Interview with Liza Belmonte

This month we got the chance to chat with Liza Belmonte, founder of the brand Kjinsen, which is also available on Seezona. Kjinsen is a brand celebrating strong silhouettes and the female figure with wearability in mind. The name Kjinsen is inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, an ode to longevity and the effects that life has on the possessions we cherish. Learn more about Liza and Kjinsen in the exclusive interview below.

What’s your favorite part of working in fashion?

What has surprised me the most, being new to this industry, is how nice people actually are. Everyone I have met, especially on the product side, are creative people who feel very passionate about what they do. This was a very positive surprise.

What’s your least favorite part of working in fashion?

Over the past four decades, consumers have been pushed towards consuming fashion goods in a similar way to disposable goods: prioritizing quantity over quality. Small independent brands, like Kjinsen, are working to re-educate consumers on what makes good fabrics, ethical clothing production, and so on. This communication with the customer is a joy, but there is a long way to go and a lot of myths to debunk.

Tell us about what project or item you are most proud of and why?

I am very proud that we make our clothes in a local London atelier located down the road from where they are designed. An atelier that operates an open door policy where the working environment is not just safe, but really pleasant, and where the people making the clothes are being paid fair living wages. The pieces I am most proud of are our tailoring pieces! We went through so many rounds of samples before we finally got the perfect fit with a feminine and modern silhouette. Trouser suits are so much more versatile than people think! I could wear a suit every day - it is actually super comfortable and casual chic.

What does your creative process look like?

The initial idea for a collection often sparks from me seeing a small detail on someone on the streets. For example, I might see someone who has tied a jumper around their waist over a boldly printed skirt - a combination that creates a really interesting structural dimension. I like to start with a simple inspiration like this and then build my ideas and collections around it - putting together colors, prints, and overall vibes.

What are your favorite brands on Seezona.com and why?

I am a huge fan of Mietis and their handbags, I would say what attracts me to clothes and accessories are bold and unusual shapes and silhouettes. I think their shapes are really interesting and the styles are versatile - they would suit a minimalist girl as well as a more classic one! Is it too early to think about summer? My second pick is Oceanus Swimwear, I love that they bring incredible glam in a conscious way, operating on a pre-order model producing ECONYL swimwear. Finally, I love Dan Cassab. Their cowhide Taylor jacket is currently on my wishlist - it’s such a timeless piece that I would wear forever.