In the world of fashion and luxury, Chanel is synonymous with elegance, class and unique style. However, this brand is not only a fashion icon, it is also a company with a big heart and commitment to culture and art. This commitment is especially visible in their partnership with Yéol Korean Heritage Preservation Society, an organization dedicated to promoting Korean cultural heritage. For the second year in a row, Chanel supports Korean craftsmanship, or more precisely, the exhibition opened in front of Frieze in Seoul.
The exhibition was titled “Woobomanri: An Enduring Walk Toward Purity”. It has been open to the public since last Friday and will last until September 23. Interestingly, it will coincide with Seoul Fashion Week and Frieze Seoul, which will last from September 5 to 9 and from September 6 to 9, respectively. The latter is an international art fair organized by in various cities around the world, including Frieze London, Frieze New York and Frieze Los Angeles.
Contribution to the development of art and culture
It is well known that Chanel is involved in initiatives supporting art and culture around the world. This is not only an expression of its dedication to aesthetics, but also a way to build relationships with customers and artistic communities. The most famous example is collaborations with outstanding artists, whose goal is usually to create limited collections that combine art with fashion. However, this is not the only area in which the brand is actively involved in this area.
source: wwd.com
In 2021, Chanel established Culture Fund supporting innovative projects from all over the world. A great example of its activities is the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary art. Frédéric Migayrou, deputy director of the Centre Pompidou, summed up the fund as follows: “Thinking about the future requires working with people who are looking for ecological solutions. The Chanel Fund will make our work in this area more visible and will help young artists, designers and architects find partners interested in ecological art and design.
In addition, Chanel has long maintained close ties with the film industry. The brand supports international film festivals such as Cannes Film Festival, and establishes cooperation with talented directors and actors. Also through scholarship programs and competitions, it helps develop talents who can shape the future of fashion and art.
How does Chanel support Korean craftsmanship?
In a similar way, the fashion house supports this Korean initiative by sponsoring the exhibition and the extraordinary craftsmen who will present their work there. We will have the opportunity to admire the works of two outstanding South Korean artists. Han Gi Deok, known as an expert in the field “hwagak”, for which he was honored with the title of Yéol Champion of the Year. And Kim Dong Jun, a ceramicist and elected Yéol Young Craftsman of the Year.
source: www.pna.gov.ph
The “hwagak” technique is a subtle art of inlaying with ox horn, which is an inseparable part of South Korea’s rich cultural heritage. And it is these unique skills of creating “hwagak” that the artists will present at the exhibition. Additionally, this fascinating exhibition will featurefurniture, lighting, baekia porcelain, moon jars and unique tableware. T an excellent opportunity to discover the diversity and richness of Korean crafts and arts, which constitute a valuable cultural heritage of this region.
“Rapid changes and constant competition seem to have become the basis of our modern lives,” said exhibition director Teo Yang. “Craftwork walks its path without complaint, one step away from the functioning of the world, quietly fulfilling the role of transmitting to us values that are forgotten.”