What inspired your interest in fashion design?
I’ve loved fashion from a very young age and was always fascinated by styling myself and expressing my own sense of aesthetics. My parents still tell me that in kindergarten, I would change outfits three times a day – I saw clothing not just as a look, but as a tool that shaped my confidence and the mood of my day. Among all fashion items, shoes always felt especially emotional to me. They are the final element that completes a look and the piece that carries someone through their entire day. Even while building my career as a womenswear designer, that passion for footwear never faded – and ultimately, it led me to become a shoe designer.
What is your design philosophy?
My brand, THEN, is built on the philosophy of “designs made to be worn for a long time.”
Everyone has that one pair of shoes in their closet they keep reaching for – even after three or five years. Shoes that age beautifully, that aren’t swayed by trends, and become more charming as they naturally wear in. I believe what matters most is not how a shoe looks, but how it supports the person wearing it – their comfort, their day, and their confidence. THEN aims to create designs that are quiet, steady, and enduring, both in form and in feeling.
How do you stay inspired?
I draw inspiration from the small moments in everyday life. The way people walk, the moment someone slips off their shoes on the subway, the rhythm of footsteps when traveling – these little scenes become my design language. I’m also deeply inspired by the idea of time – the passing seasons, shifting light, and the way soles gradually wear down. These traces naturally grow into new concepts for me.
What do you consider the most important qualities for a fashion designer?
I believe observation and persistence are essential. Understanding trends is important, but a designer must first be able to observe people’s lives – their subtle discomforts and unspoken desires. Turning those observations into practical, meaningful designs requires focus, discipline, and strong execution. And running a brand inevitably means facing difficult moments. The ability to endure and overcome those challenges is just as important as creative vision.
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your designs?
At THEN, “beautiful” always comes after “wearable.” A design can be visually striking, but if people don’t want to wear it, it remains only as art. I interpret creativity as the ability to offer a new experience through movement and comfort. Even with experimental ideas, if the fit and structural stability aren’t solid, I don’t consider the design complete. Every creative detail is developed within a framework of practicality. Sometimes it feels limiting, but with footwear, practicality isn’t optional – it’s the foundation that gives the design real value.
