Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

On Saturday, December 7th, FIT students and faculty went to Hanyang University Erica Campus to learn from and connect with fashion experts from around the world. This conference, held by the Korean Society of Fashion Business, focused on the future of K-Fashion as we enter the digital age, and what this means for sustainability.

The conference had two keynote lecturers, the first being Professor Ali Howell Abolo, from Drexel University, USA. Her presentation explored reviewing a company's sustainability through multiple lenses: not simply through an eco-friendly frame but a social and economic one as well. Afterwards, Shuxin Cheng, Co-founder of SCRY, spoke about the beauty of innovation through digital design and launches, showing how growing a brand digitally can reap big rewards sustainably. Between the two speakers, the audience was able to gain inspiration on how to go about promoting holistic sustainability; additionally, they learned a new model of business creation by going virtual.

Following the keynote lecture, an international forum was held by four speakers: Alexander Ruth, founder of PROFESSOR; Jimmyn Parc, professor at the University of Malaya; Jin-Hee Yoon, director of the entertainment division at JTBC; and Jaewon Sheol, editor-in-chief of Cultura. Each focused on different aspects of fashion and media as it concerns Korea on the global stage, from set design, to film, to K-pop. Their executive insight was a large inspiration to the many fashion leaders, professors, and students who attended. The discussions led to casual networking and the growth of new concepts as attendees bounced ideas and asked questions concerning the future of fashion business and design.

The Korean Society of Fashion Business was founded in 1996 to nurture a relationship between academia and fashion. The committee hosts conferences, publishes research, and promotes international exchanges to develop the presence of Korean fashion initiatives globally. This conference was an eye-opening opportunity for FIT students and faculty to expand their knowledge and think critically about the current global shifts in the industry as times change and interest in the Korean market expands.

Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington
(kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)