For Ted the biggest compliment came from Virginia Smith, Fashion director of Vogue and right-hand person for Vogue, when she said RVN is “Next generation of Missoni”.

That’s when he said “I have arrived”.

During his time as a student at Parsons School of Design, Ted Kim had the opportunity to meet Donna Karan through Marie Essex, the head of the fashion design department. At that time, Donna was actively seeking top design talent. When Ted presented his project collection, which drew inspiration from the vibrant urban landscape of New York City, Donna was deeply impressed. As a result, she decided to showcase Ted's collection to the Donna Karan and DKNY design teams. This project later served as inspiration for the DKNY 1999 advertising campaign. Astonished by Ted's unique design vision and talent, Donna Karan offered him a full-time position, but Ted declined as he still had time left at Parsons. Ted began working as a part-time freelance designer during his remaining time at Parsons.

In 1998, after being named the Parsons Designer of the Year, Ted Kim received an offer from Luigi Maramoti, the owner and CEO of Max Mara Fashion Group, while attending the Parsons fashion show. Ted's initial plan was to work at Donna Karan immediately after graduating. However, one of his dreams was to live in Italy. Faced with a difficult decision, Ted had a conversation with Donna before making the move to Italy to seize this opportunity.

Ted still vividly recalls the advice Donna gave him at that time: “Ted, go there, learn as much as you can.

Ted embarked on a transformative journey, spending a year in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where Max Mara's design headquarters are situated. The year 1999 marked a pivotal point in Ted's early career as a designer. During this time, he roamed across Europe, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of European culture. Ted's contributions to Max Mara's 1999 SS – FW 2000 collection included shaping color palettes, selecting fabrics and trims, directing print motifs, and crafting sketches.

Ted grew under the mentorship of Donna Karan, who had identified him as a future design star.

He affectionately refers to her as his 'designing mother' and credits her expertise as an early influence.

Donna Karan's design studio was known as the 'Design Lab,' where she envisioned a place where the best design talents from Paris, Milan, and London could create and innovate limitlessly to shape the future of fashion.

Donna's design philosophy placed great importance on tailoring and draping, the process of turning flat 2- dimensional sketches into fully structured 3-dimensional garments. During this period, Ted acquired skills in patterning and three-dimensional garment construction, which later played a crucial role in
RVN's 3D knitting technology. Recognizing the fundamental importance of garment construction, Ted realized that even with machines, clothing couldn't be made without a deep understanding of these principles.

It was with this vision that he named his own design studio the 'RVN Design Lab,' carrying forward the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.

In 2003, Ted joined Michael Kors as the Senior Designer for women's clothing, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the Michael Kors design team.

That year marked the acquisition of Michael Kors by Sportswear Holdings Ltd, founded by Silas Chou and Lawrence Stroll, the driving forces behind Tommy Hilfiger's success in the 90s. Following the acquisition, a rapid brand expansion plan was executed to transform Michael Kors into a global lifestyle brand, representing the essence of American luxury alongside Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. The expansion plan involved transitioning from a clothing-exclusive brand to a lifestyle brand with a strong presence in accessories such as bags, shoes, watches, sunglasses, cosmetics, fur, outerwear, bedding, and more.

While the scale of Michael Kors was rapidly growing, the women's collection design team remained relatively small. Ted was able to participate in all phases of the expansion plan. He recalls one of the reasons for Michael Kors' tremendous success was the company's ability to maintain a very close alignment between the brand's vision and DNA not only through licensing partnerships but across the entire subcategories. The initial vision and direction for each season's collection theme, colors, and moods began with Ted as the Senior Designer in the MK Women's Collection line.

Ted played a pivotal role each season, presenting the brand's aesthetic vision through a multitude of sketches, draped garments, and color inspirations at Michael Kors.

As the designer who initially unveiled the brand's vision for each season alongside Michael Kors, Ted became a pivotal brand ambassador and communicator across all
brand subcategories and partner licenses. He consistently crafted and preserved the brand's DNA season after season. In numerous meetings and discussions, the brand's aesthetics were meticulously conveyed to him, leading up to the final design selection process.

Ted played a significant role in every aspect of the design process across all brand categories, contributing to Michael Kors' success. He served as a bridge between Michael and the design team, effectively communicating the brand's aesthetic vision for each season to all brand subcategories and partner licenses.

Michael Kors is synonymous with the extravagant lifestyle of the rich and famous, and he forms the very essence of the brand.

This label has become a sensation among celebrities, solidifying its position as their top choice. In his role as Senior Designer, Ted played a pivotal part in achieving this.

Ted had the responsibility of outfitting celebrities and maintained a close collaboration with the company's PR department and stylists. His process began with crafting and presenting initial custom designs for Michael Kors, which were subsequently shared with the stylists. The stylists then worked with the celebrities to make final choices and adjusted muslins to fit each star's unique measurements. Ted worked in tight coordination with the stylists and factories to bring these garments to life.

Following that, Ted conducted the final fittings with each celebrity. Overseeing every stage from the initial sketching process to the ultimate red-carpet moment, Ted meticulously managed each step. This dedication allowed him to foster a remarkable relationship with Michael Kors, a brand that has truly become an icon of America's alluring lifestyle.

This experience was instrumental in quickly attracting numerous A-list celebrities to RVN. Ted's tenure at MK marked a historic turning point for the company, propelling it from a modest clothing line to a global lifestyle brand valued in the billions when he was recruited as Vice President at Anne Klein.

Ted Kim joined Anne Klein as Vice President, revitalizing the brand and becoming its public face. He connected with major department store buyers and customers nationwide through fashion shows.

Not long after joining, Ted had the honor of dressing Michelle Obama, marking the first time the brand had been worn by a First Lady in its history.

In his role as Vice President of Design, Ted took charge of all fashion brand operations from a business standpoint, expanding his role beyond that of a creative designer.

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A New Chapter for RVN

Innovative, creative, and exceptional, RVN is reinventing fashion with a completely new contemporary approach.

Established in 2012, RVN accomplished what appeared to be the impossible.

In its first two seasons, RVN was introduced in some of the world's most famous department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Intermix, and more.

It wasn't a stroke of luck; it was the result of careful analysis and market research, aimed at comprehending people's clothing preferences and uncovering gaps in the market. Ted's solution was to establish RVN as the foremost knitwear brand globally as knitwear is universally adored for its comfort and versatility.

However, apart from Missoni, there were no brands that truly integrated knitwear into their brand identity. While many brands featured knitwear in their collections, they didn't establish the same level of knitwear-centric identity.

That's when Ted realized that the world was primed for a distinctive knitwear brand, and he chose to name it "RVN."

RVN places a strong emphasis on 3D knit technology and sustainable knitwear luxury, shaping the lifestyles of women who are present-focused yet future-conscious, effortlessly transitioning from day to night.

RVN's knitwear represents a harmonious fusion of compromise, dynamism, and chicness, exemplifying the highest levels of craftsmanship adorned with subtle yet captivating details. With Ted Kim's extensive 25-year design background in luxury brands, he, as an experienced designer and Creative Director, brings an unparalleled dedication to detail and timeless expertise that establishes a benchmark for others in the industry to aspire to.

RVN's knitwear presents the ultimate balance between daring and gentle elements. It's simple yet complex; it conceals and reveals; it's vibrant yet serene.

Ted Kim continues to draw inspiration from the vibrant lifestyle and creativity of his second home, New York City.

RVN supports a black-and-white staple style while using pop neon and bold colors inspired by the city each season. The colors draw special delight from the eye, taking inspiration from Times Square's billboards, the bright yellow of New York taxis, the cadmium orange of a construction site, the lush green of Central Park, and neutral shades. They present a unique and vivid color palette that is freshly awakened each season.

The unique and diverse architectural styles spanning New York's rich historical and cultural eras serve as an endless source of inspiration for Ted. This is particularly evident in the harmonious interplay of innovative architectural lines, striking and delicate engineering, and the use of exquisite jacquard patterns. Experimental knitting
techniques like the 'Geo Pattern,' first worn by global superstar Beyoncé, are also showcased, highlighting RVN's commitment to pushing the boundaries of knitwear design.

RVN is attuned to the everyday lifestyles of women.

With the introduction of innovative RVN Knit Tailoring, Ted Kim approaches knitwear from an entirely different dimension.

The combination of structural tailoring and the ultimate comfort of knitwear results in products that have never been seen before in the world. This was made possible due to Ted Kim's thorough understanding of tailoring and outerwear, specializing in Donna Karan and Michael Kors.

RVN closely collaborates with highly trained 3D knit programmers to bring Ted's tailoring vision to life.

Unexpected color blocking, subtle stitch details peeking from cuffs and lapels, padding-treated knitwear shoulder structures adjustable to all body types, and signature piping stitch details wrapping edges and waistlines create a slimmer figure and silhouette.

RVN tailoring epitomizes the quintessential essence of power dressing, exuding a timeless appeal.

RVN achieves perfect silhouettes, functionality, and precision through Ted's background in industrial design.

Ted is dedicated to sustainable knitwear design through a unique and precise scientific vision for fashion as a whole.

By applying technology to design and garment production processes, RVN constantly explores innovative materials, such as recycled yarn used in most collections, to minimize textile waste and create garments built to last forever. This entire process involves an unprecedented level of dedication and innovation from all designers and artisans working at RVN.

With a spirit and passion for the future, RVN is aware of the current impact and challenges.

For Ted the biggest compliment came from Virginia Smith, Fashion director of Vogue and right-hand person for Vogue, when she said RVN is “Next generation of Missoni”. That’s when he said “I have arrived”.

Ted's experience is truly unique above all else.

The most crucial part is his understanding of the Knitting machine and its performance. This was made possible by Ted's passionate exploration of innovation and creativity, spending five years tirelessly working with the Knitting machine, amassing over 5000 intellectual data assets. He still believes there is much to learn, and with ongoing technological advancement and the enhancement of AI, he genuinely believes that knitwear is the future of fashion, and his revolution will continue.