Sculpting Dreams in Silk: The Couture of Sohee Park

More than 85 percent of majors from top fashion schools are female, but around 70 percent of designers and creative directors at major labels are male. The imbalance is striking, especially because a majority of the demographic clientele happen to be women. In honor of Women’s History Month wrapping up, let us dive into the world of leading female fashion designer Sohee Park, the couturist behind the internationally renowned Miss Sohee label, who is a magnificent example of leading an atelier fronted by female design and craftsmanship. With iconic female designers like Dontatella Versace stepping down, it is as important than ever that both emerging and established female designers take space at the forefront of labels and executive decisions.

While many may know famous names like Jonathan Anderson (Loewe), Matthieu Blazy (Chanel), and Demna Gvasalia (Balenciaga), they may be less familiar with Miss Sohee. Despite her years of experience, astounding couture collection, celebrity relationships, and similar educational pedigree, Sohee Park is not a household name. Sohee Park is a London-based fashion designer. Raised in Seoul, the romantic women’s evening wear powerhouse grew up around powerful and artistic women. Her mother is a popular children’s book illustrator who gave Sohee the perspective that creativity could be a viable career. Her grandmother’s personal talent and love for embroidery influenced her interest in design, eventually prompting her to study it.

She took a place at the world-renowned Central Saint Martins, following in the steps of greats like Alexander McQueen. Far more well known creative directors have also walked in the same rooms, but Sohee built a base and network for herself by staying true to her femininity and standout bespoke dresses. Although the designer is known for her whimsical, ornate, and rich gowns - Park herself is known to be reserved, hard-working, humble, and meticulous.

At the debut of her first collection “Girl in Full Bloom”, the Covid-19 pandemic coincided with her showcase. But in lieu of canceled runway shows, the designer redefined the unfortunate circumstances by taking viral photographs of her collection. Taking innovative steps to share her designs with an online audience, Park represents the wave of new designers utilizing social media to make the experience of seeing couture more democratic. While show attendees and buyers are a limited few, fans on social media were quick to appreciate her work and spread the word about her collection. Soon publications and the internet noticed. Eventually both designers and celebrities coveted the work of the small, emerging designer and MISS SOHEE was born. This year, she secured a coveted spot on the Paris Couture calendar, marking her first couture debut collection approved by the French Couture Federation. Her show was unveiled in January at one of Karl Lagerfeld’s former residences: the Hôtel Posso di Borgo.

Park’s work is greatly influenced by her own Korean heritage, including folklore, mythology, and the rich culture behind royal dynasties. She often turns to reference fantasy texts, creatures, and Korean Minhaw paintings to inform her embroidery, rich textures, and patterns. Motifs include birds, flowers, and nature. The silhouettes often highlight the female figure in dramatic ways. While some structures are fluid extensions of the body, others accentuate the form by incorporating rigid corsetry. Common design codes include voluminous skirts, puff sleeves, intricate sleeves, and glamorous materials such as silk, tulle, organza, crystals, pearls, and beads. Ensuring techniques like hand-pleating are executed with her team, Park employs an artisan mentality to her emborideries. Ultimately, her meticulous attention and selection of quality materials create an unbeatable combination, setting the standard for modern couture and delivering undeniable excellence.

Her extravagant Summer/Spring 2025 collection delineates a world of opulence, old world glamour, elegance, and fantasy. Glittering with these elements, the models wearing her ethereal dresses emulate mermaid shells, princesses, and faeries. The collection ties into themes of sensuality, Korean heritage, beauty, and traditional structures. Park is a storyteller and evokes escapism through her pieces - in this collection specifically reimaging Korea’s royal past. Her models donned contemporary interpretations inspired by Chosun dynasty-era noblewomen. Opening the show, Coco Rocha’s chantilly lace black bodysuit number was a particular highlight, emphasising the modern aspects of the collection. Surreal and dreamlike, the show went viral on social media again.

Due to her work’s unmatched magnetism and aesthetic, Park is known for dressing international superstars such as Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande. Due to her distinct couture work, Park mostly works directly with global celebrities and high-end clients on customized looks for various ward shows including Cannes Film Festival, The Oscars, and The Met Gala in May. Celebrated designs include the Hummingbird dress, featuring hummingbird embroideries and whimsical natural elements and the Crystal-Encrusted Corset Dress, known for their embellishments and timeless corset cut. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind and their theatrical sensibility has established her as a creator of dream dresses for major events. The Couture Bridal Collection is extremely coveted - providing brides with intricate, luxurious gowns worthy of their special day. A member of 30 under 30 and Business of Fashion 500, Park has showcased her work at Hong Kong’s K11 MUSEA and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.