Photographer Chiara Giardini – Talent Hun Kim Designer Director of Karl Lagerfeld – Interview by Francesco Dossi
Fashion has always surrounded you since you were a child, because of your mother’s boutique in Korea. What do you enjoy most about fashion today?
I like today’s fashion aesthetic of workwear because I’ve always been drawn to that kind of look, so it gives me the feeling that it’s back. I love noticing how the new generations seem to rediscover and reinterpret things in a renewed way those items we wore in our lifetime. Of course, it also makes me realize how old I am! No, just kidding, but I really enjoy it, it allows me to dig into that aesthetic, into what I own, and reevaluate it. Also, I love the practicality of it all and the ease of wearing it, so you don’t have to overthink what to wear too much.
You’re currently living in Amsterdam, but from 1991 to 2012, you were a New Yorker, and before that, you lived in Seoul, your hometown. Can you tell me one thing about each of these cities that fascinates you?
I was quite young in New York, so it was very exciting. There were so many things going on, not only in fashion, but everything. But right now, I think it has changed quite a lot; it has slowed down. On the other hand, when I started visiting Korea, I was surprised by all the changes that have been happening since I left the country in 1990. Fashion began to be interested in the Korean market, and the K-pop culture, K-drama, etc. So, ever since I started going back, I spend a lot of time visiting places I used to frequent that have now changed. I think they’re going through a similar phase as New York did. When I was in the Big Apple, Brooklyn was kind of underdeveloped, but with time, it became more and more part of New York City. The same is happening to Seoul, with many areas around the city that are becoming fascinating destinations for young generations. Finally, Amsterdam has such amazing historical buildings and the fascinating canal houses, which serve as a great source of inspiration for me.
Your career is impressive, holding high-profile positions in some of the biggest houses in fashion such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Karl Lagerfeld. Until now, what do you feel has been a fundamental encounter for your journey in fashion?
I moved to Amsterdam alone, so for me, the people around me, not only in my design team but also the friends I’ve made in Amsterdam and Paris, have been crucial in helping me settle down and be myself. This is true not only in my personal life but also in the workspace, as I don’t design alone; I work with a lot of people. Therefore, it has been important for me to be surrounded by good people. I think it’s more about the idea of being part of a supportive group that has been significant for me.
You’re very interested in the concept of functionality alongside with aesthetics, and since you joined Karl Lagerfeld’s team there’s always been transformable pieces in your collections. Where does this approach come from?
First of all, it comes from the functionality of it all, but also I want to project a bit of fun. Seeing a product transformed into something different has always intrigued me. One time, while watching one of Karl’s runway shows, a model came out wearing a dress that suddenly turned into a skirt, and I loved that idea. So, you know, I wanted to explore that concept season after season. Thus, every season, we incorporate a bit of fun alongside functionality, which has become somewhat of our signature. It’s about combining function, fun, and fashion elements. I feel it’s a nice way to create something unexpected and it has now become a defining feature
