I started as a student at FIT in 1962, and was the first Korean national to graduate from the Fashion Design
Program. During my time at FIT, I received a great deal of inspiration from the FIT Fashion Research Lab.
This experience is what influenced me and my vision to establish a museum when I returned to Korea. Although
the FIT Fashion Lab at that time was much humbler compared to the current Museum at FIT, it inspired and
guided my life’s work.
My mother, Choi Kyung Ja, a pioneer of Korean fashion, studied in Japan, then returned to Korea
and established Hamheung Dressmaking Academy at Hamheung, Hamkyungnam-do in 1938; the matrix of Kookje
Fashion School. The school has continued with me as the second director and now with my daughter as the
third director of the institute. We have produced internationally renowned designers such as Andre Kim and
Lie Sang Bong. Through these relationships and donations made by many designers and celebrities and with
additional acquired pieces, I opened the first and only, Korea Museum of Modern Costume in Seoul 25 years
ago. I put my life, heart and soul into the collection and curation of the museum.
I am with great pride and pleasure that FIT, my Alma mater, opened a campus in Songdo. The
university gathers students from all over the globe allowing them to learn, grow and dream together. It
reminds me of the enthusiasm I had as a student at FIT in New York half a century ago. I am grateful for
everything I have achieved based on the learning, experience and the vision that I gained from my time at
FIT.
The SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume opening on the Songdo Campus will operate mainly to
support the academic courses taught. My wish is for it to grow into a learning center where younger
generations of fashion students may share in the same experience I had at FIT. I dream SUNY Korea Museum of
Modern Costume will develop as the major contributor to fashion education in Korea, in the near future. I
certainly believe this wish will come true.
SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume, Chief Director Heisoon Shin
ON VIEW
Title of the Exhibition: "Indigo Dreams in the Coral Kingdom"
Opening Ceremony : 1:00 pm, November 29th, 2023
Duration of the Exhibition : November 29th, 2023 - March 8th, 2024
*This exhibition will be closed from December 18, 2023 through January 1, 2024 during the winter
recess of SUNY Korea offices.
Greeting from the Director
SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume is pleased to invite you to the opening reception of the 'Indigo
Dreams in the Coral Kingdom' exhibition.
In a world where the deep blue seas and the coral kingdom face threats from pollution and the
consequences of global warming, we invite you to join us on a journey to 'Indigo Dreams in the Coral
Kingdom.' This exhibition celebrates the timeless allure of indigo dyed garments while serving as a poignant
reminder of the urgent need for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Join us in exploring the enchanting world of naturally dyed indigo garments, where the creative talents of FIT NDGC club, ATC Textile club, SBU Art class students, Utah's Film students, two indigo focused artists, a tufting artist, and a florist have converged to bring this exhibition to life.
Heisoon Shin, Director
Natural dyed garments by Hanyi Yu(FD) and beautiful coral reefs created by the ATC (Artisanal Textile Club) students by natural dyeing and fabric manipulation
Natural dyed outfits created by Jisu Kim & Paper corals created by SBU Art Class students with discarded office paper from SUNY Korea administrative offices
(Far right) JellyFish outfit created with a group effort of Zahra (Adinaz) Ebrahimian, Xuan Mak, Daniel Saliba, Haijia Li, Madeline Schiavi, Naima Naas, and Seeun Park
Coral works, created by Tufting artist Sohyun Bae and Florist, Moonyeong Seo
Indigo dyed garments
LOCATION
Address
Academic Building AB101 SUNY Korea, 119-2 Songdo Moonhwa-Ro Incheon, Republic of Korea
(21985)