Pret-a-Pluto

In this neo space age where plutocrats are planning their exits from earth, San Kim explores the space between trash and treasure, using the wealth of waste here on this planet to craft pret-a-porter for Pluto and beyond.

PHOTOGRAPHY_ JASON THOMAS GEERING

STYLING_ BRYNN HEMINWAY

Pret-a-Pluto

Featured Designer_ San Kim

Where are you based_ Seoul, South Korea

Age_ 31

Where did you study_ 

University of Westminster, MA Menswear /  London College of Fashion, Fashion Design Technology Graduate Diploma

What year did you graduate_ 2020

When did you first start employing the process of upcycling in your work_ 

Well, it was the first year in my MA, luckily I was naturally educated from school and classmates

What inspired you to start upcycling discarded/unwanted/deadstock materials_ Designers around the world these days

What materials do you use in your work_ 

Remnant Fabrics, Used Plastic Bags

Where do you find your materials_ 

School is always the perfect fabric shop for me. There are a bunch of beautiful fabrics in the box and they are all free!

How does the process of upcycling inform your work_

It always lets me see the material I already have. Then I realized that I got more than I need all the time.

What is the role of the designer in these times_

Reacting to various social issues at the forefront.

If you could change one thing about the fashion industry, what would it be_

Overproduction. It causes so many problems... Destruction of nature, losing craftsmanship, unfair wage and so on. It’s time to think.

What advice would you give other young designers_

Well... I am the one who needs to learn and take the advice...! So let’s be educated together!

What’s up next for you_

I am working for another brand in Korea at the moment. But in the future, I will definitely restart my own label with a stable budget.

— San Kim is a South Korean designer who lives and works in Seoul. / @sankim_official

ABBY WEARS_ INFLATABLE ‘BUBBLE TOP’_ UPCYCLED FROM NYLON REMNANTS, TAPE, AND BATTERY-OPERATED FAN_ SANKIM_ FW2021/ DEADSTOCK SOVIET MEN’S BRIEFS_ STYLIST’S ARCHIVE

“If I could change one thing about the fashion industry, it would be overproduction. It causes so many problems: destruction of nature, loss of craftsmanship, unfair wages — it’s time to think!” — San Kim

MODEL_ ABBY BLAINE

HAIR_ ADAM MARKARIAN

CASTING_ STUDIO AT LARGE

STYLING ASSISTANT_ EMILY STONE

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