Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelsey Crane. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelsey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Interesting enough, probably like many, when I first got started in my journey, I knew nothing about fashion. I knew that I liked it and I knew that I was interested in being a part of it, but I did not know how to sew. I didn’t know the fundamentals of designing or pattern making. Somehow, I was fortunate enough to get accepted to design school in New York City. After my freshman year, I sought out an internship with a bespoke tailor on 5th Avenue. For my interview, I came in with some sketches, but without tangible garments or examples. I’m sure he was reluctant to take me under his wing so, he sent me home with a project to return to him-a square of silk that I was to finish the edges in a roll hem, eventually creating a pocket square. (What in the world was that?!) Long story short, I returned the pocket square and passed the test. From there on out, I hit the ground running. He believed in and trusted me enough to work for him at his atelier. Over the next 6 years, he truly taught me everything I know now about the technicalities of design and bringing designs to life. Of course going to fashion school filled in the missing pieces, but I credit my experience of working under a master tailor with where I am today.

I’m quite a perfectionist and maybe too concerned with attention to detail. Those two qualities combined really slowed down my learning process and created a barrier to learning more early on. I would often get so fixated on one detail being absolutely perfect and as a result, the remainder of the project would suffer. I really had to learn to see the project as a whole and replace perfectionism with realism. After all, you do learn from your mistakes and if you’re not making them, you’re not allowing yourself to learn. Allowing yourself to make those mistakes is critical not only in design, but, I believe, in life as well.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

After wearing many hats in the fashion industry for over a decade, I decided to start my own clothing label called kpc. two and a half years ago. I graduated from Parsons The New School for Design with a degree in fashion design. From there, I started working in fashion from the bottom up-assistant designer to eventually becoming a design director. Working in the big corporate fashion industry, I eventually realized that I felt there was something missing for me, and while I was able to create designs and collections conceptually, I really missed the act of making. I think that feeling comes from my years working as an apprentice to a bespoke tailor. There is something really special and exciting about touching a finished garment that you physically made yourself. I think that feeling is also reciprocated by the customer as well. They know who made their clothing. They know that it’s special. And, in my case, they know that the piece is one-of-one. I take a lot of pride in that.

Kpc. is an answer to all the things I felt were exhausting and insincere in the industry. At my most recent job before starting my label, we were making 10 deliveries a year consisting of about 20 styles per delivery. The over-production and excess of clothing was mind blowing. Even more so was to see everything marked down 6 weeks after it hit the website. I wanted to create a more meaningful product with a deep history, while also being sustainable in practice. All kpc. pieces are made from beautiful antique and heirloom textiles in my studio. I’m an emotional shopper/buyer. I’m not emotional in the sense I will cry at the beauty of something, or shop when I’m sad-but I’m emotional in the sense that every single piece of clothing in my closet means something to me. I can tell you where I bought it, a memorable time that I wore it, when I bought it, and why I bought it. So, I guess I have a sentimental attachment to my clothing and I want my customer to share the same emotion when wearing kpc. I think it creates smarter buying habits which translates to sustainability in a way. So far, I feel like it’s working.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I would really like for the consumer to shop smarter and to buy with intention (in terms of fashion). As I mentioned earlier, I’m an emotional buyer. I see each piece of clothing in my closet as special. There are so many small businesses today creating upcycled garments and pieces made out of vintage materials. As one of those small businesses, I feel like we all share the same emotional journey when creating. From sourcing the textiles, to making the pattern, to sewing the garment-we spend a lot of time with each individual piece from conception to finished product. Slowly, but surely, I think our customer is understanding the process and really appreciating the art that it is.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that really helped me in terms of dealing with creative blocks, self doubt, and all the internal battles creatives deal with is called “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. It’s a great motivator for any creative (or non-creative!) to start that business, finish that project, run that marathon…anything! It really helps you realize the factors that are holding you back and gives you encouragement to knock down anything standing in your way. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kpckpckpc.com
• Instagram: kpc._____

Image Credits
Cam Darby