THE SOLO ARTIST

    Have you ever wondered about the story behind the name Smith+Parka? Well, let me share it with you! When I embarked on my journey in the menswear fashion industry, I chose to brand my designs under the name Smith. It was a deliberate choice—a name that was clear, straightforward and carried an American vibe. Back then, inclusivity wasn't as prevalent, especially for an Asian designer like myself. Using a hypothetical moniker made it easier for people to grasp the essence of my designs without preconceptions. For over a decade, the name Smith adorned my portfolio, proving its effectiveness. It resonated with interviewers, swiftly conveying the aesthetic of my brand. The corporate designer opportunities flowed in, fueled by this relatable branding. However, by 2014, I found myself in a creative slump within the confines of my corporate design job. I yearned to reclaim my identity as a designer in my own right. I firmly believed that if I couldn't bring my designs to life, I wasn't truly fulfilling my calling. Despite vowing never to sew again after my graduation, I was eager to express my tailoring and pattern-making skills acquired at F.I.T. Thus, the idea of establishing my own brand took root. Yet, the nondescript nature of "Smith" posed a challenge. It lacked the distinctiveness needed to launch a standout brand, especially amidst countless others bearing the same surname. I needed to add something to make this name more unique. Drawing inspiration from my favorite designer Ralph Lauren, who ingeniously merged "Polo" with his brand, I sought to infuse significance into my own label. I know he is referring to the sport but it also heavily is based on the name of the shirt. "Parka" emerged as the perfect complement—a nod to both my affection for the garment and its symbolic connection to my journey, being the first piece I crafted at F.I.T. Combining the two words (reminiscent of other brand names like Smith & Hawken and Smith & Wesson, etc...) felt harmonious. Phonetically pleasing and evenly balanced, it struck the right chord, hinting at craftsmanship, outdoor allure, and a touch of luxury, adaptable to various aesthetics. As time passed, my fondness for the name deepened. Crafting a brand narrative intertwined with its name's origin became an unexpected yet cherished aspect of my entrepreneurial journey.

Hey there, it's been quite a ride over the past three years since I dove headfirst into working on Smith+Parka full-time. With so many new faces in my circle, I figured it's high time for a little reintroduction - and what better way to do it than with my very first blog post? Ever since I was a kid, design has been my forte, almost like it chose me. Math and other academics? Not my strong suit. I barely scraped through high school, but when it came to art, I soared. I aced the NYC Art Regents test and snagged a full ride to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). FIT was where I really honed my craft in pattern-making and sewing, setting the stage for the journey that led me to where I am today. In my time in the industry, I made a deliberate effort to diversify my skill set, dipping my toes into various design realms like outerwear, sweaters, knits, and bottoms. But I didn't stop there. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, dabbling in graphic design, photography, and marketing, all in pursuit of what I hoped would become my own business. Back in 2014, Smith+Parka started as a passion project, a creative outlet to balance out the constraints of my day job designing for big-name brands. I crafted the brand's identity and laid the groundwork for what would come next. But it wasn't until 2021 that inspiration struck. I wanted to design something practical yet stylish, something that could carry all my essentials without weighing me down. Drawing on my expertise in pattern-making, I crafted a crossbody, the Solo Sling. A sleek twist on the classic fanny pack, streamlined and versatile. Fast forward to 2024, and here we are, with over 2000 Solo Sling Crossbodies sold and gearing up to open our second store in the vibrant Lower East Side of NYC. The journey has been wild, unfolding in ways I never could've predicted but always strived for. I'll be sharing more about the brand, my triumphs, and my struggles as an entrepreneur. Stick around by subscribing to this blog, and let's see where this journey takes us next.