We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kirby Wittoesch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kirby below.
Kirby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.
There are many important trends, but one of the most impactful in the fashion industry is sustainability. You can see sustainability manifesting in ways that may not be so obvious at first thought, like metaverse fashion, luxury collaborations, and a focus on vintage styles. A rise in DIY fashion has also taken off on platforms like TikTok, showing consumers that they can transform retired pieces of clothing into something completely relevant with a few household items. With supply chain disruptions, drops in revenue, and socially conscious customers, the effects of the pandemic have encouraged the market to choose how they spend their money wisely. I am a huge vintage lover and customer, so its exciting to see people posting about their thrift finds after watching runway shows. I hope to see more iconic duos like Fendace, aka Fendi X Versace collaboration!
Kirby, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Fashion has always been something embedded into my DNA. I went to school for business at Texas State University and it was always my dream to go to New York and work in the industry. So, I landed an internship with designer Rebecca Minkoff and that is really how it all started. I was working in PR so I was able to see what goes on behind the scenes, like how a brand is marketed, and I just knew that this was what I was meant to be doing. Unfortunately, my dream got cut short after my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. After leaving Manhattan and coming home to support my family, I was very lost and broken. I knew I had to finish school but wasn’t sure of the trajectory of my path anymore. By this time, it was the rise of fashion content creators so I figured why not? I can work from anywhere and be able to support myself and my dream. With my inner knowledge of the industry I started creating content just with things I had in my closet. 5 years later, I have been able to achieve many of my dream ambassadorship contracts, like Revolve Clothing, and really build a network of amazing brand relationships and recognition. Many don’t really know my story and how much I had to overcome in the beginning, and still do, but I like to live by the advice my mother has given me, “keep going, be yourself, and it will all come to you”.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think consistency and courtesy is a huge factor in building any lasting relationship with a brand. Having to negotiate collaborations daily, I have learned to work with a brand not just for them. I think viewing these daily interactions from a relationship perspective is what truly builds a respectful reputation of respect and encourages brands to want to keep working with you.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect is being able to create from your heart. My soul is at peace when I create a look. I could be having a horrible day, not feeling the prettiest and put on a killer outfit and feel invincible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbywittoesch/