I just love the Internet
and blogging community! Why you ask? Because I get to meet fabulous people like
Jill Aiko Yee, a Los Angeles based designer who contacted me after coming
across the blog. In her email she sent me a few pictures of her most recent
designs and I was immediately a fan! Her aesthetic is what you would expect of
any West Coast designer--ease, comfort, fun and flowy. Yet, what I think sets
Jill apart is her more sophisticated take on these aspects...dare I say there
is a hint of East Coast?
Jill was kind of enough to
do an interview via email, but we plan to get together in L.A. for some
shopping and a visit to her studio next month... So stay tuned for part two.
Until then enjoy getting to know more about my new friend Jill Aiko Yee!
FR: You recently started your clothing line, how did you
know that creating a clothing line and designing is what you wanted to do? How
has the journey/experience been so far?
Jill: Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to have my own
company. My dad did, and so did his dad. But it wasnt until I
graduated Otis College of Art and Design, and worked for Rozae Nichols that I
knew I would stick with fashion. I had an amazing experience there that
opened my eyes to all of design, and its possibilities. The journey so
far has been challenging in every aspect, but so satisfactory because of
that.
FR:You have
the Jill Aiko Yee Label as well as ITtERATIONS Workwear can you tell me a
little bit about each one and what kind of women you see wearing your designs?
Jill: The two labels together can make up a creative woman's
wardrobe from morn to evening. ITtERATIONS Workwear is all about being
comfortable for long hours while still expressing personality and creativity.
My namesake label is for AfterWork - wherever a woman may go, be it
dinner, gallery, or theater it's chic, and unrestrictive. While working
with CFDA award nominee Gregory Parkinson, I saw that color, and fabric choice
go a long way in defining a collection. I take that philosophy with to my
collections. The women that wear my designs are creative, positive, and
socially conscious. These women pave their own paths.
FR: How do you like having your studio in LA's fashion
district? Does it help keep you motivated and inspired?
Jill: I've been in the fashion district of downtown for
nearly 10 years now, and consider it my second neighborhood. I love that
my studio is in a historic building of the fashion district, surrounded by
showrooms, and fabric stores. There is so much history and glamour in
this area, I think people overlook that because many of the storefronts are
cluttered. All of the fabric, and notions stores inspire me... my fave
place to go get lost is the cavernous 3 story warehouse of Ragfinders.
FR: You are currently producing all of your designs
yourself, how has that been? Do you enjoy being able to design and create
personally for your customer?
Jill: Doing my own production is quite a challenge, but all
worth it because it allows me to do what I love. It's so special for me
to be able to work directly with customers in my design space. I love
customizing garments so they fit each individual perfectly, and hearing what
they have to say. Most designers don't have the opportunity to meet the individuals
that wear their clothing, let alone being able to share some champagne, and
great conversation.
FR: Why did you decide to take personal shopping
appointments instead of selling to stores? Can you purchase your designs
online?
Jill: The only places I sell are my own website, and at my
shop by appointment studio. I decided to do this because having appointments
with customers is the most rewarding part of my job. Its a great experience to
help people find what looks good on them, and what expresses their personality.
FR: Your Ombre silk designs are gorgeous, ombre is
obviously a big trend right now, but yours tend toward a more sophisticated
palette and style. What was your inspiration?
Jill: Thanks! Ombre is certainly a trend right now,
but is also a classic look that can always be worn. The inspiration for
the ombre group is watercolor painting, and the beauty of transitions.
Transitions are the often over looked experiences and times that are the
binder to life's great moments. We should cherish them.
FR: What
has been your favorite or most memorable moment as a designer?
Jill: I love being able to make clothes for my mom. She's
worn everything starting with my school projects, and approaches fashion with a
purely experimental attitude, and is never held back by convention.
FR: What advice would you give to those who are
considering becoming designers?
Jill: For those getting into design, I would encourage them
to take note that design is all around us in life. Make your decisions
regarding design carefully, hone your eye. It will guide you, and help
establish your own style. Be persistent!
A few blogger questions:
1. Favorite designer?
Marni - but
the clothes don't fit me!
2. Favorite stores to shop
at?
Creatures of
Comfort on Melrose, OK on 3rd st, and Plastica on 3rd st (all in LA, but have
stores online), Myrtle in Echo Park.
3. Favorite blogs to read?
4. Favorite magazines?
National
Geographic (love the photographs), Elle, and Summary Magazine (new to LA)
5. Do you use pinterest?
6. Favorite Twitter account
to follow?
@suchinpak
