For over a decade, Senior Print Designer Corinne Hirano has been the hand and heart behind many of Tea’s most beloved prints. This season, she brought our Fall 2025 South Korea collection to life with hand-painted motifs and heritage-inspired patterns—many of which you’ll spot on her daughter, Lennon, throughout the catalog.
As both an artist and a mom, Corinne’s work is deeply personal. We caught up with her to talk creative process, Korean folktales, and what it’s like seeing her daughter model the very pieces she designs.
What’s your creative process like?
I always begin with inspiration—usually from our team’s destination trip. I’ll look through photos and pull visual details that stood out, like colors, textures, or themes. From there, I start sketching my motifs—florals, animals, anything that catches my eye—and then move into painting and illustration. I usually work with gouache, watercolors, or acrylics.
This season is inspired by South Korea. What sparked your creativity most?
I was especially drawn to Korean folktales. There’s such a richness in their storytelling—mythical creatures, meaningful symbols, and strong familial themes. Those ideas really shaped the narrative of this season’s prints.
Can you share the inspiration behind some of the prints Lennon is wearing in the catalog?
Absolutely. Each piece has its own story:
Poster Art Print: Inspired by vintage-style Korean poster art. It’s bold and graphic—really fun to illustrate.
Maltipoo Print: The Maltipoo is one of Lennon’s favorite dogs. She’s obsessed with apricot Maltipoos, which are also super popular in Korea.
Magpie Print: This bird has deep cultural significance in Korean folklore. I painted it holding a cherry blossom as a nod to good luck and renewal.
Kitty Witch Print: This one was pure fun! I used markers to sketch a whimsical Halloween-themed cat design.
Sun and Moon Print: Based on the folktale of siblings who become the sun and moon to protect each other. I painted it with gouache for added texture.
Ginkgo Print: Inspired by Seoul’s stunning ginkgo-lined streets in fall. It’s ink-illustrated with little metallic details.
Any surprises while creating this collection?
Not so much surprises—just a lot of joy. This was such a fun collection to work on from start to finish.
What’s it like seeing Lennon model your designs?
It’s incredibly special. She gets excited when she wears something she saw me working on. There’s pride in it for both of us.
Does Lennon ever influence your work?
Oh yes. She’s not afraid to share her opinions! She’ll tell me when something looks “weird” or if she absolutely loves it. Lately, she’s gotten me even more excited about drawing cats.
How would you describe her style?
Feminine, expressive, and all her own. She mostly wears dresses and skirts, always with matching leggings. She’s particular about her hair, too! Modeling for Tea has definitely influenced her style, but she’s developed her own taste. I love seeing that grow.
From folklore to family, Corinne’s creative process is layered with meaning, memory, and heart. Her hand-drawn prints bring stories to life—designed to be worn, loved, and passed along from one little explorer to the next.