Before the song “Gangnam Style” (2012), the blockbuster "Parasite" (2019) and the television series "Squid Game" (2021), South Korea’s global cultural influence was already taking shape. This exhibit explores the work of André Kim (1935-2010), the country’s first male fashion designer and a pioneer of international cultural exchange. Known for his theatrical runway shows staged around the world — from Paris to the Pyramids of Giza — Kim blended avant-garde silhouettes with traditional motifs in a style he called “futuristic classicism.” His designs, worn by global icons and early K-pop stars alike, helped lay the visual foundation for what would become the Korean Wave (hallyu). Through original garments on loan from André Kim Design Atelier (Chungdo), along with archival photographs, newspaper clippings, magazines, books and other documents, the exhibit traces Kim’s lasting impact on fashion, performance and global culture.
Admission/Cost: FREE
Location:
Geisel Library
UCSD
San Diego, CA
Dates and times:
From Monday, March 30 to Sunday, June 28, 2026 - All Day
