What drew you both to St Vincents for your first solo show? How does their curatorial vision align with goons’ philosophy?

It all started with St. Vincents inviting us to do a show where we curated and edited our existing pieces. Then, Paul and I had this idea of creating a series of new pieces that are both essential and transformational, adaptable to different moments in life. We shared the concept with Henri and Gigi at St. Vincents, and it naturally evolved into our first solo show.

The curatorial vision of St. Vincents has always felt just right for Goons. We have a deep respect for and trust in their approach and expertise, so doing this collaboration was an easy decision.

You and Paul Trussler’s backgrounds in high fashion and architecture reflect a history of working with extraordinary craftsmanship and complex design. What inspired you to focus on humble, reclaimed materials and “simple solutions” in your collaborative work, and how do you balance that simplicity with sophistication?

There is certainly excellent fashion and architecture that involves highly complex designs and exceptional materials. However, we both recognized that many unnecessary complications often arise in the design process and practice. We were confident in what we believed to be essential for creating great design and were determined to achieve it in the simplest way possible without compromising quality. We believe that true sophistication comes from eliminating the unnecessary through simple yet intelligent solutions and fine craftsmanship.

What role does adaptability play in your design process, and how does it reflect the everyday lives of you and your family?

I wouldn’t say that adaptability is the main focus of our overall design process. Though adaptability is something that is naturally inevitable in our practice—meaning everything we create is designed with longevity in mind and intended to last for years to come—the piece should also be adaptable to the passage of time and the changes life brings.

Hosting real-life activations like meals and gatherings around Evolving Forms is such a unique concept. How do these events enhance the narrative of your work? What role does the transformational nature of the pieces play in these planned activations?

It would simply be a joy to see people interacting with the pieces during the event. There’s no additional purpose or agenda beyond them experiencing and engaging with the pieces, using them as intended. We don’t know how exactly the set up is going to be – there can be many different scenarios. It’s exciting.

How has your experience moving from Korea to Canada and now to Paris shaped your design perspective and Studio Goons’ approach?

I can’t point to one specific place, experience, or culture that shaped my design perspective and approach, but they have all guided me to where I am now with Goons. It’s important for me to stay connected to my sensitivity toward the different cultures and places I’ve lived in, and I’m grateful to have them with me.