Interview with Jihyun Kim
Jihyun Kim is a founder and creative director of S’MM, which is women’s wear brand based in New York since 2016.
Designer of the Day Interview
19 March 2018
I studied BFA fashion design at Pratt Institute and was working as fashion designer since 2016. I started to build up my women's wear label on May, 2016 and also work as freelance fashion designer few brands; Vivienne Tam, Cole Hann, and Gray Matters.
When I was young, I really love to make 3D art, collage, and textile art although I was not good at drawing and painting. I accidentally saw Marc Jacob's fashion show and the moment hugely changed my future. I decided to move to New York and began to journey as a fashion designer!
Shape that need to show my identity, Productivity as a garment, and Simplicity.
I got so much stress when I built up every collection until shooting or presentation. But I relieve all stresses while shooting or presenting. When the customer gave pleasant comments that are the happiest moment as a designer.
Build up deep relationship with artist friends that help me to become a successful designer and help to build up my business. Also, conversation with them that gave me lots of inspirations that I never thought before.
Of course, I wish to my brand; S'MM, get more fame and want to build up fashion and fine art sides. This year, I am planing to collaboration exhibition at New York and build up S/S 2019 collection. My ultimate goal is becoming a creative director one of the LVHM brands.
Be brave and positive!
Actually, I am still learning from every my challenges and projects so it is hard to answer.
I try to work Monday to Friday and sometimes half day of Saturday. But I am also working as freelance designer so it's hard to fix my schedule but I tried to balance between work and relax.
Current fashion trend became more street wear and casual items so my latest collection reflects the trend and combining my signature design with street wear.
If the design showed the designer's identity with trend that can be defined as a good design.
Either the design sells well or design make a mark on history.
S/S 2017 was the most memorable collection because it was my first season and got '2016 Liz Claiborne Concept to Product' that sponsored me to launch my brand. Currently, I am working on collaboration fashion exhibition, titled 'In Dog,' so I am very exciting to introduce this project!
Phoebe Philo
I am from Seoul, South Korea and moved to New York when I was 18 years. Recently, I lived and worked at New York. Many of minimalistic design was inspired by New York life style and interior.
I usually work alone and only gathered team when I do something special, such as shooting, so I do not have specific philosophy. But I try to respect everyone and their own talents and potentials.
I do not much as philanthropic project before. I exhibited at 'The Set NYC,' that was helping end child trafficking. I am very happy to join project, please e-mail me!
Getting good press, Good chance to show my design internationally, and Exhibiting my work in famous venue.
Design Legend Interview
28 March 2019
I graduated from Pratt Institute in 2016 for BFA Fashion design.
Masterpieces and all kinds of art; dance, music, and writing, motivate me to create new design and art. I just really love being an artist so I decided to become a fashion designer.
Absolutely I choose.
Minimal design but it represents my style itself.
Do everything and get real!
Good designs only represent visual aspects and great designs imply their thought.
Good design can make people laugh.
Make them happy.
Pet apparel line.
Black and White color.
Phoebe Philo
Old Celine. I do not know why.
Visual impact with meaning.
Control of negative space.
Part of life and sometimes itself.
My parents. Thank you and I love you!
Motivation from my family.
It depends on the designers' own thought.
New collections and new shoe line under S'MM.
Make heaven for minimalists.
Create traditional design with new idea.
Some designs lead to good comunication person to person.
Build up new collection.
My first collection. Beacuse I got award with sponsorship so that makes me to build up my company. It was a start point of my journey.
Robots will replace designers.
Usually 2 weeks.
Research.
Keep the balance between work and life.
Both are interactive. Not only design sets trends but also trends set the designs.
Sewing machine and Adobe programs.
Follow the feeling.
hmm.. nothing. I wish that people just enjoy my design.
Motivation.
Few of my best friends who are in art field.
Keep learning from my freelance projects and doing my business.
My family and best friends.
No. But awards gave me opportunuties to get attentions from industry people.
Black and White, My sweet home, Ice cream, Winter, My lovely Dog; Stella!
Even getting fame but actually I lose money for my business.
Other brands' great collections.
Nobody expected me to be a designer because my drawing skill was really bad when I was a child.
Some great designers will run my brand, S'MM.
Keep love my work! Always thank you!
Designer Interview
29 March 2019
When I was 14 years old, I was the first time to take private art lessons after then luckily I went to Sunhwa arts high school in Seoul, South Korea. While at arts high school, I learned sculpture, painting, and visual design but my feeling was not good and I really wanted to learn about fashion design. After graduating, I moved to New York and attended Pratt Institute for Fashion Design major. This is my first journey to be a fashion designer.
My brand based in Brooklyn, New York and everything made in New York.
The abstract way to show my thought.
Keep simple and minimal with accentuate details or exaggerate silhouette.
I love the minimal design with feminine details.
This collection; F/W 2017, was the first official collection under my label.
I like matching traditional fabrics; cotton, satin, and silk with artificial or new textiles; neoprene or even industrial material.
When I'm talking with my favorite people and visit beautiful galleries and museum spaces.
Uniqueness, trendiness, and wearability.
Worry but fun.
I feel that "Yes! I can go to sleep early tonight."
Keep own aesthetic and uniqueness.
Visualization.
Asserting social problems into the design is not mandatory for designers but expressing their thought into their design can change the society and environment.
Our life is surrounded by the design field so it is absolutely evolving.
The last exhibition was "INDOG" at Lazy Susan Gallery in New York, in 2017. I am planning for next fashion exhibition that might be the end of this year or next year.
I get lots of inspiration and endorphins while talking with my close friends. Conversation is a great source of my work.
Minimal silhouette with delicate details.
Downtown Brooklyn, New York. The place gave me lots of inspirations and is very close to Manhattan so easy to go to market research material resourcing.
Half of doing my brand and half of doing freelance work for the clients.
Be diligent and creative.
My process is very back and forth. I always make something, re-cutting, and re-making.
Candle, Pillow, Alex Katz cups, Stella's toy, and Lip balm.
I spent most of time to research and build up my collection. After the work, I usually go to dog park.
Don't afraid of failure.
Creating my design is a positive point, and financial difficulty is a main negative aspect of being a designer.
Creativeness and business mind.
Pencil and letter size paper.
Using Checklist.
4 to 5 months.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
All of experiences are very helpful. I think that one of the latest position at Vivienne Tam gave me many ideas.
Women who are working in art field.
Classic design.
Build up new season and if I have a chance, I hope to do artwork or collaboration.
At studio, most of time I'm designing myself. When I finished collection, I gathered the team and do the shoots with photo team.
I will start new season that might show more feminine design.
Visit my website! www.smmnyc.com
I really appreciate my mom and daddy. I love you and thank you!