During times of economic hardship, like the current one, there are a handful of products whose sales skyrocket rather than suffer. These products are typically dubbed ‘mood enhancers’ because of their inexpensive nature and the ease with which they can enhance one’s disposition. The tried-and-true trend is called the Lipstick Index: lipstick is not pricey, and makes you feel good. But these days, lip color isn’t the only accessory flying off shelves. Hosiery sales are following suit. That’s a good thing for the likes of Hannah Byun, the LA-based designer behind Hansel from Basel.

Reared in Orange County, Byun studied studio art and art history at UCLA before launching her own line of, you guessed it, socks. From short, brightly colored, pom-pom-adorned pairs, to thigh-highs of which Blair Waldorf would surely approve, Hansel from Basel is full of covetable legwear. PsychoPEDIA caught up with Byun to talk Hansel the elf, brand expansions and what mismatched socks say about you:

What inspired you to create the line?
I’ve always kind of worked with hosiery — my father used to manufacture mass-market hosiery lines. I was so frustrated with the bland, repetitive stuff going on. There was no creativity involved. Being someone who is interested in design and fashion, it only made sense to make a unique line that was different from anything else out there. I saw this scarf with huge pom-poms and I thought, ‘I want to make socks with huge pom-poms.’

Where did the name ‘Hansel From Basel’ come from?
Hansel was a character I made up when I was in school. It was a character I would more or less illustrate… he was kind of my alter ego. He was this little elf who did crazy things and went on wild adventures. I thought he would perfectly represent the lighthearted personality of the line. I’m obsessed with Switzerland. It’s one of my favorite countries, and I love the idea of a little elf from a Swiss village, who eats chocolate all day and wears a lederhosen. It’s a general umbrella; when I’m stumped, I’ll ask, ‘What would Hansel from Basel be wearing?’

How has growing up in Orange County and subsequently living in LA informed your fashion sense?
I love the West Coast, the casual elements of it… there’s something about LA that allows me to explore nature. It’s not just an urban-scape; I see a lot of natural, very organic things — plants and flowers — happening around me. Those types of things inspire me so much: the colors when I go hiking, being outdoors really inspires textures and smells that I figure up for a collection.

Do you judge people based on their socks, say, if they’re mismatched or holey?
I’m a sock nerd, but I don’t have very strict sock etiquette. I’m all for people doing their own thing. I love it when people wear mismatched socks; I think it’s really cute. Especially when boys do it, I think it’s endearing. But, holey socks I don’t think I can get down with. That’s just uncomfortable. And socks aren’t that expensive. You can buy another pair.

What is your least favorite style of socks?
I hate those general white socks that people wear: the thick cotton ones. I don’t like cheap socks in general. It’s because I’ve been exposed to the way they’re manufactured. People don’t seem to care about socks. It’s one little thing you can care about and it makes such a difference to have good socks, and not just ones with the gold toe. I’m always interested in something unique and special. I just wish more people were.

Accessories often fare pretty well in recessions. Have you seen this pan out in the hosiery industry?
I have seen that. It’s interesting because all of my fall socks that are on the market now have done extremely well. People really do buy them; we’ve had our stores calling continually to restock. The economy has definitely been helpful… people would rather buy a $30 pair of socks over a $400 dress.

What kind of advice has your father given you in terms of the line?
His specialty is production and manufacturing, so he taught me how to work well with your factories and to create joint ventures — working with them to get the best quality, and to benefit the quality in every way so their workers are happy… keeping a good business face. He really pushes me away from being a shark about pricing, because he’s always been on the other end where American companies approach him and they’re getting their full margins and they really squeeze him. He always lets me know that’s not the way to do it. Working with your factories—I’ve really taken that to heart.

What additions or expansions can we expect in the future?
I’m currently expanding the line to include winter accessories like scarves. They’ll be out this winter, for the holiday collection. I’m reintroducing patters I’ve made in previous season into this season’s winter accessories. If I find something I want to design, I’ll do it regardless of whether it’s a trend or not.

What would you most like to design that you haven’t already?
I’ve always loved hats and headbands, so I would really love to do fun headbands. Things are always changing and I’m definitely looking to expand the line, so… maybe. I’m open to it.

What are your resolutions for 2009?
My new year’s resolutions are very mature this year. I’m trying to save my money for a house to buy in 3-5 years. That’s my goal. I’ve decided this year it’s not about losing weight, it’s not about going to the gym; it’s saving money and getting my life in order and becoming an adult.

Where would you buy a house?
If it were anywhere it would probably be Paris or Switzerland. I would love to live in a beautiful house in LA too. In the Hills.

~Alisa Gould-Simon