Christina Paik moves fluidly between worlds. The Paris- and New York–based photographer, stylist, and creative consultant has long been admired for her singular eye—one that bridges fashion, art, and culture with a deeply personal sensibility. Known for her intimate portraits and collaborations across luxury, design, and editorial platforms, Paik’s work captures both the elegance and edge of contemporary expression.
Her practice extends beyond the lens. With a keen understanding of style as a form of storytelling, she approaches clothing as a reflection of identity, memory, and history. This sensibility carries into her own collecting habits, where she gravitates toward pieces that transcend function, leaning into the sculptural and the expressive. For Paik, a garment is a living artwork, embodying craftsmanship and cultural significance.
The visionary generously took time to share her philosophy on collecting and creative inspiration with Whitewall. Whether in fashion, photography, or art, Paik’s perspective remains rooted in individuality—an ever-evolving practice of honoring the pieces, stories, and ideas that resonate most profoundly.
Courtesy of Christina Paik.
Courtesy of Christina Paik.
WHITEWALL: Can you share a recent acquisition you’re excited about?
CHRISTINA PAIK: I believe fashion is art, so when I think about acquisitions, I gravitate toward pieces from designers I truly admire. It’s not just about wearing clothes, but about preserving craftsmanship and cultural moments. This dress from Junya Watanabe is close to my heart. It’s not necessarily something I would wear every day, but that’s exactly why I love it. It feels more like a sculptural piece that I get to live with and appreciate beyond its function as clothing.
“I believe fashion is art, so when I think about acquisitions, I gravitate toward pieces from designers I truly admire,”
Christina Paik
WW: What is your advice for aspiring collectors, just getting started?
CP: For me, collecting is really about personal expression and the journey it takes you on. I think when you’re just starting out, the most important thing is to trust your own instincts and to not overthink or research every piece. If something speaks to you, whether it’s art, fashion, or design, the connection & instinct is what makes it worth collecting. Trends and market values will always shift, but the pieces that reflect your own story and perspective will always feel timeless.
“Collecting is really about personal expression and the journey it takes you on,”
Christina Paik
Courtesy of Christina Paik.
More About Designer Junya Watanabe
Junya Watanabe is a fashion designer working in Tokyo. Born in Fukushima in 1961, Watanabe graduated from Bunka Fashion College, Tokyo in 1984 and immediately joined Comme des Garçons as a pattern cutter and underling of founder-owner of Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo. Three years later, Watanabe began designing the Comme des Garçons Tricot line, and after a further five years he introduced his first own-label collection in 1992. Although designing under his own name, Watanabe still works under the overall Comme des Garçons title, which administrates and produces his collections. In 1993 Watanabe moved his shows from Tokyo to Paris, and launched a menswear line in 2001.
Junya Watanabe is renowned for his avant-garde style; in particular, his exploration of new cutting concepts, his ingenious sourcing of fabrics and innovative draping techniques. Just as Watanabe was nurtured by Comme des Garçons, Watanabe has recently encouraged his own protégé, Tao Kurihara, to launch her own label under the umbrella Comme des Garcons label – her first collection was presented in Paris for A/W 05. Watanabe was added to the Dictionnaire International de la Mode in 2005. – Junya Watanabe
