What is the inspiration for the collection you’ll be showing at Kansas City Fashion Week?
I'm inspired by Africa's captivating culture and my collection, The Beauty of Africa, is my way of celebrating its rich diversity. Africa is known for its jaw-dropping beautiful print textiles, bursting with vibrant colors and bold patterns. With this collection, I'm bringing those stunning elements to life, fusing them with modern silhouettes to create something truly unique and unforgettable. After all, I was named after one of the most beautiful countries in East Africa — Kenya.
What do you love about sewing and designing clothing?
Oh, let me tell you how sewing and designing clothing are an absolute wonderland of possibilities for me! The sheer freedom to play around with fabrics, patterns, and styles makes my heart sing with joy. I get to unleash my creativity without any bounds, and it's truly enchanting to witness my ideas come to life as I work on each stitch. Designing is like a soulful journey where I can pour all my passion into my work, finding solace in a serene "happy place" where stress simply vanishes.
You found sewing later in life. What made you want to decide to learn how to sew?
After years of corporate work and modeling, I realized that financial security is most important to me, but I also wanted to keep my passion for fashion alive even after retirement. So, I took a leap and decided to learn how to sew! I attended The Academy of Patternmaking and Draping and The Sewing Lab as an apprentice. It's been a game-changer, not just for my fashion journey but also for my soul. Now, with this new skill, I can explore new paths like launching my own clothing line, teaming up with brilliant designers, or even becoming a fashion entrepreneur!
Do you have a creative process? How do you find inspiration?
My creative process is a beautiful mix of structure and spontaneity, allowing my imagination to run wild. It all starts with setting up a special space in my studio, where I can completely lose myself and allow my creativity to flow freely. But you know what? Some of my most original ideas come to life during those quiet moments of self-reflection. Sketching and brainstorming play a critical role in organizing my thoughts and turning my visions into reality.
What is your goal in designing clothing for the person who will be wearing it?
My goal in clothing design is to make everyone feel extremely confident and empowered, regardless of what life throws at them. I want my brand to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for everyone who wears the clothing that I create. Oh, and here's the exciting part: I'm excited about giving new models who have never walked in KC Fashion Week an amazing chance to strut their stuff and reveal my creations! Inclusiveness and diversity are important, so I feel you deserve to shine on that runway regardless of your background, size, or shape.
You can see Kenya Martin’s collection at Kansas City Fashion Week on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Union Station, and you can see other designers and models during KCFW from September 16-23. You can learn more about Kenya at kenyamartin.com or follow her on Instagram at @k.made.it. You can also find the KCFW schedule at kcfashionweek.com.