Vestal Magazine

All Photos are courtesy of Lie Sang Bong

“When I was studying fashion, it occurred to me that fashion could transform itself into art, influence the public and change the world. That’s when I realized that I wanted to become a fashion designer.” says Lie Sang Bong, one of the most well-known up-and-coming designers. Lie Sang Bong made his global debut in 2002 in Paris Prêt-à-Porter with the collection “The Lost Memoire”, which gave him international recognition. The fashion industry holds him in high esteem and he is viewed as one of the most promising new fashion designers of this century. Beyoncé, Lady GaGa and Rihanna are just a few international stars that wear his pieces. Sang Bong's creativity seems to have no boundaries. His creations are not only limited to his unforgettable runways but he has also been involved in collaborations with LG and Samsung for limited edition design collections of computers and mobile phones, and exhibited in some of the most prestigious museums of the world to promote fashion as a form of art.

Because of his innovative and outstanding style he has often been referred as the ‘new McQueen’. Sang Bong says that he is honored to be referenced to a genius such as McQueen and he agrees that they share some similarities. However, he says that their ways of analyzing concepts and approaches to creating fashion are very different: “I think it depends on what I love and see at different times. For example, the natural elements like water, air, or wind exist everywhere, yet depending on where I am in my life at that moment, I experience them differently. I look at every object differently every time I see it. My inspiration starts from there.”
Lie Sang Bong's work is an exquisite combination of Western empowerment and elegance with Oriental delicacy and purity in a sublime contrast of edgy yet feminine design that perfectly suits the modern woman. Sang Bong puts meticulous attention to details that are skillfully incorporated in a single fusion to create a garment that is an admirable piece of art.
Nature is a key theme in his work. Whether in the colors, materials or prints, some elements of nature are evident. Sang Bong favors mainly two colors black and red. He states: “I like the colors black and red. For black, I have no special reason, I just naturally like the color as many other designers. On the other hand, I have liked red ever since my house caught on fire. In that moment, instead of feeling fear of the fire, I thought the flames were beautiful. After that experience, I felt spellbound to use red in my fashion.”
As for the materials Lie Sang Bong uses mainly cotton, silk, and wool. “I love nature and the feel of soft textures, and how simple fabric can transform into many different drapes and shapes.” he says. Sang Bong is well-known for his voluminous geometric shapes especially his incorporation of circles in modern fashion.“The circle is the shape of the globe and it becomes the basis or the root of everything. Often, patterns become something different from the actual circle but the origin is always the same.” he claims.

For his new SS12 collection Lie Sang Bong chose to go back to his roots using traditional Korean architectural elements, known as Danchung. He states: “I love my country’s culture. From Korean culture, I especially like the construction and structural elements. My inspiration for SS 2012 collection comes from traditional Korean architectural elements known as Danchung, that are the decorative colors painted on wooden buildings and artifacts for the purpose of style. The traditional look of Danchung has been transformed into modern patterns and prints.”

Today his studio is based in the heart of fashion, Paris. What started as a small business with only 3 employees 25 years ago, quickly turned into a global business, which include two international offices and showrooms in New York, Paris and Seoul.

You can find out more about Lie Sang Bong, his work, and store locations on his web page www.liesangbong.com and you can also become a fan on facebook.com/liesangbong

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