DESIGNER PROFILE – DAVID KIM
What should everyone know about you?
DK: I am a recent graduate at the Fashion Institute of Technology, majoring in sportswear. I am a young designer starting his career journey in fashion.
How would you describe what you do?
DK: Currently, I am just freelancing. I sew and do my own designs on the side.
Why did you choose to be a designer?
DK: My family is a big influence as my parents owned a dry cleaning business and my sister was a hair stylist. My mind was always fascinated with beauty and how fashion is always constantly changing.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
DK: I took some sewing courses when I was in high school and got into it. I moved in with my sister after high school and took fashion courses at a community college where I met some great professors that had successful experiences in New York. I made a collection for the student show at Detroit Fashion Week before transferring to FIT.
Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
DK: I think something that is creatively challenging is rewarding by the organic process. The most stressful situation really comes down in having money; because fashion is expensive!
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
DK: I was actually thinking about this last week… Probably communication design or makeup artist.
How did you get started in design?
DK: Every year my parents do a yard sales in front of their work and sold old customers clothes. I grabbed some in the pile and I would rip them up to see how it was made. I eventually found a small fabric store in downtown Detroit and made a t shirt that was horribly made.
What do you like about what you do?
DK: Expressing myself creatively.
What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
DK: That fashion people are so serious. I actually think people in fashion are quite humorous.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
DK: Hopefully having my own brand and focusing on jackets/outerwear.
What sparked your interest in design?
DK: Fashion is something everybody owns. Some people can say they are not into fashion or only wear Levi jeans and a white t shirt every day. Well, that’s fashion right there, and it’s a uniform that you present yourself with.
How has your work evolved since you began your career?
DK: I don’t think my girl or customer has necessarily have changed throughout when I first started. I think my designs and techniques are more defined and matured.
Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
DK: Mine is more of a style. I HATE men that sag their pants down while showing their boxers! It makes me cringe when I see their crack with the pants down and the boxers showing, that’s the worse!
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
DK: I am fascinated with people and psychology. I saw this homeless lady sitting across from me yesterday and I loved how she layered her hooded bomber jacket with a trench coat. Then she had duct tape wrapped around in front of her boots. Also, It’s not just how a girl dresses; it is also how she wears the clothes and act that is so fascinating to me.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
DK: How to define yourself as a person and to show that into your work. Every look/design has to be reflective from you!
What advice would you give to young designers?
DK: You have to love this, because fashion will NEVER love you first.
What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
DK: To be happy.
Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
DK: That everything happens for a reason.
What’s your motto?
DK: Never let the passion die out. If it does, quit.
Other (feel free to tell the readers anything about you that we didn’t ask)
DK: Follow me on my Instagram: davidkimnyc. I also do private clients and custom clothes.
As a recent F.I.T. graduate, I have skills in pattern-making and draping skills and also learned new insight on tech packs, flats, and computer illustration that is needed as a fashion designer. From working on my senior thesis and projects, my range in what a designer needs to succeed has elevated me more in reaching my goal to be a successful fashion designer. Having design experience, I gained business side of fashion retail, where I was a sales associate, and also a tailor at a high- end clothing boutique. Working as a tailor helped me to become knowledgeable of fabrics, fit and knowing what a customer wants in their wardrobe. On my junior year, I was recommended in becoming a fashion design tutor at F.I.T. in helping students in: draping, pattern-making, and flat and specs.
I have interned with Gemma Kahng’s design department and was a member of the fashion design club at F.I.T. which has helped me to gain communication skills, knowledge on the industry, and take charge in many tasks. As a design intern for Gemma Kahng and Yuna Yang, I excelled in the work that was assigned and want to gain more experience within your company. I have also experienced mass marketing where I interned for Spiegel and that helped my ability to multi task and be a team player.
Learn more at: styleportfolios.com/kimd19 / instagram.com/davidkimnyc