Relative | MO

“One good thing about being a fashion designer is that you can live in different ages,” states Lie Sang Bong, one of Korea’s most preeminent designers. With a growing presence in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Russia, Lie’s diverse influences range from the imperial love affair of Napoleon and Josephine, Korean poetry and calligraphy, Cubism, Bauhaus design, and1930s film noir heroines. After presenting his bold first collection, “The Reincarnation” in 1993 at Seoul Fashion Week, Lie quickly caught the eyes of Korea’s most notable fashionistas. Just a few years later the mayor of Seoul voted him the “Best Designer of the Year,” acknowledging the perpetual creativity and growing commercial success that set him above his peers. “The Lost Memoir,” his 2002 debut in Paris, successfully launched his signature designs on the Paris market. He has been based in Paris ever since.

Lie’s ready to wear collections for women show the perfect pairing of architectural silhouettes with the feminine form. Splashes of rich reds and violets are among the energetic colors that define his vivid palette. His mastery of voluminous and geometric shapes, and his exquisite use of pleats bring to life a unique vision. His marriage of elegant French fashion with exquisite Oriental sensibilities generates pieces with an unmistakable visual personality that he cultivates in the most natural way. With his dramatic and poetic designs, it is not surprising that Lie came from a theatrical background. Lie’s reputation is at an all time high, and he holds the status as one of the most influential people in South Korea. Not only has he dressed the country’s First Lady, he has collaborated with top Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, KT & G, and Kuemho to create a “Lie Sang Bong” limited edition mobile phone, computer designs, cigarettes, home décor, and interior designs.

Known around the world as the “Korean McQueen,” he has been featured in numerous publications including Le Figaro, Telegraph, the New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Oyster, Standard, and W Magazine. Lei has dressed world-renowned celebrities including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Peaches, Lindsay Lohan, and Juliette Binoche. As an artist he has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in museums and galleries in Korea, the US, Europe, and the UK to promote fashion as an art form. Yet, Lie believes fashion should not focus on artistry to the point of becoming un-wearable. His fashion is defined by the lifestyle and culture of the people who wear it.