After the Korean brand J EONGL I launched its first clothing series in 2022, it quickly became popular in the Techwear community. It is centered around “New-Citywear”, with urban functionality as the main theme, and cutting-edge designs that transform classic clothing from old to new, making it stand out from the crowd of functional brands. Designer Jeong Li summarizes this concept as “New collage of old classic garments” – a new collage of old classic garments. In addition to ready-made clothing, J EONGL I also provides customers with one-on-one customized services, and also opened an innovative clothing development agency TANTA. Coinciding with the conclusion of J EONGL I’s 2023 autumn and winter series launch event held during Milan Fashion Week, Hypebeast invited brand manager Jeong Li to share with us personal must-have items.
J EONGL I SS24 Gold Bomber
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
Jeong Li: This is J EONGL I 2024 spring and summer jacket. Its lines and pockets are sealed, so it’s lightweight and easy to carry. I usually keep a light jacket in my bag and wear it when it gets cold.
Celine Cabas Bag
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
Jeong Li: I bought this Celine Cabas handbag two years ago. The storage space is spacious and concise, making it ideal for carrying around. The luxurious leather texture and simple design make it a great bag for both business and casual meetings.
Kmoshon Sunglasses
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
Jeong Li: This is a product launched by Kmoshon, a Scandinavian functional eyewear brand. 3D printed from ultra-lightweight nylon polymer, it’s extremely comfortable to wear even for long periods of time. I always have two lens colors in my bag, and I fly a lot, so the 100% UV-blocking lenses, which cover all areas of my eyes during the day, are perfect for me.
Salomon Sportstyle Pulsar
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
Jeong Li: I often wear this pair of running shoes because it is the lightest Salomon model I own. Wear it for running or daily commuting.
Salomon Active Skin 4
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
Jeong Li: I bought this at a Harajuku store on my recent business trip to Tokyo. The vest has a small storage space so I can carry a jacket with me. I can also put two 500ml water bags in the front, so I don’t have to worry about being thirsty.
J EONGL I x niceworkshop Bolt Pen
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
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Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
Jeong Li: This is a ball pen we launched in cooperation with niceworkshop. Bolt pens with a heavy metallic feel are satisfying to use and quite rare.
Interview With
Jeong Li
Seunghoon Jeong/Hypebeast
HB: Can you first introduce yourself to our readers?
Jeong Li: My name is Jeong Li and I live in Seoul, South Korea. I have been working in the fashion industry for about 5 years as a brand director and designer. Currently, I am the manager of the clothing brand J EONGL I and the innovative clothing development agency TANTA.
HB: What was the opportunity to create the brand J EONGL I?
Jeong Li: There are so many clothes I want to make. I was offered jobs by other companies, but I felt I was limited in what I could show, so I started my own clothing line.
HB: Why did you choose “New-Citywear” and “New collage of old classic garment” as the design entry point?
Jeong Li: The ancient clothing manufacturing method continues to this day and has undergone countless developments and changes. This industrial development will continue. Taking advantage of this, I was interested in how far old clothes could be transformed and repurposed, so I chose to create a “Change from the class to the new” style.
HB: What do you think is the characteristic that makes J EONGL I stand out among other functional fashion brands?
Jeong Li: J EONGL I Forge ahead with determination and never stop. Every season I try to explore and challenge new areas and showcase new technologies.
HB: Where does your design inspiration generally come from?
Jeong Li: Textiles and industrial facilities have influenced me the most.
HB: Can you share the work that inspired you the most?
Jeong Li: I saw a clothing series by Raf Simons when I was a kid, and that’s how I decided to pursue a career in fashion.
HB: What is your favorite work so far?
Jeong Li: AW23’s 3M Thinsulate Vest. The thermal layer with a thickness of 150 grams is very light and can show the best thermal insulation effect when worn, and the mesh lining plays the best role in protecting body temperature. Of course, it’s also reversible.
HB: You also offer 1 of 1 customization services. Which customization solution has impressed you most so far?
Jeong Li: We previously developed a completely new size pattern and custom sealing line for a client and launched two versions of the same style. This project made us think about the importance of various size options.
HB: Can you share your future plans for the brand and what surprises await you in the new season?
Jeong Li: In the future, J EONGL I will continue to challenge the fields of R&D and fashion. Our J EONGL I AW23 series launch conference held during Milan Fashion Week in September has just concluded, and our own footwear products are also in the process of development.
