REVERSE: MoMu Celebrates the Creative Journey of Young Fashion Designers With a Citywide Parade

During this process, I learned a lot about fashion and sustainability. Being surrounded by so many creatives really pushed me to improve. This time, I focused on precision and detailing, and on learning to be patient with my work.

I started this project with no experience, which made me incredibly nervous. Translating a sketch into a look was completely new to me, so I had to go through a lot of trial and error. I’m grateful this project exists, it feels like a first step in the direction I want to go.

After participating in REVERSE last year, I had the opportunity to expand my network and continue learning. This year, I focused on creating an intriguing silhouette that sparks curiosity. I was inspired by Walter Van Beirendonck and challenged myself to work exclusively with second-hand materials, which were sometimes difficult to source.

After moving to Antwerp from South Korea, I realized how much time I was spending alone creating looks. REVERSE felt like an opportunity to find the sense of collaboration I was missing. I wanted to see my work through the perspective of others.

This opportunity changed my perspective on fashion and the industry. The guidance we received from the coaches was incredibly valuable.

Working alongside other professionals gave me new insight into my own process. Inspired by nostalgia and melancholy, I created a look shaped like a lamp. It turned out to be more technical than I expected, which pushed me further.

My design evolved a lot during the process. It represents transformation and growth, inspired by cultural practices like braiding. Fashion used to be just about clothing for me, but now I see it as storytelling, with garments as a vehicle.

The process of creating a look was quite complex, but I chose to trust my intuition and stick to my initial idea. I also participated last year, but this edition felt much more personal. I grew as a designer and started asking myself: what does it mean to be a designer? I’m still discovering those answers.

The day of the shoot really stood out. It was the first time I saw my work in a professional context, a real eureka moment. I realized my creations could exist beyond my own space. Cutting into a piece of fabric that had been in my family for 20 years was the scariest part, but it brought everything together.

When I look back at REVERSE, it’s not one specific moment that stands out, but the entire coaching process. Seeing everyone else’s creative journey was incredibly inspiring. I felt proud seeing my look come together on the day of the final shoot.

Once the shell breaks, it can never return to what it was. Some wounds never fully heal; they linger like fine cracks beneath the surface.And yet, you grow through them, until you become stronger than the force that once broke you. My look is a visualization of that process.

I felt stuck early on, but with guidance from the coaches, I started experimenting more on the mannequin. Their advice really helped me move forward. I hope this experience can open doors into the fashion industry.

The biggest challenge was working within a time frame. The dress includes over 1,000 hand-pleated folds. I intentionally chose something ambitious, as I’m planning to launch my own brand soon. This project pushed me in the right direction.

I didn’t know what to expect going into this project. The combination of participants and coaches created a surprisingly inspiring environment. For me, the process was even more important than the final result, translating my thoughts into a look was the most valuable part.

Atelier work is often solitary, but working alongside others created a very energetic atmosphere. This look reflects my inner world, layered, sometimes overwhelming, but detailed.

My initial idea evolved completely throughout the process. With feedback, I moved toward a different outcome. Working with recycled materials, especially sourcing enough for the skirt, was challenging, but I kept going.

The energy throughout the process made this a very enjoyable experience. My look reflects feelings of anxiety and overcoming them. Participating in REVERSE was a challenge in itself, and I’m glad I took that step. Each week brought new decisions, which made the process very engaging.

I translated my fear of growing older into a joyful look. REVERSE was a transformative experience. There aren’t many platforms for young designers to explore their identity, so opportunities like this are incredibly important.

Receiving guidance from someone who has experienced the highs and lows of fashion education was very valuable. I’m grateful for Jaden Li’s insights. My work is often inspired by futurism, and I developed that further in this look.

Presenting our work to an audience was incredibly exciting. I experimented with new techniques and focused more on the process, especially translating emotions into garments.