About Me
Hi, I am Kayla Kobilis a Graduate from Kent State University
I am a fashion designer originally from Mentor, Ohio. I am an alumnus of Kent State University and graduated in 2021 with my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in fashion design. As a designer, I gravitate towards the contemporary womenswear market, primarily in the Resort and Accessories categories.
My design aesthetic incorporates minimalistic detailing paired with classic silhouettes and bright and colorful prints that mend together to create youthful and fun collections. I am also passionate about other facets of the creative process such as print development, natural dyeing techniques, textiles, and sustainability. I prides myself on creating sustainable yet marketable designs that are low-impact and can be worn for years to come.
INSPIRATION
My inspirations behind 'Anthropogenic' and 'Retro Revival'
The inspiration behind 'Anthropogenic' is the impact human existence has on our oceans. I focus on the fishing industry, as well as all the micro-plastics floating in the ocean that harm the marine life and pollute their ecosystems. This collection is a contemporary womenswear resort '22 collection with sustainability in mind. The use of techniques such as natural dyes, shibori dying, macrame, and digital printing, along with non-industrial closures, emphasize it being a conscious collection.
The inspiration behind 'Retro Revival' stems from the Astrological cycle of the stars aligning in the Age of Aquarius, which we recently came into with the start of 2021. This alignment signifies new beginnings and the revival of the arts, creativity, and positive mindsets. And so, I created this women's resort collection which features bright and colorful prints and classic silhouettes made modern, to correlate this positivity with fashion as we escape the fear that came with the Pandemic.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
DETAIL
Details: Shibori Tie Dye & Macrame
Shibori tie dye comes from ancient Japanese culture. It is a relief style of tie dye where one binds or folds the fabric so that the pattern in which it is manipulated is what creates these intricate patterns. I used the technique "kyokechi", which is the technique of folding the fabric and pressing it between two wooden blocks. I used this technique because I found it to be a fascinating and beautiful way of manipulating fabric and creating one-of-a-kind prints. This technique also emulates my inspiration as it mimics the tides and ripples of the ocean, while also mimicking net-like patterns. I also incorporated macrame detailing within the garments as well as macrame accessories.
"I think the more I learn, the more I see, and what you see makes your eyes and talent evolve." - Stacey Bendet
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