I am a fashion designer with experience across concept, design development, design execution, production support, and cross-functional collaboration, working in both creative and commercial environments. My background spans European design houses and U.S.-based global brands, which has shaped my ability to balance creativity with commercial strategy and practical execution. After studying Fashion Design in Paris and Product Design in Seoul, I began my career assisting design teams during Paris Fashion Week. I later transitioned into commercial fashion in Paris and New York, collaborating with senior designers on woven collections and supporting the development process from concept through production. Most recently, I have been working closely with the Design Director to develop seasonal concepts, create design direction, and execute collections from initial ideas through final product. In addition to driving design development, I mentor design assistants, coordinate cross-functional partners, and help solve production challenges to ensure creative ideas are successfully translated into commercially viable products. I am detail-oriented, adaptable, resilient, and passionate about creating thoughtful, well-executed products that balance creativity, functionality, and real-world production requirements.

Koko Hwakyoung Ko Kim

I am a fashion designer with experience across concept, design development, design execution, production support, and cross-functional collaboration, working in both creative and commercial environments. My background spans European design houses and U.S.-based global brands, which has shaped my ability to balance creativity with commercial strategy and practical execution. After studying Fashion Design in Paris and Product Design in Seoul, I began my career assisting design teams during Paris Fashion Week. I later transitioned into commercial fashion in Paris and New York, collaborating with senior designers on woven collections and supporting the development process from concept through production. Most recently, I have been working closely with the Design Director to develop seasonal concepts, create design direction, and execute collections from initial ideas through final product. In addition to driving design development, I mentor design assistants, coordinate cross-functional partners, and help solve production challenges to ensure creative ideas are successfully translated into commercially viable products. I am detail-oriented, adaptable, resilient, and passionate about creating thoughtful, well-executed products that balance creativity, functionality, and real-world production requirements.

Available to hire

I am a fashion designer with experience across concept, design development, design execution, production support, and cross-functional collaboration, working in both creative and commercial environments.
My background spans European design houses and U.S.-based global brands, which has shaped my ability to balance creativity with commercial strategy and practical execution.
After studying Fashion Design in Paris and Product Design in Seoul, I began my career assisting design teams during Paris Fashion Week.
I later transitioned into commercial fashion in Paris and New York, collaborating with senior designers on woven collections and
supporting the development process from concept through production.
Most recently, I have been working closely with the Design Director to develop seasonal concepts,
create design direction, and execute collections from initial ideas through final product. In addition to driving design development,
I mentor design assistants, coordinate cross-functional partners, and help solve production challenges to ensure creative ideas are successfully translated into commercially viable products.
I am detail-oriented, adaptable, resilient, and passionate about creating thoughtful, well-executed products that balance creativity, functionality, and real-world production requirements.

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Language

Work Experience

Apparel Designer at Garan Group
November 1, 2025 - Present
Designed seasonal collections for boys’, girls’ and toddlers’ apparel across multiple product categories. Interpreted market trends into commercially successful products for mass-market retail. Led product development from concept through production, creating technical packages, construction details, and artwork for production. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution from concept to final product while managing multiple categories and maintaining quality, brand identity, and calendar deadlines.
Apparel Designer at Lacoste (Baby & Boys & Girls)
April 1, 2024 - June 1, 2025
Designed seasonal collections for babies apparel (and boys & girls collections). Interpreted market trends through a heritage-inspired lens to create commercially successful, brand-right collections. Led product development from concept to production for babies, boys & girls, including technical packages, construction details, and production artwork. Worked closely with cross-functional teams to deliver samples and execution, managing multiple categories while maintaining quality and meeting calendar deadlines.
Assistant and Associate Designer at CK / Nautica / Van Heusen / Dockers (Centric Brands, formerly Global Brands Group), New York
June 1, 2012 - September 1, 2016
Designed woven collections and supported design directors and designers across key responsibilities. Created tech packs and mood boards. Participated in HL/SY/LD/SO and trim submission reviews with senior designers. Worked with cross-functional teams and international offices and participated in fittings to support execution.
Creative Director (Partnership) at Marquis and Camus, New York
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Designed collections and accessories for a women’s contemporary line. Led product development from concept through production, including technical packages, construction details, and production artwork. Managed and directed the full sample making process and maintained multiple categories while protecting quality, brand identity, and calendar deadlines.
Assistant Designer (Intern) at Cadet Rousselle @ Galeries Lafayette, Paris / Yohji Yamamoto, Paris / BLESS, Paris / Carolina Herrera, New York
March 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Assisted across all design aspects for design directors and designers. Created technical flats, CAD sketches, and detailed tech packs for product development. Conducted trend, market, and competitor research to support seasonal concepts and product direction. Sourced fabrics, trims and findings and communicated with overseas factories to support sample development and technical clarifications. Participated in design fittings and fashion show activities.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design at Atelier Chardon Savard, Paris, France
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Furniture & Product Design at Hongik University / Sejong, South Korea
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2003
Illustration Courses at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000

Qualifications

Winner, Harper’s Bazaar & Billy Bag London Contest
January 1, 2003 - August 2, 2026
Semi-Finalist, Hep Five Original Fashion Contest (Revelations), LA HALLE
January 1, 2006 - August 2, 2026
Semi-Finalist, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation
January 1, 2011 - August 2, 2026
Participant, International Fashion Exhibition ‘Coterie’ Trade show
January 1, 2011 - August 2, 2026
Illustration Courses
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing
    Koko's studio
    This portfolio showcases my design journey from contemporary womenswear to children’s apparel. It reflects my passion for thoughtful design, strong storytelling, and attention to detail across different markets. While the products have evolved throughout my career, my design philosophy has remained the same: creating modern, well-crafted collections that balance creativity with commercial success. For access to my complete portfolio, please feel free to contact me via email. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner branding logo photo webdesigner
    Koko's studio

    This portfolio showcases my design journey from contemporary womenswear to children’s apparel. It reflects my passion for thoughtful design, strong storytelling, and attention to detail across different markets. While the products have evolved throughout my career, my design philosophy has remained the same: creating modern, well-crafted collections that balance creativity with commercial success.