"It's more interesting to have just a picture of a small detail - then you can dream all the rest around it.
Because when you see the whole thing, what is there to imagine?" -Dries Van Noten

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Jen Kao

Designer. New York

Two words are synonymous with Jen Kao - "easy dramatics". Los Angeles-born Kao was raised in Kansas and hailed to NYC in 1999 to study Studio Art at NYU. With internships under her belt in the world of creative design, Kao's yearning to learn about the realm of three-dimensional design kicked in, and began her growing interest in textile construction. From Jill Stuart to Twinkle, Kao was ready to venture onto her own, and set up her namesake shop in 2006. Since launching her line, she's collaborated with Alejandro Ingelmo and last year, Kao was invited to participate in The Vogue Talents Corner by Vogue Italia to showcase and sell items from her collection in Milan. She gains even more points in our books, as her favorite website is National Geographic's digital initiative, and her love for Stephen Sprouse (she has the scarves to back it up) matches ours. She's got some killer Nike Dunks that glow in the dark (she can thank her brother for those), and a sick set of Murakami/Supreme skateboards (once again - thank you bro). But, it's her inspiration from outer space that intrigues us the most, referring to her shoe creations as "alien stompers". "The print on the satin is inspired by NASA shots of Earth from above. I wanted to design shoes that made you feel like you could conquer the entire galaxy" states Kao...and we couldn't agree more. To infinity...and beyond!

Digital Inspiration

Behind the scenes Comments
I’m always amazed by Louis Vuitton’s choices in collaborations. They have mastered the concept of Iconic VS Iconic. All the Murakami bags I have were collected via luck…chance wa... Scarves, Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse; Bags, Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I’m always amazed by Louis Vuitton’s choices in collaborations. They have mastered the concept of Iconic VS Iconic.  All the Murakami bags I have were collected via luck…chance walk-bys by myself or friends during launches in Honolulu, Shanghai and Tokyo.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Scarves, Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse; Bags, Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami </span>
The necklace is part of my 2009 Halloween costume. I dressed up as a cabaret version of the White Rabbit. The base is from Patricia Field’s and I added the eggplant Swarovski crystals... Bag, Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The necklace is part of my 2009 Halloween costume. I dressed up as a cabaret version of the White Rabbit. The base is from Patricia Field’s and I added the eggplant Swarovski crystals.  

That’s vinyl Heatherette on the left!
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bag, Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami </span>
The Sprouse collaboration continues to be genius. I have bought every accessory aside from the bags. Louis Vuitton is unmatched in their choices of the least obvious, unexpected partner... Scarf, Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The Sprouse collaboration continues to be genius. I have bought every accessory aside from the bags. Louis Vuitton is unmatched in their choices of the least obvious, unexpected partners.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Scarf, Louis Vuitton x Stephen Sprouse</span>
That’s Murakami’s Kiki wearing a part of my Balenciaga bracelet. Kiki was a gift from my brother. He says she reminds him of me. Bow, Balenciaga
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>That’s Murakami’s Kiki wearing a part of my Balenciaga bracelet. Kiki was a gift from my brother. He says she reminds him of me.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bow, Balenciaga</span>
I picked up these Cazal’s at our friend’s fantastic hat store, Still Life. I’d always wanted a pair and when he brought these out from under the table, I knew they had to live wit... Sunglasses, Cazal
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I picked up these Cazal’s at our friend’s fantastic hat store, Still Life. I’d always wanted a pair and when he brought these out from under the table, I knew they had to live with me.  

The tray of miniatures is one of the many Re-ment sets in my collection. This one is from the “School Supplies” edition: mini protractor, ruler, compass, binder clips and white out. The Dior scissors, I had to have when I saw they were “multi-functional.”
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Sunglasses, Cazal </span>#inline_01
The tea set was a gift from my mother. The implemented Alice In Wonderland was a gift from Tokyo from my pattern-maker. They seemed to belong together. The jewelry is a mix and inc... Jewelry, Various Designers.
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The tea set was a gift from my mother. The implemented Alice In Wonderland was a gift from Tokyo from my pattern-maker. They seemed to belong together.  

The jewelry is a mix and includes birthday gifts from Dior, Van Cleef and Cartier, as well as rings from the fine jewelry collection I designed for Fall 2011.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Jewelry, Various Designers. </span>
They’ve been referred to as “alien stompers,” which I guess isn’t too far from the mark. The print on the satin is inspired by NASA shots of Earth from above. I wanted to desig... Shoes, Jen Kao
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>They’ve been referred to as “alien stompers,” which I guess isn’t too far from the mark.  The print on the satin is inspired by NASA shots of Earth from above. I wanted to design shoes that made you feel like you could conquer the entire galaxy.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Jen Kao</span>#inline_02
This top is called the “Cat Lizard Tee.” The print is inspired by more aerial NASA shots. The fringe was created with fishing lure. The paneling construction and design was intended... Top, Jen Kao; Shoe, Surface to Air
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>This top is called the “Cat Lizard Tee.” The print is inspired by more aerial NASA shots. The fringe was created with fishing lure. The paneling construction and design was intended to resemble a hybrid creature I imagined - half cat, half lizard.  

The leopard, zebra, cheetah Surface To Air high-tops, I bought in their Paris store.  

The snowboard and Murakami/Supreme skateboard are both gifts from my brother.  The skateboard is a set of three. He took it to a skate shop for trucks and wheels, and the guy owner thought he was crazy. “Who does that to an LTD deck?” he asked.  “We do,” my brother answered. 
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Top, Jen Kao; Shoe, Surface to Air </span>#inline_03
Another gift from my brother! Glow in the dark Nike Dunks. One pair amongst a fairly large collection. The minis are part of a big family too! Shoes, Nike
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Another gift from my brother! Glow in the dark Nike Dunks. One pair amongst a fairly large collection. The minis are part of a big family too!</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Nike</span>#inline_04
This is actually an old flower vase filled with some little guys that lost their spaces on my shelves. Flowers die, but vinyls are forever! The 5th Avenue Chanel store had a private ... Bag, Custom Chanel
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>This is actually an old flower vase filled with some little guys that lost their spaces on my shelves. Flowers die, but vinyls are forever!

The 5th Avenue Chanel store had a private customization 2.55 event on Fashion’s Night Out. My mother scored me an appointment. Limited colors and combos AND initial personalization inside! Strange, but this is actually my first and only 2.55 bag. 
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bag, Custom Chanel</span>
The Mickey sunglasses are a Jeremy Scott/Linda Farrow collaboration. I bought them at one of my favorite stores in Tokyo, Loveless, five years ago. The big Patricia Field red bow is... Top, Dries Van Noten; Headpiece, Patricia Field; Sunglasses, Linda Farrow x Jeremy Scott; Card Holder, Chanel
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The Mickey sunglasses are a Jeremy Scott/Linda Farrow collaboration. I bought them at one of my favorite stores in Tokyo, Loveless, five years ago. 

The big Patricia Field red bow is another part of a halloween costume, but I’ve since found it to be a great addition to my collection of headpieces.  
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Top, Dries Van Noten; Headpiece, Patricia Field; Sunglasses, Linda Farrow x Jeremy Scott; Card Holder, Chanel</span>#inline_05
Left, Fall '09. Right, Spring '10. Both were probably our two bestsellers ever. I always do one straight up bodycon paneled dress each season where the piecing reflects a new approach t... Dresses, Jen Kao; Shoes, Balenciaga
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Left, Fall '09. Right, Spring '10. Both were probably our two bestsellers ever. I always do one straight up bodycon paneled dress each season where the piecing reflects a new approach to fragmentation of the human body.  

Overall, this photocomposition is all about structure and facets!
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Dresses, Jen Kao; Shoes, Balenciaga</span>#inline_06
I dialed up the Balenciaga store immediately after seeing these glacial shoes in an editorial. Impossible to walk in, worth every pinch! Shoes, Balenciaga; Sunglasses, Cazal
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I dialed up the Balenciaga store immediately after seeing these glacial shoes in an editorial. Impossible to walk in, worth every pinch! </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Balenciaga; Sunglasses, Cazal</span>#inline_07
The two clutches stacked on the Lego Millennium Falcon (which my brother and I built) are inspired by stibnite and have come to work as great centerpieces for tables as well! The othe... Clutches, Jen Kao
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The two clutches stacked on the Lego Millennium Falcon (which my brother and I built) are inspired by stibnite and have come to work as great centerpieces for tables as well!   The other clutch is handmade chain mail set in resin.</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Clutches, Jen Kao</span>#inline_08
There are my favorite Hayao Miyazaki characters from “My Neighbor Totoro.” They are called Makurokurosuke, loosely translated as “Black black things.” That’s a Solange Azagury... Watch, Natalia Brilli; Ring, Solange Azagury-Partridge
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>There are my favorite Hayao Miyazaki characters from “My Neighbor Totoro.” They are called Makurokurosuke, loosely translated as “Black black things.” That’s a Solange Azagury-Partridge Hot Lips Ring, a Natalia Brilli leather covered watch I bought at Maria Luisa Homme (though I really wanted the skeleton playing the drum set). Solange is my favorite jewelry designer of all time.   </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Watch, Natalia Brilli; Ring, Solange Azagury-Partridge</span>#inline_09
The My Little Pony was part of a retrospective/auction called The Pony Project that invited female New York artists to work from a blank pony and create their own. The girls from I Hear... Skirt, Christopher Kane
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The My Little Pony was part of a retrospective/auction called The Pony Project that invited female New York artists to work from a blank pony and create their own. The girls from I Heart, RIP, which used to be my favorite Nolita store, created this one.  

I bought the Christopher Kane skirt at 10 Corso Como last Milan Fashion Week and wore it to Roberto Cavalli’s FW11 show.  

The James Jean print is a gift from my brother. I’ve been smitten with his work since the Prada collaboration.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Skirt, Christopher Kane</span>#inline_10
Strawberry ToFu Okayo is toting a precious little denim Louis Vuitton logo bag that I now realized I want back and am considering making a return to carrying purses after a five year hi... Bag, Louis Vuitton
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Strawberry ToFu Okayo is toting a precious little denim Louis Vuitton logo bag that I now realized I want back and am considering making a return to carrying purses after a five year hiatus.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bag, Louis Vuitton </span>
Cartier Panthére ring and watch are just second-class citizens at this fabulous ToFu Oyako dance party. All, Cartier
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Cartier Panthére ring and watch are just second-class citizens at this fabulous ToFu Oyako dance party.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>All, Cartier</span>
Blinded by Kane! I hope if I ever have little girls of my own they are Yoshitomo Nara girls. He is my favorite Japanese pop artist, and I buy up any Nara paraphernalia I can afford and ... Top, Christopher Kane
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Blinded by Kane! I hope if I ever have little girls of my own they are Yoshitomo Nara girls. He is my favorite Japanese pop artist, and I buy up any Nara paraphernalia I can afford and get my hands on. </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Top, Christopher Kane</span>#inline_11
These Miu Miu woven leather shoes were the best season transitional shoes I’ve ever purchased. The Prada shades I nabbed in Milan. The Proenza Schouler hoody is also great year round.... Top, Proenza Schouler; Shoes, Miu Miu; Sunglasses, Prada
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>These Miu Miu woven leather shoes were the best season transitional shoes I’ve ever purchased. The Prada shades I nabbed in Milan. The Proenza Schouler hoody is also great year round.  

Big surprise, but the Murakami print is yet another gift from my brother!
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Top, Proenza Schouler; Shoes, Miu Miu; Sunglasses, Prada </span>#inline_12
The IF SIX WAS NINE fur was an investment I made at L’Eclaireur a year ago during Paris Fashion Week. Definitely a one of a kind look, and I went back three times to look at it. Ultim... Jacket, IF SIX WAS NINE; Shoes, Prada
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The IF SIX WAS NINE fur was an investment I made at L’Eclaireur a year ago during Paris Fashion Week. Definitely a one of a kind look, and I went back three times to look at it. Ultimately, I could not resist.  

The Prada Creepers I bought last Milan Fashion Week. It took a lot of persistence to get the last pair!  
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Jacket, IF SIX WAS NINE; Shoes, Prada</span>#inline_13
My Prada Caterpillar! I’ve never worn it out, but I have certainly slept next to it. A collection of old LTD bags hanging from deer’s ears. And two gorgeously uncomfortable pumps. ... Jacket, Yves Saint Laurent; Green Shoe, Yves Saint Laurent; Blue Shoe, Chanel; Turquoise Bag, Louis Vuitton; Blue Bag, Fendi; Brown Bag, Hermes; Scarf, Prada
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>My Prada Caterpillar! I’ve never worn it out, but I have certainly slept next to it. A collection of old LTD bags hanging from deer’s ears. And two gorgeously uncomfortable pumps.  

I have a strong attachment to this Yves Saint Laurent jacket. A guy off the street once told me I looked like Michael Jackson, but that’s probably because I had just informed him that his fresh tattoo was misspelled.  

The Freon Oakley’s are part of a big collection.  
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Jacket, Yves Saint Laurent; Green Shoe, Yves Saint Laurent; Blue Shoe, Chanel; Turquoise Bag, Louis Vuitton; Blue Bag, Fendi; Brown Bag, Hermes; Scarf, Prada </span>#inline_14
The Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossom Papillon bag was conquered at a walk by store event in Honolulu. Bag, Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The Louis Vuitton Cherry Blossom Papillon bag was conquered at a walk by store event in Honolulu.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bag, Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami</span>
I love these wall vinyls, though I believe the purpose is to hang real keys over them. The Gold Lock Louis Vuitton bag hanging on the door handle seems like a more stylish choice. Bag, Louis Vuitton
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I love these wall vinyls, though I believe the purpose is to hang real keys over them. The Gold Lock Louis Vuitton bag hanging on the door handle seems like a more stylish choice.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bag, Louis Vuitton</span>
The roller skate doorstop was a birthday gift, though I use it more for display. On top is a stack of my bangles from last season. More Re-Ment miniatures! This is from the “Convenien... Bracelets, Jen Kao
<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The roller skate doorstop was a birthday gift, though I use it more for display. On top is a stack of my bangles from last season. More Re-Ment miniatures! This is from the “Convenience Store” series. You don’t want to know how long I spent putting these together and arranging the products. I like to come home from work and micromanage something.  </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bracelets, Jen Kao </span>
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