We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jennifer Chun . Check out our conversation below.
Jennifer , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I have learned from my customers recently is how truly supportive they are. I knew they were supportive but with recent pop up or market events I have taken part in they have all come through in so many ways. I also did not know how much some of my products resonated with them or created nostalgia.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the owner and designer for Uniformed, a brand based in New York City that incorporates Korean heritage. Inspirations are developed from my Korean American upbringing and experiences. I created the line during the pandemic and collaborated with an artisan outside of Seoul which turned into a capsule collection.
This brand is special to me because it evolved from my own personal history of when I studied abroad in Seoul. That extremely memorable time period really shaped who I am now and has helped me to create Uniformed. My experience is unique but it is also a shared experience with many others and my customers.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that really shaped how I saw the world was my travel abroad experience in Seoul in college. I learned more about my culture and my family history. My aunt, uncle and my grandmother at the time all contributed to this personal growth. It was in Korea I decided to switch my major from Law to Fashion Design. My aunt loved fashion and she really showed me how to negotiate with the market vendors. Even back then the department stores and boutiques were unlike anything I saw in the States. I had always had an interest in fashion but never felt like it was an achievable career until my aunt in Korea showed me it was a possibility.
An extremely nostalgic memory for me was while I was there last time, I saw all the school uniforms still being worn by students late at night in an area called Apgujeong-dong. I saw it in every neighborhood but it stood out to me there because it was such a contrast with some of the luxury fashion I saw in front of the department stores. I remember asking about it and a friend who grew up in Korea told me some of the students didn’t have time to change and were going to hagwon which is a cram school. I loved all the school uniforms while I was there.
Earlier this year in March I met a friend/producer in Korea that helped me recreate that moment with a photoshoot in the same neighborhood I had explored in college.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I had another line under my name Jennifer Chun. I put everything into the company. After 10 years we decided to close the line for several reasons even though I felt as if we were finally getting into the right international stores and working with the right people. After that I wanted to give up on fashion design entirely and try something else in design. I learned later what I truly love and thrive on is design but I had to find another way to build a brand again and not the same model as before.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
With this brand I genuinely believe in thoughtfully designing each item by researching heritage, committing to be sustainable where I can, working with artisans or factories that take the time to make each product well, and to stay committed to making sure the technical aspect of each garment reflects my experiences as a designer.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m not sure if I was necessarily born to do this but it feels right and feels the most compatible for my life. I recently met some extended family I had never met before on my mother’s side. After I had closed my 1st line and was thinking about Uniformed as a concept I learned my mother’s aunt, while celebrating her 90th birthday, pioneered fashion for our family. This lead to my other aunts and cousins establishing fashion businesses that I had no idea existed until recently. So I truly feel like this runs in the family. I had no idea where it came from until that moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uniformedworld.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniformed_world/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-chun-3b0219172?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: Uniformed
Image Credits
Bio Photo: Stefano Ortega
CRAM SCHOOL SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA Photos:
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kim Jae Min
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT
Jeong Ji Woo
Creative Direction/Production
Kim Yeon Jin (Lyn)/THE FIRSTFRUITS
HAIR & MAKEUP
Yun Saera
MODELS
Joomi
Ha Kyung
Bin
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