Tae Choi

Decoding and abolishing Asian Stereotypes through fashion practice.

My work aims to redefine East Asian Modernity by exploring the idea of the self and individualism. I have translated my culture, legacy, and personal experience, and converted this into my own fashion language. The body of work exists firmly within the intersection of my experiences, as I exist between East Asian men, Model Minority, and Stranger. This challenges the narrative of this work, which takes a unique position on this intersection.

This work is based around the cultural legacy of Seoul, the city where I grew up - a society that appears homogeneous, but has elements of foreign cultural influence. Among this cultural mix, I have investigated the unique localisation of Korean American Tailoring, which was created by the tailor shops around US Army bases after the Korean War.

Through this process, I observed the interconnectedness of how individual identity evolves alongside the identity of garments or specific cultural clothing. Through my work, I hope to provide a new perspective on this relationship by tracing the evolution of iconic garments within my cultural context. In other words, reconstructing the imported cultural influences that arrived in Seoul from a different time period. My work puts these historic trends into a contemporary context, so for me, fashion design practice is like mixing and weaving these features. 

In terms of design and materials, I integrated conventional masculine associated materials such as Rigid Denim, Duck Canvas, Corduroy, Flight Nylon, Waxed Cotton, and Uniform Suiting fabric. I subtly mixed such materials in a different context to make familiar things look unfamiliar as a key element. As someone who appreciates classic and authentic garments, my collections are created with close attention to detail and quality. I reinterpreted the material construction of classic outfits to reimagine a contemporary yet timeless look. 

This art form is a means of discovering my personal voice. As a result of this subjectivity, my garment is open to various interpretations depending on who wears it, and in what context. I hope that a range of individual interpretations will come from engaging with my work. 

Ultimately, my work is a platform to express ideas surrounding fashion as a communicative tool for the exploration of contemporary East Asian modernity. Through this journey at RCA, I reimagine East Asian modern masculinity, inclusivity, and diversity, which is not ashamed of being quiet and modest. In this sense, this work is entirely my voice in its rawest form.