I discovered Kieley Kimmel sweaters at Spiritual America in New York – I walked in and was immediately drawn to the intricate knits. The sweaters have the most perfect neutral palette, and are incredibly soft and lightweight, but still warm. Even better, the entire line is made in Los Angeles!
Now that it’s officially winter in Minnesota, I am really regretting the fact that I didn’t bring one home with me…
ABOUT KIELEY KIMMEL:
Kieley Kimmel is a textile and clothing designer living and working in LA. Guided by color theory and the liminality of unconventional geometries, her clothes explore the emotion of space and place with a distinct attention to texture. Animated knits, weaves, silkscreen, hand-painted and digital prints converge with simple and elegant cuts that imbue the garments with a comforting and wearable yet idiosyncratic air. Garments are manufactured with consideration in Downtown LA.
Kieley Kimmel is also available at Ten Over Six (of course it is!) and online at Pour Porter.
The Introduction is a new series I’m launching for TAE where I will share new-to-me brands and collaborations!
I’ve always loved a gorgeous leather weekender bag… I even remember trying to convince my parents that I needed one for Christmas when I was 13! (they disagreed.) When I learned about Dina Epstein’s LA-based line, Clark and Madison, where she combines vintage fabrics (think, Navajo blankets and Moroccan rugs!) with gorgeous leather to create the most unique weekenders I’d ever seen, I knew I had to learn more! Read on for an interview with Dina and for more information about their current storefront as a part of Arts reSTORE LA!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Nature, I love going on walks and making time to take in everything that is around me. Its a great time to think. Expert craftsmen, chefs, designers, builders. . .people that are incredible at what they do and take pride in everything they put into this world. There are so many people I admire.
WHAT MADE YOU START?
The two of us [Dina and her partner in Clark & Madison, Frosti] had been traveling across the country to see each other for six months, living out of carry on bags. There was one bag I always took that had been passed down to me from my late grandmother. I really believe in things that last. Well made, timeless pieces never go out of style. I still have that bag hanging in our studio, it reminds me to put good things into the world.
WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LINE?
Well, the name Clark & Madison originated from the story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. I was inspired with their efforts to explore and map America. Upon completing the expedition, Clark was appointed and the governor of the Missouri Territory by President Madison. Clark & Madison is a depiction of adventure and American heritage.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE ESSENTIALS?
Tods loafers, J-Brand jeans, a soft T, cashmere sweater, and a Clark & Madison tote (this is more like my everyday wardrobe!).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER MAKERS?
Don’t be scared, be excited. There’s no better time to start making the life you want for yourself than right now. Getting to wake up each day and make products that I am proud of is extremely rewarding.
WHERE DO YOU ESCAPE?
We love to travel, we were in Baja last weekend and we’re running up to Canada soon for my birthday but most of the time you’ll find us on Sawtelle st. for dumplings or noodles.
WHY DO YOU MANUFACTURE IN AMERICA?
We built this company around the idea of making high quality products locally. By making things here, the products travel less before they reach the consumer, bringing them closer to the source.
WHY IS AMERICAN MADE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I think it is important to create jobs here in in the US.
WHY IS YOUR COLLECTION SPECIAL?
All of our bags are made in limited quantities from materials that have been hand selected. I can name 90% of all the people that touch our bags before they make it into the consumers hands. It is more about a lifestyle choice. It is wonderful to be able to know the story behind the products you have, to know that every piece is significant and has exceptional quality. Our bags will last you a lifetime or more. They are meant to go on vacations and adventures with you! When you pack it up you should be excited for the journey your about to embark on. It will stay with you through all your journeys and hopefully like my trusted bag from my grandmother carry not just clothes but many memories. Take away all other luxuries in life but if have the ability to make someone happy, that is the most special gift, and those trips are our happy times.
You can always support Clark & Madison via their site, but they are also currently available at Arts ReSTORE LA: Westwood, an effort that aims to re-energize Westwood Village with the creative force of local Angeleno artisans and craftspeople. For over a decade, the once vibrant Village has fallen on hard times and has lost the unique luster that made it a destination neighborhood on LA’s westside. This fall, from November 1 to 24, the Hammer will fill empty storefront spaces donated by landlords with artisan vendors, setting the stage for a new retail experience in the neighborhood and an opportunity to revitalize the Village community.
If you make it, let me know – I’m so sad that I don’t have a trip to LA planned this month! Thanks Dina for sharing your story with us!
Lexi Cross is the Social Media Director of Lulu Frost and writes New York Called, a gorgeous blog that combines thoughtful interviews with beautiful photos to tell the story of creatives who (like Lexi) have moved to New York to pursue their dreams – recent interviews have included TAE favorites Rebecca Atwood and OTTE!
I’ve read Lexi’s blog for a long time – she has incredible style and I was so excited when she agreed to share her favorites with me for this series. Soon after, I happened to meet her at the Lulu Frost x J. Crew popup in Soho (when I accidentally crashed the press preview… whoops!) and now I can tell you for sure that she is as awesome in real life as she is on the interwebs!
November 1st. Can you believe it?! I think this technically means that the holiday season has begun, but I’m just focused on managing my sugar hangover from last night (so.many.butterfingers!) with a green juice, lots of coffee, and some great reads.
My friends at Ship & Shape are launching their fall/winter collection today! These are some incredibly talented and thoughtful women who are doing really great things… from the sneak peek images they sent (above), I know this season will be better than ever! Be sure to check out their online shop!
Some of my favorite American-made brands are 25% off till Sunday at The Dreslyn – I’d like this subtly sexy ALC dress, this classic Pamela Love ring, my favorite Rag & Bone skinnies, and this gorgeous Raquel Allegra silk tie-dye top in my closet. immediately.
I share these articles as I come across them on Twitter, and am getting better at posting them to Facebook as well! I’d love it if you would follow along!
