I Am Her: Minju Kim On Designing For Comfort And Joy

Our “I Am Her” series features the female movers and shakers of the industry to learn how femininity and power coincide beautifully and seamlessly together.

Fashion designers, like other artists, have a different way of seeing the world. Their lenses are calibrated in such a way that details are magnified. And for Minju Kim, an award-winning South Korean designer, it's all about zeroing on the ideal silhouette and utilising an array of textures. The goal? To make women who wear the clothes “joyful.”

Designer Minju Kim

Kim's resume is nothing short of impressive, with an H&M Design Award and a stint at the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers under her belt, and many more accomplishments. What are the items an accomplished designer who's set out to do more amazing things — more on that below — can't live without? And what does it take to become successful at your craft? Ahead, a peek into the mind of Kim and what's in store for her and her namesake brand, which is available at SocietyA.

Fill in the blank: I am a woman, a fashion designer and _______.

Illustrator

In three words, how would you define your style as a designer?

Whimsical, Feminine, Wonderous

What’s your personal relationship with fashion like? What made you pursue a career in fashion design?

Fashion is a language that I speak about myself in so many ways.

You’ve done quite a number of shows and have won awards. What’s the most memorable show you’ve done so far and why?

I guess Seoul Fashion Week Show last season FW18 because it was the first show I've ever done in my own country.

What's it like designing for K-Pop superstars BTS? How did the partnership come about? Can you give us a little hint as to what style you're going for?

When we design for celebrities, we design by their needs and concept. Therefore, a long meeting with their art team is a must. Sorry, we cannot give you anything about style because the signed contract says so.

For you, what are the qualities a fashion designer should have?

Wild imagination and brave enough to try new things all the time.

You are the definition of looking good while doing what you do. What keeps you inspired and empowered?

I don't think I am the definition of looking good. Haha. I think of myself more on how to express myself honestly in my way when I do things. Everything around me inspires me especially my dreams while I am in bed.

Share with us your five Clozette essentials.

Shirts dress, sports shoes, hat, Lipstick and good steam iron.

What’s next for you and your brand?

To design more wearable and comfortable clothes but still speaks MINJUKIM.

Read more inspiring stories about empowering women here.