Designer in 3D - Ingri:Dahl

If you have ever felt that the conventional chunky 3D glasses has compromised the quality of your 3D movie viewing experience? Well, Ingri:Dahl is set out on a mission to change that - one good design at a time. Don't be fooled by the chic frames that resembles sunglasses - Ingri:Dahl produces 3D glasses that are compatible with most 3D screens in movie theatres and also 3D television screens. I really like the concept of designer 3D glasses that doubles up as a very chic accessory and took the chance to interview the pair of designers - who also happens to be twins! - Kine and Einy Paulsen. 


Naked Glory: Tell us how you have founded your company - what was the initial process like?
Ingri:Dahl: The initial process came very naturally to us, we had always wanted to start our business, but didn't have an idea what kind of business it should be. One day while studying in LA we went to the movies to watch a 3D movie - we were immediately fascinated by the 3D effect, but hated the 3D glasses we were given. The conversation started the same night, and like everything else we do, we dove into it 110% and never looked back!
  

NG: Since both of you have graduated from business school, how do you come up with the ideas or sketches for the designs of your chic 3D glasses?
ID: Fashion has always been a hobby for us, and we have always been extremely inte eyewear. So although we are not trained designers it came very natural to us (oh and thanks goodness for friends and family who helped us!) We find our inspiration in classic Hollywood as well as contemporary designers.

NG: Is it easier being business partners since you guys are twins? 
ID: Most definitely! Being twins enables us to be completely honest with each other without having to worry about becoming enemies (haha!) Also, we usually feel the same way about most things, which means that we can make decisions without consulting the other if there is a time crunch. And it's always a blast to work with your best friend!

NG: What are some of your most popular designs?
ID: Since our customers all have different styles, its hard to point out any styles that are more popular. However, we frequently get feedback from our customers who have bought our designer 3D clip-on. They're ecstatic that they no longer have to wear a pair of 3D glasses on top of their prescription glasses, but can watch 3D in style and comfort.

NG: What is the process of manufacturing like for your 3D glasses? 

ID: The manufacturing process is definitely the longest phase in our product development. Before we started the production of first collection we spend almost a year finding the right supplier. The long list of potential factories was narrowed down on quality, delivery time etc. After we established the production facility we sent over our designs and waited for the first sample. From there it's usually back and forth a few times to ensure that the design and quality are according to our standards.

I am giving away one pair of exclusive white framed aviator styled 3D glasses on my facebook page here! Simply LIKE & SHARE the photo on my facebook page, LIKE Ingri:Dahl facebook page here, and leave a comment of why you should win it :)
Winners will be selected by the most witty answer and notified via facebook message! Contest closes when 60 likes have been reached so get your friends to join too!

Contest is open to both Singapore (local) and international readers. International readers who win will have to borne a portion of international postage fees.  

Soulpot Studio - Exploring the Korean fabric of the soul

I had the opportunity to discover Korean designer Kim Sujinn's work during the Blueprint tradeshow and was very impressed by her vision and the sense of intimacy that her clothes seem to carry, simply through its fabrics and loose, poetic silhouettes. 

Sujinn K. is the youngest designer to show at Seoul Fashion Week and the amazing thing is that she is an entirely self-taught designer. She has never had any formal training in dressmaking nor fashion - previously she studied Chemistry in university. Her love for fashion started when she began reading dressmaking through books and through the years, she has been creating beautiful things and is now into her 11th collection already. Handling all aspects of her label alone (designing, sourcing for fabrics, marketing, PR...), this is one amazing and strong girl. Despite all this, she remains very humble and down to earth. 


I first met her at her Blueprint booth - a seemingly quiet and reserved girl. Upon touching and feeling the subtle luxury of the fabrics, I was drawn into her collection, but unfortunately we couldn't communicate. It was only on the second day when I returned to her booth that I managed to interview her informally through a translator. 

Hand dyed parka with Hanbok inspired high collar & cutouts

Loose silhouettes & tie-belts to allow for free styling

Linen inner layer cotton weaved muslin outer

Naked Glory: What are the inspirations behind your designs? Why do you choose such soft and slouchy silhouettes in these neutral colors? 
Sujinn K: I want to use organic fabrics and the traditional Korean ways of dyeing and treating fabric so that it is better and more comfortable for the human body. I'm not trying to achieve the Japanese Zen - that is another set of values altogether. A lot of the styles here are reinterpretations of the traditional Korean Hanbok in a modern way. Because a lot of Koreans hate traditional costumes nowadays, so I want to change that mentality and show my designs internationally for people to know what traditional Korean fabrics and believes are.  I want to make my styling free and easy so there is a lot of lightweight fabrics and draping. 


In Korea in the past, our ancestors used to wear long pants and long sleeves even in summer. This was because their fabrics were very breathable and lightweight. So I have incorporated a lot of linen in my designs. 

I personally observed that Sujinn paid a lot of details - it all lines within her stitching, buttons at the side of her maxi skirts and ingenious draping.

NG: I really love your designs but I'm concerned about the commercial factor of your designs - how are sales doing so far in Korea and what about your stockists elsewhere?

In the beginning it was very difficult because I was a young designer and because of my minimalistic designs that are unlike what the KPop culture promotes nowadays. That's why I have my diffusion line Soulpot Studio Basic Words, which is a selection of 10 essential basics trickled down from my main line. But unlike some other labels that assert itself with loud colors and futuristic designs, I want to establish soft design principles that resonate with my customers/wearers of my clothes. So gradually, I have attained local customers that can identify with my designs and values. 

Every tag comes with complete breakdown of fabrics used & swatches

SBSW - diffusion line

Soulpot Studio embodies a quiet sophistication in its designs, but yet at the same time a determination to create change and express values through fashion. It is not just retailing clothing, but the brand itself reflects the cultural level of Korea and has created a mature elegance by relating to its own cultural aesthetic and identity. In today's age, it's not easy to find that anymore. And that's why I love the label. 


Watch Soulpot Studio's SS12 show at Seoul Fashion Week here to see how her clothes move. Notice that she casted all Asian models.