An insider's take
Wonseo-dong
Inhye Kim, Designer at Maison de Ines
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I am the chief designer at Maison de Ines, a women’s clothing brand launched in 2012. I lived in Paris for 10 years until I started this line. The brand has seven seasons’ collections so far, and I am busy preparing for the upcoming F/W 2015 collection at the moment.
What is “Maison de Ines”?
There’s an old saying in Korea that “fine feathers make fine birds.” I took inspiration from this and started making clothes that are not just beautiful to the eyes, but that can make the people who wear them beautiful. So I keep the designs simple and natural, using comfortable and environment-friendly materials like cotton, linen and wool. “Ines” is actually my French name and to reflect my trivial, ordinary, but happy life, I make casual clothes that can be fine feathers for all the ordinary girls out there.
Why Wonseo-dong?
I looked into every nook and cranny in Seoul to open up a showroom after our brand’s launch back in 2012. That autumn, I randomly stumbled upon this spot by chance and decided that this is where Maison de Ines’ first showroom should be. The surroundings are quiet and peaceful, with tile-roofed traditional houses
What symbolizes Wonseo-dong?
One special thing about Wonseo-dong is the Changdeokgung Palace Stonewall, leading from the very beginning to the end of the neighborhood. Amidst the skyscrapers of the city, the low, solid but smooth lines of the Stonewall make this place stand out.
When is the best season to visit Wonseo-dong?
Wonseo-dong in all four seasons is unique in its own way, but my favorite is winter. I come back here from the cruel city life and look at the tile roofs covered in thick blankets of snow, and it’s like my heart is going pit-a-pat all over again.
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