Konkuk University's Fashion Design Department Draws Repeated Interest from Global Fashion Brands and Magazines

[Financial News] Konkuk University said on the 20th that students in its Department of Fashion Design had achieved a series of successes, with their work earning recognition from global fashion brands and professional media outlets.
According to Konkuk University, student Kim Ji-hyang won the top prize and received 10 million won in prize money at the “Tailor Design Contest 2026,” co-hosted by global denim brand Levi's and fashion magazine W Korea. The contest was created to discover emerging creators, and offered total prize money of 13 million won.
Kim presented “Behind Every Original,” a work made by taking apart several Levi's denim garments and reconfiguring them into a single long jacket that reaches the floor. The judges praised the way the work harmoniously used the colors, washes and signs of wear of different fabrics to express the passage of time. The winning work will also be featured in a collaborative W Korea editorial photoshoot and displayed at an offline Levi's pop-up store.
Lee Seung-gi, a fourth-year student in the same department, was also named among the “10 Fashion Students” selected by fashion magazine Vogue Korea. Vogue Korea highlighted the work and design philosophies of 10 students showcasing creative work at fashion education institutions in Korea and abroad.
For the graduation project “RE:I,” Lee presented 1,000 transparent feather dresses made by repeatedly pouring liquid latex into molds and letting it harden. Lee explored the opposing concepts of “protection and exposure” through original materials and sculptural elements, earning recognition for the potential of experimental design.
Konkuk University said it plans to continue supporting education and creative activities so that students' original ideas can lead to tangible results in industry.

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter