CLARA SON

What’s your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is rooted in post-genderism, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion to create pieces that feel both meaningful and transformative. I design with the belief that clothing should be an open canvas for self-expression, unrestricted by convention.

What do you think are the most important skills for a fashion designer?
Patience and trust—patience to refine ideas through endless iterations and trust in your own vision, even when the path is uncertain.

What’s your process for designing a new collection?
It begins with self-discovery—abstract emotions turn into deep research, which sparks new ways of interpreting ideas. From there, concepts evolve into shapes and materials through trial and error until they form a cohesive collection. The process is equal parts intuition and experimentation.

What’s your favorite fashion city?
New York! The energy, diversity, and creative freedom here are unmatched.

What's the most challenging aspect of being a fashion designer?
Balancing creativity and business. As a designer, you have to trust your vision while navigating the financial realities of running a brand. For small fashion businesses, it’s a constant push and pull between artistic integrity and sustainability. Staying passionate and resilient is key.