ddp design fair

Please tell us about Rawon.

We are making a variety of eco-friendly products with our specialized materials, sochang fabric and natural cotton. Rawon makes its own products that customers can trust by producing its own 100% pure cotton fabric with domestically-made, non-fluorescent yarn. At first, our main products were dishcloths and towels made of sochang fabric, but we have further expanded our product offering to include beddings made of natural cotton, such as duvet covers and pillow colors.

You put a lot of effort into fabric production. How did it start?

At first, it did not start with the purpose of selling products. I could see a lot of people around me, including myself, using non-woven fabrics, disposable dishcloths and wet wipes. This made me start to worry about their negative impacts on the environment, and sochang dishcloth, which my mother used to use, flashed across my mind. I started to make and use sochang dishcloth  because I wanted to do something, however small, for my family and the environment. Since I’ve enjoyed using it myself, I thought it would be nice if other people could use this great product, so I started to give sochang dishcloths as gifts to people around me. Since then, it became increasingly popular through word of mouth. Thanks to the encouragement and support from friends and family, I was able to start a brand, and our brand started to grow after selling products at the flea market.

Word gets around fast, especially for good things. Are you working on a new product?

Our new product is a bathrobe made from Rawon’s non-fluorescent sochang fabric, which provides great absorption and less skin irritation. It embodies the shape of a Jeogori, a basic upper garment of traditional hanbok. There is no need to tie the waist strap, and the front closure extends to the side, so it prevents gaping at the bust. Once it is secured with the inner strap, it does not gap open in the front even during intense movement and provides excellent freedom of movement. Our design is registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office. Rawon’s sochang fabric is made of two or three layers, so you don’t need a towel. It is incredibly comfortable to wear right after taking a bath as it quickly absorbs the moisture left on your skin. We also made a dramatic breakthrough in reducing lint on the fabric. It is also suitable for tumble dry thanks to the unique characteristics of Rawon’s sochang fabric, which uses domestically-made, durable yarn.

What are the things to look out for in the Launching Pavilion at the DDP Design Fair? Could you also explain the concept of the exhibition?

As we are confident enough to say that we have a unique manufacturing process for products made from Rawon’s specialized fabrics, I hope you have the opportunity to touch and feel Rawon’s fabrics with your own hands. I want many people to experience the convenience of Rawon’s sochang products, which are boiled in water three times and well dried to be used immediately without scouring, and all products made from Rawon’s natural cotton, which is completely different from typical natural cottons that are stiff and rough and has a soft and luxurious feel like beddings used in hotels. We set up a cozy and comfortable bedroom, a clean kitchen and a neat and clean wash basin to highlight the key features of the exhibition and make sure visitors see all elements displayed within the space.

What recent trends do you find to be most interesting?

These days, I am paying more attention to popular products that can be personalized and custom-made products with affordable prices. I am also more interested in serene, modern, sophisticated designs, instead of flashy and eye-catching designs.

How do you feel about the platform of the DDP Design Fair?

Brand promotion was one of the most difficult tasks since Rawon first started as a one-person business. The DDP Design Fair served as an opportunity to solve such difficulties, and it would be great if more makers could have access to opportunities like this. Promoting the fair in person will be also helpful to increase the participation of makers. Participating in the fair can be a driving force for makers to rise above challenges. Also, I hope the fair serves as a venue to promote brands and products, and many people purchase good products at reasonable prices and lead a healthier life with Rawon’s products.