Seeking Inspirato with Myung-il Song
Myung-il Song holding up a hand painted dress in her store, Song, in Vienna. Photo: @terrakopova
An Education in Curation
Myung-il is the owner of Song, a Viennese “concept store” that offers an unforgettable experience and high-end clothing and art pieces that you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
Literally.
The majority of the pieces in Myung-il’s store are exclusive to her shop.
Her collection is made up of items from around the world, and from a diverse group of artists (see full list on website).
Everything is made with integrity by the most trained craftsperson using the best materials.
The quality is inescapable, not to mention everything is unique. That word doesn’t even do justice to the aesthetic Myung-il has created.
Her collection includes art, clothing, home decor, and more.
Myung-il studies art and artists. She takes the craft of curation seriously, and stocks her store artfully.
One-of-a-kind headpieces sitting atop faceless structures. Photo: @terrakopova
Myung-il sitting in the art gallery portion of her store, Song. Photo: @terrakopova
An Experience You Won’t Find Elsewhere
“The shop is in Vienna, but without foreign customers, we wouldn’t survive.”
Myung-il’s concept store is a destination for many. People travel from all around the world to visit.
She doesn’t offer the merchandise online because that would defeat the point.
Her store requires all of your senses.
Exterior of Myung-il's store, Song, in Vienna. Photo: @terrakopova
Original Style in Vienna Exists
Song confirms that Vienna has fashion and style, it’s just not well supported by the Austrians right now.
In a previous article, Sofi discussed the changes happening in Vienna right now around immigration and style influence.
Perhaps with the emergence of these new ideas, stores like Song will flourish and Austrian customers will flock. A girl can dream.
Compared to the gigantic shopping mall that is downtown Vienna, Song is a breath of fresh air.
Unique shopping experiences still exist. Myung-il has designed a beacon of hope.
Detail shot of Myung-il's gorgeous bag and ring. Photo: @terrakopova
Her Style is Uniquely Hers
Myung-il has the kind of style that makes you feel cool by association.
I asked Myung-il to describe her style and in return she said:
“Do I have a style? It depends on my mood. I don’t always have the same style.”
One of the most stylish women I’ve ever met stammers over describing her own style (!!!).
As an outsider, I would describe her style as one that’s best seen through the details.
All of her clothing has details. The sorts of details that only a true artist could conjure up and execute.
The inside of her hat, for example, has a beautiful fabric.
Her shoes are that amazing green color (see detail image below).
“I am very attracted to Belgium designs.”
These pieces didn’t just end up on her body by accident.
They were chosen, and in some cases, designed by Myung-il.
I have green envy over Myung-il's shoes. Photo: @terrakopova
Fine art pieces hanging around in Song.
Maintaining a Top Notch Collection
Myung-il is patient.
She listens to her gut and instinct when it comes to incorporating a new designer into her collection.
She continues to work with some of the same Belgium designers from when she first opened her shop 20 years ago.
“I cannot present a designer who I am not 100% behind.”
Myung-il standing comfortably in her store, Song. Photo: @terrakopova
A Day in a Life
While her home is Vienna, Myung-il has anything but a ball and chain locking her down here.
She is traveling consistently, forging relationships with new designers, viewing collections, attending shows, buying pieces for future seasons, and other things jet-setters in the fashion industry do (I imagine champagne, lots of champagne).
When we met for the interview, she had just returned from Italy.
Even so, Myung-il is focused, invested, intense, humble, and kind; a combination of characteristics I’ve found to be rare.
Song offers clothing, as well as other fineries. Photo: @terrakopova
I couldn’t have done this article without:
Myung-il, thank you very much for being a part of the Seeking Inspirato series. Visit Song online.
Photos: A big thank you to Sasha for the photos.