Guest interview N°8: Jules Kim – Bijules
Jules Kim is the brilliant mind behind the extremely innovative New York based jewelry brand BIJULES. Always forward thinking and never afraid to take risks, Jules is making a difference in the fashion world. Not only she has been prolific since her starters, but also Jules managed to introduce and get appreciation for some totally new products on the scene like the Bone Crusher Headbander or the Nail Ring (Beyoncè is wearing her custom diamond ones on her Sweet Dreams music video). Her designs convey concepts that reflect American propaganda for the empowerment of women, the innocence of childhood and the dark humor of adulthood.
We had a chat with her a while ago.
How did you start off Bijules?
I moved to New York to get involved in the fashion industry. I worked in PR firstly then began to spin records and throw parties to make ends meet…I decided to begin Bijules when working for other people was no longer an option. I have the drive and passion to execute my own ideas. If I don’t risk failure then I would never succeed in my own eyes.
What inspires your creative drive?
I think life in general is inspirational. Everyday is so different and fresh! I am a big music and fashion person. I also need to travel frequently. Staying in one place is boring and aesthetically draining!
You’ve been in the business for a while now although you’re quite young. How have your skills improved?
Wow! I’m young?! Yeah! I’ve learned to follow my instincts and react quickly to them. Working with other people and trusting them is difficult but once again, I have to let others help in order to be successful!
What are the learnings so far, I mean is there choices that you wouldn’t make now that maybe you considered worthy in the beginning?
At the beginning I promised miracles. Now I understand the limitations of being human and also the limitations of others.
How far do you want to go with Bijules and would you ever sell to an investor (which could compromise your creativity & make it suffer maybe)?
Hahah, hell yeah I’d sell…If I can do it once I can do it again! My work is an exercise for my future careers!
Your lingerie collection was astonishing. It’s more like seeing design objects then jewels that you would probably wear. How did you come up with that?
I need to push concepts and reshape the way people define objects. Lingerie is wearable but not formal, I wanted to showcase a woman’s intimate style over her clothing. I aim to redefine jewelry standards…if we defy we can define!
What advice would you give to talented young girls starting out in a career path similar to yours and following a dream?
I’d say DO IT. Don’t hesitate, and do things passionately. Don’t ever doubt hardwork because luck doesn’t exist for those who don’t work.
You’ve been to Italy quite a few times; how do you like it there? What’s good and what do you dislike?
I love Italy. I love the country and the people are so human and intimate. I dislike the fact that there are few immigrants and only Italians in positions of authority. I’ve witnessed some heinous racial discrimination by the police.
Text by Ada Korvafaj | image courtesy of Alessandro “Zuek” Simonetti