PROCESS

Throughout my career, I have branded various boxing fitness companies such as the Rumble franchise in USA. Subsequently, I designed many variations of boxing robes and even made a sample. No clients ever adopted their robe but I fell in love with the pattern and shelved it.

Q1 2022, I returned to LA where the first sample was made. It was time to come back to this concept. The question became, what is my personal brand? I turned to my heritage and love of painting for answers.

Duality, balance, and harmony are important aspects of Korean culture. Through 한복 (hanbok: traditional Korean clothing), it is expressed in bright, bold colors and contrasting patterns. Thus, Han Coats are reversible canvases for unisex paintings. (Future editions are hand painted).

Living nomadically with minimal possessions keeps me loyal to very few garments but outwear is my favorite accessory. And while I am not a boxer, I like comfortable clothes that allow for a full range of movement. Comfort is not just physical, it’s mental. My Han Coat serves me. We naturally catch a lot of attention when we go out. Being introvert dominant, I feel powerful in my ability to spark conversations with my style and overwhelmed at the same time. Draping my body in something oversized is a layer of soothing armor.

We are experimenting with using magnets instead of normal apparel hardware like buttons or zippers. A literal expression of channeling magnetic energy.

Han Coat, my one coat, is a connector. Each edition builds from the last design, creating a neue kin in art.

#00000 demonstrates how to wear Han Coat with its magnetic accessories. Working with tango. to score this short was an absolute joy. We sampled & distorted 아쟁 (ajaeng: large Korean bowed zither) – one of my earliest sonic memories. Combined with various sounds from my present; iced coffee, doors closing & opening, airplane engine, breath-work, and more.

The Prototype has some revisions pending but we've landed the garment concept with great reception. Women and men from teens to grandparents all love Han Coat.