Kumi Kookoon
Jennifer Chang of Los Angeles–based Kumi Kookoon is an accountant-turned-designer with a specialty in fine silks. Chang launched the brand in 2003 with a silk bedding line and added simple robes and slips a few years later. The loungewear line has since undergone an extensive expansion and now includes two collections per year with 10 to 15 new gowns, robes, nightshirts and pajama sets.
Chang described the pieces as “very feminine and romantic” and reported that during the last trade show she attended, bridesto- be were even considering some of the pieces for bridesmaid dresses.
Produced in China, the line is designed by Chang and her mother, Helen Chang (a former fashion designer). “My mom and I think that our customers can see each of our personalities in the designs,” Chang said. “She has more of a romantic flair to things, and I am more contemporary.”
The duo’s balance of novelty fashion and classic beauty is apparent in the line’s top-selling designs, which focus on providing a comfortable, flattering fit for all body shapes. The “Sydney PJ” set, a flirty silk georgette chemise with matching shorts, and the empire- waist “Manhattan” gown, which features meticulously pleated silk-chiffon overlay, best showcase the line’s timeless, elegant style. Signature pieces include the reversible “Kumi” robe, available in long and short styles. These best-selling pieces will be carried over to Fall 2008 in new color palettes, from vibrant jewel tones to subdued neutrals and pastels.
With an undeniably classic appeal, these luxurious silks reach a broad audience. “I have seen our line sold to grandmothers, moms and daughters,” Chang reported. “A lot of moms and grandmothers feel comfortable buying our loungewear for their daughter’s bridal showers, as it’s cute and conservative. It is for the high-end clientele. Our target is the lady that wants to feel beautiful, romantic and comfortable at home.”
The loungewear is stocked in over 200 stores worldwide. Top retailers of the line are high-end lingerie stores, Neiman Marcus and some linen shops that sell the Kumi bedding line (which is also sold at Bloomingdale’s, ABC Carpet and Home, Selfridges and HarveyNichols). The line also includes baby bedding and silk accessories such as eye masks, towels, slippers and travel bags.
Kumi Kookoon will be exhibiting at the New York International Gift Fair, the Salon de International Lingerie in Paris, Lingerie Americas in New York and Maison de Objet in Paris. Wholesale prices range from $60 to $155.
For more information, call (310) 515- 8811. —Dena Smolek
