Mont Kiji founder Junhee Kim didn’t set out to create a brand — and definitely not in Paris. But from Balenciaga to Ungaro, Rykiel to Vuitton, Junhee’s unexpected path through fashion’s inner circles shaped what would become something entirely her own. Here’s some of that story, in her own words.

My Start

I started at Balenciaga. Then Emmanuel Ungaro. Then I went to Sonia Rykiel, where I learned a lot directly from Madame Rykiel. Some of those names have disappeared now, which makes me sad.

A Woman-Led Maison

Sonia’s company was small when I arrived. It was a woman-led family business, and I saw her whole family inside. That was new for me. Her daughter had married a British man who became CEO, and the design team was entirely British. We were all foreigners in Paris. It was like I belonged.

An American in Paris

Later, I joined the founding men’s team at Louis Vuitton — then moved to women’s. Marc Jacobs was heading the women’s team at Vuitton at that time.

He was American in Paris and people didn’t quite understand why Louis Vuitton needed to hire an American to design their clothes. That was still the mindset back then. But for me — as a foreigner too, and someone looking for something different — Marc’s presence was refreshing.

My New York Period

One day Marc left me a message on my answering machine saying he wanted to meet. That’s how I ended up in New York, working as design director for Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Back in France

When I started Mont Kiji, a lot of people — including my own mill — told me not to insist on 100% Made in France. It doesn’t make business sense. It’s painful. The margins are small. I looked into other options, and I still insisted.

In the end, I realize it’s my biggest asset. Especially with my international clientele. They’re used to seeing Made in France on a label, but the silk isn’t actually from France. It means something when it really is.

Inside Tip 🪄

When I left the design world behind, I didn’t think I would start a brand. I was just trying to live differently. But now I realize Mont Kiji is something I built as a foreigner in Paris. 100% made in France — which even the French now don’t attempt — and my American clients are the ones who’ve embraced it most. That part still surprises me. But maybe that’s what the expat spirit is: seeing something familiar in a new way.

Contact

🌐 Mont Kiji

About

Junhee Kim is the Paris-based founder and designer behind Mont Kiji, a silk scarf brand with a 100% Made-in-France ethos. Before launching her brand, she worked at Balenciaga, Emmanuel Ungaro, Sonia Rykiel, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Mont Kiji scarves are produced with traditional silk artisans in Lyon and small ateliers in Paris, supported by a nonprofit collective Junhee co-founded to uplift independent designers.

Her boutique is in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where she continues to connect with customers through artful objects, expat spirit, and meaningful design.

Lead-in Image

Mont Kiji / Official Site