Post Info
Abraham Han-Gul Kwon/ The Traslator Collection
South Korean designer Abraham Han-Gul Kwon graduated from the Domus Academy in Milan with an MA in Fashion Design. His love of denim materials lead him to create The Translator, a collection that explores and celebrates the tactile nature of the material. ARTS THREAD caught up with Abraham to find out more about his creative process and his expectations for this year’s Who’s Next Prêt-à-Porter in Paris.
ARTS THREAD: Tell us about the collection you are showing at Who’s Next.
Abraham Han-Gul Kwon: The new generation denim collection aims to explore hidden identities from the hybrid perspective of hyperrealism and modernism.
I believe that all human beings have complex multiple identities within their body, and I’m very interested in the chaotic relationship between the conscious and subconscious identities. The collection attempts to pull out layers of people’s 2nd, 3rd and other identities from their bodies and express this through a modern denim collection. This collection is characterized by the use of contrasting Black and White colours.
AT: Can you tell us about the different stylistic and cultural influences that inspire you?
AHK: In my work, I am constantly influenced by the multi-dimensional world of fine art and design. I’m especially keen to adopt and create new concepts, details and materials based on collections found in museums, gallery and historical heritage sites. I love to re-analyze the history of art and design and interpret it into my collection. I find infinite ways of re-interpreting them to create innovative expressions.
Abraham Han-Gul Kwon, The Traslator Collection
AT: What fabrics do you use? And special details and techniques?
AHK: I love denim especially because of the movement of denim according to the different weight and processing. I love to manipulate fabrics, to explore them and try to create innovative collection materials. This is something that I find incredibly exciting.
AT: What do you hope to gain from exhibiting at Who’s Next?
AHK: I still can’t believe that I have been invited to show my collection at Who’s Next. It is a fantastic opportunity in my fashion career and a huge step forward in launching my premium denim brand in 2013. As a young designer, any opportunity to showcase my work is an indescribably humbling and exciting challenge.
I hope to continue to grow as a designer through broadening my horizons and engaging with the industry through opportunities like Who’s Next. Most of all, I love meeting new people from around the world as they inspire and fuel my fascination and curiosity towards the world, people, and the intersection of fashion and society.
Who’s Next Prêt-à-Porter Paris will run from 30 June – 3 July at Porte de Versailles Paris. For more information, visit the Who’s Next website.
