Last Fall Wakana Koike grabbed the right number of votes to win the inaugural ‘It’ Designer contest, a contest in search of undiscovered talent in the fashion design world hosted by My’It’Things.com. Hundreds of designers from all corners of the country submitted designs and nearly one hundred thousand votes were cast by the My’It’Things community. The winner of the ‘It’ Designer contest was chosen 50% by popular vote and 50% by the celebrity judges’ votes and was awarded $5,000 toward the production of the Spring 2009 line. Now you can enjoy the runway video below, and then go directly to the It Designer store on Smashing Darling and buy yourself a gorgeous original piece to kickoff Spring and Summer the Wakana way.
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.
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!
JenJoy creates all of her fashions from scratch and promises that no two will ever be exactly alike, unless it says LIMITED DESIGNS. She truely loves every aspect of design & sewing. It is what she loves to do! Jen gets true satisfaction making every unique piece. Mixing buttons, pockets & bows for sweet yummy creations! Start expressing your indie style & shop for the original jenjoy designs.
SD: How did you get into fashion? JJ: I have always LOVED to shop & I could spend all day doing it. Styling & designing is second best! Since it’s not as easy or affordable to do these days having a full time family.
SD: When did you start your own line of clothing? JJ: After I had my two baby girls, now 4 & 2 yrs old. I wanted something for myself. I have always been an artist. I used to paint allot when i was younger, then started drawing designs on simple paper. It was really easy to do when I am with the girls, then they can be artists at the same time!
I also relate the two…. When designing an original jenjoy, sometimes it’s not the same thing I drew before hand. At times it develops into something totally different =] just like my paintings used too!
SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs? JJ: It’s really just out of my own head mostly, but I do however adore the vintage & retro era. Street fashion is always catching my eye too! I am also very inspired by my little girls & the playfulness they bring into my life!
SD: What are the pros and cons of designing from your home? JJ:Pros -I get to spend time with my family & my girls while they grow up, knowing that I will always there for them. [like right now my oldest has a broken foot from weekend with papa, lol. nooo... she's a dare devil] Cons -Seems like I’m always working & I never sleep. FACT
SD: Who is your customer? JJ: The dreamers & pursuers.
SD: How do you market yourself and your label?
JJ: I market myself by doing events & shows… networking through my-space & basic online editorials. Also I love to connect with other artists in the field as well.
SD: How do you see your company in the future? JJ: I see & wish to be in boutiques all around the world, but @ the same time keeping the personal quality of each item. i don’t want to loose that
SD: What does your average day entail? JJ: Well like I said I am mommy first. So my days are spent being just that. It’s a lot of cleaning, cleaning & cleaning, lol. I used to be REALLY picky, in fact my husband would call me Mrs. Monk, but over the years with kids I have become a wee bit more relaxed ;] like the saying says… a messy home is a happy home! Sorry hun =]
SD: Describe your personal style? JJ: My personal style is most the time comfort. I kid you not I am in sweats & Brad’s clothes [husband] Clint & Stacey would die! lol. BUT, when I get to go out & play its a different story! Playful, colorful, unique & of COURSE in some sort of heel! I love shoes >.<
SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style? JJ: Raquel Reed is one of my favorite indie models & fashion icons!
Andrea with Kicklet Kreations has the most FABULOUS one of a kind jewelry, she inspires me because she is also a mom & artist, we relate on many levels.
I love watching What Not to Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, they really do know what looks good on your body type!
SD: Do you have any current fashion obsessions? JJ: Quality & originality… & pockets, bows & buttons >.<! You are sure to find one of those design elements on any of my items! OH! n i am uber excited about my leg warmers
SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for? JJ: Do you plan to network with buyers for the designer that dreams big?
COMMENT: I want to say that I am very grateful to have met you late last year & hope to stay in the smashing family =].
She also wanted me to let everyone know about a charity fashion show that she will be showing in.
May 30th 2008
VOP Fashion and Rock Show is a benefit runway show, featuring several bands.
Everyone involved works on a volunteer basis, donating their time and efforts all to charity.
In the past, The VOP Show has donated to the MS Society and St. Judes. This year the show will be partnering with PAWS in Chicago.
