It’s actually pretty difficult to occupy the niche that Regina Pyo does with such panache. A bit of background on the London-based Korean designer: after completing her studies at Central Saint Martins under the tutelage of the famed fashion professor Louise Wilson, Pyo established her label in 2014. The label quickly became a hit with both industry insiders and audiences alike for her deft ability to combine a playful offbeat sensibility with a sense for relaxed effortlessness.
Take her Spring/Summer 2022 collection, which Pyo showed at the London Aquatics Centre to much aplomb – the collection was filled with looks that came across as refreshingly unfussy yet innately cool. Take look 3 – a sheer orange shirt paired over an equally filmy skirt in highlighter green; a dynamic colour combination that one could not help but smile at.
Pyo was evidently taken with it – she appeared at the end of the show in the same outfit. It was a brilliant move to do so; intentional or not, it telegraphed the fact that Pyo’s clothes were made for all types of audiences, not only for the young and skinny (FYI, she was 35 weeks pregnant at the time of the show). Read on to find out more about Pyo and her label, which is new to societyA this season.
Hello Rejina, how would you describe the label and its aesthetic to someone who’s new to it?
“Rejina Pyo is a brand which celebrates the ordinary and extraordinary experiences of people’s lives. Our vision is to bring the avant garde and everyday together with clothes that are easy to wear yet slightly off-beat. We like to describe the designs as effortlessly elegant and a little eccentric, Rejina Pyo collections are defined by sculptural, flattering silhouettes, playful details and mood-altering colour palettes. Not concerned with promoting hype or short-lived trends, we are focused on building long term relationships and evolving with our wearers over time.”
What’s your creative process like?
“Every season begins with a folder of mood images, photographs we have taken, artwork, etc. I discuss with the team the direction that I want to take for the season, and we discuss feedback from previous seasons and any new ideas we want to bring in. Feedback from my team and customers is really important to me, but I always need to push myself to do something new, I move on to new ideas quickly.”
Looking at the S/S’22 collection, we’re intrigued by all the bright, joyous colours you used – as well as that amazing setting of the London Aquatics Centre. Tell us more about your Spring/Summer 2022 collection – what sparked off the designing process?
“I knew I wanted to showcase the collection beside water as it is the place where I feel the most revived and free. Freedom and femininity were the main themes explored in this collection. We aim to showcase our collections in pre-existing spaces where the architecture can speak for itself, and no wasteful set building is required.
For SS22 I wanted to embrace boisterous femininity with sheer fabrics, fluid silhouettes and a bold colour palette that includes iridescent orange, neon green, magenta and lemony yellow. SS22 is also our most responsible collection to date, made using certified organic cotton and linen, certified sustainably-sourced viscose and certified recycled polyester.”
The S/S’22 collection for you must have been quite special, as you were pregnant while working and showing it. What was it like working through all of that? Did it impact how you went about designing?
“I don’t know if it was the relaxing hormones kicking in, but I was very calm during this collection. Perhaps because I was having a girl, this collection was softer, and more feminine. It felt like the right time to return, it was so great to once again create that atmosphere around a collection you cannot reproduce without presenting in person. We could feel our audience was happy to be back, it was a very emotional show for everyone.”
Tell us more about the things that shape and influence your designs
“From a creative perspective I draw a lot of inspiration from different art forms – sculpture, paintings, photographs, installations, and films. I am also inspired by the places and events around me, travel and culture and new experiences. I draw a lot of inspiration from the amazing women around me, all with interesting stories and a strong point of view on the world.”
What are some of your own favourite pieces from this collection?
“I love the Emi Dress which I have worn most recently, the new Banana bags are a personal and team favourite, as well as the swimwear!”
Shop the Regina Pyo range here.