Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Tyra Banks, Miranda Kerr… These Hollywood celebrities are all attracted to some special shoes. In Korea, celebrities like Girls' Generation and actresses Kim Tae-hee and Shin Mina, as well as other fashionistas, all love these shoes.

Not black, brown or any other normal color, these shoes have vivid colors, such as green, purple, pink or gold, with heels higher than 10 centimeters. They have a glamorous silhouette, and cuteness with small ribbons and fancy lace. These are the shoes of Jinny Kim, the Korean designer Kim Hyo-jin who launched her Hollywood-based shoe brand using her English name.



Kim, 36, is the founder and creative director of Jinny Kim Hollywood. Though now looking gorgeous, a few years ago she used to be just one more jobless 20-something. Having majored in clothing design, Kim regarded herself as not having much talent for design and found other jobs. Kim happened to see a pair of shoes made by one of her acquaintances, which evoked a passion inside her heart. She decided to learn more about shoe design.

Kim, 36, is the founder and creative director of Jinny Kim Hollywood. Though now looking gorgeous, a few years ago she used to be just one more jobless 20-something. Having majored in clothing design, Kim regarded herself as not having much talent for design and found other jobs. Kim happened to see a pair of shoes made by one of her acquaintances, which evoked a passion inside her heart. She decided to learn more about shoe design.

Kim ambitiously studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York to study shoes design. After graduation, however, she had a hard time getting a job. Kim sent out more than 100 resumes, but failed to find a job. She moved back to Korea and began working as a junior designer at one of the shoe factories in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

In her autobiography “The Jinny Kim Story” (2013), Kim recalled that at the time, “I was hired and received KRW 800,000 a month as the most junior designer. I cleaned the offices, made coffee and had other chores, all while learning about shoe-making and design. I was happy to learn what I loved to do. I never thought it was difficult.” She pursued the glamorous, romantic style of Hollywood actresses from the 1930s and 1950s.

Kim was devastated, however, when she sold only five pairs of shoes while her colleague sold more than 100 pairs of shoes a day. She thought she was not a talented designer. However, in 2006, she made her final decision. She borrowed KRW 4 million from her parents as a last chance. She began to sell her own shoes which she designed and made by herself. The results amazed her. During the first month of sales, she earned KRW 60 million. Kim was thrilled when she found paparazzi photos of Paris Hilton and other Hollywood celebriries wearing her shoes in fashion magazines. In the past, people used to tell her that her shoes were “way too unique” or “difficult.” This uniqueness, however, captivated the hearts of both Korean and overseas stars.

Korea.net’s interview with Kim Hyo-jin

You had many jobs before becoming a shoe designer. What made you choose shoe design as your vocation?
After graduating from university, I worked as an assistant at a fashion magazine and as a merchandiser for a fashion PR agency. I chose those jobs and they were all in my area of interest. I always had a dream in my heart, however, that I wanted to have a job I could enjoy and love for my whole life. I happened to learn about shoe design from one of my close friends, as if it was my destiny. I was happy and my pulse raced when I learned about shoe design. Even when I worked at a factory to learn about shoes making, I mopped the floor there and made coffee and did other chores, but I was always happy and felt rewarded because I was doing something related to shoes. These made me follow the path of a shoe designer. I am happy and feel rewarded when I spot my customers wearing shoes I designed walking on the street.


What do you think it is about Jinny Kim shoes that capture the hearts of Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan?
Ever since launching my own brand, I always thought about making shoes that both Korean and women around the globe would love. When I was in the U.S., I frequently visited restaurants and boutiques that Hollywood actresses often visited to learn more about their lifestyle. I studied what they liked when I designed shoes. My shoes were on sale in the shops they regularly visited. Naturally, my shoes grabbed their attention. Paparazzi took photos of them wearing my shoes. These shoes are the result of my research into what styles Hollywood actresses want. One of my buyers said that Jinny Kim shoes have a more unique, fresh design than some American shoes, which simply follow fashion trends. I guess this is the reason that Jinny Kim captured the attention of many Hollywood stars.

The above photo is the first shoe designed by Kim Hyo-jin while she was studying in the U.S.

Please tell us about a memorable shoes design or drawing you can't forget.
I would say the very first pair of shoes I designed and made myself. I cut a piece of thick leather to use as the sole. I tailored, trimmed and made it, from beginning to end, making every single stitch by hand in the upper part of the shoes. It was made with pink snake skin leather and had a gold strap. I was so happy to make my first pair of shoes with passion and a thrill, though it was untidy in some parts.


What do you think are the prerequisites for a good pair of shoes?
I believe good shoes are made from good leather with beautiful lines. Though made with only a simple design, shoes with a good silhouette make their owners special.


Imagine if you could choose only three pairs of shoes when traveling. What would you choose and why?
I would choose a pair of beautiful pumps with a beautiful line, a pair of gold evening shoes and a pair of comfortable flat shoes made with good leather. There is no special reason. Black pumps will match with both casual and formal clothing, so it is a must-have item. Gold evening shoes will be good for dinner parties, just in case. Imagine if you are prepared to go to a party with a beautiful dress but your shoes don't match. Nothing could be more pitiful than this. So, I think evening shoes are also a must. No one can always wear high heels while traveling, however, so you will need a comfortable pair of flat shoes, too.

Kim chooses black pumps, gold evening ware and a pair of flats made from good leather as her three essential footwear items.

Kim published her autobiography, 'The Jinny Kim Story,' in 2013. In the book, she talks about how she launched her own brand, her success and failure stories and about her faith in life.

What has been one of the most difficult times in your life? How did you overcome it?
After graduating from school in the U.S., I applied for a job at so many firms, but I always failed to pass the interview. I wanted to work and learn, but I was unable to have such a chance. I had an uncertain future and I felt that I wasn't good enough. These feelings gave me a hard time. Looking back, however, such experiences made me love my job more and feel more thankful. Now, I consider that time as a really necessary step in my life.


When was the most memorable, happiest moment in your life?
Last year, I published my autobiography, “The Jinny Kim Story.” This book is based on the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a shoes designer, my story. It is not a success story as a designer. It talks about the procedure of finding a job I want and launching the Jinny Kim brand. I wanted to be an inspiration for those who are looking for a future direction, and I wanted to face my challenges with passion. I received great responses from readers through my blog or via e-mail. They say they found courage in my book and got great optimistic energy from it. I was really happy to receive such feedback.


Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
I am inspired by old fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazzar between the 1930s and the 1950s. I am often inspired by old Hollywood movies that feature Audrie Hepburn, Grace Kelly or Marilyn Monroe. Colors from the pictures of Edouard Manet, Auguste Renoir and Mark Rothko are also good inspiration for me. The sources of inspiration also come from mixing fashion with Hollywood stars, who lead the fashion world these days.

Kim’s shoe designs are inspired by the style of the 1950s.

Can you explain what design you would like to pursue?
Shoes that can make me shine during a special occasion. Shoes with a wonderful design that attracts everyone's eye and makes them jealous.


Can you give any advice to those who wish to become a shoe designer?
I believe shoes design is a dream job because they can make as many shoes as possible and make every woman happy. Even though it looks wonderful, however, behind the scenes there are hidden, difficult processes they have to undergo, such as working all day in a factory and visiting markets to find the needed materials. If you want to become a shoe designer, think deeply whether you really love shoes and would happily do whatever is necessary related to shoes. If you began working as a shoes designer, experience as much as possible, from the sales end to the process of making a pair of shoes in a factory. There are many shoe makers, but I hope you can be a true designer who can make shoes in your own style, which lets everyone recognize your designs at a glance.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jinny Kim Hollywood
arete@korea.kr