WINDFALL 횡재 ROSE OF SHARON thoughts behind the brand, philosophy, design process, new concepts, etc. Waddap my family,



I finally got around to writing the story behind the Rose of Sharon sweatpants. I posted it a couple of days ago on Reflections so some of you may have already read it. But I'll go a bit more in-depth with how I designed it, the inspiration, story, etc.



The decision to hand-draw this piece was pivotal to how the Winter Butterfly drop panned out. This release was the first time I focused specifically on Korea. And really dug deep into Korean history, mythology, symbolism. Learning more about my own personal heritage and culture. Every single piece in this drop has Korean influence, so it meant a lot to me. I chose to hand-draw every design to make it that much more meaningful.



All of my designs are either 100% hand-drawn, or pieced together using different graphics by other artists and photographers. There are quite a few high quality mugunghwa branch paintings out there, but none of them really captured the feel I wanted. I'm not really versed in drawing flowers, especially for embroidery, but I figured why not. Gotta learn sometime you know?



It took a long ass time haha, but it was so worth it.



I learned a lot about how to design specifically for embroidery. How stitch count and stitch density works. It was a great learning experience. There's quite a bit I'd do differently the second time around, but I was super happy with how it came out. Especially for my first take on custom embroidery like that.



A lot of people mistake the design for a cherry blossom or a sakura branch, but the mugunghwa is different. The mugunghwa has a lot of meaning and cultural significance to Korean people, symbolizing eternal strength and perseverance. Korea has a long history of invasion and war, consummating to an internal war within the nation itself. Splitting into the North and South.



I go a bit more into the actual history of Korea's oppression and war with the Reflections post (here and at the bottom of this letter). But really what I wanted to express with this one was hope in the aftermath. Hope that Korea, a nation once so united, would unite once again. Across the borders we are all Korean still. Despite how much we disassociate ourselves with the other side.



I conveyed this idea with the branch itself. The upper left symbolizes South Korea. While the upper right symbolizes North Korea. The South Korean branch is fully blossomed, healthy, prosperous, while the North Korean branch is shorter, has less flowers, is less healthy. But still, they're on the same branch. With the same foundation and roots.



I wouldn't have been able to put small details like that in it if I would've just gotten a mugunghwa branch online. I'm hoping to get my skill to the point where I can hand-draw everything for my brand. And this piece was a small step towards that. Not just in terms of developing that skill, but realizing how much more meaningful a design can be when I can put my heart into it.



These sweats have done really well so much love to everyone out there who has supported the movement. I've been thinking of which designs I'm gonna make "legacy" and restock from time to time, and this one's definitely a strong contender. You can purchase it at the link below. I still have some left.

Rose of Sharon Lounge Pants Rose of Sharon Lounge Pants I've been working on the next drop which is looking crazy dope so far. With of course, some meaningful messages behind them all. I'm working on my first full cut & sew design where I dictate literally everything about it. Fabrics, fit, and every single measurement. It'll be a while before that piece drops though. I'll post an update probably with the next newsletter. Just finished the techpack.



Until next time.





Much Love,

Josh

THE DAY WHEN WINTER IS PAST