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: Optical Revitalization
Duration of the Exhibition: June 13, 2025 – September 8, 2025
Greeting from Mark-Evan Blackman, Chair of Fashion Design Department FIT
We invite you to attend our exhibition, “OPTICAL REVITALIZATION,” a contemporary exploration of fashion
showcasing the exceptional work of our 2025 Fashion Design graduates. Each garment has been conceptualized,
designed, and meticulously hand-crafted by the talented second-year Fashion Design students at SUNY Korea
FIT. Please join us at the SUNY Korea FIT Museum on June 13, 2025, to witness unparalleled craftsmanship and
a unique interpretation of the Op Art movement. A Soft Opening for VIPs and the press will be held on June
12, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibition will be open to the public from Monday, June 16, to September
8, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Address
Academic Building AB101 SUNY Korea, 119-2 Songdo Moonhwa-Ro Incheon, Republic of Korea
(21985)