While other girls were playing dress up, Kim Phan was busy revamping vintage clothes and designing prom dresses. She took advantage of her creative abilities at a young age, using it to fuel her passion for fashion. After graduating from San Diego State University, Kim moved to New York City and acquired an enviable position in the music industry. She soon realized, however, that her true calling was designing and returned to the fashion world to create Yumi Kim. This contemporary line, inspired by vintage prints and silhouettes with a touch of funk and urban femininity, has quickly become a hit amongst fashionistas, magazine editors, and attracting the eyes of celebrities from all over the world. In the Fall of 2008, Phan opened her first flagship store in the Lower East Side of New York City. Closely resembling Phan’s personal closet, the store includes the entire Yumi Kim collection, as well as an assortment of vintage items such as jackets, boots, dresses and handbags.“I wanted the Yumi Kim flagship store to be a direct reflection of my personality and line: fun and flirty with bits of quirkiness and hip appeal,” said Phan. “When you’re at the Yumi Kim boutique, it feels like you’re hanging out with a best friend who always has great style.”One of the biggest inspirations for the store was to create a place for the girls to hang out. Phan wanted a homey and fun atmosphere, with blasting music, scented candles, and comfortable seating for customers to sit and relax.YUMI KIM can be found in specialty boutiques and department stores worldwide including Intermix, Ron Herman, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales,and Saks.