Growing up in Tripoli, Iowa, where fashion is of little concern, KahriAnne Kerr broke the mold. She was tired of generic mall clothes, so KahriAnne started to make her own clothes. Having no previous fashion/sewing experience KahriAnne taught herself how to sew and design. It was in the spring of 2002 (KahriAnne’s freshman year at BYU-Idaho) that Kahri clothing was first showcased on the runway. You can view her collection here, on Smashing Darling.
Daisy Baby Doll Halter Top by KahriAnne
SD: When did your love for fashion design begin?
KK: Hmm…must have been from the womb. Although I didn’t start designing clothes till High School, I used to do my own fashion shows for my Grandma when I got my new school clothes each Fall in elementary school. And my mom tells me I was a picky dresser since I was 2 yrs old.
SD: Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?
KK: Mostly from music. I love music, all kinds, except country. But most of all Rock ‘n Roll. Sometimes I’m inspired by poems I write and I’ll use them as part of a screen print design on my clothes.
SD: Did you study fashion design, if so where?
KK: Yep. I studied fashion design for one year at BYU-Idaho, one year at Iowa State, and 2 years at FIT
SD: Where and how did you first start your business?
KK: June 2002 at the Market Place in Waverly, Iowa. I opened a 10×10 space in a market near my hometown in Iowa, where I sold artwork, quilts, and clothing. I called it Kreations by Kahri though, and have since changed to just Kahri.
SD: What does your average day entail?
KK: Well I get up at 7:00am, get ready (I’m slow) and get on the L train at 8:30am. Then the L train is super slow and keeps stopping so I get to work at 9:30am instead of 9am. And then I spend the next 9 hours designing Juniors Jeans for a crappy company in midtown. Then I go back to Brooklyn and spend the next 6 hours working on my own business. Its just as fun as it sounds.
SD: Describe your personal style.
KK: Hip, funky, rocker chic. and original.
SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
KK: I love Gwen Stefani. She probably influenced my style more in High School. I mean I even wore a bindi in 9th grade, like she used to. People thought I was a foreign exchange student but I swear it looked so cool.
SD: Do you have any current fashion obsession?
KK: hmmmm…. I’m kinda into shoes now but who isn’t?
SD: What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?
KK: Work your ass off, don’t wuss out, and if you can have rich parents or rich friends, it makes it much easier. I wish I could have those luxuries. But it seems that farmers don’t make all that much money.
SD: Do you have a question or a comment for anyone one Smashing Darling?
KK: Nope. just rock on! and Be Rebellious!
