WINNER
2010JUUN.J
Juun J graduated from Esmod Seoul and designed for several menswear and casual brands before launching his own label, Lone Costume, in 1999. His small boutique on Garosugil, a tree lined street where young designers gathered, was a magnet for countless fashionistas of Seoul. Though little was known about him, Jung’s reputation grew through word of mouth as his clothes spoke for themselves.
Filled with passion and ideas, J began participating in the Seoul Collections in 2000 and at the same time branched in different directions such as costume design for films and hotel uniform design. Collaborations with English artist Simon Henwood, Japanese graphic designer Nuts, and Topman have enriched and expanded the expression of his own collections.
Named one of the top four Asian designers by TIME Asia in 2003, J was not satisfied to rest on his laurels in Korea but planned his advance into the international scene. In June 2007 he debuted at the Paris collections under the name Juun.J. Hailed as an astonishing new talent, his star has been rising quickly.
Every season the fashion press including STYLE.com has called him “a menswear designer to be watched” and he has been interviewed by and appeared on the covers of such publications such as Interview, Vogue Italy, Le Figaro, and International Herald Tribune. He has been pinpointed for success by none other than Karl Lagerfeld who purchased J’s clothes and turned up in them at the fashion show finale.
The essence of Juun J can be found in his fine tailoring. His jackets and pants are exquisitely crafted. The trench coat, characterized by its classic masculinity, is another item that is quintessentially J.
After taking Paris by surprise with the reworked trench coats shown in his first collection, held under the theme “Repositioning,” J has continued to experiment with what is now his major item, presenting trench coats using sheer fabrics, overlapping techniques, and diverse patterns. He continues to present a strong look each season through distinctive outer garments such as the poncho.
J has also shown an ability to mix fashion with industrial design through collaboration with various brands and products such as cell phones(Motorola), sneakers(Reebok, Kim Kiroic), and sunglasses(Linda Farrow), swimming costumes(Speedo), and bags(Chris and Tibor). The multitalented creative artist J, whose trench coats are more Parisian than the Parisians themselves, is also a rational businessman who enjoys working with brands that are a perfect match with his label Juun.J.
