KEY POINTS:
PARIS, 2001: John Galliano had just heralded a spectacular return to form with his instantly iconic Christian Dior haute couture show.
A few days later, across the world in the Takapuna Grammar library, a self-described "typical 16-year-old Asian boy" saw photos of the show on style.com.
Seduced
by the acid bright colours and outlandish styling, Jaeha-Alex Kim instantly abandoned his plans of becoming an artist and decided to become a designer. Simple as that.
So he started a fashion course at school and was the only male in a roomful of girls making ball frocks. "I was really competitive. I took night classes in sewing."
Five years later, Kim was the standout of the 2007 Air New Zealand Fashion Week group show. His collection caused an international media frenzy and saw him hailed as the most exciting talent to emerge from New Zealand in a decade.
Now Kim, 22, is about to hold his first solo runway show at Fashion Week. Those in the business wonder how he can better last year's offering.
With last year's group show, Kim had help from a PR agency. This year is different.
"Now I'm responsible for everything, from choosing the models to who I invite. But it's a good pressure - it pushes me."
Previous collections drew on the dark whimsy of Edward Scissorhands, and the confronting coming-of-age story in French movie The Dreamers. In the past he's explored denim and patterns and stripes. This season, there will be something new. "Kind of different, but still me.
"I want to keep growing."
While putting his first solo show together, Kim has had to develop new skills. He's no longer a boy, he's a brand.
With that comes responsibilities such as staff, promotion, finances, sponsors to satisfy, buyers to woo as well as the delicate art of balancing creativity with commercialism.
Kim is amazed at the learning curve required, and how quickly he's adapted.
"At 20, I was shy. The business side was a whole other world. I've had to learn to lead a team. It's a more collaborative process than before, and I think the clothes are better because of it."
He's been greatly helped by a series of mentors and says other local designers have been encouraging. In laid-back, self-confident New Zealand, it seems there are no bitch-fights, no stilettos at dawn.
"New Zealand is an amazing place to start out as a designer."
Kim's label Jaeha is showing at 9.30am on Wednesday at St Matthews-in-the-City.
