Portrait © Jean Lim
B
’Being a journalist' seems like such an appealing profession.
Could you give a brief introduction about yourself and what you do?
Yvette Yang
I work as a design and contemporary art journalist. I am based in the vibrant city of Paris, where cultural events and exhibitions are always happening, my primary job involves contributing news about cultural events in European countries to South Korean media. Occasionally, I also introduce news about cultural events in Korea to European media.
Scene of an interview with artist Jean-Michel Autinelle © Jean Lim
Scene of an interview with Carla Sozzani (founder of 10 Corso Como) © Jean Lim
Scene of an interview with artist Lee Bae © Jean Lim
B
What is a normal day for you?
Yvette Yang
Since I regularly have fieldwork for interviews, locations, and other assignments, my daily routine isn't fixed. On days without fieldwork, I spend most of the morning communicating with Korean media, and in the afternoon, I focus on writing. About once or twice a week, I invest time in attending evening events like exhibition openings or dinner gatherings. Engaging with industry professionals during these events is inevitable as it helps me stay updated on industry movements and trends.
B
‘Good taste’ is something BeneBene highly regards. Please share your thoughts on ‘Good taste’ and your favorite items.
Yvette Yang
Daily life close to culture has a distinct difference in happiness compared to a life without it. Happier individuals immersed in culture often exhibit ‘Good Taste’. However, defining ‘Good Taste’ is highly subjective and changes with time, making it difficult to define with a single word. Perhaps today's good taste is about having 'my own color,' don't you think? In a society where individuality is more significant than the collective, establishing one's identity has become essential, elevating personal worth, which connects directly to personal happiness. When someone has individuality, they can make reasonable choices and not be subjected to marketing tactics. Personally, I favor meticulously crafted and designed items with artisanal craftsmanship. I tend to choose items made of wood or ceramic over plastic, even if they might be a bit more expensive. I opt for things that someone's creativity and effort have gone into and can be used for a lifetime. Choosing items that truly speak to me takes time, but I see it as an aesthetic of beautiful anticipation. Pursuing consumption in haste doesn’t foster individuality.
Photos of the Pino Collection © Yvette Yang
B
If I'm visiting Paris with a child, where are some good places Milo’s mom would recommend?
Yvette Yang
If your child is in upper primary or secondary level, I recommend the ‘Bourse de Commerce’ modern art museum. You can find diverse forms of modern artworks and exhibition designs within the Paris former stock exchange building that Tadao Ando renewed, providing artistic and architectural inspiration at a glance. If you can conclude your visit with a simple snack or meal at the restaurant located on the top floor after exploring the exhibitions, it will be absolutely perfect. This space, designed by the Bouroullec brothers, offers a cohesive and refined experience, including the restaurant's tableware, cutlery, plating style, servers' uniforms, and napkins, all portraying a high level of sophistication. Despite many places being inconvenient to visit with kids, this perfectly curated space is easy to visit and will leave pleasant memories for the whole family.
B
What is your most memorable look for BeneBene’s collection?
Yvette Yang
It would be the garments featuring the 'Toile de Jouy’ pattern from the collaboration with celebrated Belgian artist Valentine de Cort in the summer of 2022. This unique pattern, illustrated by Valentine, perfectly encapsulated the brand's essence and values. The entire collection had a stunning mood board reminiscent of this pattern. It's a fantastic example of collaboration between the brand and an artist.
FAMILY
GOLD
SILVER
