«Look for the inspiration within»: interview with Jay Songzio

In the enchanting setting of the Paris Fashion Week, which provided the backdrop for the presentation of the latest collection by Songzio, we met the son of the founder and creative director of the brand, Jay Songzio, to explore the creative process of the Korean designer. As the scion of a renowned Korean fashion dynasty, Jay moves with elegance between the dynamic streets of Seoul and the artistic avenues of Paris, drawing inspiration not only from external stimuli but from the essence of his own creative process. «When it comes to finding inspiration, we are a brand that focuses a lot on our creative process. So, more than seeking inspiration elsewhere, naturally, with the way we live, you know, the things we watch, the things we read, or, you know, listen to», reflects Jay Songzio. This intimate look into the designer's creative journey underscores the deep connection of the brand to its creative roots, where each design is a manifestation of a profoundly personal and introspective exploration.

The conversation seamlessly transitions into the complex dance of managing and promoting collections for a brand rooted in both Seoul and Paris. Jay keenly observes the transformative shifts over the years, stating: «I feel that 10, 20 years ago, Seoul was a very conservative city. Korea was a very conservative country when it came to art or style. And Paris, on the other hand, had many shock factors. It was very creative. But today, all cultures blend well together». Navigating this cultural current, Jay acknowledges the evolving energy in the young generation of Seoul, propelling it to the forefront of promoting new cultural narratives. «Today, there are more similarities than differences in both cities. It can be challenging at times to travel back and forth, but I believe it always helps us stay fresh, give us a new sense of inspiration», he says, emphasizing the enriching dialogue between the two cities that fuels his creative reservoir. Having grown up and studied in both Paris and Korea, Jay provides subtle insights into the distinctive influence each city exerts on his work. «Currently, I think the strongest connection is a very strong desire for a very young collection», he observes. «In Paris, people have a more individual style. So, I think it's more diverse». As the conversation deepens, Jay delves into the challenges of maintaining consistency in the creative vision. «Because our creative process has always been the same for the last 30 years, and because every collection starts exactly the same way with the painting, I think it helps us maintain a lot of consistency with our style, with our identity», he states. The commitment to artistic roots, expressed through a consistent creative process, becomes the anchor that steadies the brand amidst the ever-changing currents of the fashion industry.

Contemplating his favorite places in Paris, Jay shares a personal connection with the city's parks, a source of inspiration and tranquility. «I always like all the beautiful parks in Paris. Compared to Seoul, where it's a very urban city... Paris, amidst all the beautiful buildings, has these very beautiful parks. So, when I was young, I drew and painted a lot in those parks. It's a beautiful source of inspiration and a very peaceful place to reflect in the city», Jay recalls. The artistic communion with serene parks provides not only a feast for the eyes but also a refuge for contemplation, fostering a unique intersection between nature and creativity. As the conversation turns towards the timeless allure of Paris, Jay reflects on the city's timeless charm. «Many people change. Many people here say that Paris has changed a lot. But compared to Seoul and Korea, I don't think Paris ever changes. It's always, I love the fact that it never changes. And that's the beauty of Paris», he reflects. In these sentiments, one can grasp a profound appreciation for the constancy that Paris offers, an unchanging canvas against which the ever-evolving narratives of fashion unfold.

At the core of Jay Songzio's creative journey lies a commitment to introspection and a unique artistic process. When asked where he finds inspiration, Jay responds: «We are a brand that focuses a lot on our creative process. So more than seeking inspiration elsewhere, naturally, with the way we live, you know, the things we watch, the things we read, or, you know, listen to». This vision unveils a brand philosophy deeply rooted in the nuances of everyday life and personal experiences. Further delving into the consistency of his creative vision, Jay emphasizes: «Because our creative process has always been the same for the last 30 years, and because every collection starts exactly the same way with the painting, I think it helps us maintain a lot of consistency with our style, with our identity». Here, he reveals the timeless thread weaving through his collections: a steadfast commitment to a creative process initiated by painting, providing not only consistency but also an artistic identity resonating through the epochs of fashion. Jay stresses, «Our brand is very tied to the creative process. So every season, we become the collection of the painting that I've seen. The inspiration from the painting varies a lot. Season by season, sometimes it's a book I've read. Sometimes it's about all the fairy tales that might also be inspired by old paintings. For this reason, for our brand to maintain a sense of consistency and identity, we always try to find inspiration from within». With these words, Jay reveals his unique approach to inspiration, finding continuity in his internal exploration, rather than seeking externally.

The conversation culminates in a glimpse into the inspiration behind Jay's latest collection. «The title of the collection is called My Thieves. I was inspired by a Flemish Baroque painting by Rubens called Prometheus... So our brand is very tied to the creative process of creating a painting, creating artwork before starting a collection. So our sense of inspiration is more introspective than externally oriented», Jay reveals. This revelation illuminates the brand's commitment to introspection, where each collection is not just an external expression but a reflection of the designer's inner world. In Jay Songzio's world, fashion becomes a tapestry woven with personal experiences, cultural influences, and an ongoing creative journey. And each creation, no matter how small, offers a glimpse into the mind of a designer seamlessly blending tradition and innovation, Paris and Seoul, creating a narrative that transcends the boundaries of fashion to become a timeless work of art.

Special thanks Halo Paris.