Karolyn Pho

Photo Courtesy Of Karolyn Pho
 

THE FLOOR IS YOURS COME BLOW YOUR HORN

I'm originally from Los Angeles, California, and I’m living in Brooklyn, New York now. 

In L.A., I was working as a wardrobe stylist and costume designer. I was simultaneously studying fashion merchandising and marketing in college. 

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE THAT THE APPAREL INDUSTRY WOULD BE YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND ARTISTIC OUTLET?
I’ve been working in fashion since I was 16 years old. Starting from a yarn shop, to retail, to styling and then design. However, I knew at a very young age, maybe five or six years old, that I was genuinely interested in fashion. 

HOW DOES BEING A FORMER STYLIST FOR MUSIC VIDEOS AND FILM PRODUCTIONS INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVITY?

I still work on videos and films every now and then. It really helps to refresh my mind and cleanse my palate. It's my opportunity to work with fashion on a very real and visceral level. I get to delve into stories and characters, transcending into another reality that I'm not in control of. I love it.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC PERSON IN MIND WHEN YOU DESIGN YOUR COLLECTIONS OR DOES THE INSPIRATION COME FROM ABSTRACT IDEAS?
It comes from abstract ideas and inspirations from my environment. The “girl” of the season is manifested from the “world” I create for the collection.

WHO ARE YOUR PERSONAL INFLUENCERS?

Karl Templer, Cocorosie, Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson and Marie-Amélie Suavé.

WHAT DO YOU WEAR WHEN YOU'RE NOT WEARING YOU?

Baggy washed-out jeans, white t-shirt, and my (Jika-) Tabi boots.

WHAT'S THE ONE PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU WON'T BE CAUGHT DEAD IN?

Tear-away cargo pants. However, never say never.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND FUNCTIONAL BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND PLAY?

I force myself to run in the morning before work so that regime keeps me from smoking and drinking too much/going out too late. Reversely, weekend getaways force me to step away from work.

WHAT'S YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE?

La Roche-Posay cream cleanser, SK-II eye cream, African shea butter for lips, hands, hair - pretty much everything, 5-HTP, water, and more water. 

THE BANGS - CAN WE TALK ABOUT THEM? A LOT OF LADIES OUT THERE WANT TO, BUT ARE AFRAID TO GET THE CUT. PLEASE ADVISE

Bangs are for landmark periods in your life. It's best you earn your right to have bangs, because if not, you’ll never have the confidence to carry them. When you're ready, head to my hair stylist guru, Tara Jean Mann, and she’ll take care of you.