From growing up in South Korea and studying in the U.S. to working for one of the world's most famous athletic sports brands – our Senior Designer brings exciting international flavours to the BLÆST headquarters. Here, you'll get to know her better!
Surrounded by skyscrapers and streets that never sleep, Jaewon Shin (41) was raised in a creative family in Seoul, South Korea. Her mom worked as an art teacher, and her sister was a fashion designer, so it was natural for her to follow in their footsteps.
"I always thought I would become a designer, but I didn't know which industry I'd work in. While studying textile design in Seoul, I had an apprenticeship at a musical costume design company. The experience made me interested in designing footwear, so after graduating, I moved to the U.S to study Footwear Design at FIDM in Los Angeles," she explains.
From Stan Smith to Superstar and other Originals
Jaewon started her career as a sneaker designer at Anthony L&S in New York. Still, as Adidas has always been her favourite footwear brand, she did not hesitate to move across the Atlantic when they offered her a job.
"I spent a few years as a Footwear Designer in Originals' women's team before I became leader of Originals' Key Account design team. I got to work for franchises like Falcon, Stan Smith, Astir, NMD Racer and Superstar," she says.
A change of pace
After 11 years at Adidas, Jaewon packed her suitcase and moved to another country. This time, the destination was her husband's hometown in Norway: Ålesund.
"We wanted to be closer to the serene and beautiful nature, and BLÆST happened to look for a designer – so it was perfect timing," she says.
Even though she's been designing sneakers for most of her career, her vast international experience made Jaewon a shoo-in. Her first tasks included creating new accessories and helping the team finalise the AW24 collection.
"Apparel design is new to me, but I really enjoy learning new things and growing as a designer. Working for a small company is also something I've always wanted to do. It's different, but it's a great experience, and I love the environment.”
She continues: "Being from a metropolis city filled with skyscrapers, I am also mesmerised by the surroundings here. I am looking at these beautiful fjords everywhere, and living in a city so close to nature still feels unreal."
