Audio interview with Kay Unger, 2013 Oct 16
Scope and Contents
In this audio recording, fashion designer Kay Unger discusses her childhood, professional career, and life as a Parsons School of Design student with Joel Towers, Executive Dean of Parsons The New School for Design, and Wendy Scheir, director of the New School Archives and Special Collections. The interview begins with Unger describing her family and creative influences, such as an early interest in fine arts. She then describes life as a Parsons student in the mid- to late-1960s, including both regrets and positive experiences, as well what it was like living alone in Manhattan as a young woman. Unger speaks about studying under Ann Keagy and Frank Rizzo, and the close bonds that were forged between her and her fellow students, including Willi Smith and her lifelong friend Michaele Vollbracht. The interview continues with a discussion of the challenges that she faced while working for established designers such as Geoffrey Beene after graduation, as well as the successes and failures that came along with running her own businesses, starting in the early 1970s with her namesake label and the Gillian Group. After speaking about what it was like to lose ownership of her name due to financial issues, Unger and Towers discuss her current projects and how she has transitioned into leadership roles, including her current position as chair of the Parsons Board of Governors. The interview took place in the Dean’s office at Parsons The New School for Design, 66 Fifth Avenue, New York City.
Dates
- 2013 Oct 16
Extent
1 digital_recordings (01:35:03 duration; includes PDF transcript)
Participant Biography
Kay Unger is a fashion designer, whose lines for women tend to concentrate on practical, clean styles that can be worn throughout the day. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Unger studied at Washington University before graduation from Parsons School of Design in 1968. After graduation she worked as a designer for Geoffrey Beene and for the Traina Boutique. By 1971, Unger had developed her own collection and, with partners Howard Bloom and Jon Levy, would go on to create successful lines including Gillian, Gillian Dinner, Gillian Suits, Gillian Petites, Woman, A.J. Bari, and GiGi By Gillian. The Gillian and A.J. Bari labels were discontinued in 1995 and the Kay Unger New York and Phoebe labels were launched. Her labels currently include Kay Unger New York, Phoebe Couture, Career Separates by Kay Unger, and Kay J’s by Kay Unger. Since 2012 Unger has focused on philanthropic projects through the Kay Unger Family Foundation, a “venture philanthropy” organization which funds pre-existing charities addressing needs such as cancer research and scholarships. Unger has also served as a trustee of The New School and as chairwoman of the Parsons Board of Governors.of Design in 1965. In 1968, Unger began working as a design assistant to Geoffrey Beene before founding her namesake label in 1970. Two years later, she began to focus on building another brand with two partners, the Gillian Group, where she served as the creative head for twenty-three years. In 1995, Unger returned to designing under her own labels, Kay Unger New York and Phoebe Couture, which she later left before starting another fashion and lifestyle brand, Kay Unger Design LLC. Unger has been a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, president of Fashion Group International, and a trustee of Parsons The New School for Design, where she currently serves as the chair of Parsons Board of Governors.