"Fashion is a comprehensive art form and a global language that captures the sensibilities of the era." Having led the history of Korean fashion for half a century, 'K-fashion pioneer' Designer Kim Jung-ah of LANEYU shared her thoughts on delivering an overwhelming finale at the High1 Resort gala show, alongside her vision of returning to her roots while accelerating her global expansion with an upcoming VVIP entry into Dubai, Middle East. The interview with LANEYU was conducted via social media and telephone.
Q. Designer, ever since establishing the high-fashion brand 'LANEYU' in 1976, you have been called a living legend in Korean fashion history—from becoming the first Asian to enter Italy's Alta Moda to serving as an official designer for the 88 Seoul Olympics and Daejeon Expo. The recent gala show at the 'Asia Model Festival - Face of Korea' held at High1 Resort in Kangwon Land received an extremely enthusiastic response. How do you feel about it?
A. The core concept of this stage was the 'modern interpretation of LANEYU classic mode.' At the pinnacle of a global cultural tourism festival transcending generations and ages, I wanted to express our brand's inherent elegance and grace with a modern sensibility. From wedding dresses featuring bold contrasts with cream and black feather decorations to unconventional menswear looks pairing men's tuxedo tailoring with lace sheer shirts, satin, and sheer sequin long coats—I wanted to fully showcase the unique essence of LANEYU's haute couture amidst the harmony of classic and modern styles. The enthusiastic applause sent by the audience and fashion insiders on-site was the greatest reward as a designer.
Q. Right after delivering deep emotion to domestic fans, all eyes naturally turn toward the global stage, especially Dubai, the heart of the Middle East. Following your solo opening runway as a Korean designer at the '2025 Vie Fashion Week' last year, where you received rave reviews from local royalty and diplomatic circles for your traditional court dance 'Hwagwanmu' performance, your global expansion is accelerating significantly with the opening of a VVIP pop-up store in Dubai in the second half of this year.
A. Dubai is currently a place with an extremely passionate appetite for haute couture and high-end fashion. I still cannot forget the looks sent by local royalty and VVIPs when I presented Korean beauty accompanied by the melody of 'Hwagwanmu' at last year's Vie Fashion Week. That emotion did not stop at a one-time stage; it is leading into actual business and global territory expansion. Through collaboration with partner companies spanning K-beauty, fashion, and art, we are pursuing entry into a beauty salon this coming October and preparing for a full-fledged leap forward by presenting order-made wedding fashion targeting Middle Eastern VVIPs and global high-net-worth individuals.
Q. The master's touch that captivated Rome and has now won the hearts of Dubai royalty and VVIPs is ultimately proving the 'potential of Korean fashion' to the world. What is the ultimate vision that LANEYU will draw moving forward?
A. Fashion is ultimately an art and a language that captures the sensibilities of the era. Having guarded LANEYU for nearly half a century and stepped onto countless stages, my initial passion and the mindset of first holding a needle remain unchanged. Beyond the boundaries of East and West, LANEYU will always be at that point where the depth of Korean detail and the splendor of haute couture achieve their most perfect harmony. This High1 Resort gala show and the upcoming Dubai pop-up store are merely another starting point in that brilliant journey. Moving on, I will continue to prove the true dignity of K-fashion that the world is paying attention to. [Photo provided by The Victoria]
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