By the honorary journalist Foteini Chatzoudi Since Greece
Pictures = Miranda Day
Hanbok Day falls on October 21 in Korea. Some US states, including New Jersey, Arizona and California, also honor the cultural significance and timeless elegance of traditional clothing on this day.
Miranda’s Hanbok creations
Miranda Day, 29, is an Australian designer who promotes Hanbok globally. Its brand MiranDay Designs offers custom and ready-to-wear Hanbok, rentals and cultural experiences in the United States and abroad. She was interviewed by Korean news network YTN and participated in a cultural exhibition in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do province, with other emerging Hanbok designers.
I discovered his Hanbok and accessory designs on Instagram, and they were so impeccably made that I initially thought they were the works of a Korean artisan.
The following are excerpts from an interview with Day Oct. 20-23 via email.
Briefly introduce yourself.
I live in Melbourne, Australia and have been designing and making Hanbok for 11 years through my brand MiranDay Designs. My journey with Hanbok began during my costume design studies, where I discovered Hanbok and developed a deep interest in Korean culture. This fascination led me to dedicate myself to Hanbok design.
What initially attracted you to Hanbok and why are you focusing on it as a designer?
The vibrant colors and unique aesthetic of Hanbok initially caught my interest. The more I delved into Hanbok, the more fascinated I became with its history and its evolution over the years. I was particularly attracted by the adaptability of Hanbok to contemporary lifestyles. And another thing that intrigued me is that Korea is one of the few countries that maintains such a strong tradition of wearing its traditional clothing.
How did you learn to make Hanbok and what were your challenges when you first started?
My mentor Yang Sun-ok in Melbourne played an important role in teaching me the art of Hanbok making. I also studied Korean language at Monash University in Melbourne and Yonsei University in Seoul, which gave me access to valuable resources. One of the challenges I faced was sourcing traditional Korean fabrics from Australia, which was difficult to do. To overcome this problem, I have creatively used a range of fabrics such as silk, cotton and linen, and often incorporated vintage and second-hand materials.
Miranda Day helps a woman wear a Hanbok outfit.
What obstacles did you face when you first started as a Hanbok designer?
My biggest obstacle was acquiring traditional fabrics, and that still remains a challenge. It’s very difficult to ship them to Australia, so I can often only buy them in Korea. I have found ways to work with fabrics available here in Australia, such as other types of silk, cotton and linen. I also use a lot of vintage and second-hand fabrics in my sewing. I can create more unique clothing with a mix of the above.
What makes your traditional and modern Hanboks unique?
I offer tailor-made Hanbok outfits, each one unique and tailored to individual preferences. Traditional designs keep the classic silhouette while I often mix traditional and modern fabrics for a contemporary twist. My modern Hanbok editions prioritize comfort and practicality, making them easy to wear. What sets my designs apart is the emphasis on affordability and individuality.
What do you think about the growing popularity of Hanbok globally?
It’s wonderful to see the growing global popularity of Hanbok. The Korean diaspora, as well as government initiatives promoting Korean culture, have played a central role in this rise. I look forward to more Hanbok related events and possibly a Hanbok Culture Week here in Australia.
What is the best thing about being a Hanbok maker?
My favorite aspect of making Hanbok is working with traditional fabrics. They are incredibly unique and beautiful, allowing me to create designs with intricate detail.
What is your most memorable moment designing Hanbok?
In 2019, I participated in the Fashions of Multicultural Australia exhibition to showcase my Hanbok designs. There, I had an unforgettable meeting with a young designer of Korean origin in Australia. My work reignited his connection to his ethnic roots, sparking his passion for Hanbok and his Korean heritage. I feel honored to have helped him embrace his heritage.
What are your Hanbok design goals?
My goal is to develop my business by offering specialized Hanbok, especially children’s outfits, for rental. I will also source more traditional fabrics from Korea for our rentals to provide a unique cultural experience. My ultimate vision is to foster a strong Hanbok community in Australia.
msjeon22@korea.kr
*This article is written by an honorary reporter from Korea.net. Our Honor Group
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