It is easy to take for granted the craftsmanship that goes into making some of the world's most beautiful luxury products, which makes it all the more fascinating when you have the opportunity to see the process for yourself. Our franchise, Inside The Atelier, celebrates exactly this. For our latest installment, Miss Sohee takes us behind the scenes on the making of the brand's first official couture collection.
"Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything I create," founder and creative director Sohee Park tells me. "For this collection, I wanted each piece to embody the meticulous artistry that defines couture. Every garment in the collection is handcrafted with care and precision, often requiring hundreds of hours of work by skilled artisans to achieve the intricate detailing that makes it truly unique."
Getting a spot on the incredibly prestigious couture calendar is no easy feat; less than 20 names are currently allowed to show, and the criteria for eligibility is extremely strict. For Park – who has become a big name in red-carpet dressing – her love of embroidery and her fascination with intricate design techniques means she is taking none of this for granted.
"Being on the official schedule is an absolute honour and an incredibly exciting milestone for both myself and the Miss Sohee brand," she says. "It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of since I first fell in love with fashion, and to now stand alongside some of the most legendary names in couture feels both humbling and inspiring. Paris is the epicentre of haute couture — it’s where craftsmanship, artistry, and innovation are celebrated at the highest level, and being recognised on this platform is a testament to the dedication and passion that have shaped my journey."
Presenting on this platform – one that she says "values not only the beauty of design but also the stories and heritage behind it" – is also an opportunity to bring Park's vision to a global audience.
"This collection feels deeply personal," she adds. "It's a reflection of my growth as a designer, a celebration of my South Korean roots, and a statement about the transformative power of couture. Sharing that vision in Paris, where couture has such a rich history, is incredibly special."
In a nod to her heritage, Park wanted to celebrate South Korea's master artisans by incorporating traditional techniques into bodices and accessories. She also created voluminous Hanbok-inspired skirts, as well as regal headpieces that pay homage to Korea’s dynastic elegance. "These elements are a celebration of tradition, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens," she explains.
Park also collaborated with these artisans to bring najeonchilgi (the ancient Korean art of mother-of-pearl inlay) into couture. "Entire bodices are adorned with shimmering depictions of flora and fauna, which give the designs a cultural richness that connects past and present. The process involves delicately carving and placing the inlay to create a luminous, almost ethereal finish — it’s a labour-intensive craft that requires exceptional skill and patience."
Other fascinating techniques involve the use of moulding leather into organic, petal-like forms that spiral around the hips of a corset. "This technique turns leather, often seen as rigid, into something soft, fluid and artistic." Meanwhile, the embroidery is inspired by Korean folk art – crystals and beads are used like brushstrokes to transform fabric into a canvas, creating intricate motifs that shimmer and catch the light with every movement.
"What might surprise some is how deeply rooted this craftsmanship is in both tradition and innovation," Park says. "Techniques that have been passed down for generations are paired with modern couture practices to create pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. Every garment tells a story — of culture, artistry, and emotion — and is designed not just to be worn, but to be cherished as a work of art."
