Role power dynamics within the bridal gown selection process

Seoha Min,Lina M. Ceballos,Jennifer Yurchisin 한국의류학회 2018 Fashion and Textiles Vol.5 No.1

In this study, the researchers explore the decision-making process of brides when selecting their wedding dresses by examining the power of the significant people involved in the selection process. Within a framework of role theory and symbolic interactionism, qualitative data from an open-ended survey with 71 brides were collected online and analyzed. The interpretations revealed two main themes that explain how social power is determined and how different actors use bases of power to influence the selection of the wedding dress, when considered as a group decision. The six main categories further explained the bases of power used by the actors involved in the wedding dress selection process. This research extends the understanding of the bases of power and social roles in the specific context of the ritual of matrimony. Managerial implications are included for wedding retailers seeking to further understand the dynamics among family members during wedding preparations, so they can provide more effective guidance and support to the bride-to-be during the selling process.

Gendered role communication in marketing blue-collar occupational gear and clothing in the United States

Seoha Min 한국의류학회 2015 Fashion and Textiles Vol.2 No.1

Considering the need for gender equity in the workforce, this research explores social construction of gender; how that construction relates to work; and, subsequently, how gender construction influences the design and marketing of work clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for women working in blue-collar occupations. To explore the phenomenon, a content analysis of products and advertising images in seven websites selling blue-collar work clothes and PPE was used. Collected data suggests work clothing and PPE designed for women is limited in terms of size, design, and number of products available. It was also found that there exists a cultural discomfort with portraying women as competent blue-collar professionals in the advertisement of work clothing. The research provides a discussion of guiding ideas for improvement in the design and marketing of products for women workers in blue-collar occupations. Findings suggest design and marketing images could be improved to better reflect and appeal to women purchasing and using these products.

Exploring Challenges and Strategies in Promoting Korean Culture through Museum Exhibition in the United States

Seoha Min,진병호 한국학중앙연구원 한국학중앙연구원 2017 Korea Journal Vol.57 No.2

A number of countries have attempted to promote their national image to increase global competitiveness. As one way of promoting the national image, we have focused on the museum venue, which significantly facilitates the experience of new cultures. This study explores the challenges and strategies in promoting Korean culture through museum exhibitions in the United States. By examining the presentation of Korean culture through museum exhibitions in the United States, this research will benefit other countries striving to promote their national images by maximizing available cultural resources. To achieve its research purposes, this study conducted two phases: (1) we counted, categorized, and analyzed Korean cultural objects exhibited by representative museums online to understand how Korean culture has been presented; and (2) interviews were conducted of curators currently involved with Korean art to explore challenges they have experienced in promoting Korean cultural objects via museum exhibitions. Based on the collected data, we were able to identify several themes regarding the challenges and promotional strategies of museums exhibiting Korean cultural objects. The findings of this study will provide curators and museums with practical insights into promoting Korean culture through museum exhibitions.

Product experiences of clothing attachment in baby boomers in the United States

Lina M. Ceballos,Seoha Min 한국의류학회 2020 Fashion and Textiles Vol.7 No.1

Despite the importance of the baby boomer generation, there is relatively scarce research focused on that consumer group. Based on the framework of product experience, this study explores the experiences of older baby boomers associated with consumer-clothing attachment. The interpretive approach utilized in-depth interviews with 18 older baby boomers born between 1946 and 1955 to enquire about their experiences with attached clothing. Participants were asked to bring to the interview photographs of the clothing they had become more attached to. Findings indicate that the experiences of older baby boomers with attached clothing are mainly created, developed, and maintained via all three dimensions of product experience; aesthetic properties of the product, positive emotions triggered by the product, and the symbolic and instrumental meanings associated with the product. However, the aesthetic properties and positive emotions related to those products were bound to its assigned meanings. Meaning varied and was classified as associations with: identity or the belief that the object is a self-extension; memories or the connection with the past; social standing or sense of status; and strong associations with utility. For all participants, the stronger the experience of meaning with a specific product, the stronger the level of attachment towards that product. This qualitative investigation extends the understanding of the framework of product experience and the concept of consumer-clothing attachment. Contributions offer opportunities to marketers and designers who seek to better understand the experiences behind baby boomers’ clothing attachment.

Development and Evaluation of a Patient Garment Based on Functional-Modesty-Aesthetic (FMA) Model

Koo, Helen S.,Min, Seoha The Korean Society of Costume 2014 International journal of costume and fashion Vol.14 No.2

Recent research suggested that hospitals have not responded to consumer demand for the improved aesthetic and comfort of their patient garments. Thus a new patient garment has been developed considering human factors based on the Functional-Modesty-Aesthetics model. Based on the reviewed literature and the model, necessary design requirements were identified. Then the patient garment was evaluated in comparison to existing ones with regard to potential patients' satisfaction levels. As a result, the developed patient garment received better evaluations in the aspects of overall aesthetic satisfaction, color satisfaction, and willingness to wear than the existing patient garments.

Evaluation of 3D apparel design spatial visualization training for cognitive function of older adults: cross‑cultural comparisons

Hyo Jung Julie Chang,Seoha Min 한국의류학회 2022 Fashion and Textiles Vol.9 No.1

This study examined how older adults of four diferent ethnic groups evaluate the spatial visualization training using 3D apparel design software. The model tested was derived from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and a Unifed Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A quantitative research design with an online questionnaire using the purposive quota sampling was used. Structure equation modeling and ANOVAs were performed to test the hypotheses with 600 completed data. The result shows signifcant ethnic diferences of the perceptions, attitude, and behavioral intention for our spatial visualization training. Especially, Asian Americans found the training easy to be involved with and were more likely to use it, whereas Caucasian Americans felt the training to be most difcult and were less likely to use it, compared to other ethnic groups. Also, perceived ease of use and the performance expectancy are cardinal in increasing the positive attitude toward the training. This study discovered the signifcant factors infuencing the intention to use the apparel design virtual technology to improve cognitive functioning. The ethical diferences found on the latent variables among four ethnic groups indicate the need of more thoughtful training development by considering the diferent cultural requirements and challenges.

Development and Evaluation of a Patient Garment Based on Functional-Modesty-Aesthetic (FMA) Model

Helen S. Koo,Seoha Min 한국복식학회 2014 International journal of costume and fashion Vol.14 No.2

Recent research suggested that hospitals have not responded to consumer demand for the improved aesthetic and comfort of their patient garments. Thus a new patient garment has been developed considering human factors based on the Functional-Modesty-Aesthetics model. Based on the reviewed literature and the model, necessary design requirements were identified. Then the patient garment was evaluated in comparison to existing ones with regard to potential patients’ satisfaction levels. As a result, the developed patient garment received better evaluations in the aspects of overall aesthetic satisfaction, color satisfaction, and willingness to wear than the existing patient garments.