Minika Ko is a multi-talented fashion designer who is reshaping the very seam of New York City. Ko is the CEO of the clothing brand “KOVASKY,” and creates beautiful pieces that are sustainable yet high performance in their nature. I was given the opportunity to interview Ms. Ko about her love for fashion design and “KOVASKY”. Check out Minika’s insightful answers below!

Why did you decide to choose fashion design as a career? …

I’ve always loved fashion. Growing up, I was always the girl who cherished every chance to help my girlfriends find their true style. My first career was as a musician. I however felt strongly that I wanted to be creative in a different way. I took a year off to travel and find the passion that would serve me in the next chapter of my life. I read a biography on my favorite designer, Alexander McQueen. The book told the story of how he started his fashion career with a high end tailor, so I decided to do the same! When I made my first skirt, I knew that fashion design was my true calling. I love to dress women and make them feel beautiful and confident.

What made you decide to start KOVASKY?

I loved heroic female characters in history and cinema. I’d really like a female version of James Bond - a sexy badass who gets to kick ass and make love to beautiful men. I designed KOVASKY for adventurous women who are ready to take on the world. It’s a wardrobe that makes her look sleek and confident with a sense of seduction. There’s something very sexy about a woman who takes risks.

**KOVASKY a high performance collection designed in NYC.**

What according to you is your favorite part of being a fashion designer? …

My favorite part of being a fashion designer is creating something that makes someone feel beautiful. I place emphasis on making a woman feel special through internal self confidence. As a designer, I believe that a good design can change the way a woman feels about herself, and that to me is why I love what I do.

The designs you’ve created are nothing short of brilliant, but who and which things were your inspiration while creating such designs? …

I am influenced by music, art and architecture. Coming from a classical music background, every dress I make has its own “theme song”. I can hear it in my head when I sketch or drape the silhouette. I am inspired by contemporary art and architecture, especially the strong, clean lines and futurism. Most importantly, my inspirations come from women in my life. I’ve been very lucky to have met extremely interesting women with incredible dreams and stories. Women are my muses. I want to create pieces that help women thrive. I, at the end of the day, want to be a designer who made women feel strong and beautiful. I place emphasis on women empowerment, it means a lot to me.

Define fashion?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is important to find your own unique sense of style that makes you happy and fits the world you live in. Fashion is your second skin, and an expression of who you are.

What’s next for KOVASKY?

The first KOVASKY collection features strong lines and architectural silhouettes that create a feminine yet powerful presence. For the next collection, I’d like to place more emphasis on the drape and coloration of the garments. I would really love to incorporate the delicate design addition of flowiness. I feel that most women have both feminine and masculine characteristics. Like yin and yang, it’s about finding that balance between. The perfect mixology of expressiveness and subtlety gives her a certain je nais se quois.

What do you want readers to know about you apart from design?

Laughter, good food, and love are my life essentials. I enjoy traveling. During the pandemic when I couldn’t travel, I cooked cuisines from all over the world and played the music of the specific country when I ate the food. I hope to always love what I do and do what I love!

Any up and coming designers we should be privy to?

There are so many talented designers! I love Jill Herlands’ jewelry, they are truly pieces of art. I also have pieces from ANH Jewelry. They are handmade in Brooklyn.

It’s safe to say that Minika Ko will go on to be one of your favorite designers. I admire Minika’s creative genius and talent. Minika, you have such a bright future ahead of you in the fashion industry, and you have all of Styling By Chi’s support.

The Madame Dress