Interview with Chae Yoon Yoo
Design Legend Interview
26 April 2017
When I was young, growing up at my mother’s design studio, my mom’s professional background as a fashion designer enabled me to have earlier access to experiment with colors, textiles and sketching idea of my own. I was born in South Korea and went a private art boarding school in US, Vermont. I studied BFA Fashion Design at Parsons the New School of Design, New York. At the same time, I completed a special 4 years course for a tailoring, draping, and pattern in Mods Fashion School.
I choose to become a fashion designer. I always wanted to be part of fashion world and see my collection in runway.
I design ready to wear women’s collection. My focus is on Outerwear design. I like to set silhouette structured and tailored because it’s the most effective way to give a woman strong looking wear. I design the collection that women can feel empowered by wearing a garment.
I believe there is no such as good or bad design, but it is important who is my customer. I am an fashion artist and a selling merchant at the same time. When I create my collections, I always ask to myself where do I sell my garments and Who will be my customer.
Yves Henri Donat Mathieu - Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent’s trend-setting Le Smoking evening trouser-suit for women. The look of Le Smoking is the one of biggest mater-pieces by Yves Saint Laurent and it gave me a huge inspiration for my design style.
I must be in this fashion industry, but I might be a fashion buyer.
My designs represent myself. My collections reflect my journey, background, ego, thought, interest, and life.
Living in this complicated world, we undergo and experience many social issue. A fashion designer cannot directly solve a social issue or problem right away, but can keep telling to the world what is wrong through creating a related collection or slogan print on garment. Instead of just designing a looking good collection, it’s also important a designer should be aware of and responsible with helping society and environment through collections and designs.
Monochromatic colors like white and black. Gold and silver hardware. The combination of monochromatic colors and bold shiny hardware is always right.
Walk on the street. Since I have lived in New York City, I walk more than riding a car. The entire city gives me motivation and inspiration. There is a moment suddenly thinking of some designs, or concepts and branching many ideas of collection design on my mind by walking on the street. I usually make notes on my phone and develop those ideas on my designs.
Well, I am not sure it was obvious that i would be a great designer but I have a moment that I decided to be a fashion designer. I had a small fashion show in high school. It was an annual event for kids who took a fashion design class. I still remember that feeling of excitement that more than hundred of people looking and taking pictures of my garments. After that, I truly wanted to be a fashion designer.
Designer Interview
26 April 2017
When I was young, growing up at my mother’s design studio, my mom’s professional background as a fashion designer enabled me to have earlier access to experiment with colors, textiles and sketching idea of my own. Her glasses and pile of books on her desk always reminds me that artist’s inspiration that organizes individual elements and details creates a balanced and pleasant arrangement is not serendipity but an acquisition. I was born in South Korea and went a private art boarding school in US, Vermont. I studied BFA Fashion Design at Parsons the New School of Design, New York. At the same time, I completed a special 4 years course for a tailoring, draping, and pattern in Mods Fashion School.
CHAE newyork is designed and produced in new york, US and seoul, Korea. CHAE offers the industry modern luxe with an edge. CHAE mixes luxurious tailoring, and comfortable fabrications to create most edge and comfortable wears in collections that complement the modern and tailored based silhouettes.
My designs represent myself. My collections reflect my journey, background, ego, thought, interest, and life.
My most focus is on Outerwear design. I am very happy to have the first mock up fitting because it is the first time I will see the design in actual garment. And I can easily figure out and fix problems.
My favorite material is Woven especially Wool-Cashmere blend and double-faced wool. I love to work with heavy fabric such as woven, leather, and fur. I think it’s because of my preference, structured shape.
On the street. Since I have lived in New York City, I walk more than riding a car. There is a moment suddenly thinking of some designs, or concepts and branching many ideas of collection design on my mind by walking on the street. I usually make notes on my phone and develop those ideas on my designs.
Classic silhouette, but bold detail. Comfortable fit.
I believe there is no such as good or bad design, but it is important who is my customer. I am an fashion artist and a selling merchant at the same time. When I create my collections, I always ask to myself where do I sell my garments and Who will be my customer.
Living in this complicated world, we undergo and experience many social issue. A fashion designer cannot directly solve a social issue or problem right away, but can keep telling to the world what is wrong through creating a related collection or slogan print on garment. Instead of just designing a looking good collection, it’s also important a designer should be aware of and responsible with helping society and environment through collections and designs.
My last exhibition and fashion show was at El Museo Del Barrio, one of museum in New York, July 2017.
As i mention in previous question, inspirations are coming from my journey, background, ego, thought, interest, and life.
Starting with personal primary research - secondary research - draping or deconstructing garments - sketches - researching fabrics, trims, and materials - mock up - fitting - producing garments.
As a fashion designer, it is significant to translate your concept and slogan into collection. Second, a designer should know every process from researching to producing a garment. Third, a designer should be aware of customer’s needs.
One project usually takes 3-4months from designing to producing, but it depends on fashion seasonal calendar.
I am going to work in New York for few more years and would like to experience Europe fashion industry.
Please contact me through email and website.
www.chaeyoonyoo.com
info@chaeyoonyoo.com
www.chaeyoonyoo.com
info@chaeyoonyoo.com