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Q1 Could you tell us what did you get the concept for SS 2008 collection?
I can't say there was one concept for Spring 2008, but I think in retrospect I was greatly influenced by these great dessert and candy shops that opened in my neighborhood. There is this great Spainish gourmet deli that opened up down the street and I remember tasting all of their different types of exotic honey and being fascinated with the color and texture and how the honey would dribble down the spoon. Then this other great candy shop opened right across the street from me and maybe walking the window with all the vibrant colored candy everyday on the way to the studio influenced my color sense for SP 08.
Q2 What was your best experience in designing bags?
My best experience when designing handbags or anything for that matter is hearing friends, family and customers tell me how functional their bags are or how great they feel when they carry my designs. |
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Q3 What do you think is the most important element in your design?
The most important thing to me when designing is that the form/shape must be simple and classic. When you distill something down to its most simplistic form, I think it has a timeless quality, this way someone carrying my handbags can carry my designs for many seasons without it becoming old or dated.
Q4 What fashion trends, if any, are influencing your bags?
I don't necessarily like focusing too hard on figuring out what the trends are or what the next big trend is going to be. I like visiting art galleries, museums or watching old films for inspiration. For me, it's best if I look outside of fashion when searching for inspiration.
Q5 What are you working on right now?
I'm working on Spring 2009! Working on new designs, shapes and experiementing with new materials. |
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Q9 Is there a trend you wish would disappear?
I really don't like it when girls wear leggings and then t-shirts that are too short with the leggings. I think leggings are great, to wear when layering, but along as pants, I'm not a huge fan.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
Yes, I love Japan! My mother is Japanese and we travel to Japan as often as we can. Whenever I come back from my trips to Japan, I have to buy a new suitcase just to carry all the magazines, toys, candy and clothes that I buy there. Also I have a secret obsession with "Jenny" and "Momoko" dolls! My mom makes fun of me because she thinks I'm too old to be buying dolls but I think they have the cutest clothes and accessories and I love the packaging. Each time I go to Japan I have to get at least 1 new Jenny and Momoko doll! |
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| Born and raised on the beaches of Southern California, but a city girl at heart, Jenny Yuen seamlessly blends California's laid back luxury with New York's fast paced glamour. Her addiction to fashion, unique sense of style and appreciation for fine arts, led her to enroll in formal training and eventually to start her own line. Her love for design first brought her to earn her BFA in painting and sculpture at Boston University's School for Fine Arts and then to Parsons School of Design where she honed her skills for sewing and patternmaking. Jenny's eye for detail and skills in design landed her much coveted positions at famed industry studios such as Jill Stuart, Twinkle by Wenlan and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, the Louis Vuitton collaborator who worked with Marc Jacobs in creating the iconic "Eye-Love" and "Cherry Blossom" prints. Jenny's love for both the arts and fashion are brought to life each season through her whimsical screen-printed canvas bags that showcase her hand drawn illustrations. Inspired by the glamorous vintage train-cases and suitcases of the 1930's, 40's and 50's, all the handbags exude a classic sensibility and functionality that never goes out of style. Extremely practical with a generous amount of pockets, the girl that carries Jenny's creations will always look chic and put together no matter where her daily adventures may take her. A great accessory pulls together every outfit, adding the perfect finish to each look. Jenny Yuen Handbags effortlessly complete any ensemble with their eye-catching colors and classic sculptural shapes. |
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Q6 Who is your average customer and what are they like? Does any celebrity call you?
I have yet to pin point my average customer. Everytime I see someone with my bag or talk to a customer who has my bag they are all so different! Sometimes it's a woman who is very poised and polish and other times it's a woman who has ripped jeans and a vintage t-shirt. I think it's great that so many different people like my bags and that it looks different on everyone. In terms of celebrities, I got a call from our model Hannah from SP08 campaign and she wanted to stop by our studio with her friend because her friend wanted a Garnet Gatsby like the one she had. It turns out her friend is Norah Jones!
Q7 If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
I found this question difficult to answer until I answered Q10. I would love to dress Jenny of Momoko dolls! |
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Q8 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
I love all kinds of food and depending on my mood, I'll crave something different. My recent food obsession is this place in the East Village called Caracas Arepa Bar. They serve this Venezuelan arepas which is like a corn cake filled with meat of vegitable or egg an cheese for breakfast. I've been craving this a lot recently. It is always busy but worth the wait. |
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