Vancouver Fashion Week FW22 With Designer Kyle Denman (Los Angles, USA)

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Kyle Denman will be showing is collection on the runway on Thurs. April 7th at 6:40 p.m. TIX HERE!

VFW Bio -

Kyle Denman is a fashion designer and artist based in Los Angeles, California. Before entering the fashion industry, Denman studied political science. Having always loved art growing up, he craved creative expression and freedom and moved to Los Angeles to pursue fashion design and now currently teaches fashion design and art to at-promise youth. Many of his students are systems-impacted and have experienced trauma, such as trafficking, unhousing, gang violence, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Through the lenses of fashion, art, and design, Denman teaches these youth social-emotional skills—a former student explained that his programming saved her life and taught her how to love herself.

Denman's mission is to use his own platform and privilege to create social change, share cultural narratives, and humanize the experiences of underserved communities through artistic mediums. He believes fashion is an all-encompassing art that is movement, design, and architecture juxtaposed in political, social, and cultural contexts. As a designer, Denman is known for his avant garde creations, unique silhouettes and construction techniques, and emotional storytelling.
 
Interview - 

Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.

I have always loved art. My parents have told me that I could draw before I could talk. However, I have also loved politics and law. When I was in high school, I was the Youth Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio and attended national conferences on policy. When I was completing my undergraduate degree in Political Science, I was working with the Scripps Gerontology Center and was supporting them with research on the effectiveness of art on people who have dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurocognitive disorders. Here, I truly began to understand the impact of art and creativity in people’s lives. I decided to pursue fashion design, as I saw it as an expression of art in everyone’s lives every day. I guess my passion for art never left me!

How did you learn your skills?

After moving to Los Angeles, I attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). Without any prior design or sewing experience, I started my career. I have worked hard and have done my best to stay humble. I have been fortunate to have been taught by some incredible teachers and mentors, each of whom has guided me in different ways. I'm incredibly thankful for everyone who has directly or indirectly supported me and my journey.

Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
 
My mission is to use my own platform and privilege to create social change, share cultural narratives, and humanize the experiences of underserved communities through artistic mediums. I believe fashion is an all-encompassing art that is movement, design, and architecture juxtaposed in political, social, and cultural contexts. As a designer, I would say that I am known for my avant garde creations, unique silhouettes and construction techniques, and emotional storytelling.


What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?

I love designing, but I think the most challenging aspect for me is not doubting myself. As an artist, I am deeply emotional and connected to my creations. Sometimes, I am really hard on myself. For me, it's easy to find inspiration; there is beauty everywhere! However, it can be difficult to execute ideas based on that inspiration. Sometimes, I just have to fully "let go" to get into a flow-state and create!

Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?

I am inspired by peoples’ stories. I do my best to relate my runway collections’ themes to the audience. Even if someone does not necessarily directly relate to the collection, I hope that they can connect emotionally with it. I am always motivated by hearing different people’s interpretations of my work, too. I think having discourse and conversation allows my work to evolve in ways that I could never imagine. I am also very fortunate that I have a strong friendship with one of the first models with whom I have worked. Not only is she the perfect fit model, but she is also my muse who continues to support and inspire me.


Color is important because it helps the audience better understand the storyline and the emotional impact of the collection. Color is also perceived differently by each person, which helps translate the collection uniquely to each individual viewer.

Readers would love to hear a little about the collection you will be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week FW/22. Can you describe it for us - aesthetic, fabrics, palette, silhouettes, inspiration, etc.?

Premiering at New York Fashion Week and winning the 2021 International Design Award for Fashion Design of the Year, my collection, "mul·ti·po·lar—ex·ist·ence," was inspired by the interconnectivity and the multidimensionality of the human experience. The collection demonstrates the capacity of the human condition and how we as people are interdependent elements whose souls become intertwined through chance and circumstance. It is a conceptual, personal, and poetic vision of humanity; it is both an homage and a criticism of the dissociation and derealization of relationships in our own lives. “mul·ti·po·lar—ex·ist·ence” can best be summarized in just six words: soulmates will always find a way.


Do you have a favorite look in this collection?

I love all eight looks! Each one is incredibly special to me and each one holds significant weight in the entire collection's storyline. I don't think I could choose a specific favorite. The collection wouldn't be what it is without every single one.

Where can readers purchase your designs?

Readers can visit my website (kyledenmanfashion.com) or find me on Instagram and connect with me there!

In closing is there anything else you'd like to share with readers (if not leave blank)?

I am also a teacher. I currently teach fashion design and art to at-promise youth in Los Angeles. Many of my students are systems-impacted and have experienced trauma, such as trafficking, unhousing, gang violence, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Through the lenses of fashion, art, and design, I teach these youth social-emotional skills—a former student explained that my programming saved her life and taught her how to love herself. My students continue to inspire me every day!

2019 Interview on Girl Talk 

Additionally, some of my accolades include:
- 2022 MUSE Design Award Platinum Winner- 2021 International Design Awards Fashion Design of the Year
- 2021 30 Under 30 Changemaker in Education
- 2018 Young Fashion Designer of the Year
- 2016 Project Runway Remake It Work Grand Prize Winner

Social Media Links -

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