Rachel min lee

My personal experience with the performance of a jesa, an ancestral rite, evokes a myriad of emotions. The process is an intricate, intimate, and highly laborious one that demands meticulous preparations, starting at least a week before the actual event. On the day of the jesa, an important step is cleansing, and then the table is set with a specific placement of food, either at the eastern or western ends of the table. The ceremonial opening of doors, the lighting of incense, and the pouring of liquor culminate in a reverential and systematic bowing. The jesa holds a special place in my heart, as it played a pivotal role in my discovery and exploration of Korean shamanism and spirituality. Central to this religion is the shaman, who serves as an intermediary between the gods, the spirits, and humanity. My collection, aptly named "Weaver of the Heavenly and Earthly," is an ode to this concept, and I aim to embody the role of the weaver by incorporating various rituals, offerings, and transcendental states into the materiality and movements of my designs. Through my collection, I endeavor to infuse a sense of spirituality that is grounded in Korean shamanistic traditions, and that transcends the superficiality of mere aesthetics. Thus, my designs are infused with a profound and authentic sense of cultural heritage, imbuing each piece with a sense of magic and wonder that echoes the mystical spirit of Korean shamanism. This collection is sponsored by swarovski.