Minju Kim, the celebrated South Korean fashion designer, captured global attention with her win on Netflix’s Next in Fashion in the 2020 season. Known for her whimsical yet sophisticated designs that blend bold prints, playful silhouettes, and a distinct storytelling flair, Minju has quickly become a rising star in the fashion world.
Her creations have enchanted both industry insiders and everyday fashion enthusiasts, marking her as a unique voice in contemporary design. In this artist spotlight, we delve into the journey of Minju Kim — from her early inspirations and artistic evolution to the creative vision that sets her apart. Join us as we explore the work of a designer whose vibrant aesthetic and innovative spirit continue to shape the future of fashion.
Minju Kim Background
Minju Kim, born in Gwangju, South Korea, is a fashion designer celebrated for her unique blend of artistic creativity, fairy-tale imagination, and craftsmanship. From a young age, Kim had a passion for the arts and initially aspired to become a cartoonist. However, her parents encouraged her to pursue fashion design instead, a path that began at the Samsung Art & Design Institute in Seoul.
As a teenager, Kim broadened her horizons by studying in New Zealand, which fueled her artistic ambitions. After completing her studies in Seoul, she went on to earn a master’s degree in fashion design from the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp (RAFA), where her love for fashion design truly flourished. It was at RAFA that she found inspiration in the work of designers and instructors like Walter Van Beirendonck, whose innovative style deeply influenced her approach to fashion.
Kim launched her eponymous brand in 2015 after winning the H&M Awards, quickly gaining attention for her imaginative designs characterized by bold silhouettes, feminine characteristics, and a playful spirit. She was also recognized as a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers. Her creative journey reached new heights when she became the first winner of Netflix’s Next in Fashion. Based in Seoul, her brand continues to captivate with its youthful exuberance, avant-garde haute couture, and an overarching element of joyfulness, making her a standout figure in contemporary fashion.
Minju Kim Wins Next in Fashion
In 2020, Minju Kim made a name for herself by winning the inaugural season of Netflix’s Next in Fashion, a reality show and fashion design competition series hosted by fashion designer Tan France and model Gigi Hadid (formerly co-hosted by France and Alexa Chung). The show brought together designers from around the globe, each competing for the coveted prize of $200,000 and the opportunity to debut their collection on the luxury fashion retailer site, Net-a-Porter.
Throughout the competition, Kim’s designs were consistently praised for their originality, whimsical elements, and meticulous craftsmanship. Her ability to fuse fairy-tale imagination with avant-garde fashion impressed the judges and set her apart from her competitors. Her final collection, which showcased her signature playful silhouettes and joyful aesthetic, earned her the top prize and global acclaim. Winning Next in Fashion not only brought Kim’s unique vision to a wider audience but also solidified her position as a rising star in the fashion world, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations on an international scale.
Where Is Minju Kim Now?
Minju Kim has just unveiled her Spring/Summer 2024 collection, titled “Fairy’s Shadow.” This latest collection continues to showcase her signature blend of whimsical storytelling and modern design. “Fairy’s Shadow” features a range of pieces that play with contrasts — from structured black garments to soft, flowing silhouettes in pastel shades. The collection embodies Kim’s distinctive aesthetic of combining playful femininity with a sense of refined elegance, bringing to life a world where fairy-tale imagination meets contemporary fashion. Each piece reflects her meticulous attention to detail and passion for creating clothing that captures joy and creativity, further solidifying her position as a unique and innovative force in the fashion industry.
Minju Kim is also recently set a new milestone in her career with the launch of her second brand: Pakua. Derived from a made-up word meaning “a small magic spell within oneself,” Pakua embodies Kim’s vision of finding the extraordinary in the everyday. This new venture represents a fresh chapter in her creative journey, expanding her repertoire beyond her eponymous label. With Pakua, Kim aims to capture the essence of personal magic and self-expression through a collection that blends playful innovation with her signature whimsical style, inviting wearers to discover and celebrate their unique inner enchantment.
Minju Kim Is Inspiring Designers Everywhere
Minju Kim has quickly risen to prominence in the fashion world with her imaginative designs, playful aesthetics, and a creative spirit that refuses to conform. From winning Netflix’s Next in Fashion to launching her second brand, Pakua, Kim continues to break boundaries and redefine what contemporary fashion can be.
Her unique blend of whimsical storytelling and sophisticated craftsmanship has captivated a global audience, and her ability to infuse each piece with joy and magic sets her apart from her peers. As she continues to innovate and expand her artistic vision, Minju Kim is not just a top female designer to watch — she is a force shaping the future of fashion, one enchanting creation at a time.
