Jennifer Chun

Who: Jennifer Chun
What: Womenswear
How:

What did you do before launching your own line/what is your fashion background?
I have a degree in fashion design from Pratt Institute. I interned for Michael Kors, Derek Lam and designed for Brian Reyes.
 
How did the line come to be?
After working at Carmen Marc Valvo, I decided to freelance full time while I developed my line. While I was freelancing, I designed a small collection for Fall 2010 and a look was pulled for WWD after that I decided to pursue it full time.
 
What has been your biggest challenge?
Young designers face a lot of challenges when just starting out. For me personally, it has been meeting the right people, buyers and stores, etc. while trying to develop my brand and create a team around me that coincides with my vision.

What’s the ballsiest thing you’ve had to do to for your business?
I think for me it’s staying true to my vision aesthetically and for my company. I want to build something I believe in and this has forced me to make difficult choices in order to stay true to the brand. Sometimes this is tough in an industry with so many young designers and the pressures to succeed very quickly.

Where do you see Jennifer Chun five years from now?
In five years, I hope to have expanded from boutiques to larger stores and have a full time staff. I also hope I have time to do a collaboration with accessories/shoes.

 What advice would you give to an aspiring designer?
I would strongly encourage a young designer to learn about production and sales.