fleamadonna

Designer

Jei Kim

Category

Women’s / Clothing ,Shoes ,Bags ,Accessories and others

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

As my parents worked together to run a dressing room from before the time I was born, naturally I was under the care of my aunt and uncle from a young age who worked at a factory, and I would always hang out at the dressing room every day until coming to Seoul for university. With many spontaneous opportunities to connect with clothing, I began to love clothing and decided to become a designer. It wasn’t that I prepared to run a brand, but rather the designs done one by one turned out to become fleamadonna.

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What
One point that cannot be overlooked by brands and designers is the point that it cannot be from anywhere and can’t be seen anywhere, and the identity must be clear as well. Therefore, fleamadonna pursues a special sense for ladies who are unique and full of personality. Finally, a realistic and natural feeling is important.

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

I often gain inspiration through music and music videos that I like, as well as searching for new music. I often search by female vocalists, band styles, genres, gestures, and atmospheres.

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

On sale in many cities around the world, including Opening Ceremony (NY, LA, LDN, Tokyo), Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong) Galeries Lafayette (Beijing), and so on. Most fans are female customers who have their own distinct personality who enjoy mostly cute, feminine looks.

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

On sale in many cities around the world, including Opening Ceremony (NY, LA, LDN, Tokyo), Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong) Galeries Lafayette (Beijing), and so on. Most fans are female customers who have their own distinct personality who enjoy mostly cute, feminine looks.

About 2014-15 A/W collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo (or MBFWT) as the venue for presenting your collection?

I want to use this Tokyo Collection as an opportunity to empathize with customers from many generations and show a fleamadonna is still improving and growing.

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2014-15 A/W season?

With a Rain-bow theme.
There are colors inspired by the rainbow color itself, as well as many ribbon details; this is wordplay from dividing the word “rainbow” into “rain” and “bow”, and linking the word “bow” to the ribbon of a bowtie.
While many of the overall forms may appear boyish or mannish being baggy and oversized, a feminine touch was pursued in the details through ribbon decorations and so on.

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

Almost everything was thought up during time alone while thinking of this and that. Rather than some sort of grand theme, it’s closer to searching for a story through things felt in ordinary daily life. While there are some things I discovered while walking the streets, most things come from feelings and emotional conditions that rise up unexpectedly out of the blue while talking to friends.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal for 2014?

Considering fleamadonna as a brand completely for ladies, I would also like to launch a more neutral, unisex line.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

My image of Tokyo is a place that is overflowing with energy 24 hours a day, where everything is perfect and clean.
In particular, the fashion system is faster and distinct than any other city in the world, and each time I visit I feel various things.

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

Harajuku is always an area overflowing with energy related to fashion which influences me. It has a unique feeling unlike that of anywhere in the world, and I am always influenced by it while designing.

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

I enjoy Dover Street Market in Ginza, and I always drop by the Shibuya 109 because of its many interesting items. A personal favorite restaurant of mine is the Mongolian barbecue Jingiskan restaurant in Nakameguro, Fujiya. There is also the 24 hour soup curry specialty restaurant in Shibuya, “Shanti Curry.”