Love, Zooey (apparently named after Zooey Glass from the J.D. Salinger novel, Franny and Zooey) is the newest venture by designer and Los Angeles native, Grace Chon, who created the label only last year. Before that, Grace designed for LA-based labels 291 Venice and Zooey. Although Grace initially intended to pursue a career in graphic design at Pasadena’s Art Center, she luckily recognized her calling early enough to switch directions and enrolled in the fashion program at OTIS instead. We were able to catch up with Grace this week who kindly took the time to walk us through our favorite pieces from her effortlessly cool Spring 2012 collection. We enjoyed getting a glimpse of her design inspirations and thought process and at the end, found ourselves even more smitten than before!
1) Love, Zooey Tie Dye Racerback
Koshka: What is especially unique about this top?
Grace: These silk/cotton voile tops are each individually hand dyed, no two shirts are the same! You are getting a one of a kind piece.

Love, Zooey Tie Dye Racerback (image source: lovezooey.com)
2) Love, Zooey Piped Shirt Dress
K: What was your inspiration behind designing this piece?
G: Spring/Summer inspiration came from the Swiss artist Lori Hersberger’s fluorescent light installation. Hence the linear lines and the pop of color on this dress.
Love, Zooey Piped T-Shirt Dress (image source: lovezooey.com)

‘johnny won’t go to heaven’, 2006 (neon, mirror glass, beer cans) installation view at art forum berlin (image source: http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/4634/lori-hersberger.html)
3) Love, Zooey 3/4 Dolman with Chiffon Inset
K: Did you have a certain intention behind designing this piece?
G: This top is the quintessential piece that encompasses the Love, Zooey aesthetic. I love to create unique juxtapositions. This is an updated baseball tee but is elevated by mixing the jersey with silk for the modern woman.

Love, Zooey 3/4 Dolman w/ Chiffon Inset (image source: lovezooey.com)
4) Running Shorts
K: How would you style this item?
G: I would wear these shorts with a chambray button down. Accessorize with a chunky necklace and my Comme des Garçons Converse sneakers.

Love, Zooey Running Shorts (image source: lovezooey.com)
K: Lastly, what’s your favorite thing about being based in LA?
G: What I love most about living in LA is how you can drive 2 hours in a certain direction to end up either by the ocean, mountains, or the desert. Inspiration is EVERYWHERE.
Shop Love, Zooey here on Koshka.
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Tags: grace chon,
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