Sungkyunkwan University Department of Fashion Design × Patagonia Korea Industry–Academic Collaboration Project

《WARNING: Graphic Content | This Exhibition Contains a Warning from Nature》

The Department of Fashion Design at our university, in collaboration with Patagonia Korea, is presenting an industry–academic project exhibition addressing the issue of environmental degradation in Korea.

In the course Fashion Graphics (supervised by Professor Eunhyeok Lim), 28 students visualized the ecological threats posed by the new airport development, national-park cable car construction, and the Four Rivers Project by creating message-driven graphic motifs. These motifs were applied to jersey T-shirts, sweatshirt hoodies, Patagonia Synchilla fleece pullovers, and canvas bags using techniques such as DTG and DTF printing, silkscreen, sublimation transfer, appliqué, and embroidery. Students also communicated the narratives behind each graphic through hangtags, videos, and presentation boards.

Professor Lim noted, “While fashion has long had negative environmental impacts, its influence and everyday presence also make it an effective medium for delivering environmental messages. Through in-depth research and reflection, our students sought to use fashion’s social impact to raise awareness about the destruction of natural environments.”

Beginning with an introductory session at Patagonia Korea’s headquarters, the course offered students hands-on industry experience through direct feedback from Patagonia staff and a final presentation before Patagonia’s Global CEO, Ryan Gellert, and the brand’s product leadership. These experiences provided valuable professional training, market insight, and opportunities for network building.

The outcomes of this project will be showcased from December 5 to 19, 2025, at the Patagonia Quality Lab (COEX Parnas Mall) in the exhibition “WARNING: Graphic Content | This Exhibition Contains a Warning from Nature.” Visitors will encounter images that serve as nature’s warning, not as consumers but as “witnesses.” The exhibition also features films, sketchbooks, and portfolios documenting the students’ creative processes, offering a deeper understanding of the messages embedded in their work.