
Buro caught up with the label's creative director to chat about her new design role and finding the perfect (and flattering) fit for jeans
Founded in 2014, Blanc & Eclare is the latest label to join Salon by Surrender's curated portfolio of mostly edgy streetwear designers. Starting out with mainly sunglasses, the brand has recently expanded its line to include a denim and casualwear collection. Jessica Jung — whom you might know from her Girls' Generation days — is the creative director, and she is slowly but surely making headway in the design realm. Jung is fully involved in the design process of the label, and as per our chat with her, it's clear that she knows exactly what she's talking about when it comes to jeans.
During the interview with the Korean star turned designer, we bond over our denim woes and gain insights on how she worked towards perfecting the Asian fit.
Tell us about Blanc & Eclare.
It's classic and modern, and the focus is on the details. That's actually my personal style and I wanted to share it with the public. It's the aesthetic I like and I've always wanted to start a fashion line. It was always talked about and we did a lot of planning, and then finally we had the chance to get it going. The label officially launched last year. It was challenging because it's something new to me. As you know, I was in the entertainment industry for like nine years. But despite the challenges, it was very fun to do this.
Why specifically denim (and sunglasses)?
I love denim. It's what I wear daily, so I really wanted to present a line of denim. As for sunglasses, I think that they are a very important part of an outfit because it can really make a statement. I use it when I don't have make-up on — it pretty much covers half the face. I also think girls really like sunglasses. I use it at the airport a lot actually, and people were always curious to know what sunglasses I wear. I thought that if I could share my style and design sunglasses for the public, it might be well-received. And I'm getting very good reviews on those — I can't complain and I'm very grateful for the support.
What is your priority when it comes to design, and how involved are you in the process?
I'm fully involved and we start from scratch for every single thing. Fit is everything to me, especially with denim. I try to create the perfect fit for Asians because jeans that don't sit well is a pet peeve of mine.
What do you think are the challenges Asian women face when looking for a pair of jeans? For us, it's always the case where one part fits but another doesn't. It's annoying.
Well, for starters, definitely the length. And like you said, also the fit. I'm very picky with my fit. I feel like your ankle has to show when wearing jeans. I'm sure you understand. When we try on a pair of jeans, chances are it's too long and, as you mentioned, one part fits but the other doesn't. So for my denim collection, I try to get everything right to my standards. And you know how us girls have a little bit more meat around the back of our waist? I design my jeans to cut upwards towards the sides so it covers that bit and is a lot more flattering.
How do you think the designs reflect your personality?
My designs are very classic and basic. And that's pretty much my personality too. I don't like to overdo things, and usually I don't even wear skirts. I very much prefer a pair of jeans.
What do you think sets your denim line apart from other brands?
The fit is definitely the distinct difference. We're still developing, so I think there's a lot more to come. Right now, there's mid-waist, high-waist skinnies and boyfriend jeans. Hopefully the next season we'll have more designs and different fits.
When you put on a pair of jeans, how does it make you feel?
Sexy, comfortable and fresh.

When you spot someone in your designs, what do you feel?Awesome! Because even just by looking at my products at the store being displayed, it makes my heart beat faster. I feel excited and grateful. And especially when people write good reviews after wearing them, it makes me incredibly happy and I feel encouraged to continue designing and producing more with a greater variety.
Let's talk about shopping. What's your go-to store in Korea?
I actually don't really shop in Korea, but I like to go to Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. I like to window shop a lot and just look at stuff. Lane Crawford has a very clean aesthetic and the displays are awesome. I haven't been travelling to Hong Kong in awhile. I really want to sometime soon because I love it there.

The Blanc & Eclare denim collection is available at Salon by Surrender at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
source: givenchy
I'm loving all the exposure Designer Jung is getting lately! ^.^
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Date: 2015-09-06 10:42 am (UTC)I really like her jeans but the fact that I can't try them on before buying is what is keeping me from buying it. Plus, I am pretty tall and have wide hips, so unless she caters her brand to that I don't see myself ever fitting into them. I love the one pair of glasses I have of her and hope that she starts to pick up accessories/bags in the future cause that is where usually all my money goes.
Jessica is so precious. God I miss her in SNSD and not seeing her as much as I used too but I really love her brand and her outlook on things, I feel like she really matured and had to learn to be front and center since she usually was the one who didn't say much during SNSD days.
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Date: 2015-09-06 05:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 11:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 11:19 am (UTC)why is she so pretty. and yess i think her clothes line will make it
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Date: 2015-09-06 11:28 am (UTC)why is she so pretty. and yess i hope her clothes line will make it
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Date: 2015-09-06 11:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 12:59 pm (UTC)Jeans that don't sit well is a pet peeve of mine, too... which is why I mostly have my jeans tailor made :|
Lol after what CL said, it's funny how Jessica call her style basic (and classic). That being said I always love Jessica's style and aesthetic so you do you, Sica.
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Date: 2015-09-06 07:46 pm (UTC)I've seen many comments shading her style for being basic, but I personally love her basic style. Especially when talking about airport fashion, when comfort should come first.
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Date: 2015-09-07 01:24 pm (UTC)Yeah, I love how simple and comfortable her style is.
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Date: 2015-09-06 01:36 pm (UTC)i am definitely interested in trying her clothes but apart from the prices, i guess, i either have to starve myself to fit into them or just gaze from my laptop screen T__T
nonetheless i am so proud of her <3
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Date: 2015-09-06 01:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 01:57 pm (UTC)I've already bought a few pieces from her collection and they're all just wonderful!
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Date: 2015-09-06 04:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 04:12 pm (UTC)Online, but I hope that B&E will open a store somewhere in Japan soon (preferable in Kyoto, because that's where I live xd), so that I don't need to shop online anymore (not a big fan of that!).
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Date: 2015-09-06 04:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 05:20 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 04:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 05:22 pm (UTC)And I'm eyeing the Manhattan jeans too!
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Date: 2015-09-06 06:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-07 10:46 am (UTC)I honestly can't answer this question, because I always cut off the lables inside the clothes, because I don't like them rubbing against my skin. So sorry! BUT I remember being very amazed by the quality. Both - the shirt and the jeans - feel so soft when you touch them and are very comfortable to wear. I think they're really worth the money!
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Date: 2015-09-07 02:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-07 02:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-07 03:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-07 04:05 pm (UTC)I'm sure it's also easier to decide if you like the clothes/the quality of them, when you can see them in person and try them on.
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Date: 2015-09-06 07:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-07 10:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 01:44 pm (UTC)also i can't stand when jeans don't go longer around the ankle hahaha personal preference i guess. don't think i'd ever fit into her jeans though since it sounds like they're not really made for taller people.
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Date: 2015-09-06 01:52 pm (UTC)There is also one more article, but I didn't submit it, because it's pretty much a summary of the one I posted. But here: here (http://www.herworldplus.com/fashion/updates/girls-generation-snsd-jessica-jung-launches-fashion-denim-line-in-singapore)
Sica is really making her way and I'm so proud of her! <3
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Date: 2015-09-06 02:53 pm (UTC)But gurl get rid of those hideous bangs
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Date: 2015-09-06 04:08 pm (UTC)I'm very interested in the fact that her jeans come up at the back/side? I'm curvy so that's a really nice feature.
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Date: 2015-09-06 04:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 04:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 05:09 pm (UTC)i adore her style. while it is basic, she always looks so fresh and lovely.
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Date: 2015-09-06 05:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2015-09-06 08:02 pm (UTC)Am I the only one looking forward to her fragrances. I have high expectations for it, and I think it'll be the first thing I buy from her.
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Date: 2015-09-07 07:37 am (UTC)