Givenchy and Hepburn, Saint Laurent and de la Falaise... the relationship between designer and muse has been integral to fashion history. Our favorite contemporary designers and their influences are no exception. This season, we asked designers to photograph the people, places, or objects that inspired their Fall/Winter 2012 collections. From batmobiles in Paris to the best skate spots in Moscow, they did not disappoint. Check out what else they came up with in our new series, "Under the Influence."
Kathleen Hanhee Kye wanted a dancer to model her collection of metal fringe-adorned everything, so why not call up one of the best choreographers in Korea to make it happen? With the help of Ki-Chul, the man behind the moves of K-pop group 2NE1 and YG (the music label/talent agency) artists, maje Korean model Sumi takes a spin in the newest Kye looks. Read up on how this dream team powers Kathleen's collection.
Who is your muse? They are Suim, one of Korea's top models, and Ki-Chul, YG's choreographer.
Describe the first time you met: Suim and I go way back. I met her when I was just a confused, fashion-loving high school kid and she was an up-and-coming model. We were never that close back then but we had a mutual friend who linked us up. Now we live on same street. We're so close that we even share Wi-Fi! Ki-Chul and I met when I was working for 2NE1. He is no doubt one of the best dancers in Korea, so I called him up for the shoot!
How do they influence you? For the Fall/Winter 2012 collection, I wanted to show a lot of movement––the fringes on the clothes look amazing when they move. So of course I had to find the best choreographer and a model who could dance like crazy!
What’s the relationship between designer and muse? My inspiration doesn't usually stem from a muse, but as the collection progresses I can picture certain people wearing it. They are usually people around me, and then some icons. Visualizing help me a lot, especially when it comes to styling.
Does your inspiration change from season to season? Is there any concept that you feel always has an influence on your collection? They do change season to season, but I always try to pick a very serious, heavy, or even dark theme. Then it is Kye's job to transform it into something that's light and funny and beautiful.
Have you and your muse ever worked collaboratively? If so, how? Yes. These photos are actually the stills from the short video that we worked on together, which was shot by Inki Kang. Planet Shiver made a special tune for it, too. Ki-Chul came up with the routine, and Suim danced like crazy for hours.
Does he/she have a secret talent? Suim makes jewerly and shoes.
Do you have any secret talents? I used to jive.
Shop all Kye here | See all "Under the Influence" stories
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Kathleen Hanhee Kye wanted a dancer to model her collection of metal fringe-adorned everything, so why not call up one of the best choreographers in Korea to make it happen? With the help of Ki-Chul, the man behind the moves of K-pop group 2NE1 and YG (the music label/talent agency) artists, maje Korean model Sumi takes a spin in the newest Kye looks. Read up on how this dream team powers Kathleen's collection.
Who is your muse? They are Suim, one of Korea's top models, and Ki-Chul, YG's choreographer.
Describe the first time you met: Suim and I go way back. I met her when I was just a confused, fashion-loving high school kid and she was an up-and-coming model. We were never that close back then but we had a mutual friend who linked us up. Now we live on same street. We're so close that we even share Wi-Fi! Ki-Chul and I met when I was working for 2NE1. He is no doubt one of the best dancers in Korea, so I called him up for the shoot!
How do they influence you? For the Fall/Winter 2012 collection, I wanted to show a lot of movement––the fringes on the clothes look amazing when they move. So of course I had to find the best choreographer and a model who could dance like crazy!
What’s the relationship between designer and muse? My inspiration doesn't usually stem from a muse, but as the collection progresses I can picture certain people wearing it. They are usually people around me, and then some icons. Visualizing help me a lot, especially when it comes to styling.
Does your inspiration change from season to season? Is there any concept that you feel always has an influence on your collection? They do change season to season, but I always try to pick a very serious, heavy, or even dark theme. Then it is Kye's job to transform it into something that's light and funny and beautiful.
Have you and your muse ever worked collaboratively? If so, how? Yes. These photos are actually the stills from the short video that we worked on together, which was shot by Inki Kang. Planet Shiver made a special tune for it, too. Ki-Chul came up with the routine, and Suim danced like crazy for hours.
Does he/she have a secret talent? Suim makes jewerly and shoes.
Do you have any secret talents? I used to jive.
Shop all Kye here | See all "Under the Influence" stories
