The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

Mia Zhang admires Korean designer Han Hyun- Min’s latest Münn collection and its approach to sustainability practices. MÜNN bitefashion I n the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, amidst the vibrant tapestry of contemporary fashion, one brand stands out for its unique approach to design, dedica- tion to sustainability, and commit- ment to social responsibility. Münn, under the visionary leadership of creative director Han Hyun-Min, has carved a niche for itself in the global fashion landscape since its inception in 2013. Han’s journey to fashion luminary hood is as inspiring as his creations. A Samsung Art & Design Institute graduate in Seoul, he honed his craft working for esteemed local brands such as Wooyoungmi and Leigh. As a young undergraduate student, he was captivated by the allure of Brit- ish designer brands, whose vibrant colours and unexpected designs sparked his imagination and fuelled his ambition to become a fashion designer. After gaining valuable experience as an intern for Wooyoungmi, one of South Korea's most successful menswear designers, Han embarked on a journey to establish his brand. Münn was born in 2013, with Seoul as its vibrant home base. Drawing inspiration from the bespoke suits of the 1960s, the designer seamlessly melded tradition with contemporary sensibilities, infusing each design with timeless elegance and modern flair. Backed by a team of seasoned specialists, Münn has redefined menswear, garnering acclaim for its ingenuity and attention to detail. The brand challenges conventional norms through its defamiliarisa- tion philosophy, blurring the lines between artistry and apparel while championing ethical practices and environmental consciousness. Its dedication to innovation and sus- tainability has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, the brand was selected to represent Korean menswear at the International Woolmark Prize (IWP). This prestigious compe- tition has previously featured iconic fashion figures such as Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent. Looking ahead, Han is focused on expanding Münn’s global presence, with plans to open more stores worldwide and develop a comprehensive marketing strate- gy for the brand. As he pushes boundaries and chal- lenges conventions, Han remains committed to redefining fashion as a force for good, inspiring change and driving innovation in the industry and beyond. Its identi- ty is encapsulated in ‘Luxurious Defamiliarisation’, a philosophy that challenges perception’s automatic and habitual nature. The designer and his team strive to break the mo- notony of routine exposure, infusing their creations with unexpected details and materials that awaken the senses and evoke a heightened sensory experience for the audience. Inspired by indie films and paint- ings in art galleries, Han's creative process transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly integrating influences from various artistic disciplines into his designs. As South Korea continues to evolve as a trendsetter in the global fashion landscape, the designer finds himself deeply influenced by the country's rapid pace of change, which mirrors the dy- namic nature of fashion itself. At the heart of the brand’s ethos lies a deep-seated belief in the transforma-