IN CONVERSATION WITH JAY SONGZIO
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Jay Songzio, the creative director of Songzio, has officially marked a major milestone with the opening of the brand’s first international flagship boutique in Paris on November 29, 2024. As someone who grew up immersed in both the vibrant energy of Seoul and the timeless elegance of Paris, Jay brings a unique vision to the fashion world—one that seamlessly blends tradition with avant-garde modernity. In this exclusive interview, Jay reflects on his journey with Songzio, the philosophy of "Order and Disorder," and the future of the brand as it expands globally, with plans for a women’s line and new flagship stores in New York City.
What’s the first time you remember being fascinated by fashion? Was there a specific moment that made you think, “This is what I want to do”?
Having grown up as part of a fashion house, fashion has always been my most natural place. I don’t remember a specific moment when I thought, “This is what I want to do.” Like breathing air, this is and will always be what I naturally do.
When did you realize you were headed toward becoming a creative director? Did you always see yourself in this role, or did it come as a surprise?
Becoming creative director for Songzio didn’t come as a surprise—except for the fact it happened earlier than I imagined. Creative freedom is the most important aspect of leading a fashion house. Having this freedom early on allowed me to experiment and grow the brand organically.
You’ve been part of Songzio since the beginning. How did those early experiences influence the way you lead the brand now?
I grew up with Songzio, and every moment of my life was shared with the brand, and vice versa. The ateliers, factories, show venues, drawings, fittings—they were all part of my world. Running a fashion house feels like cinema—a total art form that demands a connection to countless artistic and everyday inspirations: music, art, photography, videography, clothing, literature, and more. Growing up in this environment made my youth rich and inspirational.
Your designs balance opposites—like order and disorder. Why is this idea so important to you, and how do you bring it to life in your collections?
Order and disorder permeate our art and collections. Sculptural in stillness yet fluid in motion, we create a unique avant-garde elegance through oriental silhouettes, experimental designs, and artisanal applications of our original artwork. This approach reimagines ideal beauty from the past while infusing it with modern, avant-garde energy. My background naturally reflects this balance of opposites. Finding beauty in this asymmetry defines my aesthetic sensibility and drives my designs.
Starting every collection with paintings on a black canvas is so unique. What inspired that approach, and how does it shape your designs?
Every collection begins on a black canvas where we create the foundational artwork. In our multi-layered paintings, vertical strokes represent the object, while horizontal strokes convey its emotions. This is our tradition, a core part of our creative process. The process matters as much as the final collection. It makes our work personal, authentic, and sincere. I believe it's crucial for a designer brand to show who the designer is and how the collection comes to life.
You’ve expanded Songzio into multiple brands over the past few years. How do you keep each one—Songzio, Songzio Homme, ZZERO, and Zio Songzio—feeling fresh while still Connected?
Having multiple brands allows us to stay authentic and sincere. As a brand grows, there’s a risk of diluting its essence or losing its identity by trying to capture trends. This can result in mixed, less coherent collections. With distinct brands, we focus on the core philosophy of each one. It deepens the creative direction while preserving authenticity. This approach helps us stay true to our identity while remaining relevant to the spirit of the times.
You grew up in Seoul and Paris—two very different places. How have those cities shaped the way you think about fashion and design?
Seoul pushes me to think only about the future. Its dynamism constantly motivates me to innovate and create something new. Paris, on the other hand, inspires me to reflect and look inward. Even though I grew up there, it’s a city where I still feel like a stranger. Fashion and design are deeply introspective practices, and this sense of displacement gives me a different perspective on my work and my creations.
The first Songzio boutique in Paris just opened. Why now, and what does this mean for the brand’s future?
The Paris flagship has a special meaning for both the brand and me. It’s our first international flagship and marks a new beginning. After presenting at Paris Fashion Week for nearly 20 years, this opening feels long overdue. It’s a big step toward cementing our global presence.
Paris is a huge fashion capital. How has this city influenced your work, and what do you hope to bring to the Paris fashion scene?
In Paris, we aim to create a unique look and explore infinite depths of creativity. It’s an endless journey—honoring our identity while constantly searching for something new. Paris is the perfect place for this, offering both quiet reflection and an objective view of where we stand in the fashion world among so many inspiring peers.
Now that you’re in Paris, what’s next? Any big plans for Songzio’s future, either in new markets or collaborations?
The next few years are full of exciting plans. In Spring 2025, we’ll launch our womenswear line,starting with 10 stores in Seoul. In July 2025, we’ll open our first women’s flagship store in Paris, followed by our next international flagship in New York City by 2026. As for collaborations, while I can’t reveal everything just yet, we’re excited about our exclusive partnership with The Simpsons for our Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
