THE INCOGNITO DESIGNER

Artist can sometimes be very mysterious creatures.  While some enjoy being in the spotlight just as much as their work, others choose to bury themselves in their craft and let their creations speak for them.  Atlanta based designer Kirk Kelley may come off as being somewhat reclusive, but being that his designs have created such a buzz throughout  Hotlanta, he may just have to come from behind his sewing machine to give the world a more formal introduction.

Although born in Leesville, Louisiana, the former army brats family settled in Talladega, Alabama after his parents separated.  Kirk describes the city as being opened minded, but their ways of thinking somewhat limited.  Realizing that he had more of a creative mind, and knowing that Alabama wasn't the place to flourish, his intentions were to move to New York and attend F.I.T.  These plans were quickly shut down by his mother because she thought it was too far for him to be without family.  Compromising, they agreed that he would move to Atlanta instead, and attend Bauder College.

 For a particular amount of time, Kelley was primarily recognized for his womenswear.  Deciding to show people that mens attire doesn't have to always be boring, he made the transition in markets.  And although he mostly makes clothing for men, its not for just any man.  "I design for socialites and people who want to be seen.  They don't necessarily have to be celebrities, just people who appreciate edgier looks," he explains. 

As our interview continued, we chatted about the problems we had with the mindset of many men when it comes to fashion.  A couple of years ago I wrote an article entitled Fashion Boxes for gbmnews.  In the piece, I described how mainstream tends to bash or mock individuals who take risks in their fashion sense.  It isn't until one of their idols i.e. rappers adopt a look or trend that  they almost forget their original thoughts. "The unwillingness of communities to accept more creative things annoys me," he says. 

 As for Kirk's idols, he loves the works of Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Alexander McQueen.  Though their works are amazing, even they sometimes have to rely on others to capture their visions to create stories that appeal to more of a massive audience.  Because his designs have a more editorial feel, Kirk has been working with photographers Ty Xavier Weldon(above pic), and Elvis Piedra to create magic.  Although  Kelley describes their creative styles to be somewhat similar, and enjoys working with both,  it is obvious that their styles differ in some ways.  "Ty is more open on set and allows the hair and makeup up artist a bit more freedom, whereas Elvis goes in with a  more particular overall vision/concept. Kirk's most recent collaboration with Piedra was simply amazing.  Featuring the Harris Twins, the designer and photographer created a mystical world in a story called Where The Fashion Things Are.

 For the past few years, Kirk has been my secret weapon/go to guy when I needed those incredible one of a kind pieces for my shoots.  This year he plans on launching his own website, as well as making a line of shirts/tees that mass consumers will be able to identify with.  He also revealed that his next collection will pay homage to jackets.  Somewhat of a  vague explanation, but I will of course keep you informed.