‘Every Material I Work with Has Its Own Scent’: Kwangho LEE Partners with Jo Malone London

From the Seoul studio where he works when not on Jeju Island, Kwangho LEE explains the inspiration he took from the tools and crafts of his farmer grandparents. “The idea of building things was just very natural to me,” says the Korean designer and maker. These formative influences led LEE to his practice today, creating objects with dedication to particular techniques and the individuality of specific materials.

Launching at Frieze Seoul 2023, a new collaboration with Jo Malone London will see LEE undertake a special commission using his practice to ‘enhance the sensory experience’, in LEE’s words, exploring the shared values he has with Jo Malone London on the spirit of generosity and kindness. The project will be revealed in stages throughout the coming year and will conclude with an activation at Jo Malone London’s dedicated space at Frieze Seoul 2024. 

For LEE, scent is intimately related to the materials he works with, as well as personal memories. “When I smell a certain scent,” he explains in the video, “it transports me back to a certain moment.” The reveal of his commission in September 2024 promises to be a special moment too by cementing the partnership Frieze has with Jo Malone London.