Seoul – Twelve emerging designers – six from Italy and six from Korea – have been selected as the winners of the international project Designer’s Table, a unique initiative blending design and culinary traditions from both countries. Their creations will be showcased in two high-profile exhibitions taking place in November in Seoul and Milan.
Promoted by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, the project engaged participants in a five-month creative journey and mentoring program. The designers reimagined everyday dining utensils, turning them into symbolic expressions of Italian and Korean food cultures through the lens of contemporary design.
The launch ceremony was held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, attended by all 12 designers and four prominent mentors. Representing Italy were Ico Migliore – architect and three-time Compasso d’Oro winner with 13 Red Dot Design Awards – and Mario Trimarchi, architect and 2016 Compasso d’Oro recipient. The Korean mentors were Yeo Miyoung, CEO of Studio D3, and Park Sungjae, CEO of the Korean branch of the Italian lighting brand Flos.
The winning works will be on display at the Seochon Lounge during the Seoul Design Festival (Nov 12–30) and at the iconic 10 Corso Como in Milan (Nov 20–30), a global symbol of creativity and avant-garde design.
The Italian winners are Guglielmo Brambilla, Marlisa Marasco, Mara Bragagnolo, Giuglia Vecchiato, Gianluca Sestini, and Giulia De Franco. Representing Korea are Euna Lee, Heeueon Rha, Jisu Jeong, Junghyun Kim, Jungyeon Shin, and Subin Seol.