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Hot off our style radar is FLEAMADONNA, a fashion brand by South Korean designer, JEI KIM!
Hailing from Seoul, Fleamadonna is currently stocked in countries like Tokyo, Hongkong, Bangkok, Belgium and America.
The label, which is known for its penchant for innovative quirks, vibrant colours and catching prints, have been featured in countless magazines from Dazed & Confused Korea to NYLON Japan to Marie Claire as well as Harper’s Bazaar Korea, to name a few! Plus, the label has quite a cult following her both locally and internationally, especially in Korea and Tokyo, where celebrities such as Wonder Girls, 2NE1 and Miryo were spotted wearing Fleamadonna on the streets as well as in their music videos!
What’s really exciting about this label is the way how it disregards the norm with it’s unique and individualistic concepts! For the past seasons, Fleamadonna has been churning out designs that were fueled by whimsical quirkiness meets Rockefeller edginess, citing unconventional inspirations from bunnies to vampires to Minnie Mouse and to even the outer space galaxy!
One can only wonder what kind of daily thoughts go through the brilliant mind of Fleamadonna’s brainchild, which is why we are bringing to you an exclusive SNEAK PEEK to her upcoming Autumn/Winter 2012 collection as well as a special interview with Miss Jei Kim herself:
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Of vampires, rabbits, and even outer space, we have always been awed by your choice of inspirations! So tell us, what’s the inspiration for A/W 2012?
Jei Kim: While preparing for this season, I have designed for many female artists in Korea. And one of the rap singer, in particular, has a strong charisma and that gave me the idea of a lipstick and a bullet. Most of times, my inspirations come from my friends and surroundings, so it’s different this time round!
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What are the key items in this collection?
Jei Kim: It would definitely be the lipstick & bullet print. I have received good responses for it. Although it is a casual design, it is also luxurious and womanly as it is designed with satin, and not jersey.
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In what way is this collection different from your previous ones?
Jei Kim: In terms of design and detail, the Fleamadonna style is pretty prominent in this collection as with all other previous seaons. The unique thing this season, this time round, is the colour scheme. I’ve introduced the black colour, as opposed to the bright colors of my previous collections, to give this collection a more stylish and chic feeling.
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Many celebrities were seen wearing your clothes, do you envision Madonna wearing your clothes some day? Especially since the name of your label was literally inspired by her?
Jei Kim: Definitely, that would be great! I was especially influenced by Madonna during the early years of the brand. But apart from her, I am also influenced by many other impressive and attractive female artists these days.
Who is the Fleamadonna girl?
Jei Kim: The Fleamadonna girl is self-assertive and has a confident character!
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What is fashion to you?
Jei Kim: Fashion is my job and everything that I love. To me, everything is linked to fashion, and it piques my curiosity and expectations of clothes.
What are some of your childhood ambitions? Have you always been interested in fashion?
Jei Kim: Growing up, it has always been my dream to be a fashion designer. It came naturally to me as I actually grew up watching clothes being made all the time. My parents ran a boutique, and my father has been patterning even before I was born. Therefore, I have no other dream, except to be a fashion designer.
What do you do in your spare time when you’re not conjuring the concept and designs for your collection?
Jei Kim: I’ll listen to the music or chat with friends. I also get myself absorbed in the inspirations got from my friends. And I love reading art books and magazines!
It has been 5 years since you’ve launched your Fleamadonna, what are your future plans for the brand?
Jei Kim: I hope Fleamadonna becomes big and of course, I hope I can give and share fun designs with my customers. I have a plan to open an overseas branch office in three years time.
Any plans to open your own store here?
Jei Kim: I’ll definitely consider if there is any opportunity. I first want to visit Singapore if I have a chance this year!
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And we can’t wait for the launch of Fleamadonna’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection here!
Special thanks to Ms. Jei Kim for this exclusive interview, directly from Seoul!
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Shop FLEAMADONNA now + explore the brand at http://www.fleamadonna.com/
COUTURE TROOPERS MAGAZINE 