A Song of Timelessness
Geometric shapes of silk, suede, and leather come together in formfitting cocktail dresses that come in dark shades and earth tones. Inspired by the texture and colors of fabrics, 27-year-old Korean designer Ji Young Song launched her label, Ji Young Song for ArtsEcho Design...
Geometric shapes of silk, suede, and leather come together in formfitting cocktail dresses that come in dark shades and earth tones. Inspired by the texture and colors of fabrics, 27-year-old Korean designer Ji Young Song launched her label, Ji Young Song for ArtsEcho Design, with the help of Sandra Bendor, executive director of ArtsEcho Galleria in Union City, New Jersey. The concept for the line revolves around sustainable couture, an idea that’s catching on in the fashion world in recent years.
An emerging designer in New York, Song actually made her debut in the 2005 Hong Kong Fashion Week, and in the same year won the best design award for Levi’s fashion contest before moving to New York three years ago. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Song honed her skills interning at Tahari ASL of Elie Tahari and later, working for Calvin Klein women’s sportswear.
Coming from Seoul, Song possesses an aesthetic that’s unique to Korea and a keen sense of observation that makes minute details stand out to her. She admits that she owes her gift of sartorial dexterity to Korean couture culture, which prides itself on exquisite handiwork. “These elements have encouraged me to develop my creativity and embody ideas in real garments harmoniously,” Song says.
To have her own label had always been Song’s dream. Having travelled and experienced in different cultures, education systems, and work surroundings, Song finally landed an opportunity to introduce her designs at ArtsEcho during her preparation for her line. Acting as a launchpad, ArtsEcho showcases Song’s environmentally friendly garments on an ongoing basis.
Pleasing to the eyes and good for mother earth, Song’s pieces are characterized by sophisticated elements and labor-intensive weaves. Playing with textures of fabric, Song demonstrates in each dress her refined techniques as a couturiere, from classic little black dresses with a Parisian twist, to
elaborate cocktail dresses paired with feather shawls.
Treating each of her garment as a work of art, it seems like Song sees herself more as an artisan than a designer. “I think of fashion as art,” Song says, “and every item I design and make shows my own identity and creativity.” For her latest collection, the staple is a dress that has several kinds of leathers, suede, and plaid raw silk intertwined with her signature weaving. “This dress is a good example of the connection between fashion and art,” Song says.
On May 15 at ArtsEcho’s fashion show, Song’s fall/winter ‘10 collection met the public for the first time, along with fashion illustration she drew for the pieces. “I was grateful to audience for their favorable evaluation,” Song says. “I believe they enjoyed fashion in art that day.”
Song’s design philosophy centers on sophistication, elegance, and uniqueness. To be one-of-a-kind, she is always thinking about how to make something look different while staying pragmatic at the same time. “My career in the fashion field has been helpful in controlling designs so as not to go too far in a purely artistic direction, and [I] always have pieces that are highly wearable,” Song says. “I feel that I pursue styles that both enhance the modern woman and express who she is.”
