Yellow : How did you get into fashion?

Sooki Min : My parent had a fabric store in Dongdaemun district in Seoul long time ago. Everything that I learned is from there. I started to collect favorite T-shirts after I got into fabric. I think this environment led me to doing fashion business now, which I love. It is fun to see my business growing little by little. I liked what my parents did, and everything that had been around me has helped me to do fashion business.

Y : How long have you been in fashion industry?

S : I cannot tell which year I started correctly because I have lived, learned and seen in fashion market since I was really young. Though, I officially started business in 2008 after I graduated from a college. I love to see my business growing. In addition, I have tried to make Korean independent brand popular in Korea, so consumers can know them better. Yet, even though select-shops should play a role to introduce them to public, they are hardly popularized now in Korea.

Y : Who is your target audience? What kind of lifestyle do they have? How old are they? Please give me the details as much as you can.

S : MSK shop is targeting consumers in age range from mid-20’s to early 40’s who either have their own businesses or work in fashion industry; know their own style; and have great understanding of high-end fashion. Since MSK shop is in sixth floor of a building, which is difficult to find, it is rather maniac than trendy. We are never influenced by fashion trend, and think brand’s identity the most important. So, I always spend many hours to discuss with my staffs before I carry a brand.

Y : What do you think about the near future of menswear (both Korean and world- wide men’s fashion industry)? Menswear is getting attention again in the past few years, if you have any thought about it, I would like to hear your point of view.

S : Since Korean menswear market has enormous potential, I believe it will grow as much as we expect. Korean menswear has been growing remarkably, and possesses fairly big portion in Korean fashion retail. Especially, brands that are presented in Korean fashion week have competitive quality and design. Korea has enormous possibility to become post Asian fashion core after Japan, as Monocle magazine said so, and I am sure that it will be more popular in foreign market. Of course, many changes are needed.

Y : Where do you think Korean men’s fashion heading to?

S : They simply seem wanting to go to oversea, and I analyze this movement has both positive and negative aspect.
Negative aspect: Korean designers have small reputation among Korean retailers, and the retailers still prefer western brands as oppose to domestic brands. So, I am saying Korean select shops should make Korean consumers turn around to Korean designer’s brands first.
Positive aspect: Since Korean designers have built their reputation step by step, global fashion industry started to pay attention to Korean brands.

Y : What do you think it takes Korea to have a big break in international fashion world?

S : Since global economy has been in recession, I think it’s a tip of iceberg. Like I said before, Korean market is growing bigger and many talented designers are working in other countries, so I believe Korean market is capable of getting over this recession.

Y : What do you think is the most important thing about fashion market or motto?

S : I think practicality and being wearable are the most important features when I pick brands. So, I try to come to NYC every year because New York fashion has those features.

Y : Among the wide variety of menswear available, what is the strength of Korean menswear? Especially compared to historically established American/European men’s design, what is the strength of Korean menswear?

S : Korean sewing skill is the best in the world. Even though it is not famous, many anonymous sewing crafts and skillful tailors still exist in our country. Their creations not only have very high quality but also are relatively cheaper and competitive than American and European.

Y : What is your favorite Brand?

S : Rag & Bone, Fitbow (Korean).