designer spotlight - 7115 by szeki

based in new york city. currently in copenhagen. made in a 7115-owned factory in guangzhou city, china.

ABOUT THE BRAND:

7115 by szeki was founded in 2008 in new york city by szeki chan two years after she graduated from the parsons school of design. her designs focus on simple silhouettes that feature thoughtfully considered detailing. 

szeki's brand is 100% made to order (for her stockists + her own shops). she offers a timeless signature collection coupled with additional seasonal selections, and there's always an interesting science behind the textiles she's chosen or developed. 7115's philosophy revolves around investing in less and spending more time with what you have.

every 7115 piece is designed in new york (and now copenhagen!) and expertly crafted in small batches by their in-house production studio in guangzhou city, china. because szeki owns 100% of her production outright, she controls every step of the garment-making process from the first cut. her production studio is a well-appointed space, and her mom (so awesome!) is her production manager.

szeki's sustainability approach encompasses crafting well-made clothes that rarely need replacing, limiting excess waste, and sourcing fibers that are both environmentally and animal friendly. she's currently repurposing fabric scraps into reusable masks, and she's always looking for ways to improve her footprint.

szeki splits time between the lower east side + copenhagen with her husband, their son, and my favorite shop dog, kuna. 

WHY WE LIKE IT:

szeki is a meticulous person in general, and she’s obsessively thorough in her design process. she manages functionality, versatility, and approachability while also refusing to abandon the style of the garment. she’s a magician of draping, and her sumo coats are a dream.

in addition to being a talented designer, szeki (as a human) absolutely rocks. she is spunky, full of life, and intelligent as hell. because of having lived in such uniquely different cultures, her point of view feels more objective than most (that objectivity is also a reason she's so uniquely gifted with garment construction). she looks at the big picture and sees it for what it is.

as i’ve gotten to know her, she’s become someone for whom i have an immense amount of respect. she is dedicated and loyal, and she runs her business with integrity. szeki prioritizes and accommodates the families of her seamstresses. her production facility is a daylight-filled space, and her team shares a home-cooked lunch together in their fully outfitted kitchen everyday. after lunch, the whole group is offered a naptime. all of her employees, whether in new york or in china, seem to feel a sense of ownership and pride in the company. to create beautiful things is impressive. to create a beautiful environment is remarkable. 

**NOTE:

i wrote this blog a while back, and i wanted to add a few things. since the covid-19 healthcare crisis began turning the world upside down, szeki has validated time and again the reasons that we work with her. not only did she close down her entire production studio and all three storefronts before it was mandated, but she's still been paying her employees, making sure her stockists are financially solvent, and converting in-home production to crafting reusable masks. her friendship is truly an honor.

 to shop 7115 styles, click here. follow them on instagram @7115nyc.