Over the past 10 years, local fashion designer Kate S. Mensah has designed ready to wear and accessories for her own brand, KateSMensah. Kate’s original designs are a fresh take on luxury apparel and are intended to be worn whenever you desire to make a memorable statement upon arrival. Inspired by a fusion of cultures, her passion for fashion can be traced back to her origin, Paris, France – the home of couture and style. Design is in the details for Kate, and she strives to incorporate subtle textures and unique color combinations. Kate is also a fashion stylist for K2tstyle and Volee Vie, and a fashion model at Heffner Management. Kirkland Lifestyle caught up with Kate to discover what inspires her and what she’s currently working on.
What are you working on for 2023?
I am creating a new bag design as well as introducing my project of lifestyle coaching where fashion meets fitness and beyond. I want people to experience fitness, health, and fashion like never before with my lifestyle services customized especially through my brands: Mensahna, K2tStyle and Kate S.Mensah.
Describe the design style of your previous collection.
My previous collections were about luxury apparel and accessories that give strong women the ability to express their bold personal style in their everyday life, without sacrificing functionality and practicality. I incorporated a lot of asymmetrical shapes with unique textures.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a designer?
My biggest challenge has been to correctly price my designs. I wasn’t including all the costs that should be included in my designs.
What part of the design process do you enjoy most?
The creative part! I enjoy the development process -from sketching to prototype. It’s such a wonderful process. I make sure I take my time to really make my designs unique and functional as well as cohesive.
What inspires you?
I am, and always have been, inspired by women around me. Every year my discovery of women power is evolving. I find them more complex, with so many layers.
Best design advice you’ve received?
Don’t compromise your creative designs but do learn how to make them easy for production.
What advice can you give to aspiring designers?
You are born to be a designer - nobody can’t make you one. And if it’s a passion, don’t give up. There will be time when you will need to pause for reflection or for change; take it. But come back to it with passion. It’s your voice, your story, share it!
For more information visit katesmensah.com or on Instagram at: @kate.s.mensah and @katesmensahdesigns and @mensahna
