Jee Kim is not your usual fashion designer. She has the ability to blend utility and functionality with a clean, crisp style to give men what they want – a rugged piece of luggage that looks good without being fussy. No matter what the destination is, Jee’s knack for combining functionality in a sleek package sets her products apart. Which is why her new line of bags is hitting the men’s market with a storm. http://www.peasantsandtravelers.com/press.html

From a young age, Jee Kim had big dreams and a work ethic that made her destined for success. Born in Seoul Korea, Jee was the daughter of immigrant parents who believed in the American Dream. , Like so many immigrants building a better life, they dedicating themselves to working long hours and creating a great life for their family. Jee’s admiration for her parent’s successes led her to follow her own dreams to New York City and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Four years at FIT brought Jee more opportunities then she could have dreamed, lending her positions as a sales coordinator at Gucci, and later with positions at companies such as Neiman Marcus, Williams Sonoma, and Banana Republic.

After 10 years working for other brands, Jee decided to take some time off and think about what side of the fashion world she wanted to focus her efforts. With an innate design sensibility, and a hands on education in merchandising she was ready to branch out on her own. She just needed direction.

She found it by taking what she calls, “the long way home.” That is, heading West through China and into Europe. During her travels she became enamored with how people carried things. Here, driven by functionality, luggage was created with utility in mind, and with the raw materials at hand. Jee quickly realized there was a beauty in the simplicity of this “luggage.” She also realized that was something most of the men in her life had missed – luggage that was stylish, without being overly fussy, but above all functional.

From these travels, her line of men’s bags and luggage was born. She called it Peasants and Travelers to ensure it remained loyal to her inspiration – and would always carry that balance of functionality and style. Upon returning, Jee quickly realized that here was an underserved market. She reached out to her contacts in manufacturing and began discussing materials, styles, and elements that ranged from interior pockets to linings. The result is a line that is both practical and well-designed, while keeping an emphasis on delivering stylish options.

Jee Kim offers refined, style friendly and functional options for today’s young, modern, working man with fashion sensibilities. Her innate work ethic and love of fashion have inspired her to reach for the stars and put it all on the line. And with a sleek and polished look, exceptional detailing, and a capable bag for any occasion, Peasants and Travelers is truly a dream realized.

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