We sat with Kiminte Kimhekim, the founder of KIMHE?KIM a South Korean label on the rise, already a must see part of Paris Fashion Week. Kiminte talks to our Editor Zarko Davinic about starting his own business, the meaning of Seoul in his work and all things LOVE for DSCENE Magazine’s Issue 15.
What was the point when you realized fashion is what you wanted to spend your days doing? – There was no specific point that made me realize fashion is what I wanted to spend my life doing, but my interest in fashion came very naturally to me as I was used to making garments for Barbie dolls since I was very young.
One lesson and expression I always keep in mind is, “If you want to go faster, do it alone but if you want to go farther, do it together”
What’s one lesson you learned when starting your own business? – One lesson and expression I always keep in mind is, “If you want to go faster, do it alone but if you want to go farther, do it together”.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced and how did you get past it? – There are always so many things I want to achieve that it’s always hard to try to minimize the amount of things I want to do.
What do you want your customers to feel when they put on your clothing? – I want them to feel more poetic and stronger in their life. I also want them to feel like they have become a sensitive and artistic person just by wearing my clothes.
Your atelier is based in Seoul, how much does the city itself play part in your collections? – Seoul is an inspiring city, especially the Samcheong area where we have our head-quarter. You can easily find artistic galleries and monumental places like the royal palace and museums where I can find the aesthetics for my artwork. Also, the fact that I could share my life with the young generation who visit these places makes my work lively and fun. I feel fortunate to work in such an inspirational environment.
KIMHEKIM’s heart shape symbolizes self-love which to some people could be perceived as narcissism, but I want the collection to be perceived as poetic and simple like the general concept of love. At the same time, I try to make the collection feminine and strong
Heart shape is part of the KIMHE?KIM design signature but what do you LOVE most about your job? – KIMHEKIM’s heart shape symbolizes self-love which to some people could be perceived as narcissism, but I want the collection to be perceived as poetic and simple like the general concept of love. At the same time, I try to make the collection feminine and strong. I love that I could make a collection like this, and I think these characteristics are what make my work attractive to my clients and myself as well.
How would you define LOVE? – Strong stimulation that makes it possible for me to do anything unconditionally.
Where does your LOVE for fashion come from? – My love for fashion comes from the precious memories of my childhood when I made garments for barbie dolls with my grandmother.
RELATED: KIMH?KIM Fall Winter 2021.22 Collection
Do you believe in LOVE at first sight? – Of course I do. Isn’t that what you call true love?
What’s your favourite LOVE quote? – “Love yourself first before loving others.” This is my favorite quote and the reason why I put “Love Yourself” as the title for my FW21 collection. I believe that people who truly love themselves have the capacity to truly love others as well.
Keep up with Kiminte and his work on Instagram @maison_kimhekim
Full Interview originally published in DSCENE Magazine Issue 15 – read it now.
