André Kim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
André Kim
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André Kim at the Seoul Drama Awards 2007
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| Born | August 24, 1935 Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea
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| Died | August 12, 2010 (aged 74) |
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Label(s)
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Andre Kim |
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| Birth name | |
| Hangul |
김봉남
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| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Gim Bong-nam |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kim Pongnam |
| Stage name | |
| Hangul |
앙드레 김
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| Hanja |
앙드레 金
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| Revised Romanization | Angdeure Gim |
| McCune–Reischauer | Angdŭre Kim |
André Kim (born Kim Bong-nam, August 24, 1935 – August 12, 2010) was a very famous fashion designer from South Korea. He was based in Seoul, the capital city. People especially knew him for his stunning evening wear and wedding dresses.
Contents
Who Was André Kim?
Early Life and Beginnings
André Kim was born Kim Bong-nam in Goyang, Gyeonggi, Korea. He grew up as the son of farmers. He went to Hanyeong High School. Later, he studied at the Kukje Fashion Design Institute.
He started his fashion career in 1962. At 27 years old, he opened his own fashion house, Salon Andre. This was in Sogong-dong, Central Seoul. He became the first male fashion designer in Korea.
A Global Fashion Star
André Kim quickly became known around the world. In 1966, he held a fashion show in Paris. This was a big deal, as he was the first South Korean to do so. After that, he held many more shows. He showcased his designs in cities like New York, Washington D.C., Barcelona, and Beijing.
Designing for Big Events
In 1981, André Kim was chosen as the main designer for the Miss Universe beauty pageant. This was a huge honor. Later, in 1988, he designed the uniforms for Korean athletes. They wore his designs at the Seoul Olympic Games. Because of this, the International Olympic Committee often invited him to their events.
In 1997, South Korea gave him a special award. It was the Presidential Culture and Art Medal. This was for his amazing work in fashion. In 2003, he received Italy's Cultural Merit Award. He also became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. This meant he helped promote UNICEF's work for children.
Fashion Shows Around the World
André Kim loved to put on grand fashion shows. In 2006, he held two big shows in Hawaii. They were called "Fashion Fantasia in Hawaii." Over 140 outfits were shown. Important people like Governor Linda Lingle attended. Models included famous Korean actors and even LPGA golf players.
Later in 2006, he held a show at the ancient Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia. This was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first fashion show ever held there. The show was part of a cultural expo. It featured Korean actress Kim Hee-sun and actor Kim Rae-won.
In 2007, he continued his global shows. He presented menswear in South Korea. He also held shows in Shanghai, China, and Washington, D.C.. The D.C. show was a charity event for UNICEF. He also visited Japan for a show.
Beyond Clothes: Other Designs
André Kim didn't just design clothes. He also designed uniforms for a school. He even worked with Samsung. He designed washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners. He also created lines of cosmetics, golf items, sunglasses, and even apartment interiors.
His shows often featured many Korean celebrities. Singers and actors would model his designs. For example, Choi Siwon from Super Junior and Ivy modeled for him in China. The contestants of the 2007 Miss Korea Beauty Pageant also walked his runway.
In 2010, André Kim made one of his last public appearances. He was a judge for the Mister World 2010 Pageant in Incheon, Korea. The contestants also modeled his designs in a grand fashion show.
His Unique Style
André Kim's designs were very special. They mixed classic looks with futuristic ideas. His clothes often had bold, rich colors. They featured Asian patterns like large roses, birds, or tree branches. For his fashion shows, he liked white backgrounds. This made his colorful designs stand out.
Korean celebrities loved his designs. Many of them modeled in his shows. His wedding dress shows were especially famous. His fame even reached beyond Korea. The famous singer Michael Jackson once asked him to be his personal designer. But Kim said no. He believed his clothes were for everyone.
André Kim once said, "Fashion should show grace, smartness, artistic beauty, and young energy. Not too old-fashioned. I don't like 'old.' Even though I was born in 1935, I don't feel my age. I feel like a teenager in a fairy tale, young and brilliant."
His Lasting Impact
André Kim passed away in Seoul, South Korea, in August 2010. He was almost 75 years old. The Korean news said his death was a big loss for fashion.
After his death, his son, Kim Jung-do, continued the André Kim brand. He became the CEO of the André Kim Design Atelier. The company still manages many licensed products.
A Movie About His Life
In 2012, there was talk of making a movie about André Kim. The actor Ha Jung-woo was expected to play him. However, no more details have been shared since then. The movie has not been released.
Awards and Recognitions
- Chief designer of the 1981 Miss Universe beauty pageant
- Italy's Cultural Merit Award, 1982
- Presidential Culture & Art Medal, 1997
- France's Art and Literature medal, 2000
- MBC Honorary Award, 2000
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, 2003
- Honorable Ambassador at GwanGju, 2004
- Plaque of Appreciation from the Honolulu, Hawaii's Gov. Linda Lingle, 2006
- Official fashion designer of Manhunt International, 2007
- Mentioned in H2O, a manhwa by Hwang Sook Ji
See Also
- Fashion in South Korea
