Two Minutes With: Madewell Creative Director Kin Ying Lee

POPSUGAR Fashion News — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:34:38 PDT

>> Madewell creative director Kin Ying Lee spends her day dreaming up cool things for her customers, so it's no surprise that she buys cool things for herself.

We caught up with Lee for a quick chat in advance of the Madewell Denim Roadtrip, a styling tour that will make stops in 14 cities across the country and at Coachella. The tour also marks the beginning of a nationwide expansion for Madewell; the brand plans to open 15 more stores by the end of the year. Read on to find out a bit more about the creative mind behind the brand.

What's a surprising talent you have that's not related to designing clothes?
"I can carve a chicken. Like a raw chicken, no problem, blood and raw meat don't bother me. I used to work in a restaurant with my parents. Whenever I am at a friend's or family dinner, like at Thanksgiving, I am always the one to carve the turkey. I can dismantle it perfectly. Everyone is always amazed."

What's the last cool thing you bought?
"A hematite heart from Love Adorned. I never buy tchotchke stuff, but this is so beautiful and crushed and sparkly. It's on my desk."

Above: The hematite heart from Love Adorned on Lee's desk.