Interviewing Nancy Park: “The Human Mind”
Nancy Park, Parsons 2011 graduate and launching her collection “The Human Mind” with us at MUUSE, sees fashion as something that prevails and exists through out our everyday lives. In our launch interview with her, she reveals how she sees the role of designers in creating this fashion and why there are endless possibilities in it.
Hi Nancy, welcome to MUUSE! The Human Mind, that’s a pretty unique theme for a collection, how did you come up with that?
Aside from my dreams in becoming a fashion designer, I was always interested in science and particularly psychology. My inspiration was based on the human mind- the brain. I wanted to recreate the convoluted textures of the brain using embellishments and fabrication, and I also hoped to reinterpret the brain’s functions by playing around with the silhouette and subtle details such as pleating or the use of negative and positive space. I love the idea of mixing science and art, portraying the research into the designs and allow others to see things in a different perspective.
Both of my parents were always interested in fashion but never had a chance to pursue their dreams. In a way, I think I always had a strong admiration for fashion like my parents have and I was lucky enough to follow my dreams.
And they were coming true – you studied at one of the best fashion schools in the world, Parsons! What did you learn during your time there?
At Parsons, I continuously developed my skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, concept development, and constructing garments and accessories. I also learned about trend reports and a little bit about the fashion business. I’ve learned to conceptually take an idea and reinterpret it in various perspectives, keeping in mind of the technicalities and wearability. I’ve gained that the research behind your designs are just as important as the designs itself because it can take you to places you’ve never imagined.
How do you get inspired for your collection?
Many things inspire me, be it from a personal experience or something I’ve heard about. I love to research a lot before designing my concept, so mysterious subjects or science is also something I get my inspiration from. Emotions, whether it be a feeling or from a biography of a person, is another example that influences my designs.
If you could go back in time and experience any fashion moment, what would it be?
I would be excited to go back in time and experience the 1960’s fashion! It was a time for experimentation and rebirth of new and unexpected ideas, where designers started to try new materials.
Is there a favourite material you like to work with?
My favourite materials to work with are usually with textures or have a certain thickness to it. I love playing with somewhat unconventional fabrics and trimmings also!
Do you have a favourite piece in your collection?
My favourite piece in the collection is the Black Silk Dress. It defines the overall complexity of my inspiration through its silhouette and layers in a minimalistic way. I would style this dress with perhaps metal bracelets and small studded earring with black pumps, and form the hair in a up-do.
Who do you imagine is the woman who wears your clothing?
I picture my customer as a professional woman, who loves to explore the boundaries in all aspects of life. She travels, whether by taking a vacation or by reading a book, and enjoys finding new things, new ideas, to enrich her existence and appreciation of life and all the beauty it offers.
What do you think is this woman’s relation to fashion and style?
Fashion prevails and exists through our everyday lives. Whether we interpret the old to new or whether it is a constant evolution or recreation, fashion is indeed an unconditional cycle. I realised that as designers, not only do we define who we are but we help others in expressing themselves and establishing their identity. Fashion imagines new possibilities derived from old masters. The fashion industry can seem exhausting or cut-throat at times, but the dedication and passion behind it is astonishing and I strongly respect each hardworking person that continuously contributes to this field.
If you could get any model/ anyone to wear your clothes, who would it be – who is your muse and why?
I would love Kate Moss to wear my clothes because of her waifish figure and because she isn’t afraid to be unconventional.
Why did you decide to launch your own line at MUUSE instead of working at one of the big labels?
I believe that it is every designer’s dream to be able to create their own collection. It’s so exciting to have the opportunity to share my collection and passion for design to the public through MUUSE. I hope to gain more experience and inspiration and expand my collection and line in the future.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Five years from now, I hope to have gone back and received another degree in fashion business, so that the dual degrees can continue to help me in pursuing my ultimate goal, which is to start my own line.
