When the fashion designer Rejina Pyo - Korea-born, London-based - got an invitation to Buckingham Palace, she decided it was only fitting to make a very special outfit. Famous for her waist-snatched frocks with wonderfully puffed sleeves - as well as directional tailoring that gives off a cool not corporate vibe - she probably could have pulled something from her working wardrobe. But the invitation was the inaugural royal reception to celebrate British East and South-East Asian (ESEA) communities. The hosts? King Charles and the Queen Consort. If there was ever an opportunity to not only dress up but pay tribute to her heritage, it was now.
'I wear Rejina Pyo every day, but this was a very special occasion to celebrate and honour my culture and heritage by wearing a beautiful custom-designed hanbok. I live in London, so I don't get many chances to wear traditional hanbok, which I miss. This was an opportunity for me to express my gratitude to my Korean culture, which has influenced and continues to influence my work and life,' she told Grazia.
Although some of the older generation might wear a simpler version of the hanbok for everyday life in Korea, they're mostly worn for special occasions like weddings and New Year. Rejina worked with the founder of Silosilk, a brand that specialises in traditional dress in Korea, to create the custom hanbok. Each piece was hand cut and dyed, with the gold leaf pattern stamped onto the fabric. 'The pattern of this particular hanbok is for ceremonial or royal occasions, with the front of the jacket dropping down to cover the hands, which traditionally would have been kept covered in the presence of royals as a mark of respect,' says Rejina, who says that it took several hours for her to get dressed because she wanted to take her time. 'It was such a lovely day - and to share that with my children as well, who are learning about Korea, and its culture, through me, was really special.'
Wearing the hanbok with the finishing touch of a norigae - an accessory that decorates the front of the hanbok as a 'sign of status' - was important to Rejina. 'I felt incredibly proud to be Korean,' she says, adding_:_ 'It was such a wonderful event because so many of the guests wore their national dress, which really was a sight to behold. I was initially approached by Koreans, who immediately knew it was a very special royal hanbok, but also by people from many other countries who were interested to know more about the outfit and wanted to take photos.'
Rejina has also been busy celebrating Lunar New Year, although, as anyone follows her on social media can attest, she and her family don't need an excuse to eat well. 'We always have something on the go! My husband Jordan Bourke, who is a chef and food writer, has been making a lot of dak juk.' The Korean chicken and rice porridge, 'the most soothing and nourishing dish', is 'just divine' according to Rejina, who, looking back at her night at the palace, says that it was an incredibly meaningful moment for her. 'It is already a very cherished memory.'