Hun Kim smiles as he enters the light-filled apartment at Soho House in Berlin. The cult brand Karl Lagerfeld, whose creative direction he took over after the death of2019 took over and Elle invited people to a private dinner. And it quickly becomes clear: the native Korean and graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology is a born host. Hun Kim is interested, humorous and authentic? an unbeatable combination! In an exclusive interview with Elle, he talks about Berlin, sources of inspiration and what role Karl Lagerfeld still plays for him.
Elle: Welcome to Berlin! What do you associate with the city?
Hun Kim: Berlin is one of my favorite cities in Germany. I always enjoy coming here.
Let's talk about your work. You have been with Karl Lagerfeld since 2015 and have worked closely with Karl. Is his spirit still surrounding you?
H.K.:Absolutely! The archive is a great inspiration for me. Karl left me an impressive legacy. Also intangible? His view of things continues to inspire my work today. Karl always had a vision.
Under “Providers” xymatic GmbHActivate to see content
Speaking of visions: What is important to you as a creative director?
H.K.:Karl always said that people should not just wear our designs, but make them their own. This approach helps me develop stories. Fashion is more than clothing, we all tell our own story through it.
Fashion is more than clothing, we all tell our own story through it.
Hun Kim, Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld
What inspires you?
H.K.:Architecture, art, music or film? Inspiration is wherever creativity is. But I always try to look at things through Karl's eyes. He taught me to always be awake and interested.
What story does the new Resort 2025 collection ?La Societé?? tell?
H.K.:That of a trip to Paris. Paris was Karl's home and his fashion stage? He always returned here. The collection represents unique Parisian chic that combines glamor with a certain nonchalance. Day and night merge. We therefore opted for a more muted color palette with red and metallic accents.
Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?
H.K.:Too many!(laughs)If I had to choose, I would say the red patent leather coat. It's the perfect mix of sexiness and French chic.
How would you describe the Karl Lagerfeld woman?
H.K.:I think she has a certain effortlessness!
During the creative process, do you have a woman in mind that you are designing for?
H.K.:The people on the street inspire me! Real people who wear our fashion and bring it to life fascinate me more than perfectly styled celebrities.
Next year they will celebrate their tenth anniversary with Karl Lagerfeld. What else do you have planned?
H.K.:I was really very lucky. I have never worked longer at any company than at Karl Lagerfeld. It means a lot to me and I would like to make sure that people remember me fondly for carrying on Karl's legacy in his spirit. I would like that!
Fashion, music and inspiring conversations? The evening with Karl Lagerfeld and Elle over the rooftops of Berlin was so spectacular
Under “Providers” InstagramActivate to see content
Watch Next
The latest videos on Elle.de
Under “Providers” xymatic GmbHActivate to see content
