What determines the difference between a weed and a flower? “Weeds are actually any plant that is not wanted by a human,” Gyo Kim, one half of the design duo behind Gyoyuni Kimchoe, tells us. But what if you do value the conventionally classified “weed” for its beauty and purpose?
A closer look at Gyoyuni Kimchoe’s asthetically lush collection reveals a deeper political message. Between the origami-esque ruching details and the ruffled flora, an anti-hate emerges, promoting a new perspective towards life and the wearer’s peers.
“Our Spring/Summer 2015 collection is actually an anti-war statement collection,” Yuni declares. “Gardeners are a metaphor for army soldiers. We created gardener corps whose mission is to plant and grow weeds. Gardeners consider weeds harmful and useless and usually kill weeds. Soldiers do the same thing to their enemies: they think their enemies should die and they try to kill them.” For the first show, Kim and his design partner Yuni Choe sent models down the runway carrying symbolic gardening tools. “Our gardener-soldiers grow, plant, and take care of weeds as army soldiers would take care of their enemies. Why kill weeds, if you can love them?”
In addition to spreading pacifist messages via their brand, the designers are actively making the world a better place. For instance, a percentage of the profits will be donated to UNICEF, the organization dedicated to helping children in war-torn countries. What’s more, the designers use sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly processes to create their line.
“We wanted to change the world positively through fashion. And we thought just using natural cotton is not enough to change the world,” Gyo underscores. “We believe changing peoples’ minds is more important—and very possible through fashion. Every season, we not only create a fashionable collection, but a collection that becomes a sustainable campaign. ”
Shop all Gyoyuni Kimchoe here![]()
Photo courtesy of GyoYuni Kimchoe ![]()
Weed Gardener Hooded Trench Coat in khaki ![]()
Ruffle Weed Jacket in beige ![]()
Ruffle Weed Ankle-Length Trousers in beige ![]()
Weed Growing Shirt in black ![]()
Ghillie Shorts in black ![]()
Ghillie Ju
A closer look at Gyoyuni Kimchoe’s asthetically lush collection reveals a deeper political message. Between the origami-esque ruching details and the ruffled flora, an anti-hate emerges, promoting a new perspective towards life and the wearer’s peers.
“Our Spring/Summer 2015 collection is actually an anti-war statement collection,” Yuni declares. “Gardeners are a metaphor for army soldiers. We created gardener corps whose mission is to plant and grow weeds. Gardeners consider weeds harmful and useless and usually kill weeds. Soldiers do the same thing to their enemies: they think their enemies should die and they try to kill them.” For the first show, Kim and his design partner Yuni Choe sent models down the runway carrying symbolic gardening tools. “Our gardener-soldiers grow, plant, and take care of weeds as army soldiers would take care of their enemies. Why kill weeds, if you can love them?”
In addition to spreading pacifist messages via their brand, the designers are actively making the world a better place. For instance, a percentage of the profits will be donated to UNICEF, the organization dedicated to helping children in war-torn countries. What’s more, the designers use sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly processes to create their line.
“We wanted to change the world positively through fashion. And we thought just using natural cotton is not enough to change the world,” Gyo underscores. “We believe changing peoples’ minds is more important—and very possible through fashion. Every season, we not only create a fashionable collection, but a collection that becomes a sustainable campaign. ”
Shop all Gyoyuni Kimchoe here
Photo courtesy of GyoYuni Kimchoe 
Weed Gardener Hooded Trench Coat in khaki 
Ruffle Weed Jacket in beige 
Ruffle Weed Ankle-Length Trousers in beige 
Weed Growing Shirt in black 
Ghillie Shorts in black 
Ghillie Ju