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#27 Ariel Han, FIT Alumna, Representing Korea on the Miss Universe Stage
As Miss Universe Korea 2024, Ariel Han’s journey started at SUNY Korea FIT, where she studied Fashion Business Management before heading to New York to continue her education. Her time at FIT gave her a deep dive into the fashion industry—starting behind the scenes and now owning the spotlight on the runway.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi. I am Ariel Han, Miss Universe Korea 2024. I pursued an AAS degree in Fashion Business Management at SUNY Korea FIT in Spring 2023, and I am continuing my studies in New York to further develop my expertise in the global fashion industry. Fashion has always been my passion, and I aim to create a lasting impact by merging sustainability, cultural appreciation, and business innovation.
Why did you choose to study at SUNY Korea FIT?
I chose SUNY Korea FIT because it provided the perfect bridge between my Korean heritage and my dream of studying in New York, the global hub of fashion. SUNY Korea FIT offered a unique opportunity to gain a world-class education while staying connected to Korea's rapidly evolving fashion industry. The program also emphasized sustainability and business management, aligning perfectly with my long-term goal of becoming an ESG-focused fashion brand CEO.
Describe your experience at SUNY Korea FIT. What is your most memorable experience at SUNY Korea?
My experience at SUNY Korea FIT was truly transformative. It was not just about academics, but also about hands-on industry experience that shaped my perspective on fashion.
Now, as Miss Universe Korea, I’ve had the opportunity to walk in many fashion shows and participate in global runway events. Every time I step onto the stage, I’m reminded of my days at FIT, working backstage as a helper during fashion shows. Those moments—preparing garments, assisting models, and witnessing the behind-the-scenes chaos—taught me the importance of teamwork, precision, and the effort it takes to bring a show to life. Looking back, those experiences were invaluable in shaping my understanding of the industry from both perspectives: behind the scenes and now, in the spotlight.
What motivated you to participate in the Miss Universe competition?
I have always believed that fashion and social impact go hand in hand, and Miss Universe provides a global platform to amplify my message. Competing in Miss Universe was not just about beauty or performance—it was an opportunity to empower women, promote sustainability, and represent Korea on a global stage.
The Miss Universe competition is a global event where representatives from different countries showcase not only their beauty but also their intelligence, confidence, and advocacy work. Contestants participate in interviews, runway walks, national costume presentations, and social impact initiatives. Through this journey, I wanted to showcase the strength of Korean women, share our rich history, and inspire the next generation to embrace their authenticity.
How has winning Miss Universe Korea influenced your personal and professional goals?
Winning Miss Universe Korea has been a defining moment in my journey. It reinforced my belief that beauty and leadership are not mutually exclusive. They can coexist to create real change. This experience has given me a stronger voice to advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry, women’s empowerment, and cultural appreciation.
It has also expanded my network, connecting me with leaders, designers, and changemakers in the global fashion industry, which will be invaluable as I work toward launching my own ESG-conscious fashion brand in the future.
What is your next goal in life?
My next goal is to continue my studies and career in New York this fall, where I can further develop my expertise in fashion sustainability and business leadership. I plan to gain real-world experience in the fashion industry, collaborating with brands that align with my vision for environmental and social responsibility.
Beyond that, I am working on initiatives that promote Korean culture on the global stage—whether through fashion, storytelling, or advocacy. Eventually, I want to build my own brand that prioritizes ESG principles while celebrating cultural heritage.
What advice would you offer to students pursuing their academic and professional goals?
The most powerful thing you can do is stay true to yourself. Your unique experiences, background, and passions will set you apart.
Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Whether it's studying abroad, or taking on leadership roles, each experience shapes you.
The world is constantly evolving, especially in fields like fashion and business. Keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and be willing to innovate for a better future.
Whether through fashion, activism, or leadership, your voice matters. Find a cause you’re passionate about and make an impact in your own way.
2025.02.27
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#26 Yena Kwon, FIT Alumna, at Christian Dior Couture
Yena Kwon, a Spring 2022 graduate of SUNY Korea's FIT program, has recently secured an exciting position as a Digital Marketing & Media Trainee at Christian Dior Couture, LVMH group in New York City. In this interview, Yena shares her inspiring journey—from studying at one of the top fashion schools to landing her dream role at one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Yena Kwon, and I am a recent graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology. I earned my AAS in Fashion Business Management at SUNY Korea and completed my BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications, with minors in Multi-Sensory Branding and Economics, at FIT New York.
Why did you choose to study at SUNY Korea FIT?
My passion for fashion stems from its ability to reflect people's state of mind and its responsiveness to changes in economic, historical, and environmental conditions. I was always fascinated by how fashion influences personal identity and representation.
I believed that SUNY Korea FIT was the best choice for a unique educational experience that combined global perspectives with a strong foundation in Fashion Business Management while allowing me to gain insights into both the Korean and international markets.
What made you continue to join your studies at FIT New York?
While New York City is often celebrated as a Dream City, I have deepened my curiosity about the professional environment, the business dynamics, and the everyday life in New York. Although uncertainties exist, I was determined to embrace this opportunity to fully explore and challenge myself in ways that might not be possible in the future. I have set my goal to immerse myself in the fast-paced, innovative environment that New York is known for, and to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate and succeed in such a dynamic city. I believe that this experience will not only challenge me but also significantly contribute to my personal and professional development.
Can you tell us where you are working, and how were you able to join?
I am currently with Christian Dior Couture as their Trainee in the Digital Marketing and Media team. I am involved in every stage of communication, from planning to the production of campaign materials, and managing editorial content for magazines and news outlets in the North American regions.
During my time at FIT, I developed a strong interest in the branding and communication aspects of fashion, which plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a brand's identity.
As I built up my portfolio in brand marketing, I applied for the Digital Marketing & Media Trainee position at Christian Dior Couture through LinkedIn during my final semester.
After successfully navigating a three-stage interview process, I was thrilled to receive an offer to join the team.
What is your most memorable experience at SUNY Korea?
My most memorable experience is when I studied with friends late at night in the lounge and in the IGC library. I think it was such a special moment that was created from SUNY Korea’s family-like atmosphere. I would never be able to imagine doing the same here in FIT New York. I also really enjoyed working on a fashion film project for my Creative Presentation course when we collaborated with Utah University’s film students. Being heavily involved from planning to execution, it was a meaningful experience for myself as it helped me concretize my passion towards advertising and marketing in fashion.
In what ways has SUNY Korea FIT contributed to your career development? Are there specific lessons or skills you learned that have been particularly valuable?
SUNY Korea provided me with a unique educational experience with the dual advantage of studying under the FIT curriculum in Korea. It prepared me to understand global fashion trends and branding strategies, which are essential in a dynamic field like fashion marketing. This experience, along with the network and resources provided by SUNY Korea, played a significant role in shaping my career aspirations and equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to secure my position at Christian Dior Couture.
I also would like to mention the Career Development Center (CDC) at SUNY Korea which played a pivotal role in my academic and professional success. The CDC provided invaluable guidance and resources that helped me navigate the complexities of career planning and development. Through their internship panels, networking events, and
one-on-one career counseling, I gained insights into the industry and honed my skills in areas such as resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
What advice would you offer to students pursuing their academic and professional goals?
For students who are pursuing their academic and professional goals, I highly recommend utilizing all the support and resources offered by your school! The Career Development Center, for example, was significant in my own career journey, providing invaluable assistance through its extensive network and supportive guidance.
Additionally, getting involved in various clubs and school activities was also beneficial. It not only provided opportunities to connect with friends from different majors but also offered valuable experiences and led me to fully explore myself.
2024.08.16
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#25 FIT Interview with PETE Award Winner, Habin Lee
Habin Lee, the recent PETE Award winner and FIT graduate, shares her inspiring journey from SUNY Korea FIT to New York. In this interview, she discusses her experiences, inspirations, and vision for the future as a fashion designer and entrepreneur. Habin highlights her dream of studying in New York and launching her innovative athletic wear brand, Ranea, showcasing her dedication and creativity in the industry.
Introduce yourself
My name is Habin Lee. I am a graduate of FIT Spring 2023. I received an AAS degree in Fashion Design at FIT SUNY Korea and received a BS degree in Technical Design at FIT New York. I am a fashion designer and an entrepreneur, running the athletic wear brand, Ranea, in New York.
Can you explain your brand, Ranea?
Ranea is a therapeutic athletic wear brand that aims to create garments which prevent injuries and increase comfort. Ranea aims to alleviate the wearer’s physical pain during rehabilitation and remind people of the joy of having an active lifestyle.
What is the PETE Prize competition about?
PETE Prize is an entrepreneurial competition hosted by DTech from FIT. It is funded by Peter G. Scotese with the initial funding of Edwin Goodman. PETE Prize is awarded to a visionary entrepreneur with an innovative idea. It is an entrepreneurship competition. Anyone with innovative ideas can apply. You can go to the PETE Prize website or the FIT DTech website to apply.
Can you explain what you created and the inspiration behind it?
I have created a zone-compression top that targets specific muscle groups to provide higher stabilization for agility movements. I was inspired by my injury history. After experiencing sciatica pain for almost a year, I had to adjust my lifestyle and training regime to recover from the injury and prevent it in the future. I wanted a garment that could help me through the unknown process. More specifically, I wanted a garment that could provide core stability while I rebuild muscle mass and strength again.
Were there any difficulties throughout the design process?
Since I am not a textile expert nor have years of experience in athletic apparel design, I had to experiment a lot. I think believing in my hypothesis until I proved it through a physical prototype was the biggest challenge. However, I was able to receive so much help from the DTech and FIT professors, who guided me through the experimentation.
How did you get to know about FIT – New York and how did you apply?
I have known of FIT since I was a kid. I think it is a well-known school, especially if you dream of working in the fashion industry.
I studied at Hong Kong Polytechnic University before I applied to SUNY Korea. I joined SUNY Korea in 2019 to transfer to FIT. I then continued my studies in New York because I was interested in the diverse and creative culture of the city. New York is also one of the best cities for young entrepreneurs. I expected to gain more opportunities to connect with the NY fashion network through FIT. FIT is well-known for its huge alumni group with reliable board members in the fashion industry. I went to New York right after graduating from the AAS program in 2021. I then graduated from the BS program in NY in Spring 2023.
Would you like to share any messages or advice for upcoming SUNY Korea FIT students planning to continue their studies at FIT New York or Milan after earning their AAS degree?
Don’t be shy to connect with people. Everything you want to achieve will happen through your connections. Professor Bess, the former Chair of FIT Korea Fashion Design, always emphasized that your career should be pulled up by your community.
Any future or career goals you would like to achieve?
I would like to successfully launch Ranea in Q3 2024 and run the company for at least five years with the help of the sports community. It is my dream to see people wearing Ranea at the gyms. When Ranea kicks off and settles down, I would like to launch an MTO service for professional athletic teams. My personal goal is to learn woodworking soon.
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2024.06.18
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#23 FIT Graduate, Haeun Lee, Embarks on Startup Journey with 'GREENEST'
On Wednesday, October 25th, Haeun Choi, an FIT Alumni, visited SUNY Korea to deliver a talk as part of the FIT Alumni Talk series. During her presentation, she shared her journey, from her educational background to her current role as the CEO of GREENEST, emphasizing her dedication to sustainable fashion, and offering valuable advice to aspiring students and entrepreneurs. Here is an interview with Haeun Choi.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Haeun Choi, CEO of Greenest, which is a sustainable fashion brand based in South Korea. I got an AAS degree in FIT Korea, and a BS degree in FIT New York campus, both with Summa Cum Laude. I majored in Fashion Business Management.
Why did you choose to study at SUNY Korea FIT?
The reason I chose SUNY Korea FIT is because it was the most optimal choice for me, as I wanted to gain experience not only in New York but also in the fashion industry in Korea. In fact, to work in the fashion industry, understanding consumer psychology and staying attuned to market trends is crucial. FIT offers the advantage of obtaining both an AAS degree and a BS degree from different countries, which has been very helpful in my current business pursuits.
Can you introduce your business and explain how you started it?
GREENEST is a fashion brand that promotes responsible and refined fashion while aiming to make sustainable fashion more widely accessible. We prioritize sustainability throughout the entire process, from sourcing raw materials to production and shipping. The brands' collections are a fusion of expert craftsmanship, attention to detail, and classic and elegant silhouettes, all designed to enhance the natural beauty of every person. GREENEST's commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
"Sustainability is a top priority for GREENEST in every stage of the process, as evidenced by the strong emphasis on
sustainability in the design of all our collections, including the materials used and overall design."
I had the opportunity to take courses on sustainability and the fashion industry at both FIT Korea campus and FIT New York campus, and I realized that the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry was more significant than I had initially thought. Wanting to make a positive impact within the fashion industry, I aspired to launch a sustainable fashion brand to help realize this goal.
In what ways did your academic experience at SUNY Korea FIT and FIT New York influence your ability to manage your own brand?
I majored in Fashion Business Management at FIT. As a result, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry, learned about textiles as part of my general education, and acquired knowledge in marketing and merchandising, which are essential for running a fashion brand. In particular, during my studies, I engaged in numerous case studies of fashion companies, providing me with indirect experience of the challenges that fashion companies face and the opportunity to propose solutions through various projects. These indirect experiences have proven to be invaluable in running my current brand.
How do you cope with fear and doubt in your professional journey?
In reality, running a business is often navigating the unknown, and in the early stages, I was frequently plagued by uncertainty and experienced significant emotional fluctuations. However, once I accepted that these uncertainties are something all entrepreneurs encounter, I began to find my anxiety diminishing. I believe that managing these anxieties is also an integral part of entrepreneurship. Trusting in my choices and persevering in the way I've chosen to go, I have faith that I will eventually reach the goals I aspire to achieve.
What advice would you offer to students pursuing their academic and professional goals?
I hope that you won't hesitate to pursue what you want, even if you lack experience or knowledge. Whether you have a wealth of experience and knowledge or not, continuously learning and growing is a common journey. If you have passion or desire, I encourage you to take the first step without hesitation. And always remember that by giving your best effort in every moment, you will eventually see the fruits of your labor. So, try to do your best at all times.
2023.11.08
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#22 Chaeeun Lee Wins a Critic Award in the BFA Program Annual Fashion Show
Briefly introduce yourself.
Hello, my name is Chaeeun Lee and I am from Korea. I graduated from SUNY Korea FIT in May 2019, and after completing the AAS program I transferred to FIT in New York. I majored in Fashion Design and specialized in Knitwear.
Why did you decide to study at SUNY Korea FIT?
The main reason I started the AAS program at SUNY Korea FIT was because of the language and environment. If I had gone directly to New York, I would have had to spend time adjusting to the language and environment, which might have affected my focus on school. However, at SUNY Korea, I was able to fully concentrate on my schoolwork with the help from the Korean faculty.
What made you decide to go to FIT New York Campus?
Of course, I learned and experienced a lot at SUNY Korea FIT, but I believed that there were certain things that could only be learned at the New York campus. Firstly, as everyone knows, New York is renowned for its fashion industry, so the range of inspiration that can be seen and felt in both school and daily life is much broader. Additionally, I wanted to meet a more diverse group of students and professors at the New York campus to learn on a wider scale. I wanted to take classes not only with fashion design students but also with students from other majors and expand my opportunities to interact with them. Without hesitation, I applied to FIT's New York Campus.
Could you explain the award you received and the Fashion Design BFA Program?
In the Fashion Design BFA Program at FIT's New York campus, each year the graduating students' thesis works are evaluated, and one winner is chosen from each specialization class. During the final thesis course, a panel of critics, who have been working closely with us throughout the semester, evaluates our work. These critics are responsible for selecting one winner among us. The winners of the Critic's Award automatically get the opportunity to showcase their designs in a fashion show and have a separate exhibition. This year I was awarded the Critic Award from the knitwear category by the senior design director of knitwear at Coach, Stacey Tester.
To briefly explain the Fashion Design BFA Program semester by semester, in the first semester of the third year, students are exposed to all specializations within the fashion design department. This allows us to explore and determine which specialization suits us best. Courses cover sportswear, knitwear, intimate wear, special occasion and children’s wear. This is a time for us to reassess and discover our preferences.
Starting from the second semester of the third year, we take specialized courses based on the specialization we have chosen. During this semester, we receive fundamental lessons specific to our chosen specialization. In the first semester of the fourth year, we go deeper into advanced courses related to our specialization and begin to develop our thesis topics and portfolios. Finally, in the last semester, we focus on further developing our thesis, applying everything we have learned throughout the program, and creating our own designs.
To view Chaeeun Lee's Workbook, CLICK HERE
2023.06.07
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