fashion designer yeojin bae
When I met Jean-Francois Ponthieux a little while ago, he spoke about his wife. She was a fashion designer who had worked for Saba and Charlie Brown. He also told me she'd done an internship with Marc Jacobs. I had to learn more. When I did a little research, I discovered that she was actually the same woman whose clothes I had been coveting for some time. The tailoring is amazing. Yeojin Bae's star keeps on rising. And what a creative couple!
Which five words best describe you? Creative, silent, inquisitive, determined, traveller.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer as soon as I could talk. My grandfather was a fashion designer in Korea and I attended art school from the age of 4. After graduating from the Whitehouse Fashion institute I worked for 13 years as a designer across brands such as Charlie Brown and Saba. I also interned in New York in my early 20s for Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui to gain more experience. At age 30 I finally launched my brand, and I love the freedom from creating pieces that I love.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? It's not possible to do everything yourself! Ask for help, delegate and don’t take on too much at once.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Winning the LMFF designer award in my first year and getting my Barneys order with my first collection.
What’s been your best decision? Getting my sister to help me with the finance and business side of my work.
Who inspires you? I’ve spent time recently with French musician Emilie Simon, I love her passion and inquisitive nature.
What are you passionate about? Travel and getting the most out of each new environment. I'm writing this from Paris.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? At the moment I just want to spend more time with family and friends; I’ve been locked away with finishing the collection and travels.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Career-wise to show in New York Fashion Week.
What are you reading? A biography – Bonhoeffer. I devour books when I travel on planes.
images courtesy of yeojin bae