Our third Sorrento Series GRAY Conversation, in partnership with IDSWest, is this Thursday. GRAY is bringing together some of the region's top fashion designers for a conversation about what's happening in the PNW fashion world. From clothing and jewelry to handbags and shoes, this panel of sartorial all-stars will talk about how we went from sportswear to street chic. We chatted with our panelists (check out the blog tomorrow for the second half) about the start of their careers, their favorite garments, and who they dream of dressing.
Join us at the Sorrento for cocktails (cash bar) in Top of the Town at 6 pm. Panel discussion starts at 7 pm.
Tickets are still available HERE.
SUK CHAI, SCHAI
How would you
describe your personal style?
Non-bounded. I want things to be not-too-perfect. Timeless
with unique artistic elements. Approachable with a bit of messy-cool.
How did you first get
into fashion?
I think it started with paper dolls when I was a little kid
growing up in Korea in the 70s. I was the last of my siblings, so I wore
hand-me-downs and waited up to six years for my brother’s tweed double-breasted
coat. I always wanted to have clothing that was just for me, so the easiest and
cheapest way to do that was to make my own paper dolls and their clothing.
What is your favorite
piece you’ve ever made?
 |
| The Duplex Sleeveless Coat Image: Charlie Schuck. Model: Katie Joy Blanksma |
Every season I have my favorite. I am obsessed with the Duplex
Sleeveless Coat from the upcoming FW2015 Collection, which was inspired by the World
Trade Center Twin Towers, built in 1972. It looks amazing on every height and
figure, creates multiple looks, and is appropriate for every occasion.
What is the most
exciting part of the fashion scene here in the Northwest?
There is this zen-ness in the culture. Seattle is not about
glamour and showiness; we care about the story behind each design and its materials,
and how they inspired the creator as well as the consumer. Whether a piece is
up-cycled or brand-new, it’s conscious design with purpose. In Seattle, we are
more cognizant of how and where things are made; therefore designers are very
conscious to create beautiful things that are meaningful and will last.
What fall trends are
you looking forward to most?
Coats. Oversize coats, sleeveless coats, dress coats,
cropped coats, maxi coats, sweater coats… It’s all about the coats.
If you could design
an outfit for anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Tilda Swinton. No question about it. She is magical.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe
my style as an eclectic razor blade. I dress in soft, romantic
clothing with edge, mixing modern and vintage. Oh, and I love a good black bra
moment!
How did you first get into fashion?
I started sewing
and altering my own clothing in high school. With little money for back-to-school
shopping, I would go to local thrift shops and buy by the pound, then alter the
pieces to create something new. I love clothing with a story, which is why
vintage has such a special place in my heart, and why I design emotive pieces.
 |
| Pieces designed for LED dance company. Image courtesy of Michelle Lesniack. |
What is your favorite piece you’ve ever
made?
Oh golly. This is
a tough one! Every new garment I make is my favorite. I am in love with with the
work we did for an upcoming dance company called LED based out of Boise,
Idaho.
What is the most exciting part of the
fashion scene here in the Northwest?
What I love about
the fashion scene here in the Northwest is that it is ever-changing, like the
weather. It is also accepting of all styles and letting one’s freak flag fly. I
like being different, and the PNW gives a hug to those trend-setters and
dressers of different styles.
What fall trends are you looking forward to
most?
Layering.
Burgundy is back again! Print mixing and heavy floral—think
bohemian brocade!
If you could design an outfit for anyone,
dead or alive, who would it be?
Currently it would
be: Florence Welch, Rooney Mara, and Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame.
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