An Interview with Sijeo Kim
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Sijeo Kim is the Design Director for Guest In Residence, the New York based knitwear brand founded by Gigi Hadid. With a solid foundation in design and an eye for detail, Sijeo Kim balances heritage craftmanship with contemporary designs. In this exclusive conversation, we delve into the creative process, the ethos and the evolution of the brand.
Sijeo Kim, Design Director at Guest In Residence
If you could describe Guest In Residence in three words, what would they be?
Effortless, funky, classic.
What drew you to cashmere as a core material for the brand?
We’ve always felt that cashmere is the unsung hero of fashion. It’s cozy, soft and comfortable while still looking elegant and put-together — plus you can wear it year-round. Cashmere combines all my worlds: it’s comfortable enough for travel, chic enough for work meetings, and durable enough to wear on a farm or ranch.
For Guest In Residence, we also wanted to shift the paradigm of cashmere being something ultra-exclusive and reserved for the few; instead, we’re democratizing cashmere to make it more accessible, playful, comfortable and colorful.
Who is the ideal Guest In Residence customer?
We try not to put our customers in a box, so to speak, and we’re so proud to appeal to a wide range of shoppers — regardless of age, style, gender, etc. We love seeing a young 20-something trying on a sweater, and in the next changeroom, their mom or dad has found something they love, too.
All our customers appreciate quality, timeless luxury, and versatility with a playful touch. They embrace the opportunity to express their personality with color and confidence.
What inspired the latest collection at Guest In Residence?
Our Spring 2025 collection is inspired by LA’s roller-skating culture of the ‘70s and ‘80s — not only its aesthetic but its carefree energy and inclusive values. It’s our most vibrant collection to date, with a youthful spirit that perfectly expresses our ‘funky classics’ ethos. On one hand it’s nostalgic and outspoken, while on the other we lean into timeless pieces that are never-out-of-style wardrobe foundations.
What’s the design process like, from idea to finished product?
Every season starts with us closing our eyes and imagining a world for the collection. We think about the people who might fit into it, what they would wear, what colors they would choose and how they spend their day. It’s also about how pieces could be used in different scenarios, which enhances their versatility and appeal.
We then organize a kick-off meeting with the wider team to discuss color swatches, review sketches and refine the overall vision. We’ve built a truly diverse team, so everyone brings a unique opinion and viewpoint to the table. Together we truly craft each piece with intention, love and attention to detail, so that they convey our values and passion.
How do you balance timeless cashmere staples with modern trends?
Trends come and go, but our vision is to honor past heirlooms while giving new life to pieces that can last for generations. We love to play with classic silhouettes and preppy codes: we bring a modern finesse to iconic workwear and put own unique spin on American sportswear. Reimagining these pieces in 100% cashmere brings a fresh appreciation and respect to timeless design, materials and craftsmanship.
Cashmere is a luxury material - how do you ensure the highest quality in your pieces?
Quality is a cornerstone of our DNA at Guest In Residence. We ensure the highest standards in our cashmere by sourcing the finest fibers from trusted suppliers, most of which are in inner Mongolia. “Suppliers” means people and animals — we work with the Sustainable Fiber Alliance (SFA), which has collaborated with the International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare (ICCAW) to develop a cashmere goat welfare code of practice in Mongolia.
Sustainability is a big topic in fashion - how does Guest In Residence prioritise ethical sourcing and production?
From day one, we have encouraged our customers to invest in less pieces with better quality, to cherish and harness a deeper appreciation of their value. For the planet, we’re committed to lowering our impact wherever possible. To safeguard herder well-being and animal welfare, Guest In Residence is a member of the Sustainable Fiber Alliance (SFA), an industry benchmark for responsible cashmere production.
At both our New York City and Los Angeles stores we have a Take-Back program, which allows customers to return gently worn Guest In Residence items to be recycled, in exchange for 10% off their next purchase.
Do you see the brand evolving to include other sustainable materials in the future?
While our brand DNA is rooted in cashmere, we’re having fun experimenting with new possibilities. Our Spring 2025 collection plays with beautiful silk-linen blends, which are versatile and effortless, and in Pre-Fall 2025, we’ll move into cotton blends with really cool bouclé and micro textures.
What challenges have you faced in growing a brand focused on one material?
Cashmere can be seen as stuffy, or reserved only for cold weather and winter months, but we’re challenging the status quo to make it work all year long. Our lightweight fabrications are ideal for early spring days or summer evenings when the sun goes down. Meanwhile, our playful and bold color palettes are bringing a really fresh energy to the fabric. We wholeheartedly believe that cashmere is for everyone.
How does Guest In Residence appeal to both luxury buyers and younger consumers?
By creating pieces that are timeless, effortless and easily wearable, we connect with audiences of all ages and styles. We also tap into the ‘accessible luxury’ market with democratic price points that make cashmere more attainable without compromising on quality. Above all, our brand ethos celebrates inclusivity and self-expression, regardless of age or generation.
Are there any future collaborations or innovations we can look forward to?
We're always excited to continue collaborations with brands and creatives. We’re currently launching a capsule collection with designer Nigel Xavier, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces made from recycled and repurposed Guest In Residence cashmere. The limited-edition hoodies and beanies will be available exclusively at our Guest in Residence store at 21 Bond Street in New York City.
You can visit Guest In Residence website: guestinresidence.com
