Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyunse Kim.
Hi Hyunse, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a Korean-born designer and artist. From a young age, I have been captivated by the world of fashion and the transformative effect it has on one’s image. This fascination sparked my interest in the profound influence of clothing and its ability to shape individuals’ self-presentation.
What truly ignites my creativity is the beauty found in everyday experiences, emotions, colors, and the wonders of nature. I draw inspiration from the places I explore and the moments I encounter, seeking to capture their essence in my work. My ultimate goal is to create a culture of design that is accessible and relatable to all.
At the core of my design philosophy lies the art of tailoring. Throughout my educational journey, I immersed myself in the intricate world of tailoring, exploring various techniques and meticulously attending to every detail. This deep dive into the craft unveiled the remarkable dedication and craftsmanship required in sewing. This revelation further fueled my passion for design as a whole.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been filled with countless obstacles, but I firmly believe that this is only the beginning of my path. From a young age, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the captivating world of fashion, and it felt like a dream come true. To me, fashion has always been a form of art, which made decision-making a challenge as I feared falling short of my creative instincts. However, throughout my childhood, my mother stood as an unwavering source of inspiration and encouragement, urging me to pursue my dreams. Her steadfast support gave me the courage to grow as a fashion designer in America.
In the early stages, I began by drawing inspiration from my own experiences, but now I find myself evolving as a designer. My work has been showcased on prestigious platforms like CFDA Runway 360, Vogue Runway, and various shows. Yet, this journey remains a series of trials riddled with obstacles and difficulties. It is far from simple, as I continually seek new inspiration and fresh ideas for my creations. The creative process itself encompasses more steps than one can fathom.
In the fashion industry, effective communication and collaboration with a diverse range of individuals play a vital role in crafting a collection. From pattern production to fabric sourcing and selecting complementary materials, every aspect necessitates clear communication and leadership. Even the visual presentation of the final product demands meticulous attention. Throughout this process, I encountered unforeseen challenges that tested my mettle in the fashion industry.
Creating original pieces within the realm of fashion continues to present immense challenges. Nevertheless, I have gained confidence in confronting these hurdles head-on. I am determined to continually develop and grow through ongoing experiences and learning opportunities. Fashion design, to me, represents a boundless realm of creativity—a journey in pursuit of novel ideas and constant innovation. It has never been an easy path, but I take great pride in embarking on it with unwavering passion and purpose. I am committed to moving forward, ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the core of my fashion perspective lies a deep appreciation for intricate details. As a designer and artist, I am profoundly captivated by the art of tailoring. Exploring various techniques and delving into the intricacies of this craft has not only ignited a passion within me but has also intensified my fascination with design as a whole. Through my journey in sewing and garment creation, I have developed a profound appreciation for the patience and time required in this discipline.
Fashion, for me, extends far beyond superficial aesthetics. It is a powerful vehicle for expression that stems from genuine communication and empathy with diverse individuals. Engaging in conversations with people from different backgrounds and sharing their stories, even those I have not personally experienced has provided me with indirect insight into new realms. This realization has heightened my awareness of how our individual experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our unique perspectives. By understanding and sympathizing with one another, we enrich our collective human experience.
When I embark on selecting a theme for my clothing designs, I believe it is crucial to incorporate elements that foster meaningful dialogue. It goes beyond drawing from my own memories, experiences, and narratives. Instead, I consciously seek to explore stories and concepts that can spark conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My creative endeavors extend beyond my personal sphere, delving into themes inspired by social life. For instance, exploring the significance of the corporate employee’s suit, which can symbolize both fashion and style for some while serving as a uniform for others, allows me to offer multiple perspectives and tap into the vast array of experiences people have had. This approach empowers me to generate innovative designs and ideas that provoke thought and reflection.
Overall, my design approach revolves around an unwavering attention to meticulous details, a genuine embrace of empathy and understanding, and the creation of garments that foster meaningful conversations. Through my designs, I strive to contribute to the collective human experience and push the boundaries of fashion as a powerful form of artistic expression.
What matters most to you? Why?
Experience, without a doubt, plays a pivotal role in shaping our lives. When we embark on new endeavors, it is common to feel a sense of apprehension due to the absence of prior familiarity. However, it is through the process of stepping into the unknown, starting afresh, and gradually acquiring new knowledge that we expand our horizons and make exciting discoveries.
Each experience we encounter, whether big or small, adds a unique layer to the tapestry of our lives. These cumulative experiences offer a diverse range of insights and inspirations, shaping our perspectives and fueling our creative endeavors. They become the fundamental building blocks of our creativity, providing us with a vast reservoir of knowledge and understanding from which to draw upon.
It is essential to embrace challenges and fearlessly pursue new experiences, as they are instrumental in our personal and professional growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to break free from limitations and discover hidden talents and passions. Through these ventures, we gain the opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve, enriching our lives with a depth of wisdom and expertise.
In the face of the unknown, it is our resilience and willingness to embrace new experiences that truly unlock the door to innovation and personal development. By embracing the unknown with open arms, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and potential. Each new experience becomes a stepping stone, propelling us forward on a path of continuous growth and self-discovery.
Therefore, let us embrace the challenges that come our way, embracing the unfamiliar and fearlessly venturing into new territories. For it is through these experiences that we cultivate our creativity, broaden our perspectives, and unlock the full potential of our personal and professional lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hyunsekim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/private__gray/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyunse-kim-41985b179/
Image Credits
Designer – Hyunse Kim @private__gray Photo/Video – Cassie Zhang @cassiezyz Model – Émile Woon @woonoow Stylist – Jooyoung Kim @by_jooyoung Makeup – Coco Zhu @cocozhumakeup Hair – Daniel J Lutz @daniel.lutz.hair Photo Assistant: Yuhua Wang @yuhuaww Stylist Assistant – Kyungeun Park @kyungeun_eeeee Assistant – Jungwoo Jo @jungwoo___jo Jamie Kwon @jamjaemijam
