Exclusively Misook is a truly different clothing line. The entire collection is made from knit, but in styles and structured silhouettes that aren’t traditional for this material. We wanted to know more so we caught up with Design Director Troy Ray to ask him some quick questions about Exclusively Misook.
Q: Who is the Exclusively Misook customer?
A: I know it’s impossible to be all things to all people, especially in the case of clothing. I strive to provide a collection that multitasks, just as the woman who wears Misook. So who is she? She’s an independent, elegant woman. Confident, yet feminine. Often over-booked, but finds time for everything. She chooses her wardrobe accordingly.
Q: Where do you draw most of your inspiration for the line?
A: Who? Michelle Obama. Kate Middleton. Oprah Winfrey. Hillary Clinton. They’re out there: people watch what they’re wearing, listen to what they’re saying, and wonder what they’re doing — so I watch them. What? That’s a bit trickier. I’m always seeing something in a museum, on the street, on television, at a concert that inspires me. It could be a color combination or a neckline in an eighteenth century portrait — I don’t rule anything out; I’ve found inspiration in the strangest places.
Q: What is your favorite step in the design process?
A: The end. Seriously, I enjoy every step, but I’m especially happy when I can see, feel and touch the actual product. In all these years, I’ve never lost my fascination of what can be created with a few yards of fabric and some thread.
Q: Did you attend school for clothing design or are you self-taught?
A: I suppose you could say that I taught myself — at least enough to get hired as a designer 30 years ago. After that, I attended a few evening classes at Otis/Parsons School of Design, Los Angeles, but the biggest influence to my design education was working for and alongside some of the industry’s heaviest hitters. I got lucky in that. Very, very lucky.
Q: What are some of your favorite pieces in the line?
A: I’m particularly proud of the structured jackets and blazers. Tailored and knitwear are two words that usually don’t get used in the same sentence, but somehow we figured it out. I also love the pieces where we’ve pushed the knit-technology envelope; stitches that resemble something organic or even something as delicate as lace.
Q: What are some key trends we will see from your line next season?
A: Misook [as well as the rest of the fashion industry] is in a color cycle, so that’s first on the list. Color, color and more color. Color blocking, shocking color with subtle, heathered tones, unexpected color combinations — anything colorful seems to work and seems appropriate. Proportion is key next season, too. We imply shape with clever seaming, build in shadows by the innovative placement of color that, in the end, improves our customer’s contours while at the same time, makes them look current and polished.
Q: What’s the ultimate message you want to get across through your designs?
A: That clothing can look as good, if not better, than it functions and endures. That a wear-to-work wardrobe isn’t always stuffy or masculine. That appearing refined, sophisticated and tasteful doesn’t take much effort at all.
Intrigued by this unique collection? Check out our entire selection of Exclusively Misook.
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