Sunburn House: Breathing New Life into Vintage Textiles

Sunburn House is a distinctive clothing brand specializing in one-of-a-kind pieces created by upcycling vintage blankets. The brand’s philosophy centers on giving fabrics a second life, transforming them into wearable art with a story. Founded by Lee Jong-kyung, a stylist with a decade of experience in the film industry, Sunburn House represents a shift towards mindful consumption and a celebration of individuality.

From Film Stylist to Sustainable Designer

Lee Jong-kyung’s transition from film stylist to fashion designer stemmed from a desire to pursue personal creative fulfillment. After ten years working in film, she sought to combine her accumulated experience and sensibilities into a venture that felt both meaningful, and timely. “My job as a movie costume stylist is still a part of my life,” Lee explains, “However, at some point, I thought that I wanted to do ‘what I can do best and what I want to do now’ before it is too late. Sunburn House was a form that could fully capture the experiences and senses accumulated over a long period of time.”

The Inspiration Behind the Name “Sunburn”

The brand’s name, “Sunburn,” is deeply personal, inspired by Lee’s passion for surfing. The imagery of sun-kissed skin, peeling and renewing, resonated with the brand’s core concept of transformation and rebirth. “I enjoy surfing, so my skin gets tanned by the sun, peels off, and grows new skin over and over again,” Lee shares. “At that moment of change, the expression ‘wearing a sunburn’ was interpreted in a dual way, and it eventually became the brand name.”

Crafting with Care: Pattern, Color, and Comfort

Sunburn House prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and tactile comfort. The brand’s designs emphasize timeless patterns and harmonious color palettes, carefully selected from the vintage blankets used as source material. A key consideration during production is ensuring the fabric feels pleasant against the skin and is durable enough for long-term wear. The clothes are designed to feel good and last.

A Philosophy of Imperfection and Individuality

Sunburn House’s clothing is defined by its unique character and the stories embedded within the recycled materials. Lee describes her creations as “Clothes that have already held someone’s time and lead to another life.” The brand embraces a philosophy of leaving space for individual interpretation, believing that clothing should adapt to the wearer’s life rather than dictating it. “Even if it’s clothes that don’t suit me, it’s essential that they can be unique clothes to someone else. It’s closer to an attitude of wanting clothes to be interpreted to fit each person’s life rather than defining them.”

Upcycling as a Value and a Response to Waste

The choice to work with upcycled materials is not merely a production method for Sunburn House; it’s a reflection of Lee’s personal values. Inspired by a desire to enjoy surfing responsibly and witnessing the impact of waste in the ocean, she sought ways to repurpose discarded items. This commitment aligns with a broader shift away from swift fashion and towards more sustainable consumption habits.

The “Man to Man” Collection: A Personal Touch

One notable collection, “Man to Man,” features sweatshirts designed with surfers in mind. These garments are intended to provide comfort and warmth after time spent in the ocean, offering a practical solution for drying off and shielding against the cold. This collection exemplifies the brand’s ability to blend functionality with its overarching aesthetic.

“Your Size”: Celebrating Individuality

Sunburn House’s size tags feature the phrase “Your Size,” a deliberate choice that underscores the brand’s commitment to individuality. This reflects the belief that each garment has a destined owner and that clothing should fit the person, not the other way around.

Lee Jong-kyung: Designer and Brand Representative

Lee Jong-kyung embodies two distinct roles: the individual seeking a balanced life and the representative striving to articulate the brand’s vision. As an individual, she prioritizes simplicity and a natural rhythm. As a brand representative, she aims to confidently convey Sunburn House’s unique perspective. Both aspects, however, are ultimately aligned in the pursuit of harmony.

Looking Ahead: A Brand Rooted in Value

Sunburn House’s core principle is to never lose sight of the value inherent in clothing – the time it holds, the stories it carries, and the connection it creates between past and present. The brand aspires to be synonymous with summer, the sea, and nature, creating garments that represent both an ending and a beginning.