Get to Know: Shanna Kim
What’s your year, your major and hometown?
I am a fourth-year fashion design student. My hometown is New Orleans, La.
Have you lived elsewhere, if so, where?
I lived in Atlanta for six years before moving to Savannah.
Do you have any professional experience?
I was able to have two years of apprenticeship under a master tailor while I lived in Atlanta.
When did you decide to pursue a career in fashion?
Ever since I was a child I had a love for fashion. Maybe because I was slightly deprived of having a lot of clothing because I had uniforms at the schools I attended, but I was always drawing garments so that I could buy that piece another day. After being at University of New Orleans for one semester majoring in interior design, I realized I still wanted to pursue my dreams, so I packed my bags and left for Atlanta.
What inspires you creatively? Professionally?
Creatively, I find inspiration all over. I’ll find myself in a zone and see certain objects or pictures and see shapes and lines then draw on paper my ideas. Professionally? I work very hard and push through obstacles.
What are some of the most pressing issues facing today’s fashion designers? Models? Accessory designers?
Today’s fashion designers, models and accessory designers are having to face issues with our economy as well as more competition.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Hopefully in five years I will have established a role in the company I will work for. I plan to find a job I can get in the fashion industry and work hard to find footing so that I may advance in the direction that suites my work.
Do you have any advice for future SCAD fashion designers or those who are preparing to enter the industry?
My advice would be to never give up on your dreams because you never know what’s right around the corner. Just remember to work really, really hard and don’t expect anything in return; just be a sponge and soak in all the knowledge you will learn from their SCAD (and life) experiences.
How would you categorize your aesthetic?
My aesthetic is ready-to-wear.
Who would be your dream designer to work alongside?
Honestly, I would be blessed to be able to work alongside any designer because each one is different and unique in their own way.
When you think about the future of fashion, what do you see?
Fashion, in my opinion, is heading towards what will be most comfortable and have quick turn arounds for customers. I see consumers being able to shop from the comfort of home in a more intimate experience, like the ambience and feel a consumer would get going into stores and boutiques. Of course at the end of the day, I do believe there is nothing like an experience one would quite get by going into a store like Salvatore Ferragamo and receiving quality service.
