Lisa Danbi Park is a recent Fashion Print graduate from Central Saint Martins. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, her collection is based on being Korean American and fusing both identities in a playful way. First inspired by photographs of her family, she began to use these photos as a point of research. She began to interview her family and friends’ mothers to understand more of what it was like to immigrate and grow up in America.

Garments are inspired by vintage western garments and embellishments come from stories and personal research. Using beading, embroidery, printing, and flock, it was important to create texture in her garments.

Garments showcase a flocked portrait of her mother as a teen, personal letters from her friends and their mothers, and photos taken by Lisa on her last trip to Koreatown, Los Angeles. It was important for the designer to celebrate her Korean American identity, as well as previous generations of immigrants who often hide their stories.

The designer used this opportunity to really explore different print and embroidery techniques to create a playfulness into her collection. There are different translations of the American story, and the designer wanted to share and embrace her own.