Between Seoul and Milan: the journey of Seung Ik Lee
Domus Academy is proud to celebrate the achievements of Seung Ik Lee, alumnus of the Master in Fashion Design and one of the key figures connecting Korean and European fashion today.
A career between Milan and Seoul
After completing his Master in Fashion Design at Domus Academy, Seung Ik established himself within the Italian fashion system, collaborating with brands such as Pirelli P Zero, Valextra, Dainese and Samsung Fashion Italy, and advising institutions including Lineapelle and Mipel. He later returned to Domus Academy as a lecturer, continuing his dialogue with new generations of designers. In 2014, he launched his own label, Rick Rhe, presenting collections in New York, Milan, Paris and Tokyo, and gaining early recognition from platforms such as Vogue Talents and Tranoï.
Domus Academy is proud to celebrate the achievements of Seung Ik Lee, alumnus of the Master in Fashion Design and one of the key figures connecting Korean and European fashion today.
A career between Milan and Seoul
After completing his Master in Fashion Design at Domus Academy, Seung Ik established himself within the Italian fashion system, collaborating with brands such as Pirelli P Zero, Valextra, Dainese and Samsung Fashion Italy, and advising institutions including Lineapelle and Mipel. He later returned to Domus Academy as a lecturer, continuing his dialogue with new generations of designers. In 2014, he launched his own label, Rick Rhe, presenting collections in New York, Milan, Paris and Tokyo, and gaining early recognition from platforms such as Vogue Talents and Tranoï.
Soul Threads: Voices of Seoul Lands in Milan
This February, during Milan Fashion Week 2026, Lee brought that same cross-cultural sensibility to Soul Threads: Voices of Seoul, now in its third edition. Hosted at Antonioli from February 26 to 28, the showcase presented five Seoul-based brands — AMOMENTO, BESFXXK, DAILY MIRROR, JADEN CHO and KIMHĒKIM — united as a collective voice. Curated by Lee and organised in partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, and Milano Fashion Week®, the project featured the Autumn/Winter 2026/27 collections, alongside a pop-up activation running until March 10.
Fashion as cultural dialogue
At its core, Soul Threads reflects a clear vision: fashion as a living language connecting cultures. By bringing Seoul’s contemporary design identity to Milan, Seung Ik Lee continues to build bridges between two creative capitals — a path that began during his time at Domus Academy.
FAQ – Frequent questions
1. How did Domus Academy shape Seung Ik Lee’s approach to fashion?
His experience at Domus Academy introduced him to Milan’s fashion ecosystem and an international design mindset, shaping his vision of fashion as a dialogue between cultures.
2. Why is the connection between Seoul and Milan central to his work?
Seoul’s experimental energy and Milan’s heritage of craftsmanship create a powerful exchange. Lee’s work builds bridges between these two creative capitals.
3. What makes the designers featured in Soul Threads stand out?
They represent a new generation of Korean designers who combine strong identity, innovation and a global outlook.
4. How does Seung Ik Lee contribute to the global fashion dialogue?
As a designer, curator and educator, he connects Seoul and Milan, supporting emerging talent and encouraging cross-cultural collaboration in fashion.
