Andrew Kwon
{{Short description|American fashion designer (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Andrew Kwon
| image = Andrew at New York Fashion Week.jpg
| caption = Kwon at New York Fashion Week in 2022.
| birth_name = Andrew Jun O Kwon
| nationality = Korean-American
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1995}}
| birth_place = Colorado
| known for = Andrew Kwon
| alma_mater = Parsons School of Design
| occupation = Fashion Designer
| website = http://www.andrewkwon.com
}}
Andrew Jun O Kwon (born 1995) is an American fashion designer based in New York, NY.{{Cite web |title=Fashion Meets Foreign Exchange With Genesis House and the CFDA |url=https://www.instyle.com/cfda-genesis-house-appi-design-innovation-grant-seoul-korea-immersion-trip-8387108 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=InStyle |language=en}} He founded his label, ANDREW KWON, which focuses on demi-couture bridal and eveningwear.{{Cite web |last=Lei |first=Angela |title=Andrew Kwon Debuts The Best Collection Of Wedding Dresses For Pandemic Brides |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/angelalei/2021/02/19/andrew-kwon-debuts-the-best-collection-of-wedding-dresses-for-pandemic-brides/ |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Adrian-Diaz |first=Jenna |date=2023-02-22 |title=Andrew Kwon Looks to the Northern Lights and Old Hollywood Glamour |url=https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/runway-redux-andrew-kwon/ |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=SURFACE |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=US |first=FashionNetwork com |title=Genesis, CFDA name grant finalists |url=https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Genesis-cfda-name-grant-finalists,1553617.html |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=FashionNetwork.com |language=en-US}} In 2024, Kwon was honored as part of Forbes' inaugural 30 Under 30, Class of 2025 North America.{{Cite web |title=Forbes 30 Under 30 2025: Art & Style |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2025/art-style/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Forbes |language=en}}
Early life and education
Born in 1995 in Denver, Colorado, Andrew Kwon spent his childhood in various parts of the United States.{{Cite web |title=Andrew Kwon |url=https://runway360.cfda.com/designers/andrew-kwon |website=runway360.cfda.com}}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=2023 K-New Leaders: Fashion Designer Andrew Kwon |url=https://www.koreanculture.org/gallery-korea/2023/05/23/k-new-leaders-andrew-kwon |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=Korean Cultural Center New York |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-23 |title=2023 K-New Leaders: Fashion Designer Andrew Kwon |url=https://www.koreanculture.org/gallery-korea/2023/05/23/k-new-leaders-andrew-kwon |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=Korean Cultural Center New York |language=en-US}}
Kwon attended Grandview High School in Colorado.{{Cite web |last=Carreon |first=Blue |title=Andrew Kwon: The Bridal Designer To Know |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2022/10/25/andrew-kwon-the-bridal-designer-you-need-to-know-now/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Post- high school graduation he attended Parsons the New School of Design and earned a Bachelor of Arts in fashion design in 2019.{{cite web |last=Pharms |first=Gabrielle |date=2022-01-18 |title=Designer Andrew Kwon Unveils His Dreamy, Luxe France-Inspired Collection |url=https://editionml.com/designer-andrew-kwon-trunk-show-debut |website=Edition Modern Luxury}} Kwon studied architecture and interior design at Parsons the New School for Design before switching his major to fashion design. During his studies, he participated in the Supima Design Competition, showcasing his collection at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.{{Cite web |last1=Meyers |first1=Tracey |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Supima Names Finalists for Annual Design Competition |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/supima-names-finalists-annual-design-competition-1203220738/ |website=Women's Wear Daily}}{{Cite web |last1=Davis |first1=Mari |date=September 6, 2019 |title=Supima Design Competition 2019: Andrew Kwon, Parsons School of Design |url=https://www.fashionwindows.net/2019/09/supima-design-competition-2019-andrew-kwon-parsons-school-of-design/ |website=Fashion Windows}}
Career
Kwon studied architecture at Parsons the New School for Design before switching his studies to fashion design.
His career began with internships at Vera Wang, Marchesa, and Chloe. Post-graduation, he launched ANDREW KWON in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic with a bridal collection. His designs have been seen in publications including Vogue, Brides, Women's Wear Daily (WWD), and Elle.{{Cite web |last=Hoo |first=Fawnia Sou |date=2022-08-29 |title=This Emerging Designer Is About To Be All Over The Red Carpet |url=https://www.thezoereport.com/fashion/designer-andrew-kwon-nyfw-spring-summer-2023 |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=The Zoe Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Karimzadeh |first=Marc |date=2021-04-06 |title=Andrew Kwon Collection 1|url= https://cfda.com/news/andrew-kwon-collection-1 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=CFDA.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Lei |first=Angela |date=2021-02-21 |title=Andrew Kwon Debuts The Best Collection Of Wedding Dresses For Pandemic Brides |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/angelalei/2021/02/19/andrew-kwon-debuts-the-best-collection-of-wedding-dresses-for-pandemic-brides/ |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Alix |date=2021-10-05 |title=Dressing Brides for 'Their Red-Carpet Moment' |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/05/style/andrew-kwon-weddings.html |website=The New York Times}}
His first eveningwear collection was showcased at New York Fashion Week in September 2022 at The Baccarat Hotel.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Andrew Kwon SS23 Collection NYFW |language=en-US |website=Fashion Week Online |date= September 13, 2022|url=https://fashionweekonline.com/andrew-kwon-ss23-collection-nyfw|access-date=2023-06-21 |issn=}} His fourth collection was presented at Bridal Fashion Week in New York City.{{Cite web |last=Zeufack |first=Maureen |date=2022-09-14 |title=Andrew Kwon enters his evening wear era |language=en-US |website=Washington Square News |url=https://nyunews.com/culture/bstyle/2022/09/14/andrew-kwon-hollywood-glam-nyfw/|access-date=2023-06-21 |issn=}} In 2023, he debuted his second eveningwear collection at New York Fashion Week, his first runway show.{{Cite web |last=Carreon |first=Blue |title=Glamorous Dressing From The Collections Of Dennis Basso And Andrew Kwon |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2023/02/15/glamorous-dressing-from-the-collections-of-dennis-basso-and-andrew-kwon/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Teresa |date=2023-03-10 |title=Andrew Kwon |language=en-US |website=Haute Living San Francisco |url=https://www.hautelivingsf.com/2023/03/10/andrew-kwon/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |issn=}}{{Cite web |last=Adrian-Diaz |first=Jenna |date=2023-02-22 |title=Andrew Kwon Looks to the Northern Lights and Old Hollywood Glamour |language=en-US |website=SURFACE |url= https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/runway-redux-andrew-kwon/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |issn=}}
In 2023, Kwon was invited by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to become an Interim Member.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Nicky |date=2023-04-11 |title=The CFDA Welcomes 2023 Interim Members |language=en-US |website=CFDA |url=https://cfda.com/news/the-cfda-welcomes-2023-interim-members |access-date=2023-06-09 |issn=}}{{Cite web |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=2023-04-11 |title=CFDA Names 16 Interim Members |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/cfda-adds-16-interim-members-to-its-roster-1235607290/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} During New York Bridal Fashion Week in April 2023, Kwon, in collaboration with Manolo Blahnik, unveiled his sixth collection, "Collection 6 - epiphany," a bridal collection."{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-04-13 |title=Marlo Laz, Andrew Kwon, and Over The Moon Celebrate All Things Bridal at Manolo Blahnik |language=en-US |website=Vogue |url=https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/over-the-moon-marlo-laz-andrew-kwon-2023 |access-date=2023-06-07 |issn=}}{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Nicky |date=2023-04-13 |title=Andrew Kwon Celebrates NYFW Bridal With Manolo Blahnik |language=en-US |website=CFDA |url=https://cfda.com/news/andrew-kwon-celebrates-nyfw-bridal-with-manolo-blahnik |access-date=2023-06-09 |issn=}} He also ventured into e-commerce through a partnership with Moda Operandi, featuring selections from his collections.{{Cite web |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=2023-05-11 |title=Andrew Kwon Expands Global Presence through Moda Operandi |language=en-US |website=WWD |url= https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/andrew-kwon-begins-selling-on-moda-operandi-1235649206/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |issn=}}
In September 2023, Kwon was selected as a finalist for the Inaugural CFDA x Genesis House AAPI Design and Innovation Grant Fund in partnership with Genesis in 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=CFDA announces AAPI design and innovation grant winners |url=https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/cfda-announces-aapi-design-and-innovation-grant-winners |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=Vogue Business |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=CFDA |url=https://cfda.com/news/genesis-cfda-celebrate-three-talents-of-first-design-innovation-grant |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=cfda.com}}
Appearances
At the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards, Regina Hall wore a design by Kwon.{{Cite web |last=Stern |first=Claire |date=2023-03-05 |title=Regina Hall Supported an Emerging Designer with Her Independent Spirit Awards Look |url=https://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/g43198190/regina-hall-andrew-kwon-independent-spirit-awards-2023-diary/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=ELLE |language=en-US |issn=}} At the premiere of "Shazam! Fury of the Gods", Lucy Liu wore a custom gown by Kwon.{{Cite web |last=Kallon |first=Catherine |date=2023-03-17 |title=Lucy Liu Wore Andrew Kwon To The 'Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' LA Premiere |url=https://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2023/03/17/lucy-liu-wore-andrew-kwon-to-the-shazam-fury-of-the-gods-la-premiere/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=Red Carpet Fashion Awards |language=en-US |issn=}}{{Cite web |last=Fraser |first=Kristopher |date=2023-03-15 |title=Lucy Liu's 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' Promo Tour Wardrobe Includes Carolina Herrera, Delcore and More |url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/lucy-liu-shazam-fury-of-the-gods-looks-1235583877/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} In March 2023 at the Elton John Aids Foundation Oscars Viewing Party, Sophia Bush wore Kwon's gown to the event.{{Cite web |title=Sophia Bush's Style Secrets: Her Height, Outfits, Feet, Legs and Net Worth |date=June 13, 2014 |url=https://www.yournextshoes.com/celebrities/sophia-bush/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |language=en-US}} Ashley Park wore a custom gown by Kwon to Vogue Singapore's NEXT IN VOGUE Gala.{{Cite web |title=CFDA |url=https://cfda.com/news/ashley-park-wears-custom-andrew-kwon-for-next-in-vogue-gala |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=cfda.com}}
Music, notably from Andrea Bocelli and his mother, has been cited by Kwon as a significant inspiration for his designs.{{Cite web |last=Pierre-Louis |first=Corinne |date=2022-10-14 |title=New Andrew Kwon Wedding Dresses, Plus Past Collections |url=https://www.brides.com/andrew-kwon-wedding-dresses-5186135 |website=Brides}}{{Cite web |last=Gaskins |first=Ty |date=2022-04-07 |title=Meet Designer Andrew Kwon, Who's Giving Brides Their Red Carpet Moment |url=https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/andrew-kwon-designer-interview-wedding |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=Grazia |language=en-US |issn=}} Singer Loren Allred wore Kwon’s designs during the Andrea Bocelli 2021Tour.
Jessica Jung wore Kwon's design in Manhattan, New York. {{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CyIFYp2PYip/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=www.instagram.com}} Son Tae Young wore Kwon's design attending his show in October 2023 documented on YouTube.{{Citation |title=권상우가 홀딱 반해버린 웨딩드레스 입은 손태영의 충격적 자태 | date=November 17, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDNrrwHIEeA |access-date=2023-11-30 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=조선비즈 |date=2023-11-17 |title=손태영, ♥권상우 감탄할 허리 24인치 웨딩드레스 자태 "전문가 손길, 4년만!" ('Mrs.뉴저지 손태영') |url=https://biz.chosun.com/entertainment/enter_general/2023/11/17/YA2AAK2GH2CZ3NDV3S2GBTMPVU/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=조선비즈 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |title=손태영 24인치 개미허리 인증, ♥권상우 홀딱 반한 웨딩드레스 자태 (뉴저지) : 네이트 연예 |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20231122n22118 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=네이트 뉴스 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=Newsis |date=2023-11-22 |title=43세 손태영, 허리 24인치 웨딩드레스 자태…♥권상우 또 반할듯 |url=https://mobile.newsis.com/view.html?id=NISX20231122_0002530795 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=mobile.newsis.com |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=입력: 2023.11.18 14:24 |date=2023-11-18 |title=43세 손태영, ♥권상우 반한 24인치 허리 |url=https://sports.khan.co.kr/entertainment/sk_index.html?art_id=202311181424003&sec_id=540101 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=sports.khan.co.kr |language=ko}}
Lana Condor wore Kwon's design to the 2023 Unforgettable Gala held in Beverly Hills, California.{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C1IR0dHSIBI/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=www.instagram.com}} {{Cite web |last=Royce |first=Aaron |date=2023-12-17 |title=Lana Condor Shimmers in Hidden Heels at Unforgettable Gala Red Carpet |url=https://footwearnews.com/fashion/celebrity-style/lana-condor-hidden-heels-unforgettable-gala-red-carpet-1203568994/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=Footwear News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Gelhoren |first=Giovana |date=2023-12-18 |title=Greta Lee, Lana Condor & More Stars Who Rocked the Carpet at the 2023 Unforgettable Gala |url=https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/slideshow/2919496/unforgettable-gala-2023-red-carpet-photos/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=SheKnows |language=en-US}}
Actress Constance Wu, notable for one of many box office hits including her role as Rachel Chu in Crazy Rich Asians and as Destiny in Hustlers alongside co-star Jennifer Lopez wore Kwon's design for her honoring at Apex For Youth's 23rd Inspiration Awards Gala in April 2024, past honorees include Eileen Gu, Connie Chung, Eva Chen, Awkwafina, and Gemma Chan. {{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=Constance Wu Was Honored at This Year's Apex for Youth Gala |url=https://www.elle.com/elleextra/events/a60376968/apex-for-youth-gala-2024/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=ELLE |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=Inside Apex For Youth's Inspiration Awards Gala |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/the-scene/parties/g60386775/apex-for-youth-gala-2024-constance-wu/ |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=Town & Country |language=en-US}}
Killers of the Flower Moon, Actress Lily Gladstone, wore a black velvet gown by Kwon to the Irish Film & Academy Awards with a hummingbird detail that Gladstone says was symbolic of her father's name in Blackfeet. {{Cite web |title=2024 IFTA Winners Announced |url=https://ifta.ie/news/winners24.php |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=ifta.ie}}
Kwon made an appearance as himself on Netflix in Super Rich In Korea as a friend of cast member Aren Yoo (Yoo Hee-ra). {{Cite web |title=Super Rich in Korea {{!}} Netflix {{!}} Episode 5 {{!}} Andrew Kwon, fashion designer makes a cameo appearance | website=Netflix |url=https://www.netflix.com/watch/81721063?trackId=255824129&tctx=0%2C0%2C7c3d3309-0a23-448a-adf8-9e998079040b-115719824%2C7c3d3309-0a23-448a-adf8-9e998079040b-115719824%7C2%2Cunknown%2C%2C%2CtitlesResults%2C81720895%2CVideo%3A81721063%2CdetailsPageEpisodePlayButton}}
Chrissy Teigen wore Andrew Kwon to the Fourth Annual 2024 Academy Museum Gala alongside husband John Legend.{{cite web | url=https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/academy-museum-gala-2024-red-carpet-dresses-photos | title=The Best Looks from the 2024 Academy Museum Gala Red Carpet | date=October 20, 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.instyle.com/2024-academy-museum-gala-best-looks-8731099 | title=The Best Looks from the 2024 Academy Museum Gala }}
Personal life
Kwon's full name is Andrew "Jun O" Kwon. As an Asian American, Kwon participates in dialogues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.{{Cite web|url=https://wwd.com/sustainability/social-impact/wwd-facebook-aapi-live-event-1234831821/|title=Designers Share the Realities of Fashion and the AAPI Experience|first1=Kellie|last1=Ell|date=May 28, 2021|website=Women's Wear Daily}}{{Cite web |last=Yoon |first=Bora |date=2023-05-23 |title=2023 K-New Leaders: Fashion Designer Andrew Kwon |url=https://www.koreanculture.org/exhibition-fashion/2023/05/23/k-new-leaders-andrew-kwon |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=Korean Culture Center NY |language=en}}