Post by Sara Selepouchin
After completing your MFA at the Rhode Island School of Design, what brought you back to Philadelphia?
To be honest, I had never planned to move back to Philly because my original plan was to move back to NY where I have lived for 8 years. However, after I finished my thesis, I needed a break, and found myself relaxing with my parents in West Mt. Airy. I was pleasantly surprised to see a more cosmopolitan city with new restaurants, great night life, and a greater commitment to arts and culture. Therefore, I stayed and never left.
How did you and your cousin decide to pair up to create KK Designers? Did your families always realize you’re both artistically minded?
It was my cousin Leola who initiated our meeting. She discovered another branch of the family when she attended an event in Atlanta (where our family originated). She met some of the relatives down there who told her about Kelvin and that he was a fashion designer living in Philadelphia. We thought we knew all the family that migrated to Philly. I had to meet him right away.
At this point, I was already making clothes, mostly tops and jackets, out of old Strangefruit Tees but I needed a mentor. And what better mentor to have than someone in the family? After visiting him, I sort of became an apprentice “” learning sewing techniques, pattern making, the fashion business, meeting models, etc. and just getting to know each other. Collaborating was naturally the next step.
Just to give a little more of the family background, my grandmother was a seamstress. She was accepted on a full scholarship to study at Parsons in NY but during that time of racial segregation and discrimination, her father would not allow her to be alone in NY. Since we did not have family in NY, there wasn’t any safety net. My mother always knew I loved to draw when I was a kid but coming from a long line of lawyers, doctors and teachers art was not necessarily considered as a “profession”. But later on in life, with their support I found my way and went to RISD to obtainan MFA in a special 3-year program designed for those who did not have as much experience in art or design. No one in my family is artistic, but they are creative in many ways. They are excellent problem-solvers and with that you need creative thinking.
Kelvin was making prom gowns by the time he was 10 or 11 as he worked with GT Originals in West Philly. He has more artists in his immediate family than I do “” his brother paints, his niece illustrates very well and just graduated from CHAD, one of his aunts on his father’s side sewed, and so did his great-grandmother on our side.
I now use my grandmother’s sewing machine to make my clothes.
You seem to have a flare for really amazing and unique outerwear – what inspires you to create different jackets?
Thank you very much. History. I love colonial jackets and Military gear. At least that is what my inspiration is for the moment. During the American Revolution and the Civil War, Blacks (initially) and women were denied the right to join the fight; Although, some women were able to disguise themselves as men and join the Civil War. My jackets in particular are a small homage to those that were denied the right to wear the uniform of our nation because they were not seen as equal “” you couldn’t wear it then but you can wear it now.. I like to make something historical look more contemporary. It’s all about reinterpretation.
My bottom line of my inspiration “strength” “” The padded shoulders (not like the 80s), high collars to emphasize the neck, and the elongated sleeve.
Where can we find your work?
I’m working on it. I have set up meetings with stores to see if there is interest in carrying the line. We have been invited to do trunkshows in Sept. with local boutiques in the area. If anyone is interested you can sign up to receive our mailing list of upcoming events and where to buy our collections at www.collectionsofk.com.
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