Some Notes on the 한복 creations of 사극 Paradise

https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk-paradise/p/joseoninspiredfashionhanbok

Late Joseon Inspired Fashion/Modern Hanbok — 사극 Paradise

When it comes to my 한복 creations, I'm a bit of an interesting/"special" case.  In case it isn't obvious from the language barrier, I'm not Korean.  Even though, based off my designs and my passion for Korean History, especially the 고려 dynasty (my favorite), people have assumed that I have lived there.  I have even had Korean people approach me, insisting that I must have lived on the Peninsula at one point.  Nope.  My name is Lauren Mackey, I am a white American woman of Irish and Mexican descent from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am aware that there are small pockets of Korean populations in Mexico, but I am pretty positive that I have no genetic connection.

https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk-paradise/p/empresskihanbokm

Dazzling Brilliant Green and Sky Blue Empress Ki/Late Goryeo Dynasty Inspired Hanbok — 사극 Paradise

Anyway, I was going somewhere with this.  I promise! I'm also listening to the 기황후 OST as I write, so my attention got a little divided.  Anyway, I'm familiar with most traditional 조선 한복.  I'm decently familiar with 고려 한복.  I'm becoming familiar with Three Kingdoms 한복.  What I can say about all periods is that they aren't necessarily the same as what's shown in the 사극! Of course, there are various reasons for that: budget, marketability, the movement of the actor, etc.

https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk-paradise/p/threekingdomsdolls

Three Kingdoms/Goryeo Inspired Fashion/Fusion Hanbok Dolls — 사극 Paradise

I am familiar with modern 한복, which I'm not too crazy about, as they tend to "skew Western" in terms of shape and construction.  And with that, it looks like much of the cultural personality which I love and adore has been extracted in order to make an American who is profoundly fearful of cultural appropriation, confident enough to buy it.  I am completely uninterested in that demographic.  Frankly, that demographic annoys me, as there is a lot of superficiality, a lack of confidence, and minimal interest in the deep history and culture.  These are the people who only want to appear socially conscious without taking the risk and doing the work.  In case it isn't obvious, those are the people I constantly clashed with growing up, and in the present day.

Tattoo Print 저고리, available at www.sageukparadise.com

The people I'm interested in? First: all ethnicities. Second: all clothing sizes.  Personality wise: People who have a deep appreciation for Korean History, language, and culture.  Who, when they don't understand something, instead of saying: "aNd ThIs iS wHaT I hAtE aBoUt KoReAn CuLtUrE!" They actually take the time to do a little research (not online research, but research from reputable sources) to understand the purpose of the action.  People who feel Western values, entertainment, and fashion are overrated, and at times, tiresome.  Full disclosure: I do not watch American television.  So much of it is downright awful, and does not resonate with me.  I have strong suspicions that my questioning of American values, both conservative and liberal, is what got me banned from Facebook (the old bookface never gave me a reason why they disabled my account).  I'm interested in people who embrace intelligence and want to wear something that is an extension of that.

Hawaiian Print 한복 available at www.sageukparadise.com

The woman with a regal queen vibe who does not need to desperately tell everyone she meets that she's special because it already emanates from her.  (Does anyone else find the marketing that's geared to the insecure young woman rather tiresome? I certainly do)! The warrior woman who is strong and doesn't need to broadcast it to everyone because it's already evident in the way she handles anything that comes her way.  And also the warrior woman who has no desire to wear a chainmail bikkini to express her empowerment (I am also finding the over exposure of cleavage and breasts as symbols of American female empowerment exceedingly tiresome). For those of us who are tired of sexy clothing, and those of us who are tired of frumpy clothing.

Available at www.sageukparadise.com

My 한복 are tasteful enough to be worn for work in the office, and versatile enough to be worn on a daily basis.  These are durable enough to be worn all day, everyday.  They aren't the flimsy 한복 that are only meant for photographs, and fall apart after being worn for more than one hour.

Modernized 기황후 inspired 한복, available at www.sageukparadise.com

I wear my 한복 everyday.  I got rid of my jeans about two years ago, and t-shirts are only for sleeping or physical therapy.  Yes, I even do chores in my 한복, and go hiking!  When I wear a 한복, I feel pretty, I feel powerful, and I don't feel like an object.  Because I'm 41, and I no longer look like I'm 20, when I wear a 한복, I don't feel old, fat, and useless like I do when I wear my American clothes. I feel like a confident and authoritative queen, and the people around me respond accordingly.

Available at www.sageukparadise.com

So, my creations are for people who appreciate Korean history and culture who want to have the ability to externally express and identify/align with that, no matter where they happen to be.

You can purchase my creations here:https://www.sageukparadise.com/sageuk-paradise/fashion-hanbok

Sageuk Shop —Sageuk Paradise

I also sell Historical K-Drama and C-Drama anime fan art for people who appreciate the Historical/Cultural/Fantasy aspects of the show, and want something external to express their appreciation.