Urbanic's beloved cities and the women who live there.
How do these women, who embody the atmosphere and energy of their respective cities, wear Urbanic? Though they differ in location, age, and taste, they all find joy in expressing Urbanic's style in their own ways. Experience the diverse people and senses of various cities through Urbanic30.
Hyunah Lee, Seoul
Hyuna Lee is building a diverse portfolio of visual work across lifestyle and fashion, thanks to her keen and sharp aesthetic sense.
In her office, filled with items reflecting her interests, Hyuna Lee posed in front of the camera, wearing the beautifully subtle Ilford Corduroy Jacket and the feminine Salon Velvet Dress.
U. Please introduce yourself.
H. I am Hyuna Lee @sophomore16. I work in various visual-related fields such as visual directing, styling, and interior design.
U. How would you define your style in two words?
H. American & French. I pursue the practicality of American workwear and the elegance and freedom of French style.
U. Could you introduce the fashion items you frequently wear that you consider your "classics"?
H. Jewelry and belts. I enjoy playing with different materials and color variations with basic outfits. Even if I have a lot of clothes, I tend to wear only the basics. That's why I like to add a point with jewelry or a belt.
U. What are you most interested in these days?
H. Jean Dunand. He was a Swiss and French painter and interior designer from the Art Deco era. His lacquered folding screens are particularly famous, and I recently saw them at a gallery in Paris. I had only ever seen his work online before, and seeing it in person made me marvel at the intricate details. Since then, I’ve been revisiting the works I had saved.
U. What’s the most recent item you purchased?
H. A collection catalog book of Josef Hoffmann published by Hannibal. Hoffmann was an Austrian architect and designer. I love objects and furniture designed by architects, so I tend to collect catalog books when I come across them. Also, I bought a vase from the 1930s and a Dior magnifying paperweight. I met a great seller in Vanves and got some vintage items with heritage at a good price. The seller provided detailed explanations of each item’s background and creator, which made the purchase even more satisfying. It turned out that the seller was a friend of the American designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and he had many more wonderful items in his collection. I couldn’t visit his shop since I was leaving Paris, but I plan to stop by the next time I’m in France.
U. Do you have a favorite accessory that you wear often?
H. Lately, I always wear a scarf as my finishing touch. I think it’s the perfect accessory for fall and winter.
U. Can you share a favorite place you enjoy visiting?
H. I’d like to reference travel. When I visit different countries, I always make sure to experience nature. Although I’m a city person at heart, nature always provides endless inspiration. Last summer, I went to Mallorca, Spain, and had a surreal experience horseback riding in the mountains and by the sea. It was over two hours of peaceful reflection.
U. Is there a film that left a lasting impression on you in terms of fashion and style?
H. A Single Man directed by Tom Ford. The film is set in 1960s LA, and it highlights his fashion philosophy that “comfort and simplicity are the top elements in expressing all things glamorous.” The mise-en-scène in the film was very impressive, not just in the fashion, but also in the interior design and props. The house of George, played by Colin Firth, was the Schaffer Residence, designed by John Lautner in Glendale, California. Its heavy yet warm interior blended well with the film’s story. Even though it had lots of glass walls, the natural wood base and olive green accents were effectively used. I saw the film nearly 10 years ago, but it’s a film whose aesthetic resonates with me even more now.
U. Is there a brand or company you’re currently paying attention to?
H. Sera Studio. Their work is incredibly unique and intriguing. It’s a studio that started in Turkey and is now based in Paris. They use natural materials and traditional craftsmanship to create well-made products. With so many fashion brands rising and falling quickly these days, the fact that they focus on sustainability and long-lasting products, as well as beautiful textiles rooted in indigenous crafts, really appeals to me.
