(Yonhap Interview) From pop celebrity to handbag designer, Sang A adopts new take on life

(ATTN: Photos available)
By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Yonhap) -- She used to sing and act. She dazzled viewers as Im
Sang-a, a top TV actress who released three albums. Then, one day, she vanished.
She reappeared more than a decade later in New York, and now goes by just "Sang
A," the designer of exotic, luxurious handbags that have become the "it-bag" for
many Hollywood celebrities, including Nicky Hilton, Blake Lively and Keira
Knightly.
Fashion, Sang A says, had been her ambition for a long time.
"I have always been interested in fashion since I was young," she said in an
e-mail interview with Yonhap. "I used to style myself as well as my back dancers
as a singer."
"Yes, it wasn't easy to start my own business (as an unknown Korean designer in
New York)," she admitted. "But a different culture and a new language turned out
to be positive things in my life. A problem is a problem only if you make it
one."
While visiting New York in 1998 on a business trip, Sang A felt she was ready to
pursue a new -- and longstanding -- career, and set a new challenge in her life.
While studying at the Parsons School of Design, Sang A realized that accessories,
including handbags, provided an "amazing avenue" into the fashion business.
"I wanted to break into a niche fashion market. I knew handbags would be a great
starting point for my designs from my studies at Parsons," she said.
It didn't matter that she was a top star in Seoul. In New York, she was just one
of many novice designers trying to get her foot in the door of the competitive
fashion industry.
But there are no regrets for the ambitious designer, now a 35-year-old wife and
mother.
"It is your choice to regret your actions and decisions. I do not have regrets,
only many life experiences that I have learned and grown from," she said. "I
built my business on the confidence of my own abilities. Confidence is my courage
and strength."
SANG A totes and clutches command US$1,000 to $10,000 each, and are noted for
their exotic skins and compelling color combinations. Sang A set up her own
company in 2003 and launched her handbag collection in 2006.
"SANG A woman is a wife, mother and professional who lives a versatile lifestyle
with uptown class and downtown edge," she said. "As my designs are not
trend-specific, my palette is modern classic with a dose of fun that appeals to
all ages and styles."
Korea continues to inspire her, and she has plans to use the traditional
hand-dyeing technique of her motherland in her future designs, Sang A said. She
travels back to Korea at least once a year, and it is Korean food that always
gives her strength, she said.
"I'm always inspired by Koreans because they are so talented, hard-working, smart
and sensible," she said. "When the right time comes, I will definitely launch
designs that are dedicated to my home country."
As her brand continues to grow, Sang A plans to launch a clothing line and open
retail flagships in New York and Seoul.
"I plan to create a complete lifestyle brand. I am already working on my apparel
collection to launch soon," she said.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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