Tell us a bit about your history in fashion.
My major in college was fine arts and I studied fine arts in high school as well so I always thought that I would become an artist. When I was offered the opportunity to work for an artist, she took me under her wing and encouraged me to try fashion design. I went to International Mode in Seoul and in 1989 I decided to launch my collection starting with a small shop to sell my clothing. When my shop did well, the Galleria department store offered me a shop in shop and from there my brand grew.
What’s the inspiration behind your collections? Is there a certain ideology you want portrayed?
I find inspiration in just about everything in my life but I am an art collector and a traveler at heart so most of my inspirations start there. I love to take art as well as beautiful places around the world and interpret them into the feminine, sexy, luxurious looks that make up my collections.
What separates you from the other brands out now? What is lacking in the industry that you feel you are concentrating on?
I really try to understand what my customer wants to wear and what is most important to them. I also want to make sure the collection is classic and sophisticated but also cool and a little trendy.
What’s next on the bucket list of fashion “stardom” are you looking to cross off with you brand?
Collaborating with new & young artists would be fun.
What 3 trends are you looking forward to this season?
First is the “old is new again look” such as flair skirt and round shoulder, second is kind of a tailored look using gentlemen’s suit materials and styles in women’s wear and the third is the oversized, downtown cool look, with boyfriend coats, jackets and pants.
