We were lucky to catch up with Paloma Soledad recently and have shared our conversation below.
Paloma , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The inception of Krysalis Kouture is deeply personal, stemming from my own battle with stage IV metastatic melanoma, which lasted five years with three occurrences. During the rigorous treatment journey, I faced a daily ordeal trying to find clothing that could accommodate medical tubes, body changes, and the discomfort from surgeries. As a fashion designer, I had a closet full of clothing that I had collected or made for myself over the years, but now every single item became impossible to wear. One restless night, while tossing and turning before yet another surgery the next morning, I couldn’t stop thinking “Why aren’t there high-quality, stylish clothing for individuals like me navigating the intricacies of chronic illness.” This void in the market wasn’t just a superficial concern—it was about preserving my dignity and self-assurance during an already tumultuous time. The spark of Krysalis Kouture was ignited during the solitude of 2020, and in spring 2022, I took the first step by launching a line of intricate headscarves for people experiencing hair loss. It was something I could accomplish on my own, making by hand beautiful pieces that would uplift the spirit, with luxurious materials like custom printed scarves. This venture has been more than just a business endeavor; it is a personal mission to bridge the chasm between medical functionality and aesthetic appeal. The idea was clear: there was a gaping need for adaptive, stylish clothing that catered to medical requirements without compromising on quality and aesthetic appeal. I found not just an opportunity for a unique business venture, but also a pathway to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Krysalis Kouture is not merely selling clothing; we are offering a companion in people’s healing journeys. Our approach is unique—we aren’t just addressing a functional need, but also an emotional one. By summer 2023, the vision expanded with the launch of a “made to order” clothing line. Every stitch, every fabric choice, and every design is a meticulous effort to provide comfort, functionality, and style, allowing individuals to face their medical challenges without feeling alienated from their own bodies.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey in fashion design began at the age of four, with a hand-crank sewing machine and a passion for making dresses for my dolls. By the time I was ten I was creating my own unique and incredibly detailed Halloween costumes. Eventually my skill at crafting from the forgotten treasures of thrift stores took flight in costume design for the film industry after studying at the California Institute of the Arts. My favorite film project was a two-year stint on the stop-motion animated feature “Coraline,” where I honed my skills in precision and patience, sewing tiny stitches into miniature garments. It was right after this that my first fashion line was born. It featured one-of-a-kind corset belts made from vintage materials, crafted with a couturier’s attention to detail, soon winning recognition from Portland Fashion Week and Entertainment Weekly. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2016, a few years after moving to New York City, when I was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma. The severity of the disease and the aftermath of numerous surgeries disrupted my life and challenged my identity for the first time. As I spent months bedridden and healing, I channeled my creativity into designing a new collection of clothing that reflected this life change. I had been collecting antique crochet pieces for years with the intention of remaking them into garments, but never found the time. Now I had quite a bit of time, and could only use a pencil and paper or hand sew from my current situation. As soon as I was able to stand again, I began to sew the designs I had been fantasizing about for months. I sold these beautiful creations from my Brooklyn showroom over the next two years…until cancer visited me not only a second, but also a third time, more aggressively than ever, affecting my liver and lungs.
Facing the prospect of no simple cure from surgeries, I was eligible for an immunotherapy trial at Sloan Kettering. Luckily the treatment stopped the cancer, but the life-altering side effects I experienced firsthand became a daily struggle. I experienced body swelling so extreme it required daily drainage of lymph fluid through tubes for seventeen long months. Along with constant hospital visits and scans, I confronted a new reality. It was during these years that the mirror reflected someone I barely recognized, and my identity seemed lost amongst the garments that no longer fit.
It was this crucible of change and challenge that birthed Krysalis Kouture. I understood the profound need for fashion that could accommodate the physical and psychological needs of those undergoing medical treatments. By combining the comfort of lounge wear with the style of streetwear and the accessibility of medical adaptive wear, I’ve created garments that can go from home, to work and the doctor’s office seamlessly. Features include organic fibers for ultra sensitive skin, easy access to veins for blood draws, and chest ports for infusions. The garments do not contain plastic or metal, so you can go right into a scan without removing your clothes. By avoiding the need to change into an ill-fitting robe, you can maintain your dignity and warmth during what is usually a very uncomfortable situation. A favorite garment is the Waiting Room Hoodie, a combination of a poncho and a hoodie, making it easy to put on and pull up for chest port access. It has a very large hood so you can take naps while waiting for your turn in the doctor’s office and glovelettes to keep your hands warm during long hours in cold rooms. Our products aim to camouflage body changes, like our headscarves for people dealing with hair loss, which use a complex six-part sculpted fabric interior cap that gently hugs your head and recreates the fullness of hair beneath the custom printed scarf.
I want people to feel like they are wrapped in love, and I aspire to create something that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a companion in the wearer’s journey. Krysalis Kouture isn’t just a brand; it’s a beacon for those enduring the rigors of treatment, offering a semblance of normalcy and a boost to self-esteem when it’s needed most. I pour my heart into every design, ensuring that each piece not only serves a practical purpose, but also carries the essence of personal empowerment.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During a challenging time in my life, I made a pivot in my fashion career that was both unexpected and deeply rewarding. I redefined my personal brand, moving from the precision of intricate corsetry to the fluidity of feminine clothing, influenced by a newfound appreciation for comfort and the natural drape of fabric on the body. This shift was born out of necessity during several months spent bedridden, following a diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma—a rare kind of melanoma originating from a mole on my foot, which is not related to sun exposure. Confined to my bed and unable to operate my sewing machine as I awaited the healing of a skin graft, I found solace and inspiration in designing a new collection. This collection aimed to celebrate the legacy and artisanship of hand-crocheted pieces I had collected from antique shops. The act of crocheting, long associated with cross-body therapy, has been known to aid in alleviating depression and anxiety, with the rhythmic motion of the hands fostering a meditative state that can soothe the mind and elevate the spirit. Each piece seemed infused with the emotional investment of its creator, a tangible connection to the aspirations and emotions of women from a bygone era.
Previously, my affinity for tightly fitted clothing and corsetry had been a hallmark of my designs. However, now faced with my own need for comfort, I began to see the beauty in more forgiving silhouettes that graced the body with ease yet maintained an air of elegance. I delved into my fascination with the crochet handiwork of women from the early 1900s, intricate pieces brimming with the hopes and dreams of their creators. I aspired to honor these women, to weave their stories into contemporary fashion, giving new life to each piece.
My collection of crochet was extensive, each piece whispering its potential to inspire a garment I had long imagined. Throughout my convalescence, I sketched and planned fervently, determined to bring these visions to fruition once I could. When that time came, I brought each piece of crochet to life, carefully custom-dyeing, augmenting, and pairing them with select designer fabrics. These fabrics, often remnants too small for mass production and otherwise destined for landfills, were transformed into sustainable fashion. By repurposing these materials, my new clothing line embraced complete sustainability, avoiding the use of new resources and preventing additional environmental waste.
Embarking on this new direction was exhilarating—it felt like spreading my wings into a realm of understated, effortless elegance. These creations are a testament to the art of transformation and are still available on my namesake website, Shop.PalomaSoledad.com. The collection continues to grow, albeit gradually, as I savor the process of design and creation.
Through it all, I’ve learned that finding a silver lining in difficult circumstances is an art form in itself. I am grateful for the stillness that allowed me to redirect my passion and pivot my work towards something so meaningful and environmentally conscious.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Podcasts are my go-to source for inspiration while working, as they offer a treasure trove of experiences and insights. Currently, I’m particularly drawn to “The Tim Ferriss Show,” where each episode can send me spiraling down intriguing rabbit holes, exploring new ideas and applying them to my life and business. Check out episode #648: James Clear, and his book “Atomic Habits.” It delves into why we have bad habits and how to cultivate good ones. I’ve listened to it multiple times and get new nuggets of advice to try out every time! As far as interviews with female entrepreneurs, “Positively Gotham Gal” resonates similarly, providing powerful narratives that fuel my thinking.
The most transformative tool for me, however, has been the “Waking Up” meditation app. Meditation has been part of my life intermittently, but this app has been a game-changer, making it consistent. It not only deepens my daily practice, but I find the conversations and series available on the platform to be truly insightful. One of my favorites is with Tim Pychyl, where he explains why we procrastinate, the damage it’s doing, and techniques on how to avoid this spiraling abyss. Meditation has been pivotal in my post-cancer journey and as I navigate the entrepreneurial waters, allowing me to relish life’s fleeting moments and to learn from each experience, regardless of its nature. This routine has been a sanctuary amid the chaos of modernity, helping me to embrace the unforeseen and remain open to creative solutions to business hurdles. It teaches me the art of staying grounded in realistic optimism and being receptive as the next chapter unfolds. The app is available with sliding scale pricing to make it accessible to everyone–an amazing business model and gift to the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://krysaliskouture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krysaliskouture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrysalisKouture
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paloma-soledad-426b8413
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@krysaliskouture
- Other: https://shop.palomasoledad.com/
Image Credits
Laika Studios, Portland Fashion Week, Chris Bailey, Jose Alejandro Espaillat, Marianne DuQuette Cuozzo, Teshya Russo, Clayton Harley (These are the photographers)