We were lucky to catch up with Hyunse Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hyunse, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Since I was a kid, I’ve always had this deep love for traveling. It’s been an incredible way for me to explore different places, uncover amazing stories, and gain all sorts of new experiences along the way. I truly believe that each adventure I’ve had has given me opportunities to learn and grow.
As I went through life, I started getting really interested in fashion. It kind of crept up on me and became a big part of who I am. That interest pushed me to follow my creative and artistic path. Going to Parsons Fashion School opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. I was lucky to have conversations and share stories about art with other students and some really respected professors. It was during these interactions that I realized how beautiful it is to have diverse perspectives and different opinions. Instead of there being just one right answer, I learned to appreciate that art can be seen and interpreted in so many ways, depending on someone’s own point of view. It made the whole art world even more captivating and fascinating to me.

To me, art doesn’t have any boundaries or limits. It’s this limitless realm where you’re free to create and express yourself without any constraints. I strongly believe that art should be a freeing experience, letting people tap into their creativity and produce works that reflect their innermost thoughts and emotions. And personally, I’ve always wanted to connect with people through my art, to touch their hearts and minds, and to make a positive impact by weaving the wisdom I’ve gained from my own diverse experiences into my creations. That desire to be involved in artistic pursuits has set a fire in my soul, and it’s still burning bright to this day.

Now, armed with all the knowledge and skills I’ve picked up, I put my heart and soul into every artistic endeavor I take on.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The reason I chose to pursue a career in fashion and become a fashion designer is pretty simple, really. I just love clothes, and I wanted to tell new stories through the garments I create. Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the enchanting world of fashion, and the chance to be a part of it felt like a dream come true. Fashion, to me, is more than just clothing—it’s an art form that sparks my creativity and allows me to express myself. But let me tell you, this journey hasn’t been a walk in the park. I’ve faced a lot of obstacles and encountered plenty of difficulties along the way. One of the biggest challenges was my lack of experience in the fashion industry. I didn’t have any prior knowledge, so I had to teach myself everything from scratch. It was a daunting task, but I never gave up. I pushed through and immersed myself in the learning process, taking it one step at a time.
I soon realized that effective communication with various people was crucial to succeed in the fashion industry. Building connections was essential for navigating the complexities of this field. Creating a single garment involves so many steps, from generating ideas and making patterns to choosing materials and overseeing production, all the way to evaluating the final result. This required me to study various fields and gain diverse experiences.
Through these experiences and challenges, not only did I acquire valuable skills, but I also witnessed my passion for fashion grow stronger. Every obstacle I faced and conquered became a stepping stone, propelling me forward. The more I learned, the deeper my desire to make an impact in the fashion world became. I became even more determined to create garments that weren’t just visually appealing, but also carried deep meaning and evoked emotions in those who wore them.
I believe my greatest strength lies in my attention to detail. When I was young and learning the art of tailoring, I gained a profound appreciation for the significance of detail through various sewing and clothing manufacturing techniques. The intricate process of creating garments taught me the value of patience and the time required to achieve perfection. It made me realize the power held within each and every detail.
When I dive into the design process, I approach it with meticulousness and a sharp eye for even the tiniest elements. While some may overlook these finer aspects, I recognize the inherent strength and impact they possess. It’s in the careful consideration of each stitch, button, and fabric choice that I strive to bring forth a sense of craftsmanship and excellence. These small components not only contribute to the overall aesthetic but also have the ability to elevate a design and evoke a profound response from those who encounter it.
By dedicating myself to achieving perfection in every detail, I aim to create work that captures the essence of my dedication and passion. It’s through these intricacies that I seek to connect with others, sharing a deep appreciation for the power that lies within the details.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to create garments that go beyond just looking good; I want them to have meaning and evoke empathy. I love sharing my clothing with people and engaging in conversations to hear their diverse opinions and thoughts. Clothes are full of intricate details, and even a single pocket can create a completely different impression based on its shape, angle, or material. That’s why I believe that through my unique designs, I can share new stories with others, using clothing as a means of expression. My ultimate aim is to weave narratives that are simple yet full of empathy, connecting with a wide range of individuals and fostering a deeper understanding of one another through the medium of fashion.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most fulfilling part of my work is when people recognize and remember me through my designs. It brings me incredible satisfaction when individuals encounter my work and can recall my distinctive style. Leaving a lasting impression on someone’s memory through my designs is truly gratifying. It serves as a testament to the impact I can make in the fashion world. Knowing that my identity is associated with the quality and uniqueness of my creations motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and innovating in my field. The ultimate reward for me is when people come across my latest work and instantly recognize my signature style, forging a connection between my identity and my designs.

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