Reverence is a sartorial study on the experience of growing up as a minority. “How can I help and enrich minorities compartmentalize their own existence in a healthy way?” is the research question I am looking to answer within this collection. As a Korean-American adoptee, highlighting all aspects of my reality is very important– racism, microaggressions, fetishization, etc. My experiences gave me a deep understanding that to be able to heal and grow– resilience and empathy must work together. To answer my thesis question, I created a subtle juxtaposition through silhouettes between my personal style within my home country (U.S.) and traditional aspects from my Korean culture. The garments will be modern takes of traditional eastern Asian wear. I want to introduce Asian silhouettes to a western market in order to unite cultures rather than divide. I want to bring comfort to people who are struggling with their identity and to evoke emotions most people do not realize are a part of mine and many others’ everyday life.