Meet fashion designer Kim Shui, who crafts looks for Twice, Blackpink, Dua Lipa and Cardi B: the Chinese-American grew up in Italy and Kylie Jenner sat front row at her first show
The young fashion designer says she draws inspiration from Rome’s fabrics, art and architecture; she has since gone on to collaborate with brands from Fitbit to Samsung
Earlier this week on Instagram, fashion designer Kim Shui gave Twice fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her process when it came to designing nine bespoke looks for the K-pop girl group’s world tour.
Known for her signature cultural fusion looks, Shui told her 260,000 Instagram followers she had just three weeks to source the fabrics and submit her designs for approval to the group’s stylist, but added that it was “super exciting to see each of these pieces on stage and I loved dressing such a great group of girls”.
Twice are just the latest in a growing list of global stars drawn to Shui’s boundary-pushing style. Other clients include Camila Cabello, Blackpink’s Jisoo and Jennie, and Cardi B, among others.
Shui’s designs are feminine yet powerful and, per Jing Daily, her work often explores themes of femininity, duality and reinvention. “I want other people to feel great about themselves because that’s what fashion has been able to do for me,” Shui told Time in a 2023 interview, then aged just 32. “It uplifted me and I hope that I can do that for other women too.”
Here’s what else you need to know about Kim Shui.
She grew up in Italy
Born to Chinese parents in the US and raised in Rome, Shui grew up immersed in a mix of cultures that continues to shape her work. She originally planned to work in international finance to please her parents, per Time, graduating from Duke University in the US with a degree in economics in 2011 – but being in Italy inspired her to change course.
She told Jing Daily in March that visiting Italian fabric markets with her mum and constantly being surrounded by beautiful art and architecture taught her to “embrace contrasts – mixing traditional and modern, softness and strength, East and West”.
“Growing up, my family stood out,” she added, “and I realised clothing was a powerful way to connect with people and bridge cultures.” After moving to New York, Shui launched her eponymous brand, Kim Shui Studio, in 2016.