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

ON VIEW

Title of the Exhibition: "Global Glamour: A Tour of Colorful and Exotic Costumes"

Opening Ceremony : 1:30 pm, April 19th, 2023

Duration of the Exhibition : April 19th, 2023 - September 27, 2023

This exhibition will be suspended during 6.5 - 6.17.2023 for the 2023 Fashion Design AAS exhibition.

Greeting from the Director

‘Global Glamour’ is a unique and exciting opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of diverse communities from across the world. The exhibition showcases the beauty and intricate detail of traditional costumes from around the globe. The costumes on display are a vibrant celebration of color, and many of them are embellished with intricate embroidery that reflects the unique patterns and motifs of each culture. This allows visitors to experience the rich tapestry of cultural expression through the art of costume.

The intention behind the exhibition is to promote cultural understanding and appreciation in the global era. In a world that is increasingly interconnected and interdependent, it is more important than ever to be aware of and understand the diverse cultural traditions and practices of communities from across the world. By showcasing the beauty and unique character of traditional costumes from different regions, the Costume Museum's exhibition hopes to inspire visitors to learn more about the world's rich cultural heritage, and to celebrate the diversity that makes our world so beautiful.

Heisoon Shin, Director

• The Traditional Costume of Tinta, Peru
• The Robe of Egypt
• The Tunisian Fouta & Bornous