The Gazette recently interviewed a famous fashion designer, Kim Seo-ryong. He graduated from the College of Fine Arts in Keimyung University in 1982. He is a menswear designer. He has his own brands, "KIMSEORYONG HOMME" and "K by kimseoryong," and a shop in Kangnam, Seoul. He participates in every Seoul collection. He is not only active in fashion but also teaches people who want to become fashion designers at the Kim Seo-ryong Fashion Design Academy, established in 1997.

Q. You majored in fine arts. Did you have any special reason to becoming a fashion designer?
I drew Western paintings for a long time, but I thought that I couldn’t live in comfort if I just painted. I also made clothes as a hobby when I was a freshman. I wanted to wear different clothes from other people, so I became a fashion designer naturally. Fashion design is the same as painting. It is different just in materials. Painting expresses my thinking on canvas, but clothes express my thinking on fabric.

Q. What was the your most memorable show? Did you experience something hard when you held the show?
I enjoy each show because I prepare very hard. If I chose one particular show, I might choose the first show that I held in Seoul. Seoul is larger than Daegu, but I lived in Daegu. From that time, I went to Seoul to hold my show because there were more chances to become a good designer. In former days, I spent a hard time because I went to Seoul repeatedly to prepare my shows.

Q. What inspires you when you design? What do you think is important in designing?
Clothes are not things to see, but to wear. I imagine feeling comfortable in clothes. Therefore, I always pay attention to cutting. I cut out clothes myself rather than hire a cloth-cutter. I also draw patterns and work to detailed things myself. I am inspired when I draw patterns myself. I design on the basis of ideas that I find when I work.

Q. I’m curious about your university life. How did you spend your university time?
I enjoyed a free campus life. Students have their own designated space to paint. I also spent my time in my space for four years. I painted pictures regardless of time, and I experienced a lot of things by putting importance in interest. I minored in industrial design like making pottery, woodcraft, and silkscreen.

Q. These days, men are interested in fashion. Could you give them some tips to become fashionable?
Men’s fashion changes quickly. People having the same style to keep up with a trend are not different from people wearing uniforms. Therefore, wear your own style, and do not insist to only brands. Accessories like mufflers or shoes are good items to be fashionable. When I was in my twenties, it was okay to wear comfortable clothes because I was young. However, I’m wary of my style because I’m older than before. I pay attention to matching colors and accessories.

Q. You work with many celebrities. Who do you think is the most handsome guy and who is your favorite model?
Most celebrities are handsome and have their own individuality, but I prefer models. Models have nicer figures than entertainers. These days, I like Lee Su-hyuk. He is shorter than other models, but his face is very androgynous and provocative. I think that he fits the metrosexual trend.

Q. What do you want to hear from other people as a designer?
I don’t want to be remembered as a designer who made good clothes. I just want to be remembered as a hardworking designer.

Q. What is your goal or future plan?
I want to hold fashion shows in other countries, but I’m worried about my age. I want to teach would-be designers and initiate them into the organization or feeling of fashion. I want to try to mass-produce good designers.

Q. Could you please give some advice to Keimyung University students?
I love my school, Keimyung University. It had many people who had good style in old times. Therefore, I hope that Keimyung University students become more fresh and fashionable like the image of Keimyung University students. I want Keimyung University students to spend an exciting university life.