Q & A with Ku WonJung: Crafting COCANCL's Ocean-Inspired Fashion

Ku WonJung, the founder and creative force behind Korean fashion brand COCANCL, weaves the quiet pulse of the ocean into clothing that feels like a soft breeze on a summer day: free, gentle, and deeply personal. With roots in Seoul and a creative spirit shaped by her global education from Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion, WonJung blends the delicate rhythm of Korean aesthetics with international flair. Her designs are for women who carry the sea in their hearts, whether strolling city streets or dreaming of distant shores. This year, WonJung has joined CENTRESTAGE via LOCAL POWER 2025, showcasing COCANCL's ocean-inspired collections alongside talents from Hong Kong and Korea in a beautiful exchange of artistry. In this exclusive Q&A with JESSICA, WonJung shares moments that spark her designs, the lessons learned along her design journey, and her vision for a brand that brings the timeless calm of the coast to women navigating urban life.

Q. What inspired you to create COCANCL, and how is its ocean-inspired style different from your earlier brand, Unbounded AWE?

A: My first brand, Unbounded AWE, was an exploration of limitless creativity through a menswear lens, where bold characters and experimental ideas could live without boundaries. With COCANCL, I wanted something more refined—a brand that embraces restraint and focuses on timeless, classic items. It's about finding wellness and balance in life, much like the calm rhythm of the ocean, within a more grounded framework.

Q. Your designs blend comfort and elegance. How do you keep the free, oceanic vibe in this balance?

A: Well-aging has become a key value in our lives today. When I think of the ocean, I recall both freedom and vitality—that salty breeze and even the scent of sweat after a run near the shore. COCANCL was born from that raw sense of freedom. For me, freedom isn't only for the young; it's something we should enjoy as we age, through movement, mindful eating, meditation, and self-care. That balance of health and grace is what I weave into every design.

Q: You studied at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. How have these experiences shaped your fashion designs?

A: London taught me to sharpen my own voice. More than anything, studying there helped me define a distinct sense of color and identity. It gave me the confidence to create designs with a clear character—something instantly recognizable as mine.

Q: How do you mix Korean and global influences in COCANCL's collections?

A: Korean sensibility is less about a literal motif and more about a subtle rhythm that seeps into the work. It's like a quiet undercurrent—an inner sensibility that naturally surfaces in the details.

Q: COCANCL promotes a natural, healthy lifestyle. Do you use eco-friendly or sustainable practices in your work?

A: Of course. To live a truly healthy life, protecting the Earth is non-negotiable. I feel a responsibility to give the next generation a cleaner planet. That's why I prioritize eco-friendly fabrics, efficient production methods, and thoughtful design choices wherever possible.

Q: Can you share a special moment in nature that has influenced your designs for COCANCL? A: Always the ocean—the shimmer of waves, the rhythm of tides, and the scent of salt in the air. These sensations move me deeply, and that emotional energy is constantly infused into COCANCL's collections.

Q: The "sardine summer" and "coastal grandma" trends seem to fit your ocean-inspired aesthetic. Have these trends impacted your collections?

A: Trends like coastal grandma align with the atmosphere we naturally create at COCANCL, but our approach is less about chasing trends and more about curating unique moods through color and craft. Each season, our collections stand out with signature palettes, embroidery, handcrafted trims, and patchwork details. These artisanal elements echo the timeless, relaxed elegance of the sea.

Q: With Unbounded AWE, you showcased at Seoul and London Fashion Weeks. What lessons from those experiences guide COCANCL?

A: Unbounded AWE was a full-scale collection brand, which came with enormous pressure. COCANCL feels more like a small house, allowing me to focus on individual pieces and offer them at accessible prices. Looking ahead, I see global marketing as inevitable. Our vision is to connect with fans not only in Korea but across the world, and COCANCL is now preparing to expand into global sales.

Q: How do you make COCANCL's designs feel like a summer sea for women in cities or coastal areas?

A: COCANCL is for women who live in the city but dream of the sea. Our designs capture the vibe of the ocean while remaining versatile enough for everyday life. It's about creating pieces that carry a seaside romance, yet still mix effortlessly into urban wardrobes.

Q: How does storytelling shape your designs, and how do you weave freedom and energy into your collections?

A: I draw inspiration from travel, leisure, and the content I consume daily. After more than a decade as a designer, I've trained myself to translate even small moments into a brand story. Freedom and energy are not abstract ideas—they come alive through how I tell these stories in fabric, detail, and mood.

Q: How do you stay true to your creative vision while meeting the fashion industry's business needs?

A: After over ten years in fashion, I've learned that what the public desires often feels far from what I initially want to express. COCANCL is my answer to this gap. It's a brand built to meet people where they are, while still carrying my creative DNA. It's approachable, yet deeply personal.

Q: Are there any exciting new projects or collaborations for COCANCL you can share?

A: Not at the moment. For now, we're focused on building COCANCL's foundation with clarity and intention.

Q: Where do you see COCANCL in five years, and what mark do you hope to leave on global fashion?

A: I hope COCANCL becomes the cherished brand for women who want to feel both healthy and cool. In five years, I want us to stand as a global label that represents balance, freedom, and timeless ease.