The first memory of clothing design Baltimore Fashion Designer Kendall Kelly had was when he was a child. “I would take anything, cloth napkins, rubber bands and wrap them around dolls, I’d dress up anything I could get my hands on really”. Even at this young age Kendall remembers being drawn to the strong women figures in his life, what they wore and how they would wear it. Through his teenage years, however, fashion design became something that was placed on the backburner. “It was all about school and getting a job, I didn’t look at design as something that could make money or help people”. Now, he can’t stop helping women feel powerful and beautiful through the clothing he creates.
Part of the reason for this gap in time, which many artists can relate to, was people telling him to pursue something more realistic or something that will make more money. It wasn’t until his early twenties that Kendall Kelly began getting serious about fashion design. “I always thought about designing, but one day I was sitting on my balcony and I just started sketching a bag, and that kicked me into gear!”. Designing became more and more important to him. He created handbags, shoes, and even experimented with some clothing for himself. Once he began to get serious he took a sewing class, and a construction class, but for the most part, Kendall Kelly is self-taught. This didn’t come without its challenges.
The trouble with construction was an obstacle he had to overcome, more specifically, wanting to get the garment done and just cut it. In his early design years, he made many rookie mistakes and it really killed his confidence. Kendall had the passion and even the ability needed to create but says what he neglected was the process, and thinking and “feeling” what he was creating. “Many times I thought, oh this is gonna be fly but that shit blew up in my face!” He doesn’t regret these mistakes though, as it really helped him to take time for the process and even overcome the fear of asking for help. Relying on himself was another challenge he had to overcome, but with each and every piece he created, he gained more independence and confidence as a designer.
Kendall Kelly’s clothing for women came in 2016 and with it an incredible impact on his life. His friend tried on his clothing and “she lit up, the look on her face, I mean, you could just see it”. It wasn’t until this moment that he realized fashion could touch someone so personally and transform them in such a way. Kendall also finds inspiration by taking a left-field approach to mainstream concepts, people who just “don’t give a fuck and do what they want in terms of fashion” and of course those strong female figures he grew up with. Kendall funnels all of these inspirations into his beautifully crafted and unique garments. He strives for his clothing to make women feel confident in their day to day lives and fit comfortably, but most importantly give them “armor” in a way that plays on their own strengths, mentally and physically. In addition to these inspirations, there is also a more personal importance that Kelly finds crucial when creating, especially given the current political climate, “I want to contribute to a legacy shaped by designers of color like Stephen Burrows, Tracy Reese and Duro Olowu because industry standards have still such a long way to go with proper cultural inclusion.”
On November 26, 2017, Kendall Kelly celebrated 1 year of owning a business doing something he truly loves. It has been difficult financially sometimes and he has had to make tough decisions, but he never allows those decisions to impact the quality or craftsmanship of his clothing. Anyone who has seen or worn Kendall’s clothing knows this. In addition to selling his clothing, Kendall also does custom work by request and even shoe repair!
Kendall Kelly’s advice for younger designers or any artist in general:
“Think of what will have a lasting impact on people and pay attention to that.”
“Don’t allow someone else or outside forces to form your decision. TRUST YOURSELF!”
“Think about everything. Listen to yourself and get to know what you want to project.”
For information on ordering his clothing and to see more of Kendall Kelly’s current lines visit his website.
Follow him on Instagram and Facebook for current projects and to get deeper into the mind of another talented Local Baltimore Artist.
Special thanks to Lisa B. for providing amazing makeup services for on-location shoot.
