2nd 2000Archives Fashion Design Contest & Awards Wraps Up in Grand Success
(Seoul — December 5, 2024) The 2nd Fashion Design Contest & Awards, hosted by 2000Archives — South Korea’s leading fashion brand operated by Kyndof Inc. (CEO Sean Kim) — concluded successfully under the theme “Sporty Couture.” The competition, which went beyond mere rivalry to offer emerging designers genuine opportunities for growth, was met with tremendous response.
The contest opened with preliminary rounds drawing more than 100 applicants who competed fiercely on creativity, from which 10 finalists were selected. Participants came from top domestic universities including Korea University, Kookmin University, Hansung University, Ewha Womans University, and Hongik University, representing diverse majors spanning fashion design, textiles, and MBA programs, as well as academic levels from undergraduate to graduate — adding a remarkable competitive depth to the event.
The final round was held at the 2000Archives headquarters, where the 10 finalists showcased their abilities within a set timeframe. Under the “Sporty Couture” theme, participants presented fashion illustrations over 45 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of technical flat sketching to demonstrate their design capabilities. After the competition, participants received immediate feedback from a panel of expert judges, giving them the opportunity to further refine their work.
The grand prize went to Guk-hyeon Baek, a fashion design student at Kookmin University, who received a KRW 1,000,000 prize, a scholarship, and a certificate of excellence. Runners-up in 2nd through 4th place were offered a 2000Archives internship, providing a special opportunity to gain real-world industry experience.
Following the event, Sean Kim, CEO of Kyndof Inc., stated in an interview: “We conceived this contest to bridge the gap between what students learn in school and the skills demanded in the industry,” adding, “We wanted to offer participants more than just competition — real growth and experience.”
He continued: “Kyndof is focused not only on building brands but on constructing the infrastructure of the brand industry and elevating the industry’s overall standards. We hope these efforts will lead to greater discovery of emerging designers and a stronger competitive position for the Korean fashion industry.”
The judging panel was composed of key figures from 2000Archives and industry professionals, including Creative Director Daeun Hong, Lead Designer Seungyeon Jo, and Atelier Manager Kangmin Kim, who praised the passion and creativity of the participants. The panel emphasized: “We believe this contest will serve as a real platform for growth and experience for young designers.”
The 2000Archives Fashion Design Contest has established itself as a platform that goes beyond competition, providing emerging designers with practical experience and networking opportunities. 2000Archives plans to make this event a regular fixture, leading the continuous development of the Korean fashion industry and nurturing young talent.
This news was also covered by Benzinga and Korea Economic Daily.