Samsung C&T Fashion Selects Designer Park Sang-yeon of 'Aesulin' as Winner of the 18th SFDF

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The Samsung Fashion & Design Fund (SFDF) announced on the 30th that designer Park Sang-yeon of 'ASHLYN' has been selected as the winner of the 18th SFDF Awards.

Designer Park earned high marks not only for commercial viability and completeness but also for sustainability, a key issue in the global fashion industry, securing first place ahead of many outstanding designers. Born in 1982, Park graduated from Ewha Womans University with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She then completed an advanced fashion technology course at Tokyo Mode and earned a master's degree in Fashion Creation from Bunka Fashion Graduate University (BFGU) in Japan. She has worked as a designer for world-renowned brands such as Yohji Yamamoto and Alexander Wang, and also worked alongside Raf Simons at Calvin Klein. Last year, she launched her eponymous label, ASHLYN.

ASHLYN is committed to minimizing waste in the production process through zero-waste pattern making based on a philosophy of sustainability. The brand aims to reduce waste by preventing overproduction through a made-to-order, online-exclusive business model. ASHLYN is characterized by combining Eastern techniques with Western draping to emphasize intense femininity and timeless superiority. It is widely known for designs that transcend trends and seasons.

To provide an opportunity to experience the winning designer’s brand firsthand, SFDF will hold an exhibition at the Beaker Cheongdam flagship store located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, until the 7th of next month.

Choi Myung-gu, Secretary General of SFDF, said, "All the designer brands shortlisted as finalists were evaluated as highly potential and excellent," adding, "We will continue to discover talented designers to elevate the status of Korean fashion and strengthen our role as Korea’s representative platform that promotes K-fashion globally."

Meanwhile, established in 2005 by Samsung C&T Fashion Group, SFDF is the premier fashion designer support program in Korea. Over 17 years since its inception, it has produced 25 Korean designer teams that have elevated the status of K-fashion in the global fashion market, providing a total of $3.6 million in support. Awardees receive $100,000 in funding for design creative activities, along with domestic and international promotion and professional business support.