designer profile

We think all of the Darlings are fabulous, but Kimberly Hendrix is the only Hello Fabulous. After many years as a vintage collector, Kimberly Hendrix decided to move her passion for one of a kind couture clothing forward and began not only collecting and reworking vintage pieces, but creating completely original designs while still working with recycled materials. In January 2008 the dedicated line hello, fabulous by k. hendrix was developed and immediately began appearing on fashion forward celebrities like Courtney Love and Juliet Lewis. We are thrilled to learn that we will get to see her present her first fashion show in September 2009 in New York. Take a moment to join her Facebook group, and get to know her a bit better below…

Darlings: When did your love of vintage clothing begin?
Kimberly: I have been vintage obsessed ever since I was old enough to dress myself. I loved looking through photos of my mother growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. My true appreciation for vintage style started as soon as I could drive myself to thrift stores to shop, rather than going to the local mall with my siblings.

Darlings: Where and how did you first start your business?
Kimberly: My vintage business really started by accident. I was working as a store designer for one of those big chain clothing stores and I had collected so many fabulous vintage items over the years. In 2001 a friend suggested that I start my own online business. That business grew and in 2007 I began creating my own clothing influenced by all my vintage pieces.

Darlings: Without giving away your secrets, where do you find most of the pieces?
Kimberly: The most wonderful vintage pieces used to be found almost anywhere, but these days everyone loves vintage and finding that perfect nugget has become very difficult. Most of my pristine vintage pieces come from estates or my own collection. Lately I tend to find pieces that may not be usable as is, but have the potential to be something beautiful with work. I love making something stunning out of something someone has cast off as worthless.

Darlings: With vintage, quality is a big issue, what is your standard? How do you decide which pieces actually make the selling floor in your store?
Kimberly: If I list an item in my vintage store it must be in perfect or close to perfect condition. Always wearable. Anything that falls below that standard goes into my “something to be created” back stock.

Darlings: Do you find a way to rework the pieces that are less than perfect?
Kimberly: Reworked and recycled pieces have really become the staple of my business. I love the earth friendly aspect of these new designs. Sometimes a piece like a beautiful wool coat just needs new silk lining to modernize it. Sometimes the final piece is completely unrecognizable. I do a lot of dying and hand sewing to make each piece into something brand new.

Darlings: What does your average day entail?
Kimberly: My days are very dedicated to my business and my nights are dedicated to my family. I try very hard to get everything on the business side accomplished early on and then focus on sewing as much as possible. It is a very meditative activity for me and it is my favorite part of what I do. Sometimes, like it or not, I am sewing into the wee hours of the night.

Darlings: Describe your personal style.
Kimberly: Typically my personal style is one of contrasts. It is a mix of modern and vintage and a mix of casual and glamour. I love a great pair of jeans with a simple white tank top accented by vintage jewelry and killer boots. I often wear my own beaded pieces during the day to add some sparkle. Being 6 months pregnant doesn’t make it easy, but I am making it work.

Darlings: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
Kimberly: Of course I love modern designers like Marc Jacobs and I am a huge fan of legends such as Vionnet, but I must say I think it is more the people I see everyday that influence my personal style. Anyone who takes a chance and lives outside the box, unafraid to express themselves; It is these people that bring out the best in me as well.

Darlings: Do you have any current fashion obsession?
Kimberly: I always have new fashion obsessions. Right now I am obsessed with skinny jeans and boots because I cannot wear them. Instead I am trying to find anything that can make a pregnant woman still look cool.

Darlings: What advice would you give someone just starting in your field?
Kimberly: Anyone starting their own vintage shop needs to do a lot of research. You need to know what to recognize as quality. Read lots of books on vintage clothing, browse lots of online vintage stores. See what is selling and find what appeals to you. If you truly love vintage it is easy to become a collector, the hard part is letting pieces go.

Darlings: Do you have any events you are getting ready for in the near future?
Kimberly: Believe it or not, thanks to the fabulous Smashing Darling staff, I applied to show my own collection in New York for Nolcha Fashion week and I was selected to showcase in September 2009. I have collaborated with other designers for fashion week before, but this will be my very first show. I am very excited and I know it will be a lot of hard work, especially with a new baby due this April. Luckily I love the pressure.

Darlings: Where else do you sell your vintage pieces besides Smashing Darling?
Kimberly: I do have my own online shop, www.hellofabulous.com. I carry some vintage pieces, but mostly I focus the site on my own line k. hendrix. I just began selling my own collection in various boutiques on the west coast this spring 2009 season.

Darlings: Do you have a question or a comment for anyone on Smashing Darling?
Kimberly: I love every single designer on Smashing Darling. I cruise the boutiques and I am so inspired by each of them. Since the very beginning I have been obsessed with Naik Fur. Her pieces are works of art and I would love every item of hers in my closet.

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