Stitching Time: Threaded Identities Through the Art of Hanbok

Jenna Lee

Stitching Time: Threaded Identities Through the Art of Hanbok examines cultural identity and reinterpretation through design. Grounded in Enclothed Cognition Theory and Embodied Personhood Theory, the project views clothing as an active force shaping emotion, self-perception, and belonging. Using Hanbok as its primary medium, it explores the dialogue between tradition and modernity while challenging Westernized standards in contemporary fashion. Through reinterpretation, Hanbok becomes a living cultural artifact connecting past, present, and future.

The book is structured through an upside-down method, featuring two entry points that converge in Chapter 3. One narrative traces Hanbok’s evolution from the past into the contemporary, while the other moves from speculative futures back to the present. This dual framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of time, positioning the present as a meeting point where heritage and innovation intersect. By doing so, it reinforces how historical traditions inform contemporary identity, while modern reinterpretations actively shape future possibilities.

Combining original photography, illustration, and research, the project presents cultural identity not as a limitation, but as a continuous and evolving source of innovation.

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ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Jenna Lee

I’m a graphic designer with a background in fashion communication design, working at the intersection of visual storytelling, identity, and strategic communication. While my foundation is rooted in fashion, my practice extends into graphic design, digital content, and brand-driven experiences—using typography, layout, image-making, and art direction to build engaging and purposeful narratives.

I’m particularly interested in exploring diverse identities and perspectives, approaching design as a way to translate complex ideas into accessible and compelling visuals. My process is research-driven, informed by cultural studies, media theory, and contemporary design practices, allowing me to move fluidly between conceptual thinking and visual execution.

Looking ahead, I aim to expand my work across creative direction, editorial design, and digital marketing—developing campaigns and visual systems that not only communicate effectively but also resonate with a wide and evolving audience.

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