the nogoodforme.com interview: Jenny Kwok of CUT + PASTE

I first got hooked on CUT + PASTE a few summers ago, when I stumbled upon and snatched up my now-beloved Roxy Marj polka-dotted bag with the shiny-pink dove applique. Ever since then, the online consignment shop has been my favorite spot for discovering new and exciting D.I.Y./handmade goods. (One of my most intensely coveted finds in recent months: Those gorgeous Krystal Sullivan feather earrings we featured a while back.) Newly relocated to Istanbul, CUT + PASTE founder Jenny Kwok clues us in on how she goes about curating the shop, plus shares her love for Hitchcock ladies and Clash City Rockers.

Tell us all about how you started CUT + PASTE. I started CUT+PASTE in the summer of 2002. I do web design and was freelancing at the time. I had a much more open schedule so it also allowed me to sew and do crafts. I was eBaying some of my stuff at the time, but was looking for a more appropriate place to sell my things...so I put two and two together and built my own website!

What was your original vision for CUT + PASTE? My original intention for CUT+PASTE was to sell my own things and have the site be more a representation of my personal work. After realizing there was no outlet for handmade stuff on the web (though I was meeting a lot of crafty people online), I decided to offer consignment. Word spread like wildfire and I went from getting just a few applications a week to getting close to 10 a day from people interested in selling on the site.

How do you decide what to sell? I usually look for things that are handmade, interesting, unique, and clever, and I consider their "sellability" (is the price right? Materials? Craftsmanship?). And I try to pick things that are seasonal and that you wouldn't be able to find elsewhere online.

Who are your favorite fashion designers? Roxy Marj, Marni, Talla, Eley Kishimoto

Who are your style idols? Zooey Deschanel, Frecklewonder, Milla Jovovich, Kate Moss, the leading ladies of Hitchcock films. I'm mostly a jeans and t-shirt kind a gal, but I do like to dress up every now and then. I like things that are comfortable and vintage patterns and cuts.

What's your favorite clothing item lately? Lately it's been so hot here I've got to wear something easy...I've been wearing a lot of vintage day dresses and strappy sandals.

Who are your favorite bands? I don't have favorites and I listen to all sorts of stuff, so I'll just list what I have been recently listening to: The Clash, Desmond Dekker, Notwist, John Lennon.

What do you like to listen to while primping? Something peppy and fast cuz I'm usually runny late.

Name one record you loved when you were a little kid that you still listen to today. Top Gun soundtrack

Favorite makeout music? Hmmm...maybe some Rod Stewart.

Who's your number-one all-time music crush? Paul Simonon

What are some of your favorite clothing shops (around town or in the whole wide world)? Mars (Berkeley); Built by Wendy (NY); Minnie Wilde (SF); thriftstores (Fresno, my hometown); flea markets (everywhere); Sodafine (NY); Beklina, Le Train Bleu (online); Bis, Avante-East Vintage, Grand Bazaar, Topshop (Istanbul)

What's the most rewarding aspect of running CUT + PASTE? Meeting so many great amazing and nice people.

Posted by Liz in Interviews
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