We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Jihyun Kim about their original and creative Collection III design work. Jihyun Kim is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original collection iii works.
Jihyun Kim ("JK") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Rococo In Materiality Collection III. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
JK : Art and Costume history, and random conversation with people.
JK : I tried to minimized details and constructions but still tried to keep the Baroque silhouette. The stretching wool emphasizes the historical mood as well as imposed feminine and modern feelings.
JK : This collection was very well balanced between editorial pieces and commercial pieces so I wish to have fashion exhibitions or collaboration work with other artists.
JK : This collection took 4 months to finish. Developing the concept was not much taking the time but figuring out the garment constructions and sourcing the good fabrics were taking efforts and time.
JK : Because I want to merge the history of costume with a minimalistic vision to this collection. The costume history of the Rococo period was very lavish that point was opposite with minimalism. The idea was inspired me to incorporate these two inspirations.
JK : The collection is produced at the factories where based in NYC. I sell some commercial pieces through the brand website.
JK : I mostly inspired by arts; music, paintings, and all types of art, and tried to incorporate art history with minimalism. Merging history with a contemporary viewpoint that is the interesting point of my work.
JK : I researched both; the latest trend and vintage archives. Two different ways gave me lots of inspiration and help me to figure out the construction problems.
JK : Most of our target customers are professional and art based women who are between mid-20s to 40s.
JK : The process of incorporating minimalism with Rococo history means corporating two opposite ideas. It is hard to find the right process and make the garment as a wearable piece. But the process can show how to interpret the costume history to contemporary imagery.
JK : It was just a simple way. The collection is inspired by the history of Rococo costume and at that time I want to use artificial material; such as neoprene and tinsel knit. Trying to interpret history as a materiality vision with minimal shape and design.
JK : I am very old-fashioned people so mostly starting from drawing sketches and imagine myself. Visiting art exhibitions and conversation with friends; who are in the art field.
JK : Oversized and structured shape with simplified details and finest finish.
JK : This collection is made by myself and sometimes got help from the pattern makers and sewers.
JK : No, this collection is based on the inspiration from the history of costume and interpretation of the materiality.
JK : The hardest challenging is balancing between wearable and conceptual pieces.
JK : Because I am working as a freelance designer based in New York, and I led my brand; S'MM. As an emerging designer, it is very hard to outstanding and presents myself. But International design competitions offer various sponsorships and mentorship that really helps the emerging designers.
JK : I think that working hard and then make mistakes that is the key point to improve myself. Also, listening to the customer's voice is very valuable.
JK : Thank you A'Design Award!
