hong kiyoung 2014 Fall / Winter Collection / 홍기영 / hong kiyoung / hongkiyoung / 홍기영 디자이너 / NICHE / NICHE MAGAZINE /

Chillin’ at 89th Ave with Hong Kiyoung at Vancouver Fashion Week

When it comes to international designer Hong Kiyoung, there is certainly more to him than meets the eye. With the crazy atmosphere at Vancouver Fashion Week’s behind the scenes, it was quite a challenge to locate where he was. This was due to the fact that he was part of a greater scheme – he presented himself as the last look of the show, his face under a ski mask hiding his true identity and unveiling who he was at the end of the runway unbeknownst to anyone. Trickster? Yes. Pure Genius? Undoubtedly.
Kiyoung’s fashion ideas came from his love of contemporary arts but his inspiration for fashion design came from his father. “My father was interested in fashion design and was a fashion designer. He had to leave his profession that is why I stepped in and continued on his path” he said. Born in 1989, he decided to call his current Fall 2014 collection Chillin at 89^th Ave. which comprised of urban ready-to-wear pieces. “This season I wanted to use more fabrication, more diversity” and he added, “So that’s why in order to bring it together I thought the best way would be through storytelling.”
And he did tell a story – a story that started in 89^th avenue with people who lived different lifestyles. A young man was going to work in a sharp black suit embellished with a snakeskin leather collar. There was also a young journalist perhaps who was wearing a pair of frames that were elaborated with garden-like ornaments to compliment his matching floral-patterned, collared shirt and plaid pants.


All looks were paired with sneakers that were collaborated with Italian shoe designer FESSURA. Hong Kiyoung’s collection were made with such precision, all playful and dynamic. He made use of different fabrics and textures “I wanted to put the different fabrications into that story” he explained further.
What’s most compelling about this young designer is the time he spent in making his collection. “I made some of the suits in under five minutes.” he proudly replied. And for the whole collection one might ask, “I’ve been thinking about doing this type of collection all the time but I just started making it three months ago.”
Though the story has been told, there is a lot more to look forward to when it comes to this young designer’s high-street wear. And Hong Kiyoung’s last words before he starts anew, “The idea is definitely not from street style but I want MY STYLE to be on the street.” All his fashion fans will just have to wait. His next collection might just be out of this world.
Interviews conducted by Jr. Fashion Assistant Josie Saldat and Fashion Intern Gracie Welch – NICHE magazine

http://www.nichemagazine.ca/fashion-beauty/niche-interview-hong-kiyoung-vfw/