Welcome to the fourth instalment of Saero Inssa - where we chat with various insiders of the brand.
We are delighted to share more personal stories and perspectives of the talented individuals shaping Saero Collective’s essence.
This time, we speak with Seoul-based model Yeji who shot with us recently in the wood workshop of Studio Eaea in South Korea. We explore her thoughts about modelling, preferred fashion styles, and her experience working with the brand.
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Tell us about you, Yeji! How long have you been modelling, and what is your personal fashion style?
I've been modelling for over 10 years now. When I was younger, I liked trendy and chic styles but nowadays, more than anything I prefer what is most comfortable and feels natural - simple styles and silhouettes that best suit me.
It's truly amazing how you've been a model for 10 years in South Korea. When do you feel happiest working as a model? (Tell us what you enjoy the most!)
Meeting new people, visiting new countries, and experimenting with different fashion styles are all wonderful perks of being a model!
Most importantly, though, I truly value the collaborative process of working on a project with my clients. The moment they share that they’re happy with my work is always the most fulfilling for me. And of course, it’s especially exciting when each project allows me to reveal a new side of myself through my work.
This time you shot with Saero Collective in the wood workshop of Studio Eaea, a renowned furniture design studio in Seoul. How was the experience for you?
Shooting in a wood workshop was new for me as well, so it was an interesting experience! Thank you for this opportunity to shoot altogether in such an amazing space.
We'd love to hear what you think is the value or characteristic of something being ‘Made In Korea’. Could you share with us your feelings and thoughts on this?
While Korean fashion is often celebrated for its trendiness, personally I place more value on finding a style that truly suits me and resonates with who I am. Rather than following trends that change with the season, I’m drawn to fashion that feels timeless and enduring. There is a charm and lasting attractiveness in styles that transcend trends.
What do you usually do on your day off?
I'm a pawrent of two, so I usually bring both my dogs out for a walk and enjoy going to cafes with good coffee! Even right now, I'm drinking coffee with my dogs at my favourite bakery!
Photos taken from Yeji's personal instagram: yejjihhhan
Lastly, please recommend one thing that people must definitely do when they visit South Korea!
If you're on a holiday in South Korea you'll have to eat delicious Korean food of course! I like pyeongyang naeng-myeon!
Photo: Knowing Korea; Pyeongyang naeng-myeon (평양냉면), a North Korean buckwheat-based cold noodle dish characterized by a mild, subtle beef and radish kimchi broth
Although people either like or dislike it, I recommend you to try it at least once. It has such a distinctive taste that I'm sure will someday come to mind again!
Follow Yeji on:
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Tell us about Yeji 예지! 모델 활동하신지 얼마나 되셨고 개인적으로 추구하시는 패션 스타일은 무엇입니까?
10년이 넘어가고 있어요. 어릴 땐 트렌디하고 시크해보이는 스타일을 선호 했지만, 지금은 무엇보다 편안하고 자연스러운 스타일을 좋아합니다. 나에게 잘 어울리는 심플한 스타일과 실루엣이요!
한국에서 10년 동안 모델로 활동하셨다고 하는데 정말 대단하십니다. 모델로서 일하시면서 가장 행복하다고 느끼실때는 언제인가요? (가장 즐거운 점은 무엇인지 말씀해 주시겠어요?)
새로운 사람들을 만나는 것, 새로운 나라에 가는 것, 새로운 스타일을 입는 것이 모델 일의 장점이에요! 근데 무엇보다도 같이 한 작업을 클라이언트가 마음에 들어할 때! 나의 새로운 모습을 보여 줄 수 있을 때가 가장 즐거워요!
이번에 새로 콜렉브와 함께했던 스튜디오 이이 목공소에서 촬영은 어떠셨나요?
새로운 공간이라 재밌었어요! 멋진 공간을 경험하게 해주셔서 감사해요.
한국의 패션에 대한 개인적 견해가 어떻게 되시나요? 예지님이 생각하시는 ‘Made In Korea’ 패션만이 가지고 있는 특징이나 가치가 있다면 말씀해 주시겠어요?
한국 패션은 트렌디함에 포커스 되어있어요. 사실 저는 트렌드를 따라하기보다 나에게 가장 잘 어울리는 스타일을 찾는게 더욱 중요하다고 생각해요. 유행보다는 오랫동안 지속되는 패션이 매력적이라고 느껴요.
쉬는 날에는 주로 뭐하시면서 시간을 보내세요?
강아지들과 산책하고 맛있는 커피 마시는 걸 좋아해요! 지금도 강아지들이랑 좋아하는 빵집에서 커피를 마시고 있어요.
그럼 마지막으로 한국에 여행을 간다면 이것만은 꼭 해야한다!라고 생각하시는 것 하나만 추천해주세요!
-한국에 여행한다면 맛있는 한식을 꼭 먹어야하죠! 저는 평양냉면을 좋아하는데, 호불호가 갈리는 음식이지만 꼭 시도해보길 추천해요! 언젠가 꼭 다시 생각 날 맛이랍니다.
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Keep watching this space for more conversations and behind-the-scenes glimpses from us coming soon!