of '21), reinterprets everyday moments captured with a film camera into apparel and accessories. Their first collection features T-shirts and scarves adorned with photographic artworks. To deepen the brand's emotion and narrative, buyers receive a 'Film Letter' containing the original images used in the products. ISO's debut collection can be explored on its official website.
'Gyeol,' founded by Jin-jae Lee (Class of '19), Young-seo Kim, Ye-jin Park, and A-ra Jo (all Class of '22), is a brand that seeks balance between material texture and wearability. They introduced the 'Yoonseul Two-piece,' which blurs the lines between beach and city wear. The garment features a subtly shimmering fabric, reminiscent of sunlight on water ('yoonseul'), and a wrap design that accommodates various body types, ensuring a comfortable fit. Known for its high versatility, it can be worn as both beachwear and everyday attire. Gyeol's first collection is accessible via its official Instagram account.
Educational Impact and Future Talent Development
This 'Fashion Startup' project holds significant meaning because it allowed students to go beyond simply creating products. They experienced the entire process of engaging directly with consumers in the real market and verifying the commercial viability of their ventures. By navigating various decision-making processes and problem-solving scenarios inherent in running a brand, students profoundly enhanced their understanding and practical capabilities within the fashion industry.
Konkuk University's Fashion Design department plans to continue expanding such practice-oriented education, which is closely linked with industry demands. Through these efforts, the department aims to actively support students in becoming essential talents who can lead the rapidly evolving fashion industry with creativity and expertise.
