Thursday, February 24, 2011

My (Almost) Famous Friend


It seems as though we all have a friend, or a friend of a friend who use to date your cousin, who has been fortunate enough to make it big. While my friend, and dear Kappa Delta sorority sister, hasn't "officially" made it big, she is well on her way to showcasing her talent on the runways of every major fashion week.  Laura (Laura Kathleen) and I attended Western Kentucky University together where we shared the ups and downs of college life. During my time in Kappa Delta, I was fortunate enough to foster a great relationship with her and have her become my adopted big sister. As everyone in our circle knew, Laura was bound for big things. Her vision and creativity in the outfits she put together to the major greek week events she helped coordinate were more than enough to make me realize that one day I would be reading about of all her great accomplishments. 

LK began working on her career in fashion when she was 8 years old. After many years of designing and constructing garments for herself she attended Western Kentucky University where she earned a degree in Design, Merchandising, and Textiles. Laura also studied fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Florence Italy. While working under the late Jean Claude Mastroianni at his storefront on west 29th in Manhattan, she had an opportunity to work with a 10,000 piece collection of vintage couture that was once owned by fashion icons like Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe.

After working for a large retail company in Nashville as their clothing manager, LK decided that at age 23, she was ready to open her own business. She returned home to Saint Louis to find a market that was craving something new and original. Laura’s designs are inspired by vintage style, tailoring techniques, and the manipulation of fabric. She believes fabric can make or break a garment. Laura Kathleen remains true to herself. She designs clothes for a confident woman who is not afraid to stand out. Laura Kathleen is feminine and flirty with a tailored edge.

Laura Kathleen also teaches fashion design at a high school in Saint Louis. This past summer she worked under the direction of Stages theater, creating costumes for their summer productions.

I want to share some of her AMAZING garments with you.  Some are from years past, but you will CLEARLY be able to see that her work is amazing (Especially her vintage-inspired swim-suits).
For all of you looking for Carolina Cup dresses, Kentucky Derby, Wedding or any other kind of dress or garment, keep her in mind. LK does custom design that is sure to make you shine. I anxiously await the day when I can watch my talented friend get a  standing O from the talented crowd of Milan or Paris. It will happen-take my word for it. 



2 comments:

  1. Cammy this is so sweet. I am sure Laura really appreciates it. I am right there along with you and so proud of my biggie.

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  2. These are SO amazing! Right up my alley. And she is beautiful as well! You are so lucky to know such an amazing designer. Jealous! And I'll definitely check out her stuff.. love all of these looks.

    Rachel
    http://j-peachy.blogspot.com

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