Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

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

Exhibition Overview

Title: COLORSCAPE: Worn in Color (컬러스케이프: 색을 입다)

Exhibition Period: March 25 – May 29, 2026

Opening Ceremony: 1:00 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2026

We are delighted to announce the opening of the special exhibition , celebrating the relocation of the museum to the IGC Foundation Building.
This exhibition features works by the late Professor Chun Bum Bae, founder of the Korea Fashion & Culture Association who significantly elevated the level of Korean fashion artwear, as well as creations by Professor Linda Kim from FIT, together with artworks inspired by the vibrant colors found in our everyday surroundings.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating this special occasion.

March 3, 2026
SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume
Chief Director Heisoon Shin