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Stacey Toth
Welcome to our How to Shop Like series, where we spotlight personalities within the fashion industry and take a deeper look at their personal relationships with fashion and how they shop—think all the best insider tips and tricks. This week we’re chatting with KkCo founder and creative director Kara Jubin.
The reason fledgling brands are so well equipped to capture that elusive cool-kid ahead-of-the-trend aura is because one of said cool kids typically resides at their helm. KkCo’s (the second k is silent) founder and creative director, Kara Jubin, is a prime example—we’re almost as obsessed with her personal style as we are with her line, both of which reside in an intersectional utopia between masculine and feminine, utility and superfluidity where tie-dye, lamé, and leather coexist. Unsurprisingly, Jubin thinks of the line as an extension of her own distinctive personal style.
Her upward trajectory is not dissimilar to that of many in fashion, though she utilized her experience to gauge just as much about what she didn’t want for a brand as what she did. “I found that I really enjoyed working locally—whether it’s with independent brands, local vendors, or family-owned factories,” Jubin explains of her Los Angeles–based label. “I really love the hands-on experience and relationships you build with the creative minds involved in all aspects of the process. I like to think of KkCo as a brand inspired by the creatives that surround it.” That collectively sourced creativity fuels a label ripe with individuality—a pro for us, but a con for our wallets.
The reason fledgling brands are so well equipped to capture that elusive cool-kid ahead-of-the-trend aura is because one of said cool kids typically resides at their helm. KkCo’s (the second k is silent) founder and creative director, Kara Jubin, is a prime example—we’re almost as obsessed with her personal style as we are with her line, both of which reside in an intersectional utopia between masculine and feminine, utility and superfluidity where tie-dye, lamé, and leather coexist. Unsurprisingly, Jubin thinks of the line as an extension of her own distinctive personal style.
Her upward trajectory is not dissimilar to that of many in fashion, though she utilized her experience to gauge just as much about what she didn’t want for a brand as what she did. “I found that I really enjoyed working locally—whether it’s with independent brands, local vendors, or family-owned factories,” Jubin explains of her Los Angeles–based label. “I really love the hands-on experience and relationships you build with the creative minds involved in all aspects of the process. I like to think of KkCo as a brand inspired by the creatives that surround it.” That collectively sourced creativity fuels a label ripe with individuality—a pro for us, but a con for our wallets.
Shop Kara’s Current Picks:
When did you first fall in love with fashion?
“Can this be genetic? My mom taught me everything I know and love about fashion. The majority of my closet as a child was composed of pieces my mom made me. I have vivid memories of her creating patterns and sewing at our dining-room table.”
Why did you decide to launch your own line?
“Timing! I always wanted to start a brand with my personal point of view, and I had finally gotten to the moment where I just felt ready. For several years I was creating, building, and executing brands for others—I had the experience, built the relationships, and was finally ready to share my perspective.”
What does personal style mean to you, and how would you describe your own?
“I think personal style is an external representation of one’s personality. With that being said, my style is generally eclectic and a little bit chaotic. I love mixing unexpected pieces, colors, and accessories—not sure what that says about me!”
Do you have a uniform?
“Not really. I tend to change things up depending on my mood. However, comfort is always a must!”
“Can this be genetic? My mom taught me everything I know and love about fashion. The majority of my closet as a child was composed of pieces my mom made me. I have vivid memories of her creating patterns and sewing at our dining-room table.”
Why did you decide to launch your own line?
“Timing! I always wanted to start a brand with my personal point of view, and I had finally gotten to the moment where I just felt ready. For several years I was creating, building, and executing brands for others—I had the experience, built the relationships, and was finally ready to share my perspective.”
What does personal style mean to you, and how would you describe your own?
“I think personal style is an external representation of one’s personality. With that being said, my style is generally eclectic and a little bit chaotic. I love mixing unexpected pieces, colors, and accessories—not sure what that says about me!”
Do you have a uniform?
“Not really. I tend to change things up depending on my mood. However, comfort is always a must!”
Photo: Courtesy of KkCoFavorite thing to splurge on?
“Shoes, wine, and furniture.”
Favorite purchase of all time?
“Definitely my spring 2009 limited-edition Tabi’s with nail heads in the heels. I got them from a consignment store in Brooklyn that I worked at in college. They’re an art piece and spend more time on my bookshelf than on my feet.”
Where do you look for inspiration for your collections? Is your answer the same in terms of your own style?
“When starting a new collection, I usually go down a deep rabbit hole of research to find inspiration. It usually begins with art, books, hobbies, etc. Our color palettes are typically pulled from various artworks, textures from geography, and details from hobbies. I’m also constantly inspired by the creatives I work with. I like to see what they’re wearing, what they want to wear, and how they choose to wear it. KkCo is an extension of my personal style, so while I’m deep in research, my personal style is influenced, too.”
What has designing taught you about fashion?
“To appreciate the details. Every single part of a garment was a conscious decision, down to the thread.”
“Shoes, wine, and furniture.”
Favorite purchase of all time?
“Definitely my spring 2009 limited-edition Tabi’s with nail heads in the heels. I got them from a consignment store in Brooklyn that I worked at in college. They’re an art piece and spend more time on my bookshelf than on my feet.”
Where do you look for inspiration for your collections? Is your answer the same in terms of your own style?
“When starting a new collection, I usually go down a deep rabbit hole of research to find inspiration. It usually begins with art, books, hobbies, etc. Our color palettes are typically pulled from various artworks, textures from geography, and details from hobbies. I’m also constantly inspired by the creatives I work with. I like to see what they’re wearing, what they want to wear, and how they choose to wear it. KkCo is an extension of my personal style, so while I’m deep in research, my personal style is influenced, too.”
What has designing taught you about fashion?
“To appreciate the details. Every single part of a garment was a conscious decision, down to the thread.”
Photo: Courtesy of KkCoWhich stores do you frequent?
“LCD for the thoughtful curation, The RealReal for secondhand designer, and The Zoo (via Instagram) for vintage scores.”
What would your closet be full of if money were no object?
“Vintage designer pieces.”
Vintage or new?
“Both.”
Your go-to accessories?
“A good pair of shoes and now a face mask!”
If your label had a muse, who would it be?
“There honestly isn’t one person that comes to mind. I’m usually designing for the creatives around us—it’s more realistic since they will actually wear it!”
“LCD for the thoughtful curation, The RealReal for secondhand designer, and The Zoo (via Instagram) for vintage scores.”
What would your closet be full of if money were no object?
“Vintage designer pieces.”
Vintage or new?
“Both.”
Your go-to accessories?
“A good pair of shoes and now a face mask!”
If your label had a muse, who would it be?
“There honestly isn’t one person that comes to mind. I’m usually designing for the creatives around us—it’s more realistic since they will actually wear it!”
Photo: Courtesy of KkCoWhat does your current WFH wardrobe look like?
“I’ve fully embraced the sweats!”
Who are your favorite small fashion brands of the moment?
“Brain Dead, Sunnei, GiuGiu, and Jiwinaia.”
What are the top five most-worn items in your wardrobe?
“A KkCo Utility Vest (it’s completely replaced my need to carry a bag), KkCo sweat suits in every color, Sunnei rubberized earrings, Salomon sneakers (I’m running around factories all day long), and our scrunchie face masks!”
If you could live in one era simply for the fashion, which would it be?
“Late ’90s, early ’00s—there were no rules.”
Photos: Courtesy of KkCo
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“I’ve fully embraced the sweats!”
Who are your favorite small fashion brands of the moment?
“Brain Dead, Sunnei, GiuGiu, and Jiwinaia.”
What are the top five most-worn items in your wardrobe?
“A KkCo Utility Vest (it’s completely replaced my need to carry a bag), KkCo sweat suits in every color, Sunnei rubberized earrings, Salomon sneakers (I’m running around factories all day long), and our scrunchie face masks!”
If you could live in one era simply for the fashion, which would it be?
“Late ’90s, early ’00s—there were no rules.”
Photos: Courtesy of KkCo
Want more stories like this?
How to Step Outside Your Fashion Comfort Zone
Inside the Colorful Closet of Collina Strada Designer Hillary Taymour
Critics Are Raving: 15 Fashion Items That Caught Our Eye This January