Bursting onto the scene back in 2018, POST ARCHIVE FACTION has made a name for itself as a standout name in the realm of South Korean fashion. Shortlisted for the 2021 LVMH Prize, the brand has been celebrated for its artful sensibility that has carried it from its conception.
The development of POST ARCHIVE FACTION has stood honest through and through beginning with prototyping proclamation seen in its inaugural Fall/Winter 2018 “1.0” collection. Moving into the defiant outlook of its “2.0” collection, reflective and experimental process of “3.0” and “4.0.” Following its foray into the actual arena of art with its “FINAL CUT” exhibition at Arario Gallery, PAF has now delivered its “4.0+” collection.
Reinterpreting its own archive, the Fall 2021 range investigates signature garments from seasons past ranging from “1.0” to “4.0.” Developing structural experiments with a bold color study that presents an emerging view of textures and contrast. Lending a new vision of established styles, the collection showcases an ever-growing offering for PAF.
For the launch of POST ARCHIVE FACTION’s “4.0+” collection at HBX we spoke to Creative Director Dongjoon Lim to learn about the concepts of evolution a belief behind the brand.
Soma Kim/@soma_kim/Hbx
Soma Kim/@soma_kim/Hbx
Can you briefly share how POST ARCHIVE FACTION (also referred to as PAF) began?
Frankly, this all started from a very straightforward and basic thought on what I should do with my life. I initially wanted to study art abroad but was not financially capable. While living in a $500 USD rented room, I had to figure out a plan to make a living. Then, a simple idea of making and selling clothes came into mind. Clothes in terms of industrial goods seemed to be the most accessible tool to enter the business industry. There is a Korean TV program called 켠 김에 왕까지 (If You Started the Game, Don’t Stop Till You Become King) which would best be interpreted as – every beginning has an end. I have never seen this program but was fascinated with the title as this aligns with my life motto of finishing what I started. Although I jumped into this industry unprepared, there was no turning back.
You know those times when you play a game without giving it much thought, but it turns out to be very enjoyable. The fashion industry felt the same. This was a very competitive field that stimulated me to accomplish more and reach further. All the focus and hard work I have put in throughout resulted in what PAF has become today.
Tell us about the people behind PAF.
Our team consists of three departments. An operation team, a design team, and a TD (Technical design) team. Starting with Dongjoon Lim (Creative Director) and Sookyo Jeong (Head of Design), Jooyeon Kim (Senior Designer), Daehyun Jeong (Technical Designer), and Junho Jahng (General Manager) ), and Sunkyun Moon (Studio Manager) are the core members of PAF. We put great effort into creating a solid team in each department for maximum efficiency.
Your collection is interpreted as “deconstructive.” Can you tell us more about the message you would like to portray with the collection?
We strive to portray the idea of “evolving uniform” in our collections. Frankly, I have not given deep thought to deconstructed designs. In the process of disassembling and assembling design elements, deconstruction and reconstruction coexist. The literal meaning of deconstruction partially exists during the designing process but does not represent the actual outcome.
The various patterns and colorful textures depict “Deconstructivism.” We would like to know where your inspirations come from, do you find inspirations from architecture, arts, or artists?
Not exactly. I value execution over inspiration. I believe good inspirations could come from other artists or architectural pieces, but great ones come from everyday life, as focusing on the little details makes a big difference. Nevertheless, inspirations are more like a reference or a tool of guidance but can’t become the actual inspiration itself.
Tell us more about the three main collection lines of PAF – Left, Centre and Right.
Simply think of the collection lines in a political spectrum. The radical left, the conservative right, and the intermediate center. Achieving a balance between these sides is the ultimate goal of the PAF collections.
Soma Kim/@soma_kim/Hbx
Soma Kim/@soma_kim/Hbx
We would like to know more about the “4.0+” collection that will be launched at HBX.
“4.0+” concentrates on improving the drawbacks of the “1.0” to “4.0” designs. We could say the “4.0+” collection is an updated and upgraded version of the archives.
Is there a collection that you are currently working on at this time? What are the key elements you particularly put in mind when creating a collection?
We are preparing the “5.0” collection. Not only that, but we always think of ways to create better designs. But If we aren’t able to show something better, then we shouldn’t bother to disclose it.
From the nomination as semi-finalists for the LVMH Prize 2021 to the exhibition of “FINAL CUT” at the Arario Gallery in Seoul, 2021 seems to have been a particularly special year for PAF. What are your plans or objectives for the upcoming 2022?
PAF’s first flagship store is scheduled to open this November. In February 2022, a collaboration that has been prepared for over a year will be launched. We are also planning on an exhibition in May 2022, but this is just a tentative plan.
Are there any future projects you would like to try out? We would also like to know if PAF has plans to expand the product categories.
I have plans to take on something completely different from clothing, like electronics or mattresses. The most feasible projects, however, would be accessories or furniture.
POST ARCHIVE FACTION’s “4.0+” collection is available now at HBX.
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