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On Friday, June 25th 2010, D2 held an opening reception for their first fashion exhibition. It took place at the Korean-American Association of GNY, Gallery Da. This exhibit allowed 20 in-house designers to present their choice of work. The exhibit expressed designers interests/focuses in jewelry, painting, illustration, art and garments.
D2 (Designers of 2nd Generation) is a fashion community that was created to unify Korean-Americans and give them a place to network and grow together in the industry. Founder of D2, Younza Kim wanted a community where Koreans could learn, network, and improve in the fashion industry together. Kim came to America in the 60s and simply wanted to see more Koreans in the fashion industry. “There’s no excuse that we can’t do something because we’re Korean”. “Today, Koreans are in every industry, and it’s just a matter of how many of us are there.” Networking will get you jobs and you will make connections, but “there’s a very special emotion when it’s Korean to Korean, it’s like flying with he same flock of birds”. This exhibit was a mixture of everyone’s fashion backgrounds, just to see what it’s like to have an exhibition that is their own. Many times other owners and/or communities hold exhibitions where only a selected number of Asians are showing, but with this exhibit, “we are the owners and designers, as opposed to jobs where we are being told what to do.” Current president, Jeho Lee adds, “Korean Americans have more passion. Maybe it’s the struggle of the Asian spirit and the American spirit that makes it feel like we can be a more powerful force in the industry.”
Soyoon Park became a member of D2 since last December, through a friend’s recommendation. She works for a fashion design company but wanted to introduce her own work to the public to gain exposure through this exhibit. Also, freelancing causes her to work from home a lot, so she wanted to meet more people in the industry.
Another exhibitor, Ha Young Do joined D2 last year when her internship turned full time. “Being a part of a community, broadens your eye to know what’s going on in the industry”. This exhibit is her first time showing her work in New York City and finds it a great opportunity to express emotions, “every person has desires and passions outside of their job”.
The benefits of being a part of the D2 community are job searches/post, connections, networking, monthly meetings and designer Q&A/lectures. The company is now 2 and a half years old and have over 200 members strong. They continue to grow as new designer’s emerge with a passion for fashion.
