MOYO Shirt Jacket Fuses Korean Hanbok Silhouette with East African Kitenge Textile

The MOYO shirt jacket is a product of the partnership between Jerrybag, a social enterprise, and designer Hyunah Kim from ili studio. This piece combines the structured form of the Korean Hanbok with vibrant East African Kitenge textiles. Its name, derived from the Swahili word for 'heart,' reflects its innovative take on traditional Korean layering, wrapping techniques, and relaxed fit in a modern shirt jacket style. The design juxtaposes the Hanbok's subtle geometry with the bold colors and lively patterns of Kitenge, fostering a conversation between Asian and African aesthetics. Produced in Kampala, Uganda, by a women's cooperative trained at Jerrybag's Sustainable Design Center—launched in 2024 through the KOICA Inclusive Business Program—the concept was inspired by Kim's time in Rwanda. The shirt jacket is available through AFRO LOOM, a retail platform in Seoul and Kampala, providing consumers with an accessible way to appreciate cross-cultural design. This project was featured in designboom's DIY submissions, with edits by Christina Vergopoulou.