As we step into Juun.J’s studio, the designer, wearing his own black leather blouson, offers a handshake with a friendly smile. It's midway through Seoul Fashion Week, but the mood is serene. Perhaps the rainy fall day helps. The studio space, in Cheongdam dong, Seoul's main luxury shopping thoroughfare, was filled with candles—including one designed by Juun.J himself—magazines, a dried flower bouquet, and plenty of fabric swatches and inspiration boards.
Shop Juun.J here
HONG SUKWOO: For the past two seasons, your collection has been defined by exaggerated volume and sharp silhouettes. How did this signature look come to be?
JUUN.J: Silhouette is the most important part of my designs, and my silhouette is based on an Asian fit. Reinterpretation of classics is the unflinching theme of Juun.J, and it is usually inspired by Western attire. But, the oversized silhouette and items like wide pants are based on Asian garments. Personally, I love simple styles such as white shirts and loose-fitting pants, and it always excites me to play with them and make them special.
What inspires you as you prepare a collection each season?
Streets are the biggest place I find inspiration. Street fashion, as its name suggests, is very common, yet it is avant-garde at the same time. Sometimes people I see on the streets are more stylish than models on the runway. As well, I'm influenced by so-called fashion leaders, older people wearing clothes from past generations, and military uniforms.
I am also inspired by my frequent trips to Paris, where I present my collections. Paris is a city that has a unique ambience different from other places, as it's fashionable and artistic minds are welcomed. Walking on the streets, drinking a cup of coffee, and people-watching there are all sources of inspiration.
How do you spend your time when you're not designing?
I tried to relax as much as possible. It is important for me to meditate, read a book, watch a film, and listen to a music to put work aside. Also, it is always great to see people I love and have a meal and drinks together. Among all, my favorite pastime is spending time with my pet dog, Junny. She is the most important family member I have. Just watching her run around helps me recuperate and gives me joy.
It's almost 2015. How has 2014 treated you so far?
2014 has been a great year. I live with fierce passion so that I'll never have to hear “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve” later on. Collaborating with a sports brand was one of the wishes I've always had, and I ended up working with adidas this
The first thing Juun.J shows us is his detailed schedule for the next 90 days, leading up to his runway show at Paris Fashion Week in January. No surprise: the calendar is packed. Juun.J is one of a select few menswear designers who has managed to constantly innovate in a universe that's more restrictive than womenswear. Unique silhouettes are his signature: think oversized trench coats, fitted leather jumpsuits, rounded sweatshirts with vivid graphics, or reinvented Zoot Suits. He collaborates with new artists each season—this fall, it's sign artist Josh Luke.
Yet even with such high-fashion influence, Juun.J finds inspiration primarily on the streets. Read the interview to find out why, and scroll through the pictures for a peek at his studio (as well as his Gremlins obsession).Shop Juun.J here
HONG SUKWOO: For the past two seasons, your collection has been defined by exaggerated volume and sharp silhouettes. How did this signature look come to be?
JUUN.J: Silhouette is the most important part of my designs, and my silhouette is based on an Asian fit. Reinterpretation of classics is the unflinching theme of Juun.J, and it is usually inspired by Western attire. But, the oversized silhouette and items like wide pants are based on Asian garments. Personally, I love simple styles such as white shirts and loose-fitting pants, and it always excites me to play with them and make them special.
What inspires you as you prepare a collection each season?
Streets are the biggest place I find inspiration. Street fashion, as its name suggests, is very common, yet it is avant-garde at the same time. Sometimes people I see on the streets are more stylish than models on the runway. As well, I'm influenced by so-called fashion leaders, older people wearing clothes from past generations, and military uniforms.
I am also inspired by my frequent trips to Paris, where I present my collections. Paris is a city that has a unique ambience different from other places, as it's fashionable and artistic minds are welcomed. Walking on the streets, drinking a cup of coffee, and people-watching there are all sources of inspiration.
How do you spend your time when you're not designing?
I tried to relax as much as possible. It is important for me to meditate, read a book, watch a film, and listen to a music to put work aside. Also, it is always great to see people I love and have a meal and drinks together. Among all, my favorite pastime is spending time with my pet dog, Junny. She is the most important family member I have. Just watching her run around helps me recuperate and gives me joy.
It's almost 2015. How has 2014 treated you so far?
2014 has been a great year. I live with fierce passion so that I'll never have to hear “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve” later on. Collaborating with a sports brand was one of the wishes I've always had, and I ended up working with adidas this