We recently connected with Keti McKenna and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Keti , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I am inherently a perfectionist, meticulously cutting and sewing each of my designs to achieve absolute precision. At times, finding individuals capable of executing to the same standard proves challenging, leading to moments where I am unable to proceed with production.
I have always regarded my creations as ‘Museum Pieces,’ striving for a level of craftsmanship that transcends mere fashion. My dedication to perfection was rewarded when a KetiVani suit was selected to be showcased at the Denver Art Museum as part of the ‘Suited Empowerment Exhibit.’ It was a profound honor to see my work displayed alongside renowned designer brands.
I curated three walls in the Thread Studio of the Martin Building, offering insights into the design and production process of upscale suits. One of my couture suit designs, crafted from silk jacquard, stood proudly on a mannequin, while a dedicated TV channel showcased my draping and tailoring techniques (now available on YouTube). The exhibition captivated audiences for seven months, drawing remarkable interest and attendance until April 2022.”
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Originally trained as a Geophysicist, I always had a love of fashion and sewing since I was a little girl growing up in Tbilisi, Georgia. After we immigration to New York City in the early ’90s, I’ve seamlessly blended my two passions into a vibrant career.
My foray into the fashion world began humbly, leveraging my sewing skills to secure a job at a local dry cleaner, where I soon found myself offering alterations and selling my designs to boutiques in Forest Hills. Concurrently, I pursued a Patternmaking degree at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, laying the groundwork for a multifaceted career that would span roles as a patternmaker, fit model, designer, and technical design manager for brands like Macy’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Anne Klein, Tahari and others.
My expertise didn’t stop at the design studio; frequent travels to overseas factories, sharpened my understanding of clothing manufacturing, solidifying my mastery of the craft.
I started my own design and manufacturing company, KetiVani in 2017, right after I got my 1st order of dresses and skirts from the local upscale boutique Garbarini. My brand slogan is “Fashion with Fit and Function”. I create elegant, classic wardrobe essentials with impeccable craftsmanship, universal fit and high-quality fabrics.
Central to KetiVani’s ethos is a deep-rooted commitment to community, suppliers, and sustainability. Drawing on my background as a Geophysicist, I approach business with an acute awareness of environmental impact, producing garments designed to last, minimizing waste, and embracing sustainable practices every step of the way.
KetiVani isn’t just a label; it’s a labor of love. Inspired by luxury brands with comparable price points, I’ve set a standard for fit and construction that rivals—and often surpasses—the competition, a testament to my technical skills and unwavering attention to detail.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Throughout my life and career, I’ve navigated several significant transitions, each requiring adaptability and courage. One particular pivot stands out among them. For two decades, I thrived in the fast-paced realm of the New York Fashion Industry, in charge of Technical Design and Product Development within prominent companies.
However, in 2015, my husband proposed a move to Colorado for a change of scenery, a decision met with both anticipation and trepidation on my part. The prospect of leaving behind my established career path in the heart of fashion’s epicenter seemed daunting. Yet, I embraced the opportunity to reinvent myself in a new environment successfully.
Despite the absence of traditional fashion roles in Colorado, I remained resolute in pursuing my passions. I made the bold choice to delve into Fashion Design and Teaching, leveraging my years of experience and knowledge to embark on a new professional journey. This transition not only allowed me to continue doing what I love but also opened doors to fresh opportunities for growth and fulfillment in unexpected ways.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I’m deeply passionate about the hands-on process of fashion design, patternmaking, and sewing, which I pursue enthusiastically from my home office, using my vintage Singer sewing machine. In 2016, I began teaching draping and patternmaking at the Denver Design Incubator, where I quickly noticed a common struggle among aspiring designers—many lacked the necessary skills to execute their designs with precision.
To address this gap, I launched a separate Instagram page called Keti.Teacher, initially intending to provide guidance and share insights with my students on patternmaking, sewing, and garment fitting, all free of charge. Little did I anticipate the overwhelming response it would receive. My instructional videos gained traction, some even going viral. Within just one year, my following organically swelled to 146K.
Reflecting on this unexpected success, I attribute it to the consistency of my content and the scarcity of skilled professionals in my field. While designing and sewing a single garment is undoubtedly a creative endeavor, executing the same design multiple times through sewing, demands a different kind of dedication and physical work—something that not everyone is willing to undertake.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ketivani.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ketivaniofficial/
- Facebook: KetiVani
- Linkedin: Keti McKenna
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4KtOc42BzlDurIDF_6gGyQ
- Other: My Teaching Instagram Page. https://www.instagram.com/keti.teacher/
Image Credits
Ella Neal Lily Thomas Briar Watson Lariza DelaRosa Noella Wong Sophia Conea Stephie Jacobs Adelaide Joy Chloe Fisher Timmy Ngo Nino Walton Brisny Cervantes Jas Kitterman Erik Cooper