Projects — Thesis
Research
Flats
Line Sheet
Lookbook
Shoes
Projects — Blank FW22
Research
Flats
Lookbook
Details
Projects — Blank SS23
Research
Flats
Lookbook
Details
Projects — Blank FW23
Research
Flats
Lookbook
Details
Projects — tActi 1st edition
Research
Flats
Lookbook
Details
Projects — tActi 3rd edition
Research
Flats
Lookbook
Details

YoungJi Cho is a New York–based fashion designer working across womenswear and menswear. Drawing inspiration from military uniforms, workwear, and everyday clothing, she reinterprets utilitarian references into contemporary garments that balance functionality, thoughtful construction, and refined proportions. Her work is rooted in an interest in how clothing is worn, adapted, and repeated over time, resulting in pieces that are practical, enduring, and subtly charming. After studying menswear design at Parsons School of Design, she joined Nepenthes New York, where she has contributed to the development of Engineered Garments collections and worked across design, product development, sourcing, and production. She currently leads tActi, a womenswear line developed within the Nepenthes family of brands. As Head Designer, she oversees the collection from initial concept through final production, translating menswear-informed ideas into garments designed for everyday use.

YoungJi Cho
New York, NY  ·  +917-453-0702  ·  choyoungji900809@gmail.com  ·  youngjicho.com
Designer working across womenswear and menswear, with experience in garment construction, material development, and production. Trained in menswear design at Parsons School of Design and shaped by hands-on work at Engineered Garments and Nepenthes New York. Her work draws from vintage military, workwear, and everyday uniforms, translating these references into practical garments designed for daily wear.

Nepenthes New York
Head Designer, tActi
Sep 2021 – Present
  • Lead the development of tActi, translating menswear, military, and workwear references into practical womenswear from concept through production.
  • Contribute to Engineered Garments seasonal collections through design development, sampling, fittings, and production coordination.
  • Collaborate with mills, suppliers, and factories on fabric sourcing, material development, and garment execution across both tActi and Engineered Garments projects.
  • Oversee 300–500 samples per season across design and production teams.
  • Manage seasonal sampling, fit revisions, and production approvals throughout the development process.
  • Represent the brand during showroom presentations, buyer meetings, and press appointments.
Selected Collections
  • Engineered Garments Collections    2022–2026
  • Nepenthes Womenswear "Blank"    2022–2023
  • tActi Editions 1–5    2024–2026
Lush Cosmetics Korea — Sales & Training
2015–2021
  • Supported retail operations, customer education, and team training.
Thom Browne — Design Intern
2015
  • Assisted with technical drawings, specification packages, and seasonal development activities.
  • Supported fabric, trim, and material review processes throughout collection development.
  • Provided development and production support during New York Fashion Week.
Engineered Garments — Production Intern
May–Sep 2012  &  Sep–Dec 2013
  • Supported pattern specifications, size grading, quality control, and communication with factories and vendors throughout the production process.
  • Assisted with production coordination across seasonal collections.

Parsons School of Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Fashion Design · 2014
  • W.M. Chase Scholarship
  • BFA International Scholarship
  • Dean's BFA Scholarship
  • Style.com × Kering Empowering Imagination Competition Finalist (2014)
  • Parsons Benefit Runway Show — Senior Thesis Showcase (2014)
  • Shoe Polytechnics × Parsons Competition Winner (2013)
Garment Construction · Technical Design · Sampling
Material Development · Production Coordination
Software Illustrator · Photoshop · InDesign
Language English · Korean