With the recent release of his book “Fashion is Passion,” veteran designer Lie Sang-bong can now add “author” to his long list of job titles ― which currently includes fashion designer, nude model and goodwill ambassador for several institutions that range from Goodwill Seoul Design Olympics, the Hangul Association, Korean Green Organization, Esmod and more.

Commemorating 33 years as a fashion designer, Lie looked dapper at his press conference held at the Press Center in Seoul on Monday. Rocking a white shirt speckled with Hangeul, a smooth suede jacket, dark pants, chunky walkers, and round Harry Potter-style glasses, Lee hit a fashion high note with his entrance.

Facing the flashing lights, Lie stood frozen in place, sending nervous smiles toward the press.

“Oh, I feel queasy. I am not in my safe zone,” were his first words.

The famous designer seemed a little startled when the first question from the press concerned the title of his book, “Fashion is Passion.”

“Well… it is me,” he said. “I am a designer. The way I approach the world is through passion and fashion. I know it’s a famous clich, but we couldn’t really find words that better describe what I truly represent.”

His new book released on March 22 offers readers a chance to enter his world, and his life in general.

“Majoring in drama in college, I spent years acting, and then everything fell apart. My father passed away and my family no longer had the financial means to support my acting classes. I had to grow up. That was when I started to design clothes for a living.”

Startling the press, Lie went on: “(Fashion design) didn’t start because I had genius talent. My family could no longer support me.”

Throughout his book, Lie clarifies a number of events that have hounded him, both professionally and personally.

“Creating original designs has not been easy. I had designer’s block at age 37. It was a frustrating experience. It came around when the project’s deadline was quickly approaching. I spent days drinking alcohol, just to get inspiration,” he said.

“That’s when I stopped counting my age. I decided to stay 37 forever. This is why I stay friends with people of all ages, 20s, 30s, 60s ... age does not matter. These friends have become among my treasured assets. I have decided to take away the shell that kept me from doing the things I have always wanted to do, I am sticking to my core.” In fact, he often goes clubbing in Hongdae, along with his young friends who are in their mid-20s.

Thirty-three years in the fashion business, Lie is obviously not a man you can easily strike up a conversation with on the street. He still has the “spark” that differentiates him from others his age. He still dreams of going on a world tour when he “finally” reaches the age of 60.

“I feel I am stuck in myself. I want to travel around the world. There are so many things to see out there.”

One of the busiest and most popular Korean fashion designers of all time, Lie is enjoying a growing presence in different parts of the world, including Europe, the U.S. and Russia.

“I think it was Russia, I saw a young woman pass by wearing one of my collections. I almost stalked her,” he laughed. “I followed her for 10 minutes. I wanted to scream out ‘Hey! I made that thing you are wearing!’”

Creating popular womenswear, Lie’s works have dressed many celebrities including pop singers Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, world champion figure skater Kim Yu-na, and a former Korean first lady. On top of that, Lie has also collaborated with top-notch companies such as Samsung, LG, KT&G and Kumho to dress up cell phones, whiskey bottles, race cars and computers that carry a little “Lie Sang-bong” in them.

“Fashion is everywhere. It’s not only in the clothes ― it is in the furniture we use, housing, cars, electronic devices and just about everything. Chefs are not chefs anymore; they are called food stylists. Fashion has shaped our culture ― it is a way of life,” Lie said.

By Bae Soo-min (soomin623@heraldcorp.com)