My collection Echoes of the Sea Women draws inspiration from the documentary The Last of the Sea Women, which tells the stories of Korean haenyeo. Haenyeo are a representative group of female fishers native to Jeju Island who free-dive without any diving equipment. They are not only marine harvesters, but also symbols of Jeju women's resilience and spirit of mutual support. At their peak from the 1960s to the 1970s, tens of thousands of haenyeo lived on Jeju Island. Today, the average age of haenyeo is over 60, and few young people are willing to take up this occupation. Due to shifting marine environments, shrinking sea resources and physical diving hazards including water pressure, undercurrents and jellyfish, this traditional occupation that embodies Jeju's unique local culture is rapidly fading away.

During my initial research, I collected abundant visual references featuring haenyeo, historical female anglers and fish wives. I visited Glasgow's renowned Riverside Museum to study sailboat forms, colour palettes and other maritime elements. Meanwhile, I gathered plenty of marine and fishery-related materials, such as various fishhooks, fish baskets and fishing nets. I conducted in-depth research on key inspirations including the silhouettes of haenyeo, cowl structures from Fishwives in their gala-dress, waterproof tall boots and diving caps worn by fishing women, as well as circular wrap structures designed by fisherwomen to protect their legs.