In honor of NYFW, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to find three of the coolest up-and-coming designers—who, in this case, happen to be fresh out of college. You may not have heard of them just yet, but trust us when we say that these recent grads will be more than just a blip on your radar very soon. Ready for some serious inspiration and a healthy dose of motivation? Meet Ka Young Jeong, Christopher John Rogers and Jihyun Kim:
Ka Young Jeong
Photo provided by Ka Young Jeong.
CollegeFashionista: What was your experience at Rhode Island School of Design like? What was your specific major?
Ka Young Jeong: At RISD my major was apparel design and I absolutely loved my four years at RISD. I think what I enjoyed most about RISD were the studio classes I could take outside of my major. Thus, I was able to explore venues outside of my major yet still relating to fashion, such as leather shoe-making and wearable technology.
CF: What skills do you think are imperative to launching your own brand post college?
KYJ: Although I’m a recent grad and probably not in the position to say what is essential in launching your own brand, I believe not only must you understand the construction of garments, but must also learn the business side of fashion. You can’t have skills in either one. You need to have skills in both the creative side and business side.
CF: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?
KYJ: My inspiration comes from many sources, but what I find myself often doing is drawing inspiration from two contrasting ideas and combining the two. Once I have a concept, I start gathering a lot of visual resources then try exploring different ways I could translate them into my design.
Photo provided by Ka Young Jeong.
CF: Do you design your own clothes? If not, where do you shop?
KYJ: When I was in school I was too occupied with studio work to design clothes for myself. My graduation collection was a menswear collection, but can see myself wear it around. Now that I have more time, I think I’m going to start designing my own clothes.
CF: Who is your design icon?
KYJ: Growing up as a kid, my design icon was Alexander McQueen. He was what made me see fashion not only as something you wear, but as a form of art. Admiring his work, I grew up hoping someday that I could also create a wearable work of art.
CF: How is the industry changing that you think will impact young designers?
KYJ: I feel like with fast fashion taking over a big part of the industry, recycling clothes is also becoming a crucial factor that we must take into consideration. Therefore young designers will not only have to be creative, but also find ways to recycle clothes and reduce the waste that is polluting our environment.
CF: Where are you from, how old are you and what is your current job title?
KYJ: I was born in South Korea; however I’ve only lived there for two years. Growing up I moved around a lot and ended up living in seven different countries. I am 22 years old, currently in New York and interning at Public School.
To see more of Ka Young Jeong’s work, check out her website and Instagram.
Christopher John Rogers
Photo provided by Christopher John Rogers.
CollegeFashionista: What was your experience at Savannah College of Art and Design like? What was your specific major?
Christopher John Rogers: SCAD was the perfect place for me to develop my own specific point of view as a designer without a constant pressure to fit a certain mold. Being surrounded by color, nature, inspiring architecture and competitive but encouraging peers definitely helped me develop tremendously as a designer. I graduated three months ago with a BFA in Fashion.
CF: What skills do you think are imperative to launching your own brand post college?
CJR: A thorough understanding of both the business and creative development sides of fashion, as well as the ability to differentiate the way you operate from other companies and brands. Take your time.
CF: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?
CJR: Indigenous cultures from all over the globe, midcentury expressionist art, architecture and interior design, and finding a specific niche between utilitarian, wearable clothing and extravagant glamour.
Photo via @christopherjohnrogers
CF: Do you design your own clothes? If not, where do you shop?
CJR: Sometimes I wear things that I’ve designed—a lot of my pieces have a unisex fit. But I usually buy reliable basics from J. Crew and Club Monaco and might splurge on pieces from Dries Van Noten, Marni and Acne.
CF: Who is your design icon?
CJR: A combination of Yves Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten and Galliano.
CF: How is the industry changing that you think will impact young designers?
CJR: It’s becoming a lot more demanding in the amount of collections expected to be offered per year, which puts a bit more stress on smaller companies and young designers, but it also gives more room to expound on ideas and concepts. Also, there’s more room to experiment with business models and delivery schedules, which is more freeing.
CF: Where are you from, how old are you and what is your current job title?
CJR: I’m from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I’m 22 years of age, and I’m currently a freelance design assistant.
To see more of Christopher’s work, check out his website and Instagram.
Jihyun Kim
Photo provided by Jihyun Kim.
CollegeFashionista: What was your experience at Pratt like? What was your specific major?
Jihyun Kim: I was studying BFA fashion design at Pratt Institute. I really like the fashion program at Pratt because their curriculum is very balanced between fashion and art. I think that Pratt curriculum mainly focuses on incorporating conceptual design with hand craftsmanship. Especially, textile and fine art classes are very helpful to create new textiles and materials.
CF: What skills do you think are imperative to launching your own brand post college?
JK: I think that the business mind is very important for young designers and communication with factories is inevitable skill when designers are launching their brand. And, social connection is very important too.
CF: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?
JK: I mostly get inspiration from contemporary photographers work, masterpieces, and gallery or museum spaces. I really love to visit gallery spaces see the contemporary work because sometimes the overall atmosphere gives me lots of feelings and ideas. Sophie Calle, Juergen Teller, Cy Twombly and Rene Magritte are my favorite artists.
CF: Do you design your own clothes? If not, where do you shop?
JK: No. I enjoy very simple black looks… so I mostly shop at Zara.
Photo provided by Jihyun Kim.
CF: Who is your design icon?
JK: Phoebe Philo. I admire her too.
CF: How is the industry changing that you think will impact young designers?
JK: I think that big award or programs changed young designers’ future, such as Vfiles, H&M award and Vogue award. These programs gave lots of opportunities to introduce new brands and young talents.
CF: Where are you from, how old are you and what is your current job title?
JK: I am from Seoul, South Korea. I am 22 years old. My job title is “freelance assistant designer” and I keep developing my collection and artwork. After graduating, I tried to balance my work between my job and doing my own season so I hope that I’ll be introducing next season with great design! Thanks!
For more of Jihyun Kim’s work, check out her website and Instagram.
