NAME: Yuree Jung

AGE: 23

COMPANY THAT YOU WORK FOR: Banana Republic, New York, N.Y.

JOB TITLE: Assistant Designer, Men’s Wovens/Tailored

TIME AT YOUR PRESENT JOB: 1 year

Describe what you do.

I am a design assistant for men’s wovens (dress shirts) and tailored (dress pants and chinos, blazers, suits).

Do you consider your job a passion?

My job entails a lot more than design, but I can tell you that I am most passionate about the design aspect and creative input, and more specifically, the color, fabrication and construction of a garment.

What do you find most fulfilling about your work?

I think I am incredibly lucky to be in a profession where I get to be creative everyday. That in itself is fulfilling. But it is nice to see guys walking down the street wearing the designs that you have helped create.

How is designing for men different than for women?

Designing menswear is completely different from designing womenswear. Menswear is so key on details and construction, basically all the little things that not everyone sees. I don’t think girls give guys enough credit when it comes to dressing. No matter what kind of style the guy has, he knows what he wants and looks only for that one piece when he’s out shopping. Girls are diverted every which way and end up buying everything else when all we really set out to go buy were some socks. I guess it’s this notion of guys knowing what they want and being very specific that challenges me when designing. And besides, doesn’t everyone like a challenge?

Would you like to design women’s clothes?

I would love to design women’s clothes! Someday, I’ll start making my own clothes, so when people ask, I can finally answer: “Yes, I did make my entire outfit!”

Describe your path here. What other jobs have you held?

I graduated from Otis College of Art and Design (in Los Angeles) in 2004. My job at Banana Republic started out as a summer internship. I’ve also interned at Freshjive and had a brief stint as a costume designer and illustrator.

What inspired you to follow this path?

My mom is my inspiration for everything that I do. She had been in the fashion industry for 20-plus years and never once pressured me into following in her footsteps. She initially discouraged me from going into fashion because she knew how difficult it would be. But from an early age, she knew I had an interest in it and nurtured me every step of the way. She never once questioned my decisions, but stood by me and continues to do so.

What are some challenges that you might not have expected?

Working at a corporation in general is a challenge. A single design may start with the design team, but it literally goes through a hundred hands before it ends up in the stores. In any situation where there are a number of people handling a single object, there will undoubtedly be miscommunication, misunderstanding and sometimes utter chaos. In the end, you have to be patient and understanding because everything takes time.