It’s all the in the genes for Kendra Francis who has been at the forefront of the explosive Toronto fashion scene with her innovative yet classically chic designs since the launch of her label Franke in 2001 .
Stemming from a long line of seamstresses and tailors in her family, the former model turned fashion designer, entrepreneur and stylist sat down with me to talk all things fashion and to showcase her latest designs exclusively for Concrete Loop.
( FILM/PHOTOGRAPHY: Joe DiBenedetto )
( POST PRODUCTION: Charlotte Lopez/ Nineteen Ninety- Four Productions )
( HAIR/ MAKE UP: Talia Reingold )
Meet Coco & Breezy. The 19 year-old twin couture eye wear designers (& models) are steadily making a name for themselves in the fashion game. Recently moving to NYC to pursue their dream full time, the sisters hand make all their eye wear and hustle them to various people themselves.
With celebrities like: Ashanti, Kelly Osbourne, Amber Rose, and more rocking ‘Gemela Amor by coco&breezy’, they are definitely going to be the ones to look out for in 2010. I recently caught up with the twins, so they could speak more about their up and coming brand. Read below..
1. When was the company started? Why did you start it?
The line was started about 6 months ago when we were 18 years old. We actually showed our 1st line of clothing and we designed the glasses just to add a “POP!” to the garments. The Glasses ended up being the hit! We designed what we call “custom couture eye wear” and started the brand ourselves, with no PR, or any type of management.
2. I heard you ladies recently moved to NYC to pursue this dream? Where are you originally from?
We are originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota which is in the Midwest (where there is really no fashion outlets) and people looked at us crazy or pointed and laughed at us because of our style. We have been traveling back and forth to NYC for a couple years now and we always just went to visit from 2-4 days at a time. But our last visit in NYC was a life changing experience for us. We met so many people, our brand got press, we had a couple red carpet appearances, we did photo shoots, and stylists pulled our eye wear for a few online mags.
Back in August, we went back home and told our parents “we’re moving to NYC in 2 weeks”. We were nervous about quitting our regular job but it was time to take the risk and just have 100 percent focus on our brand. We’re young and moving to NYC (last minute) to pursue our dream was a big step. But we’d rather struggle and work hard on our brand in NYC, than live easy in non-fashion state.
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With their vintage inspired pieces (handmade with West African Ankara Fabrics), up and coming fashion line Boxing Kitten is our newest Designer Spotlight.
Celebrities like Solange Knowles, Fergie, Jack Davey, and Erykah Badu have been spotted wearing these dope pieces. I recently caught up with Maya A. Lake, the creator of this vibrant line, so she could speak a little more about her creations.
1. Background info. When was the company started? Why did you start it?
I had the idea for the line back in 2005, but I didn’t officially start the line as a company until 2006. I have always been very passionate about clothing, costume, and textiles. I wanted to start a line that was different from the other things that were being offered. I think that I have a unique perspective on women’s clothing and I felt a need to share it with other people. As an artist I just feel a need to share my work with others and I don’t want to do it in a typical way, I want to be my own boss and make my own rules. I think that’s the kind of woman that wears my line and the kind of woman that I strive to be everyday.
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Looking for some fresh and fly shades for the rest of the summer? Well A-morir By Kerin.Rose definitely has some designs that will force folks to do a double take. Our favorite pair from Ms. Kerin? The Love/Hate convertible chain sunglasses (you may have seen Rihanna rocking the black pair a few days ago).
Of course with stunnas like these, Kerin has a number of other clients including Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Jazmine Sullivan and Cassie. Rose handcrafts all of her sunglasses as well as, head pieces, which can both be ordered for custom design.
Shop A-morir By Kerin.Rose at her official online store or patriciafield.com.
