Who Is Minju Kim In 'Next In Fashion’? Everything You Don’t Know About This Talented Designer

Next in Fashion season 2 is now on Netflix after a surprising resurrection. Before diving into the ten new episodes available and finding out who is crowned the winner of season 2, fans might be curious to find out what happened to the Next in Fashion season 1 winner, Minju Kim. Kim became an early frontrunner on the show thanks to her showstopping collaborations with Chinese designer Angel Chen during the team-based part of the season. Once the show shifted to individual designers rather than teams, Kim ended up coming out on top. In the finale, it was Minju Kim against British designer Daniel Fletcher. So, here is everything you can update about. Where is she now?

#1. Who is Minju Kim in ‘Next in Fashion’?

Who Is Minju Kim In Next In Fashion Source: JOE magazine

Born and studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Minju Kim launched her namesake brand in 2015 after winning the H&M Awards. Kim was also semi-finalist in the LVMH Prize for young fashion designer, and became winner of Netflix's Next in Fashion. Kim’s designs radiate such a cheerful energy that one can't help but feel upbeat when taking in the lively colors and playful designs.
Her presence has a similar energy. In an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily on Monday at a cafe near Anguk Station, central Seoul, Kim was gleaming with joy at her recent success — the launch of her collection in collaboration with & Other Stories, which is a brand under the H&M Group, on March 24.
The collection was released in 14 nations, including Britain, Sweden, France, Italy, Israel and China. Fashion magazines like Glamour, Vogue Germany and Elle France heaped praise on the collection, calling it “perfect for spring.” Not only was the launch a notable milestone for the designer, but the limited collection completely sold out in just an hour on the online Korean store, and two hours at the offline store in Apgujeong, southern Seoul.
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#2. What did Minju Kim do after winning Next In Fashion season 1?

Who Is Minju Kim In Next In Fashion Source: The Outlet

Since being crowned the winner of Netflix’s Next in Fashion series back in January 2020, Minju Kim has established herself as one of fashion’s rising stars.Kim has been dropping collection after collection for her own self-named brand “Minjukim” since 2015, and even designed stage costumes for K-pop bands BTS and Red Velvet.
Kim has been busy producing her collection, but admits it didn’t feel as if her life had undergone a major shift until the show was released on January 29. In the weeks since, it has gone stratospheric, which Kim concedes is “pretty exciting”. However, the success of the series also means the spotlight is now squarely on the Seoul-based designer. Before taking part in the show, this kind of pressure may have overwhelmed the immensely talented yet introverted Kim, but she credits the process with instilling her with the confidence to believe in herself. “I’ve grown so much. After completing an entire collection in three days, I know I am capable of anything. The timing was so tough, but it made me fall in love with design all over again.”

Who Is Minju Kim In Next In Fashion Source: The Outlet

Kim might be effusive about fashion, but her trajectory hasn’t followed the traditional path. She chose to study design at university because it was the closest she could get to fine art. Studying at Seoul’s Samsung Art & Design Institute, she learnt intricate techniques and the business side of the industry, but it didn’t stir her creativity. It was a deep-seated desire to explore that side of herself that compelled Kim to pursue a master’s degree in design at the illustrious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. It was here, under the tutelage of designer Walter Van Beirendonck – a member of the fabled Antwerp Six – that she developed a true fervor for her craft, and honed a distinct aesthetic, a kind of future-facing take on traditional femininity.
“ I’ve always worked really hard on every element of my collections, from developing the concept to designing prints and ultimately bringing it all to life. I put my heart and soul into my work and that’s what I’m going to continue doing”

Who Is Minju Kim In Next In Fashion Source: UOL

In 2014, just after graduating, Kim was shortlisted for the prestigious LVMH prize before she had even fully established her label. Since then, she has built her business (and a strong fan base) in Korea, with her sister taking care of operations – although their professional and personal dynamic came under scrutiny on the show. On camera, Kim’s sister seemed to acknowledge that her own desire to make the brand commercially successful came at the cost of Kim’s artistic freedom, saying, “She has been holding so much back… I am so sorry that I might have been the one stopping her from being creative.” What’s changed since then? “Nothing,” says Kim. “Look, my sister was portrayed as a strong character, and she is, but it’s her job to make the business work. She has always trusted in my talent. When I started out, she was the only one who saw that there was something special in me. She wants to bring my designs to the world.”
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#3. Where is Minju Kim now?

Who Is Minju Kim In Next In Fashion Source: Maison Trendy

The South Korean designer received $250,000 and a chance to launch a collection for the luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter.
After winning the show, Kim went on to collaborate with the H&M Group and launched the Minjukim collection, which quickly sold out online from the Korean website where it was sold. She recently launched a fall apparel line in 2022 and has advertised and shared her designs on her Instagram and official website. Several notable celebrities follow Kim on her social media, like Riverdale star Lili Reinhart and more.
If you’re interested in keeping up to date with the designer, follow her on Instagram @_minjukim_, and you can check out her website MinjuKim.com where you can shop her clothing line, including dresses, accessories, outerwear, and more.
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