Talent- K.L. Allen (Kelly)

K.L. Allen Designer "The Creator" Age 28 K.L. Allen, the designer of Perfect Populatuon, is live and on the move, with a combination of years his talent has only gotten better. His designs are heavily influenced by previous years with a modern day twist. Perfect Population is a collaboration of menswear, handbags, accessories, casual wear, and dresses. I had the privilege to sit down with K.L. to find out somethings about him and his brand. I will be sharing with you some of the interview. Me: When did you first realize you had a talent? K.L. I have been drawing since childhood, I decided to start a line in 2006. Me: What made you start designing? K.L. I, like yourself, was working in Corporate America and decided that it was time for a change. I was spending countless amount of dollars shopping so I felt why not spend my money on creating something that would be mine, so I started designing. Me: You seem to be pretty much self-motivated, do you have anyone else who motivates you? K.L.:My biggest motivator is my 9 year old son. I'm trying to leave behind a legacy for him to follow. I want him to grow up knowing what money is, which is something I wasn't able to have growing up. I also want to show him what hard work can do at a young age. The only challenge is that I miss out a lot on things with him because of the crazy hours in my field. Even when keeping him during the summer it is hard to find time. Me: With a well-polished line, how do you make it even better? K.L.: I try to stay ahead of the times. Fashion is always changing so it is my responsibility to stay ahead of the times. I'm always creating new things in my head. Unlike most designers, I don't get my ideas from the streets or T.V. (he doesn't even watch T.V.) I get my inspirations from movies. When I'm trying to create a new line, I lock myself in my house for a few days and watch nothing but movies and then I draw out my inspirations. The unique thing about my line is that it always tells a story. I try to make sure that everything I produce has a storyline that has a beginning, middle, and end. I use a combination of inspirations from the 50/60's. I use these times because this was the time when style mattered. This was the times when people took great care in what they wore and who it was made by. The detail tailoring, the glam in the piece, and the overall feel of the product caused women to buy. This is something I push in my brand. I try to make pieces that can go from day to night with just a blazer. I always make sure the cuts in the dresses are clean. Me: A lot of men are nervous about actually dressing "outside the box", how do you incorporate new style to Men's Fashion? K.L.: Men are so concerned about masculinity,which I'm a victim of myself, that they are afraid to step out. Men feel the more tailored the piece the less of a man they look like but this doesn't stop me in my designs. I make pieces that I feel will help a man stand out but still be comfortable. I provide an assortment of colors in my design which helps with chosing the right piece for the client. Me: Even though you are a wonderful designer, do you look up to anyone? K.L.: Of course I do. I like A.McQueen for his creativity. I like Kayne West for his influence in Hip-Hop. I like Diddy for his new changes in the industry. Me: You shared a lot of information and even inspired me, what would you say to the person who is trying to get to where you are? K.L.: I would say first have a plan, make sure it is well-thought out. Make sure you get all the knowledge you can about the craft and industry, this will only make your line stronger. Don't allow others to discourage but at the same time be prepared for some hard criticism, which will only make you better. (End of Interview). I really enjoyed my time with K.L. and learning so much more about the fashion industry. This man has styled celebrities, his pieces have been on many runways, his work has been featured on many shows, and the next big thing is he is going to New York Fashion Week with his brand. This young man is so accomplished and still working harder. I really look forward to see what he will come up with next. Make sure you reach out to him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PerfectPopulation and Twitter: @Perfectpopular. Feel free to comment and tell everyone about it. Until next time remember inspire someone with the greatness inside of you. This has been Jare'dG, leave out better than you were before.