Hannah Byun had a penchant for art and design, but she never thought it would lead her to the world of socks.
Byun, a 26-year-old native of Yorba Linda, Calif., in Orange County, has launched a whimsical sock and hosiery line called Hansel From Basel.
The line includes over-the-knee socks in quirky colors and patterns, such as a raspberry and tangerine striped sock and a thigh-high style in tan that has a knee pad knitted into it and was inspired by the likes of actress Jane Birkin and French singer-songwriter Françoise Hardy.
After studying fine arts and art history at UCLA, Byun became production and sample manager at her father’s hosiery manufacturing and sourcing firm, Royal Palms, providing the impetus to start her own line in Los Angeles. Royal Palms is not affiliated with Byun’s venture.
“I realized that the business was awfully boring for my taste, so I decided to use my contacts and design my own line, which has been two years in the process,” Byun said. “What really propelled the development of my first collection are Egon Schiele’s paintings of women wearing nothing but thigh-highs held up by ribbons. I imagine their vibrant colors and amazing but simple fabrics. They all wore brilliant socks that were so simple but amplified the subject’s allure and sensuality.”
Hansel From Basel is named after one of Byun’s favorite Swiss characters.
“My aesthetic is very spirited and whimsical,” she said. “The line is not so much for sock design. It’s a lighthearted sensibility, and it’s interesting and tasteful.”
Socks wholesale for $10; leggings and stockings are set to launch next season. Byun hopes to grow her product range to include loungewear and lingerie. She plans to open as many as 60 wholesale accounts in 2007. Hansel From Basel is available at Creatures of Comfort, Bon & Ging, Yolk and Chocosho, all in Los Angeles.