IN CONVERSATION WITH YOUNGJIN CHOE

interview NATALIE GAL

This year’s Amsterdam Fashion Week was truly unforgettable, but one standout moment was without doubt the Lichting Competition, where Young Choe won the prize for Best Graduate Collection. His collection, “Duality of Light,” was modern, sharp, and mindful, while deeply rooted in his Korean traditions. In this exclusive interview, we explore his origins and creative talent, his experience of the competition, and of course, what comes next for this promising young designer.

What is your earliest core memory related to fashion? Do you remember when you first became interested?

I always enjoyed creating and taking things apart. Then, I developed an interest in clothing, and I began to meticulously examine each detail. I gradually learned how to express my thoughts and emotions through clothing, and when I first started making clothes of my own in middle school, I fell in love with designing and making clothes. Then, by chance, I saw a fashion show. Watching the models walk to the music, the designers' messages, the models' outfits, and the interior of the showroom, I decided that this was the career that would best convey the message I wanted to tell, and I decided to become a fashion designer.

⁠How did you get started? What were your first steps into this world?

Around the time I graduated from high school, I got my first job at a zipper company called YKK. My job was to sit at a desk, take zipper orders, and adjust the zipper size, slider type, and length. Sitting there, I observed many designers and people in the fashion industry, drawing inspiration from their work. Then, in Korea, I got my first job on the design team at a brand called 99%is-. The designer I met there told me that designers need to know and handle countless details. He also taught me that understanding the mechanics of clothing design leads to better designs. This inspired me to work harder and realize the importance of what I've learned.

⁠What does Lichting mean to you, and how did you experience it?

Honestly, I'm not used to sharing my stories and thoughts with others. This is because the process of communicating and sharing my thoughts as a child unconsciously ingrained the wounds I received as a child into my personality and self. At first, I didn't attach much significance to Lichiting, thinking of it as just a good opportunity to show and present my work. However, as the Lichiting workshops and presentations progressed, I felt myself growing through the process of honestly explaining my work and sharing my thoughts. Communicating with others gave me courage and comfort, and Lichiting became an unforgettable experience and memory for me. Additionaly I always prepared two stories for my work. One is a story that captures the deep thoughts and inner experiences that lead me to create the work. The other is a story that doesn't seem to be shared with anyone. Now I have the courage to prepare a true story.

What has been the biggest challenge while learning and growing in this field?

For me, work is such a joy and a source of gratitude that I never found it difficult. As I mentioned, before Lichiting, explaining and sharing my work wasn't easy to get used to. When designing or making clothes, I strived to pour my innermost thoughts into every detail, so explaining and sharing it with others felt like a complete stripping away of myself. I believe physical hardship and pain can be overcome with effort, but mental pain is harder to overcome without a specific event. Lichiting was a learning moment for me to become a better designer.

⁠What are your thoughts on Amsterdam Fashion Week, and how do you view Amsterdam’s style in general?

Leaving Korea, where I had lived, for the first time allowed me to experience diverse cultures, people, and atmospheres. Amsterdam Fashion Week offered a unique experience, with diverse people and cultures mingling and energizing through the week. I could also see and feel this energy through the fashion shows. In some places, I could feel exciting music and passion, in others, delicate, couture-style beauty, and in others, innovative technology. I felt a warmth in the inclusiveness of beauty, which transcends definitions.

What’s next for you? Do you have any future plans in the world of design?

I truly value experience and learning. Therefore, I will never stop learning and will continuously strive to become a better designer. I want to launch a brand based in the Netherlands and become the best with quality clothes and great work. Winning the Lichiting give me the opportunity to debut my collection next year, which is a huge honor and an exciting. I will work hard to prepare well and hope to inspire many people.