I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected as Official Media for Kansas City Fashion Week! I will be attending runway shows from March 19-21, viewing collections from 20 different designers. One of which being Sara Kahrs, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing last week.
Sara is a 3rd generation seamstress, with over 15 years of experience. She found her love of designing at the ripe old age of 8!
The University of Missouri- Textile and Apparel Management grad, now resides as the Apparel and Technical Designer/Fit Technician for Bass Pro Corporate Headquarters in Springfield, MO. Sara is extremely dedicated to her craft; working her full time job by day, and creating her collection at night.
As a 3 year veteran of KCFW, Sara is bringing something new and fresh to her label this season: Bridal. She will feature a series of three “mini collections”, each containing 1 bride and 2 bridesmaids (not matching!). For more details about Sara and her 2015 Collection (hitting the runway on Friday, March 20th), see my Q&A with her below:
Q: When did you start designing? What inspired you to become a designer?
A: I began sewing at 8 years old, which means I’ve been sewing for 15 years! My mom was always an amazing seamstress, and her mom (my Grandma) was a home economics teacher. Between the two of them, they taught me to sew, and I quickly learned it was something I was rather good at. I grew to really enjoy making clothes in 4-H and competing in 4-H fashion revue, where members sew and model their outfits in competition with one another. I really owe my passion for sewing to 4-H, and my family. I have always been passionate about sewing, and decided at an early age that I wanted to pursue fashion design as a career. I studied Textile and Apparel Management in product development at MU, and learned how to design, pattern make, and create my own designs. Once that ‘clicked,’ the options for what I could make became endless.
Q: What made you decide to apply to show your collection for KCFW?
A: I had two close classmates in college who showed at KCFW multiple seasons, and encouraged me to apply. That was the first I had heard about it, so I was immediately anxious to apply.
I truly enjoy creating my collections, and it is so thrilling to see my pieces on models in hair and makeup, and displayed on the runway.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a designer for KCFW?
A: Of course I enjoy seeing my collection on the runway, but aside from that, I enjoy forming relationships with other designers, models, photographers, style teams, etc. Networking is huge in this industry, as any other.
Q: What makes your latest collection and/or design aesthetic stand out?
A: I’m taking on bridal, but I wanted to do something a little ‘fresher.’ Instead of the redundancy of bridal gown after bridal gown, I wanted to show my versatility by providing 3 small collections that coordinate with each other. I created three very different bridal designs, and designed two bridesmaids for each bride. The bridesmaid dresses would coordinate, but do not match exactly. I hope this will keep the audience’s attention, and show different techniques I can accomplish as a designer and seamstress.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration?
A: I generally draw inspiration from what I find in my trend research. I use all resources — runway shows, high fashion brand websites, Pinterest, trend research websites, soap operas, award shows — I look through all of it to find common themes, and find a way to make them unique. A large part of my inspiration is also functionality. It seems like such a simple response, but I strive to create unique pieces that women can actually wear. It’s one of my main goals as a designer. I would rather someone see my work and say “I would wear that” and buy it, than to look at it and say “that’s so cool, but where would I wear it?”
Q: Not only do you design your own clothing line, but you work full time as well. How do you find balance to make it all work!?
A: It’s definitely hectic to balance! I work diligently during the fashion week season, and even work of spreadsheets marking everything off that I have done. I get up and go to work at my full time job at Bass Pro Corporate Headquarters, working as an Apparel Technical Designer and Apparel Fit Technician, from 8-5. After work, I get home and sew from 5:30-11 most nights, and sew Saturday-Sunday. It takes a lot of drive and sacrifice. It’s taxing, but it’s worth it to do something you love.
Now for some fun questions!
Q: What’s one thing people don’t really know about you?
A: People who have known me all my life would know this, but anyone from college on might not. Growing up, I was much more of a tomboy. It’s surprising to most people because I, of course, love to shop, wear make-up, and all that now. As I got older, I was such a mix of girlie girl and tomboy. I grew up on a farm, showed cattle, shot competitively, was a drummer, and a black belt. Not a common list of hobbies for someone who becomes a fashion designer, which I actually love.
Q: What is your favorite way to spend free time?
A: I don’t have a ton of free time between work and sewing, but what little free time I have, I prefer to spend with my family and boyfriend. Otherwise, I like to paint, draw, and play guitar….or do one of the other 20+ hobbies I have!
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: I’ve had a tough time coming up with an answer for this one! I guess just some of the corny reality shows that I watch. I’m not big into reality TV, but I do enjoy The Bachelor, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars. No shame! >> AMEN, sister! We definitely have this one in common 🙂
