Hannah Yewon Kim is a South Korea–born designer based in San Francisco, and her work

grows out of constantly navigating between two worlds. Moving to the U.S. deepened her

reflection on identity, what she carries with her, what she discovers along the way, and how

those experiences can coexist through clothing.

She describes her aesthetic as "Korean Vintage Americana": a blend of traditional Korean

elements with the nostalgic, worn-in spirit of American vintage. She is drawn to garments that

feel lived-in pieces with texture, history, and small imperfections that make them feel human.

Much of her inspiration comes from everyday moments: old photographs, the way people

naturally express themselves through clothing, and memories that continue to shape how she

sees the world.

Her passion for textiles began in college, when she took her first Applied Textiles class and

she has been immersed in the world of fabric, color, and design ever since. She finds joy in

bringing ideas to life, using shape and color as tools for storytelling, and creating original

prints and patterns that reflect both emotion and imagination.

Her process is hands-on and intuitive. It starts with sketching capturing objects, people, and

small details she notices on the street. Those observations become the foundation, and from

there she moves directly into fabric cutting, layering, and distressing materials to understand

how they react. From there, she moves into draping, refining the balance between something

raw and something structured. She is always chasing that tension between imperfection and

intention.

Her recent collection, California Dreamin', reflects her experience of arriving in California—

feelings of freedom, curiosity, and self-discovery. Through her work, she wants to create

pieces that connect cultures and generations, telling stories that feel both personal and

universal.