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Glass caught up with the US-born graduate from the Central St Martins menswear MA, Kathleen Kye, the designer behind her eponymous brand KYE, at NYFW SS15. KYE is now based in Seoul, where her elegant take on streetstyle is popular with K Pop stars such as 4minute and CL, as well as the UK’s Rita Ora.
We spoke to Kathleen to discover drives her to create such beautiful work.
Kathleen Kye SS15 Collection
What inspired your latest SS2015 collection?
Bees produce a system that is conducive to creating a pro-life cycle in their society. KYE presents such images in its Spring/Summer 2015 collection in an extension of the concept of unity and connection in our human life.
KYE’s elaborate chain and web patterns deliver the images of our life’s connections with others and our search for unity among us. They are detailed yet somehow harmonized to create an overall effect of a contemporary urban fashion.
The laser-cut chains and web patterns, faux leather bonding, opposite toned sequin embroidery and caviar prints with tiny beads on various styles all provide high-tech rendering requisite to KYE’s fashion creativity. Oversized see-thru tops, jersey tops, printed skajan blousons, and elongated skirts show its unique fun, wit and hip elements.
Kathleen Kye SS15 Collection
In five words or less, describe your design aesthetic.
Contemporary, urban, high-end streetwear
How did you get your start in fashion?
Since I was a young girl, I was always into fashion so I ended up going to Central Saint Martins in London and did my BA and MA there.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I usually get them through people around me- I try to meet new and different people and get inspired from themselves and their lifestyles.
Hair and Makeup backstage at Kathleen Kye SS15
Who is your favourite designer working in fashion today?
I love them all!
Do you have any advice for young people wanting to break into the industry?
I think it is very crucial that you have to be 100 per cent dedicated and passionate about it!
by Hatnim Lee