Timeless Style
with Jiyoung Kim
Jiyoung Kim has worked as the Digital Director of Vogue Korea, yet her biggest style influence remains her mother, who "wears pieces that are simple but never boring", as Jiyoung puts it. Here the South Korean content creator shares three looks with the Lydia in black.
Pictures by Jaehyun Im
Tell us why you consider the Lydia in black a timeless piece of clothing and how does it fit in with your wardrobe?
It’s the perfect black silk skirt and can go with everything from day to night and Monday to Sunday. My wardrobe is filled with essentials like blazers, button-down shirts and sweatshirts. So, I can match this skirt with a lot of my staples. If I want to wear it in a formal way, I am styling it with a black blazer or trench. If I want to feel more relaxed, I am wearing it with a hoodie and sneakers.
Explain the three looks you have styled with the Lydia in black?
Look 1 - For Grocery Shopping
I am styling the Lydia skirt with my vintage 90s denim jacket. I’ve always admired the style of the 90s – especially how the girls used to mix and match casual and dressy. That’s why I grounded the skirt by adding my Birkenstock slides and the mini belt bag by Chanel helps to create that 90s mood.
Look 2 - For Meetings
I am wearing the Lydia skirt with a white jacket for formal meetings. I like to layer the shirt with a turtleneck and to pair the look with heels by Amina Muaddi to add a bit of oomph to a corporate look. Actually, I think in this look I could go straight to dinner after the meeting.
Look 3 - For The Dinner Date
I am pairing the Lydia skirt with my favorite black and white faux fur coat. I always love to ground a glamorous look with more casual elements so I am wearing it with a black cashmere t-shirt by The Row. I am accessorizing it with the Headband in ivory by REFINE, a bold silver necklace by Tilly Sveaas and bejewelled velvet pumps by Gianvito Rossi.
“I’ve always admired the style of the 90s – especially how the girls used to mix and match casual and dressy.”
Besides the Lydia in black, what are other wardrobe staples of yours?
The Danielle Jeans from Khaite, black and white cashmere t-shirts from The Row, classic Chanel bags in black and white, silver grey sneakers from New Balance and sunglasses from the Old Céline.
What are your favorite shoes to wear with your REFINE skirts and dresses?
For the evening I wear my REFINE pieces with black satin open toe mules from Amina Muaddi or boots from Totême. During the day I like it comfy with furry slides by Rick Owens x Birkenstock or New Balance sneakers.
How has working as the Digital Director of Vogue Korea shaped your style?
When I was working as a Digital Director for Vogue many luxury houses invited me to beautiful events. Thanks to that I was able to travel around the world. I have great memories of Morocco, St. Moritz, Tulum and Paris. Through such experiences, I was able to find out what style I feel comfortable and confident with.
“I don’t want to wear something that doesn’t match my personality.”
Look 2: The Lydia in black worn with a white blazer, shirt and turtleneck, sandals by Amina Muaddi and bag by Hermès
Any particular color you would like to see the Lydia skirt in?
In emerald green!
Your first memory of fashion?
I went shoe shopping with my mum when I was six. I insisted on a very feminine pair of silk shoes with a ribbon like a princess but my mum said: “No, it’s tacky”. She bought me chic leather strappy pumps instead and I was crying. Now I know her choice was right.
“I feel like I have developed my sense of style subconsciously by being exposed to the way [my mum] used to dress when I was a child.”
Who has shaped your sense of style?
My mum has been a big influence. She wears pieces that are simple but never boring and has a good sense of color. I feel like I have developed my sense of style subconsciously by being exposed to the way she used to dress when I was a child.
Headband by Refine
Look 2: The Lydia in black worn with a white blazer, shirt and turtleneck, sandals by Amina Muaddi and bag by Hermès
How has your style changed since the outbreak of Covid-19?
Due to Covid-19 I usually work from home or alone at the office. Physical meetings and dinner appointments are happening rarely. These circumstances led me to prefer more comfortable looks like cashmere loungewear or tracksuits and sneakers. But luckily the Covid-19 situation is getting better in Seoul, and I feel like I can dress up soon! I am looking forward to wearing REFINE’s Carolyn in polka dot for my first fancy dinner after Covid-19.
As a creative influencer, do you feel pressure to constantly wear new items and how do you resist the industry’s urge for newness and stay true to yourself?
I actually enjoy to wear new items every now and then. It is kind of a challenge to style them and integrate them into my wardrobe. Saying that, I always choose the partners to collaborate with and only wear items that fit my mood. I don’t want to wear something that doesn’t match my personality.
How would you describe Seoul style and what makes it unique?
Korean women love fashion very much. They’re really sensitive to trends and it’s important to them to be well dressed. I love the energy and passion for fashion in Seoul.
What are your favorite South Korean brands?
I like Korean fashion label EENK and jewelry brand Numbering. And there are some great multi brand stores in Korea. My favorites are Boon The Shop Cheongdam, 10 Corso Como and Rare Market.
Your favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration?
Look 3: The Lydia in black worn with a faux fur coat, t-shirt by The Row, pumps by Gianvito Rossi, headband by Refine and necklace by Tilly Sveaas
What are the most treasured pieces in your wardrobe?
My Birkin bag in electric blue, a white tuxedo jacket by Phoebe Philo for Céline and a vintage 90s Burberry trench coat from my father in law.
Who is your style icon?
Kate Moss. She doesn’t care about trends or others and really pursues her own style. I love her way of mixing and matching.
And today, which industry insider’s style do you love?
Pernille Teisbaek. I Love her various takes on fashion from feminine to masculine.
A memorable fashion moment in time?
The 2019 haute couture show from Chanel was unforgettable. It was my very first couture show and the last Chanel couture show by Karl Lagerfeld as he sadly passed away a month later. It feels like I was present in a very important moment of the fashion history.
Timeless beauty - what’s your secret, your routine?
I wash my face with warm water without cleanser every morning and apply enough toner to the wet skin and tap until it’s absorbed. And I use two kinds of serums. One with antioxidants and the other one for a calming effect. Then I apply a light cream to rejuvenate and a rich cream for a collagen boost. And I never forget the sun gel every single day.
Shop Jiyoung’s Timeless Pieces
Things that never get old for Jiyoung
Timeless movie?
American Psycho
Timeless song?
Cry Me a River
Timeless story?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Timeless piece of art?
Dansaekhwa is the style of modern abstract art in Korea and I am really into it. My most favorite artist is Lee Ufan.
Timeless scent?
Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle
Timeless thing to do in Seoul?
Walking through the old palace in the early summer
Timeless restaurant and bar in Seoul?
Seoul’s dining scene is changing very fast. But the 10 Corso Como Café & Restaurant is still lovely 11 years after it has opened. And the Charles H Bar of the Four Seasons is a very cozy place to have a drink.
Timeless wisdom?
There are opportunities every day to be kind!