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Kelly Nishimoto is a fashion designer based in Los Angeles. When Nishimoto moved to Los Angeles, she saw an opportunity to shift the industry’s focus from shabby-chic to structured, and began making her line of Kelly Nishimoto Corsets. Quickly becoming a favorite of celebrities, Nishimoto’s corsets have sculpted the waistlines of Demi Moore, Gwen Stefani, Anastasia, Natasha Henstridge, Jenna Jameson, and yes, even Dave Navarro.
In this interview Kelly Nishimoto talks to Marta Walsh about her fascination with fashion design which began at age 11, the Kelly Nishimoto collection design philosophy, where she draws her inspirations, who does she see wear Kelly Nishimoto, and why she chose Sophie Simmons, Russell Simmons’ daughter, to walk down the runway wearing one of her garments during LA Fashion Week.
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When did your fascination with fashion design begin?
I started exploring a sewing machine at age 11…I didn’t quite know how to sew clothes yet…but I was pretty darn good at pillows and headbands! ?
Around 13…I started getting super creative & obsessed…I made a wedding gown out of trash bags & tape…the rest is history…
How would you describe the Kelly Nishimoto collection?
COMFORTABLE!!!! Elegant, Feminine, & Desired!
I really focus on comfort and longevity! It’s important to feel cozy in what you wear…and if it’s timeless…even better! Some of my key pieces…attract stalkers! Just kidding…but I do hear tons of stories of my clients being followed just so the person could find out where to purchase their outfit…
Where do you draw the inspiration for the style and color of your designs?
Oh wow…so many places…my culture, whatever I see fashion lacking…I try to provide…a lot of things, I make up in my crazy little brain…and go with it…no matter what the trend forecasts say…
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"I chose Sophie because she’s young & fresh…and to me…she represents what young Hollywood should be! Elegant, articulate, respectful…She was all around amazing! Not to mention gorgeous! She fit right in…no one could distinguish her from the other models."
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What would be one of your most memorable garments you’ve ever designed?
Definitely the “Goddess Dress” & the “Cute Booty” Pants…
Sorry…you asked for 1…but these 2 are equal! They are both must haves for every girl! They are the most requested items…and I will make them every season…for the rest of my days!
Who do you see wearing Kelly Nishimoto?
Everyone! No joke…I sell to 14 year old girls…moms, actresses, musicians, accountants…and currently my oldest client is 63…They all look HOT in the pieces…
Sophie Simmons, Gene Simmons’ daughter, walked down the runway during LA Fashion Week for Kelly Nishomoto. Which garment from the Kelly Nishimoto collection did Sophie Simmons wear and why have you chosen her for the show?
She wore a coat called “The Raven” Jacket…a Black satin floor length jacket with pleating at the neck and sleeves with fuchsia silk lining…and a simple black beaded dress, “Lady Looker” underneath…
I chose Sophie because she’s young & fresh…and to me…she represents what young Hollywood should be! Elegant, articulate, respectful…She was all around amazing! Not to mention gorgeous! She fit right in…no one could distinguish her from the other models…
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Can you tell us more about the Kelly Nishimoto collection for this season, and for the upcoming season?
I’m waiting on the right situation to continue the Kelly Nishimoto Black collection…it is sooooo special…and I want to make sure the customer gets exactly what comes down the runway…so right now, I am really focusing on Kelly Nishimoto “Lounge Collection” and including “Bedroom Booty” PJ’s & “Baby Booty”…so lil’ baby girl can where what mommy is wearing! This collection is comprised of the BEST casual pieces…Every piece is comfy, easily transitions from day to night…and just makes you want to twirl!
Where can we shop for Kelly Nishimoto?
Most specialty Boutiques…Bendels in New York…www.kellynishimoto.com & starting in May…Equinox!
Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
Yves St. Laurent & Balenciaga! That was easy….
How would you describe your own style?
Cool…relaxed…comfy…accessible…with a little something funky…
What’s next for Kelly Nishimoto?
I’m taking over the casual market with the “Cute Booty” Pants…Then I will expand into everything! Starting with Accessories, shoes, housewares…doggie clothing (Smelly Fishimoto)…and whatever else I can get my hands on…
That’s the 10 year plan…anyways.
It was a pleasure to interview Kelly you can check out her sensational clothes at her official websites: www.kellynishimoto.com and www.mycutebooty.com
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