Jeon, Jin-hwa won the top prize at ‘2012 Seoul Modelist Contest’
The contest is the 'Nation's only' contest in the basic fashion pattern sector, and has a competition of 37 to 1, 3 separate tests over 3 months
[October 24, 201]

 "After winning the bronze medal at the 2009 World Skills Competition my burden to do better grew because of both people around me and myself, but I took on this challenge as a fresh start. It was a great opportunity to think about what exactly are good clothes and that I should learn, experience, and strive more to create such better clothes."

 Jeon, Jin-hwa (24), a senior in the Department of Clothing and Fashion, won the highest award at the '2012 Seoul Modelist Contest'. She also won a 5 million won cash prize.

 Jeon, Jin-hwa of YU who won the highest award at the 2012 Seoul Modelist Contest

 'Modelists' are experts who create patterns based on sketches made by designers reflecting the features of the materials and designs. Depending on the direction of the pattern that the modelist takes, the fit, style, and material costs of the clothes are determined, and thus, they play a pivotal role in clothing production.

 The Modelist Contest, which is held every year as part of Seoul City's efforts to foster next generation fashion industry leaders since 2001, is the nation's only contest for patterns in the basic fashions sector. This year, 262 took part in the contest, recording a high competition rate of 37 to 1.

 The contestants underwent the first stage in 'jacket pattern design', second stage in 'coat pattern design and fitting', and third stage in 'interviews' over a period of three months from August to October. In result, only the top seven were selected as 'Best Modelists'. Jeon came in second overall and first among students, winning the highest award.

 She said, "During the contest period, my heart rate doubled. Because I wanted to be judged only with my skills, I did not mention winning at other international contests in my application. I went all-in for this contest and I am happy to have such great results. I would like to especially thank Professor Park, Soon-jee who helped me both materially and spiritually, and also providing me with a studio and resources." She added, "I would like to become a skilled modelist who can make patterns regardless of the clothes given to me and eventually contribute in the globalization of the Korean clothing fashion industry."

 This award was especially meaningful for Jeon who dreams of becoming a modelist. This is because she was recognized for her talent by the ten pattern expert judges, made up of 2 designers and 8 current modelists. She has already won many awards such as the bronze medal at the 2009 World Skills Competition in the clothing skills sector, first place in the 2009 World Skills Competition preliminaries to represent Korea, gold medal in the 2009 Gyeongsangbuk-do Skills Competition 'dressmaking' sector, fourth place in the 2008 National Skills Competition of Korea, and the silver medal in the 2008 Local Skills Competition of Korea, but this award was even more significant. A spokesperson for the Korea Fashion Association that oversaw this contest said, "Miss Jeon, Jin-hwa has patterning skills that even takes into consideration the sewing, and that is why she especially stood out to veteran judges."

 The awards ceremony will be held at the Seoul Fashion Art Hall at 5pm on the 26th. Past winners will also attend the event, which will be a place of exchange with the hosting of clothing exhibits and special seminars.