Designer DETAIL - Yeojin Bae
Clever contrasts – Yeojin Bae's ‘Bohemian Aristocrat’
Recently awarded one of the most prestigious awards for young designers, the LMFF Designer Award, Sydney based designer Yeojin Bae is flying high. With critically acclaimed collections and a collaboration with Target under her belt, not to mention plans for expansion up her sleeve, 2008 is sure to bring big things to this talented designer.
Launching pad
Yeojin Bae launched her debut collection “Sweet Seduction” in May 2006 and instantly garnered orders from prestigious international stores including Barneys in New York, Matches in London, and Harvey Nichols in Dubai.
“This collection (Sweet Seduction) was very much for myself and my girlfriends. We love to dress up, wear something unique and appreciate beautiful fabrics and cut,” Yeojin says.
With over 80 stockists, the collection has been received to high acclaim by both buyers and fashion stylists locally and abroad. Yeojin’s appeal to the fashion world lies in her ability to create whimsical and naturally beautiful dresses for the free spirited, modern day girl.
Jet set fashion
Having graduated from the Whitehouse School of Design in Sydney in 1992, Yeojin began her career as a design assistant to leading Australian designer Jodie Boffa. After several years experience with Jodie, Yeojin went to New York to further her design experience through internships with Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and Robert Danes.
Back in Australia in 1996, Yeojin freelanced with Marcs before establishing a long term placement with Charlie Brown. As a senior designer, Yeojin lent her design skills to over five top selling brands including Charlie Brown, Princess Charlotte and Lili.
“I spent many years working for other designers and it was very exciting to see the design process of other creative people. I interned during a fun period at Marc Jacobs when they were setting up his diffusion line Marc,” Yeojin says.
In 2002, Yeojin was approached to head up Saba Womenswear to bring her own personal style to the brand. Over six collections she flourished, with her passion for vintage prints and intricate vintage trims signaling a point of difference in the competitive women’s market. After more than thirteen years in womenswear, Yeojin has now launched her own namesake label, which has been a long time in the making.
“It really felt like now or never. I had built up so much experience over the last 14 years, but at age 30 felt ready to tackle my own business,” says Yeojin.
Look out for more Yeojin in the year to come, as this passionate designer is set to launch on the retail front.
“(My label) will definitely become bigger in size and offer more co ordinates but dresses will still remain at the heart of the collection. And I would love to have my first retail space in Australia shortly,” says Yeojin.
Traversing through old world Europe.
The Autumn/Winter 08 collection ‘Bohemian Aristocrat’ sees Yeojin inspired by the romantic cities of old world Europe.
Russian folk dresses and traditional Polish embroidery feature along with an Italian brocade sleeveless shift and a selection of precisely cut blazers.
Yeojin’s colour palette is rich; the shades of red, purple, gold and navy are sophisticated and regal. Find high waisted pants in original prints, a luxurious maxi dress and Polish inspired minidress, teamed with open toed boots. Worked back with black layers and black on black detailing, the look for winter feels understated yet opulent.
Yeojin Bae’s winter collection is available at Myer & selected boutiques nationally from February 2008 – visit www.yeojinbaedesign.com for more information, or click here to see more of the ‘Bohemian Aristocrat’ collection.
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