ChickSpeak

 Artist/ designer Janet Kim has studied fashion and drawing all over the world, from Harvard University in Cambridge to the Chambre Syndicale in Paris. With work experience at Christian Dior in Paris and Proenza Schouler in New York, she is now the creator of her own line, Graey.  With a subtle, yet purposeful mix of delicate details and edgy, street-smart designs, Graey is quickly becoming a must-have label for those in the know. As if the tanks and tees weren’t enough reason to love Graey, the line’s website has evolved into a series of situational cartoons about the fictional character of the line’s namesake and her life in New York. Fans can follow along and watch for characters as they oh-so-cleverly model her designs. Big gold star for creative merchandising and being truly & deliciously original.

We were so impressed with Janet’s work that we wanted to connect with her and find out more about her. Read on for details about how she built her killer resume by the ripe old age of 25, how she see’s Graey evolving in the future and what advice she’s able to give any budding designers out there…

CS:  After studying fashion all over the world, what place artistically impacted you the most and how do your designs reflect the fashion of that place? 

JK: Although I grew up and spent most of my time in the United States, my aesthetic definitely has a European feel to it. I have a strange nostalgia for the past, when things were made mostly by hand, giving more of a personalized feel to the work.  In haute couture, each piece is made to measure to a specific individual, and that strongly appeals to me. Paris has influenced me the most. The French pay ultra close attention to the details of how things are made, even if they are details that are not readily noticeable. I aim to design garments that incorporate special details that give them a unique character. For instance, in my tees, I use a technique I learned from a teacher in Paris who used to work in the haute couture atelier at Lanvin. This technique involves lace stitched onto the fabric and then the original fabric is cut away (within the stitched area) so that the lace lies upon the skin.  

CS:  I read that you were able to start your line because your brother won $2.5 million in the World Series of Poker.  Do you believe in luck, and where do you think you would be today if that had not happened? 

JK: This is an interesting question because I am Christian, and while I believe that there is a certain element of luck, I also think that God has opened up a lot of doors for me in fashion, to the point that I can’t just peg them all as coincidences or “luck.”  I have been very fortunate in the opportunities I have had to make my way in fashion over the years. 

I have always wanted to start my own line so it was more a matter of time than anything else. If he hadn’t won the money, I would probably have spent more time working for other people and learning about the business, gathering seed money. At some point though, you just have to do it. 

By the way, my brother is nice, cute, and single. (CS: lol. I’m sure he will thank you for the promo!

CS: Your first women’s collection focuses on tanks and tees…Do you see Graey expanding anytime soon into other items like jeans, skirts, dresses, etc? 

JK: Graey will definitely be expanding. In fact, I am currently working on developing scarves and accessories along with more tees to be sold on the site in the fall, as well as dresses, sweaters, and possibly more for Spring/Summer 2008. Graey will eventually encompass a complete women’s and probably men’s line. 

CS:  Do you write and draw all of the cartoons featured on your website?  Are the episodes relevant to your own personal experiences? 

JK:Yes, I do write and draw the cartoons, although pretty soon I might ask some of my writer friends for help with story ideas! Graey is somewhat of an alter ego and many people have asked how autobiographical the story is. I like to keep the line between fiction and reality blurred. The episodes are inspired by my experiences and friendships, but not strictly autobiographical. 

CS: Where do you hope to see Graey five years from now?

JK: First of all, let me say that the fashion business is very tricky and I will definitely work hard to keep my line alive and thriving. In five years, I would like to have developed a full women’s and men’s line, along with an international wholesale business. I would also like to eventually start doing fashion shows in New York.  If things go really well, a freestanding boutique in New York would be great too.  Finally, I’ve always been interested in film and other media. I would love to publish my Graey episodes as a book and/or even do a movie.

CS: Your design history is remarkable, from interning at Christian Dior to studying in Paris.   How did you accomplish all of those great things? What advice can you give to young women who dream of working in the fashion world? 

JK: Many people are drawn to fashion because it seems so glamorous. It can be, but it’s also very tough and in order to make it you have to be willing to work hard and pay your dues. However, I realized in college that it was really what I wanted to do. In fashion, connections are extremely important, and I was lucky enough to have a professor in college whose friend is an important American client of the haute couture houses, who helped me get the Dior internship. This opened many doors. You should always keep your eyes and ears open for possible opportunities. Furthermore, sometimes you have to create your own opportunities. My friend and I organized our own fashion show at Harvard, which taught us a lot about the business (she currently works at Calvin Klein), and I designed clothes for a couple of other shows on campus as well.    

When considering different career choices, it’s important to be realistic and honest with yourself. For instance, I would never think about becoming a pro-tennis player because I hate physical training and I am not very coordinated or athletic. You shouldn’t want to work in fashion just because you like shopping.  There has to be something more to your drive - it has to be, if I don’t do this, I will be miserable. Once you have arrived at that point, the next most important thing is to believe in yourself, as trite as it sounds. Then seek out opportunities. A hundred people may say no before one says yes. Be willing to intern or work at a low salary in order to get your foot in the door. Keep up with the industry by doing research, reading books, magazines and blogs.  Perseverance is essential to succeed in anything. 

ChickSpeak Hearts Graey’s White Lace Tank:

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