On the last day of the general sessions of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, a presentation conference was held at a restaurant for diplomats at its New York headquarters. Under the theme of the realization of potential in the creative economy to achieve SDGs, Korean-American designer Yuna Yang, 40, made a speech for around 10 minutes in front of 70-strong U.N. diplomats, mentioning professional shoemakers in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.
The 40-year-old designer revealed that she is carrying out a project to help shoemakers and accessories artisans in Seoul in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). According to her plan, she will assist them in producing high quality and sophisticated products that can be well received globally, based upon her experience with studying and working in the world’s best fashion destinations including Milan, London, and New York City. KOTRA supports logistics and exports of the products.
Yuna Yang said that clothing factories, textile providers and designers have cooperated closely, enabling New York to maintain its title as one of the world’s four fashion hubs. She said that 90 percent of her collections are produced in Garment District in New York City, emphasizing that she has got so closer to subcontractors and providers who work with her that they all are no different than her family. While studying in Milan and working in the fashion industry, she has learned how designers can help revitalize the local economy by respecting and collaborating with local artisans.
She founded a fashion brand named after her name, Yuan Yang. She has joined New York’s fashion week events, every spring and fall, as many as 18 times, proving that she has become a successful professional. However, the beginning was not as glorious as her current career is.
"When I started my fashion business in New York, people around me looked down on her just because I was a young immigrant," she confessed. "However, every time I suffered hardships, I tried hard to represent who I am by designing my pieces."
Yong Park parky@donga.com