Going Global
J EONGL I
Over the last couple of weeks, we have had the opportunity to go back and forth with J EONGL I to develop a deeper understanding of the brand. From what inspired the logo to what is coming next J EONGL I has visions of going global, but let us start with where it all began;
HHV: Can you please tell us about the select group that forms the creatives within J EONGL I
J EONGL I: Our group is still small, but each member is successfully fulfilling their unique roles in different countries.
HHV: Can you discuss each member’s role with J EONGL I and how they may vary and change on different projects?
J EONGL I: Everything actually starts with me, and I ask for help when I need it.
HHV: Can you see the group expanding as the brand becomes more popular?
J EONGL I: We are steadily expanding. Since we need more people and technology, we are growing gradually.
HHV: Tell us a little about the Ethos of J EONGL I; the name, the logo, your influences, and aspirations.
J EONGL I: J EONGL I was named after me as the director. The logo of J EONGL I was inspired by a pinwheel—just as a pinwheel keeps rotating while maintaining its center, we also aim to keep our core while continuously developing in various directions.
HHV: Is it yourself and the members that influence how the final product and collection look or do you pull influence from the world around you, whether it be Music, art, or travel?
J EONGL I: As for the product itself, it starts with my own thoughts or ideas. And I think other things follow along.
HHV: With a focus on durability and quality, what is the fabric selection process like? How do you source and integrate new fabrics into new and existing designs?
J EONGL I: We are constantly researching new fabrics and materials that are currently trending. We either source from existing fabrics or work in collaboration to develop new ones.
HHV: When speaking on Collaboration, is there already a list of Creatives, Brands, and individuals you wish to work with?
J EONGL I: We have big and small collaborations planned for next year. We plan to go global in various ways in the future.
HHV: J EONGL I is self-entitled ‘New Citywear,’ as you are working with technical fabrics and cuts, do you see the brand developing into more performance wear?
J EONGL I: believe that over the last two years, we have demonstrated a lot through our technical fabrics and processes, accumulating extensive data and building our technological capability.
HHV: What is next for J EONGL I, as a relatively new brand being only two and a half years old? Is there a 5-year plan, or are you learning year on year as the markets and consumers develop?
J EONGL I: In the future, we plan to challenge ourselves with materials and styles we haven’t yet explored. For instance, we will use laser cutting or bonding techniques for Virgin Wool materials. We are also planning to establish an innovation center in Seoul in the near future, focusing on the development of innovative clothing and materials. We welcome anyone who, beyond just a formal studio setup, wants to collaborate with us on developing technical clothing or innovative processes.
