Bio -
Inspired by the Titanic, this collection fulfills the unfinished 1912 voyage to NYC. The collection utilizes 100% recycled fabrics, transforming scraps into intricate trims. Vintage clothing, discarded sails, linen tablecloths, and deadstock fabrics were repurposed then integrated into a pivotal silhouette. Through staining and crystallization, it captures "defiant beauty" within decay.
Reimagining Edwardian silhouettes for today, the collection proves that the elegance of those lost souls has finally arrived. Bella Kim envisions these garments being worn by women who, like herself, crossed borders with hope in search of a new beginning in New York. Inspired by the untold stories of women who were meant to arrive from London in 1912 but whose journeys were tragically left unfinished, her collection reimagines their resilience through fashion. As the culmination of her studies at Parsons, the collection serves as both a tribute to those lost dreams and a celebration of every woman courageous enough to begin again.
Interview -
Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.
From a young age, I always tried to express myself and my feelings through garments. Seeing the John Galliano fashion shows on TV when I was young truly inspired me to create art through fashion, and that spark made me realize this was the path I wanted to dedicate my life to.
How did you learn your skills?
I self taught all my drawings and fashion sketches, but I learned how to sew, construct, and pattern make at Parsons School of Design in New York, where I majored in and graduated with my degree in Fashion Design. I also learned technical skillsets used in the actual fashion industry through hands on internships.
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
My name is Bella (Gyuri) Kim, and my brand philosophy is based on classic elegance with a modern take. I take discarded fabrics and transform them into couture like pieces through creating silhouettes and textures that show the literal passing of time. People often think classical styles are outdated, but I want to prove that things get even more beautiful after time has passed. I try to honor what has been weathered, give new life, and show the beauty that was concealed inside. My customer is someone who connects with this ethos, appreciating garments that carry history, emotional depth, and intentional sustainability, while standing out as wearable art."
From a young age, I always tried to express myself and my feelings through garments. Seeing the John Galliano fashion shows on TV when I was young truly inspired me to create art through fashion, and that spark made me realize this was the path I wanted to dedicate my life to.
I self taught all my drawings and fashion sketches, but I learned how to sew, construct, and pattern make at Parsons School of Design in New York, where I majored in and graduated with my degree in Fashion Design. I also learned technical skillsets used in the actual fashion industry through hands on internships.
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
My name is Bella (Gyuri) Kim, and my brand philosophy is based on classic elegance with a modern take. I take discarded fabrics and transform them into couture like pieces through creating silhouettes and textures that show the literal passing of time. People often think classical styles are outdated, but I want to prove that things get even more beautiful after time has passed. I try to honor what has been weathered, give new life, and show the beauty that was concealed inside. My customer is someone who connects with this ethos, appreciating garments that carry history, emotional depth, and intentional sustainability, while standing out as wearable art."
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
The easiest part for me is creating and generating new design concepts. The hardest part is evaluating whether those designs actually tell the exact story I want to showcase and if they properly depict historical accuracy.
I find inspiration in historical events, nature, and the human body. Freehand draping and physically constructing garments on the form also lead me to discover new inspiration and ideas organically. Color is deeply important, but I believe vintage and faded colors give more luxury and sentimental value to a piece, so I like to keep my palette mostly muted with purposeful pops of color.
Readers would love to know more about the collection you will be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week FW27.
I am showcasing my graduate collection, Resurrected 1912: The New York Arrival, which is inspired by the Titanic Incident. This collection fulfills the Titanic's unfinished voyage from London to New York, built entirely from discarded materials, recycled fabrics, and vintage clothing, with trims and embellishments made from scraps.
For this collection, I felt a strong personal resonance with the incident as an international student from South Korea coming to New York, so I could imagine how everyone on board was full of hopes and dreams of starting a new life. I wanted to fulfill their dreams as I fulfill mine of graduating from my dream school and launching my career.
I have always been captivated by the beauty of the Edwardian era and all of its glory, believing that the beauty of these garments cannot be erased just because they have deteriorated or been torn apart. To bring back the beauty that should have arrived in New York, I reimagined Edwardian silhouettes and incorporated silhouettes formed through underwater deformation. Through natural staining and crystallization, this collection proves that the beauty they had has finally arrived.
I cannot choose just one favorite, but my tweed look holds a special place because it was the very first look I created for the collection. Making that piece gave me the spark and inspiration to build out the entire concept.
Where can readers purchase your designs?
It is not available for purchase yet, as these are one of a kind collection pieces, but soon I hope I can expand my work and create ready to wear garments for sale.
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
I want to show the world and myself what I am capable of as a designer, spread my ideals about sustainable craftsmanship, and send a meaningful message through my work. Looking forward, I want to build my career and let people know my story as I grow, preparing for the day I eventually build my own fashion empire.
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