ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE APR V1 2024 VOL VII. ISSUE XLV | COVER STORY
Article Published on: 10TH JULY 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
KENU PERFECTLY MARVELOUS PRE FALL 2024 COLLECTION
THE JOURNEY OF FASHION ICON KETTY NUÑEZ
Ketty Nuñez, an embodiment of meticulousness and artistic finesse, finds her creative sanctuary in the delicate balance of concentration and calm. Within the serene depths of her mind, ideas take shape like ethereal wisps, coalescing into designs that dance gracefully across the canvas of her imagination. It is in these moments of tranquility that Ketty's true genius emerges, igniting a torrent of inspiration that flows seamlessly onto paper, each stroke a testament to her unrivaled vision.
Yet, Ketty's process is not one of mere spontaneity; it is a carefully choreographed dance between intuition and technique. With a reverence for tradition and craftsmanship, she meticulously crafts each design, beginning with a humble sketch that serves as the blueprint for her creative odyssey. Aware of the fluid nature of creativity, Ketty embraces the inevitability of change, recognizing that the journey from conception to realization is a dynamic process marked by evolution and adaptation.
Seasons serve as Ketty's muse, guiding her towards a palette of textures and colors that mirror the ever-changing tapestry of nature. From the crisp elegance of winter to the vibrant hues of summer, each season offers a unique aesthetic landscape from which Ketty draws inspiration. It is this symbiotic relationship with the natural world that infuses her designs with an organic authenticity, transforming them into timeless reflections of the world around her.
Driven by an insatiable passion for haute couture, Ketty approaches each design with a sense of reverence and dedication. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, she embraces the challenge of pushing the boundaries of her craft, daring to explore new techniques and concepts that elevate her work to new heights. Unfazed by the complexities of her art, Ketty embraces the intricate nuances of manual labor, recognizing that true mastery is born from patience and perseverance.
In the tapestry of Ketty Nuñez's journey, each design is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. Through her artistry, she invites us to embark on a voyage of discovery, where creativity knows no bounds and the boundaries between dreams and reality blur into oblivion. In Ketty's world, haute couture is not merely a vocation; it is a way of life—a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the enduring spirit of human endeavor.
THE COLLECTION
Kenu is a boutique specializing in dresses for special occasions such as galas, operas, balls, birthdays, baptisms, communions, confirmations, weddings, and also organizes bridesmaids' dresses. It boasts a large assortment of dresses in all colours, with varied textures, both long and short. While own-designed dresses form part of its collection, Kenu also collaborates with other Parisian brands to provide a broad selection to its clientele. The boutique's exclusive offerings are available for purchase at its physical location in Zürich, at Birmensdorferstrasse 187, 8003 Zürich. At Kenu Boutique, personalized attention is paramount; it's only through this tailored approach that the boutique can ensure each client receives the perfect dress, complete with the necessary adjustments to fit each individual client precisely.
As the owner of Kenu, the individual behind the boutique undertakes numerous responsibilities and tasks, making the venture an enriching experience. Every month, the owner travels to Paris to oversee the factory work and ensure the quality of the finishes, emphasizing the importance of personalized client services, which are supported by specialized personnel. Additionally, the boutique engages in advertising campaigns on social media, involving collaborations with models, influencers, photographers, and videographers.
With all avenues for growth and expansion within reach, Kenu is poised for many new projects throughout the year. Moreover, the boutique is planning several surprises for its clients and followers. The team at Kenu expresses gratitude and happiness for all its achievements and extends special thanks to DE MODE magazine for the opportunity to contribute to the article, thereby supporting new talents in the fashion world and encouraging others to remain committed to pursuing their dreams.
KENU PRE FALL COLLECTION HC SS24
HAUTE COUTURE 2024
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF KETTY NUÑEZ WITH DE MODE
Q: Congratulations on your feature on the front cover of DE MODE! Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a fashion designer and founding KENU?
A. Thank you very much to DE MODE for inviting me to share my world with you, I truly feel very grateful and honored with this opportunity to show the World Who Ketty Nuñez is. Since I was a little girl I always felt attracted to fashion, I remember that I made dresses for my dolls, and in general, I fantasized about being a model or a fashion designer... Kenu Boutique appears at a stage in which, after having worked for several years As a teacher I realized that I was not happy on that path... that was when I connected with my intuition and the call to create came!
Q: You recently made your debut at EPN New York Fashion Week with your 'Storm of Calm' collection. Can you share the inspiration behind this collection and how you came up with the name?
A. For me, the storm of calm collection presented at NYFW meant my international appearance at major world fashion events. This means something very big like a Storm and I wanted to show with my dresses that the beauty of my dresses could transport the audience to a state of relaxation, that they would enjoy how the dresses moved transmitting calm. This idea is very important to me in all my creation, that when a woman sees one of my pieces feels confident about it because she knows that the dress is so comfortable and beautiful that the fear disappears, the dress is that instrument that gives her that superpower creations in the middle of any event, no matter how big it is, she is safe with a Kenu dress. And Kenu is me Ketty Nuñez.
Q: How do you curate the selection of garments and designers featured in KENU Boutique, and what factors do you consider when deciding which collections to carry?
A. The first thing I think about before starting to create is the weather season and the feelings I want to convey in that season. We are experiencing accelerated changes worldwide and with my collection, I want to send a message that can remain in the memory.
Q: You also presented your collection at GX Fashion Week in Milan. How did this experience differ from NYFW, and what did you take away from showcasing your designs in Milan?
A. The experience of Milan Fashion Week was a second opportunity to show my art to the world and this time I would be present, I included some of the NYFW designs along with the MFW collection, the public acceptance was simply spectacular, I will never forget that moment of triumph, it was like being in New York and Milan at the same time. In Milan my lens was able to accommodate every detail of the show, it was with the models, the producers, and with all that infrastructure. Milano made a difference by being able to share with other great designers the feeling of being an artist and achieving success.
Q: As a model, mam, and entrepreneur, you wear many hats. How do you balance these different roles, and how does each aspect of your life influence your work as a fashion designer?
A. Being a single mother is the most important challenge a woman can have and precisely this situation has made me more resilient, in fact, I can say that my two children are The reason why I started to dream bigger and believe in myself and my supers powers. I discovered that I can be what I want to be and by realizing I was able to begin to manifest absolutely everything.
Q: Can you discuss any personal challenges you faced while pursuing your career in fashion design, and how did you overcome them?
A. For me, as an entrepreneur and businesswoman, as well as as a designer, there are always challenges that appear along the way. In each collection, the question always arises if it was the right choice if I am offering something commercial that will satisfy the needs of the clients, etc. It is an experience with many emotions and this is the beauty of what I do. I think everything is fine. It has been worth it and the results show me that I am on a good path and that I am doing all the things well.
Q: What are some of the challenges you've faced as a fashion designer, and how have you overcome them to build and grow KENU into the success it is today?
A. There are many challenges all the time, the materials that I imagine for a collection and I don't get them the way I want, or sometimes I want to make something whose technique is very complicated and takes a lot of time, the time I have is very short with so many commitments, a store and Everything that implies, time for my children is Sacred to me... In the same way, somehow I manage to take my creativity to that place that I want and I can reach that balance where I commit to being 80 to 95% with what I want and I am happy because sometimes 100% is not possible.
Q: In your opinion, what are the perks & difficulties of being a fashion designer, and what advice would you offer to aspiring designers looking to enter the industry?
A. For me, being a designer is a gift, the talent to create is infinite when you can connect with your creativity, you are Free and your Gift can be a gift to the world. The difficulty is believing in your Gift when you do not see the results or success materialized. Many designers get frustrated when they don't see their efforts monetized. I believe that you have to trust beyond recognition... you will always improve and try new strategies until you get to where you want to be. I work a lot on myself to reach this success, it takes many years of hard work and commitment to who I am and what I want to convey.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your outfits, and are there any specific themes or motifs that consistently influence your collections?
A. In my collections, it is important to highlight the feminine simulta in all its forms. I like to combine textures that fit the body with fluid materials that give a touch of glamour and elegance. I love the movement of fabrics when walking, it's as if a dress takes on a life of its own. I like transparencies reinforced with stones and I play a lot with shiny sequins, beads, silks, satin, chiffon, and elastane among others... I love the diversity of textiles. I try to give power to a dress with a combination of daring classic cuts with spectacular fabrics.
Q: Can you describe the aesthetic and style of the KENU brand, and how do you ensure that your designs reflect your vision and values?
A. Kenu is a Brand with a unique style, my designs are inspired by multiple factors, the needs of today's woman for comfort and elegance but also sensuality and difference. Color is very important code to me and my contact with my Afro-Caribbean culture also incorporated this search for feminine beauty and aesthetics. Inspiration comes from spontaneous ideas, dreams, visions, situations and in general from everywhere. Kenu is me Ketty Nuñez and everyone who knows me knows that I personify that idea of female empowerment that I want to transmit to other women. I am a historian which is a mainly academic and intellectual career, but I am also a flirtatious woman who likes to look pretty and elegant... so for me finding a balance between intelligence and beauty is important and this is my challenge.
Q: What are your plans and goals, and are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about?
A. There are many great projects on the way, in Switzerland we will be in. Africa Fashion Night, Afro Sommer Jam, this year we will be dressing the Miss Universe Switzerland candidates... and we will also surely continue participating in the big Fashion Weeks around the world and well, many surprises are coming...
Q: How do you stay creatively inspired and motivated, especially during challenging times?
A. For me, creativity is like breathing, ideas come from everywhere and that is why I like to be connected to reality at all times. My clients also inspire me a lot with their search for that dress that does not yet exist... so I create it for them, I am inspired by the past, the present, and the future, in bodies in ideas, in dreams in visions... I can't explain it but creating is my world.
Q: As a fashion designer, what do you find most rewarding about your work, and what keeps you motivated to continue creating and evolving?
A. As a businesswoman and at the same time designer, I invest a lot of time in perfecting production techniques, selecting fabrics, and choosing the appropriate designs to offer our clients the appropriate dresses for their special events. At this time our biggest orders are for the wedding season, and local events such as Zürich Film Festival, Poliball which is the largest Ball in Switzerland... among others. The motivation is to give happiness to our clients who always, after a great event, share with us photos and videos of their moments, thus showing us their gratitude. This is the greatest motivation and reward for me.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you're not designing or working?
A. In my little free time, I like to go for a walk in nature, play sports, go to the gym, read, meditate, share with friends and of course spend time with my children.
Q: What message or legacy do you hope to leave through your work as a fashion designer and entrepreneur?
A. My advice to new designers is to believe in themselves and their vision... do not give up on the path that can be very hard before becoming successful and work with enthusiasm every day, to those designers who want to start their own businesses, Do a proper study of the current fashion industry in order to provide something innovative and unique, here is the key to success.
