DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER PARK OF FUNKTIONAL

Designer Jennifer Park offers chic “Funktional” creation for her first Spring 2010 collection.

California – Although fairly new in the fashion community, Funktional has been gaining quite the buzz after “Rude Boy” singer Rihanna wore a piece from the label in November 2009 at a London party (coincidentally enough Funktional was launched that month). That piece, Blaynistas, is the black bandage dress with structured caging at the shoulders, which is aptly named “Caged Dress.” Sounds familiar? As it should because once Rihanna was snapped wearing the futuristic LBD, the web was buzzing about it because not only was the dress hot it was affordable too.

Launched by Korean-born designer Jennifer Park, Funktional aims to please all fashion conscious individuals who love “modern styling, understands refined details, and luxurious, high-quality fabrics at reasonable prices.” This comes to no surprise as Park says that she always loved designing pieces that were versatile and can be work in different ways. She adds that the Los Angeles-based label is here to serve a purpose, and you know that purpose is to make us look oh-so-chic without spending too much coin. Are we right or are we right? Read on for our exclusive interview with Park.

Since you launched Funktional just last year, what are the challenges you have faced thus far?

The challenges are mainly running a business, desinging a line and trying to keep everything running somewhat smoothly.

What other magazines or blogs that has featured Funktional?

Nylon, Marie Claire, Glamour, Cosmo are just a few of the majors and so many blogs and websites I have lost count.

How would like to see Funktional in five years?

Five years from now I would like Funktional to be a brand that everyone loves and can’t live without.

Who are your favorite designers?

Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Junya Wantanabe, Gareth Pugh.

What is the difference between West Coast and East Coast styles?

In the past I felt West Coast and East Coast styles were very different due to weather, vibe, but more and more things are changing.  I dont think its the matter of where you live anymore, is the matter of what your personal style is.

What is your advice on aspiring designers wanting to branch out to this industry?

To all aspiring designers find your passion and style and work very hard to make it our own.

Now for those who are interested to know more about that “Caged Dress” Rihanna wore last year, check out this video from Style Q as the singer’s styling team talked about how you can rock the piece.

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To see more from Funktional, head on to www.funktionalcollection.com. Become a fan of Funktional on Facebook and follow its tweet @Funktional4u.

Image Courtesy of Funktional