Golden Intern from France: Minji Shin’s Journey at 2000Archives

Q: Please introduce yourself briefly.

A: My name is Minji Shin. I’m 22 years old, finishing my second year at the Duperré fashion school in France, and currently doing an internship at 2000Archives. I came here driven purely by a passion for fashion. Duperré is a deeply respected national design school in France — notoriously difficult for international students to get into — but I pursued it because of my love for the craft.

Q: What made you choose 2000Archives for your internship?

A: I had been following 2000Archives for a long time and felt a real connection to the brand’s aesthetic sensibility. When I saw the internship opportunity, it felt like a natural step. I also wanted to experience a Korean fashion environment firsthand — to understand how it differs from what I’ve been learning in France.

Q: How has the experience been so far?

A: Incredibly intense and equally rewarding. The pace is fast — much faster than what I’m used to from my studies in France. But I’ve been learning so much, not just about design but about the entire process of bringing a collection to life: from concept to production, fittings, and styling.

Q: What surprised you most about working at a Korean fashion brand?

A: The level of detail and precision expected in everything. Every element — from stitching to fabric selection to how a garment sits on the body — is considered meticulously. I also noticed how collaborative the team is; decisions aren’t made in isolation.

Q: Any challenges?

A: The language, of course. My Korean has improved significantly since arriving, but there are still moments when I miss nuances in conversations. The team has been very patient with me, which I’m genuinely grateful for.

Q: What would you say to someone considering a similar path — studying fashion abroad and pursuing an international internship?

A: Follow your instinct. If there is a brand or a city calling to you, go. The discomfort of being outside your comfort zone is exactly where the most growth happens. And for anyone interested in Korean fashion specifically — come. It’s moving fast and doing things that feel genuinely original.