A Message from Kate Mack in Paris

One of my favorite fashion designers in the world is Kate Mack. I met her a few years ago during one of my trips to France where I discovered black designers in Paris. I remember the very first time that my friend Carole introduced us... we were standing in Kate's boutique surrounded by her clothes and jewelry in the heart of Paris. Yes,  I was in love! But there has always been something special about Kate as a person and I felt an instant connection with her. She's truly living a life that most girls dream about... designing clothes in the fashion capital of the world and in love with her  French fashion photographer boyfriend. 

I have always admired the talent, creativity and passion that she brings to her designs... and consider her (in a word) Fierce! And if you don't know who she is... you will. Trust me when I tell you there is nobody like her in the game. And if I sound bias, I am. I love her work... I wear my Kate Mack originals with confidence because no matter where I go somebody asks me "who are you wearing or where did you get that?" I honestly feel the love that she pours into her work. And speaking of love... I recently got an email from Kate and it made me smile and inspired me to take a risk on something or someone new... see for yourself!

Paris, France, January 3, 2011

Marian,

You look gorgeous on that new picture. Wish you just the very best for 2011. Take good care of yourself, live great experiences and find love, true love.

Hope to see you soon.

Love you,

Kate

I feel extremely fortunate to have traveled the world and met some of the most amazing people on the planet who really care about me and never hesitate to let me know it. When people ask me why I travel--this is one reason why. I just never know who I'll meet that may offer the right message at the right time, inspire me to dream bigger or just be the friend that every girl needs and deserves.

So who have you met that makes you smile?

The Exclusivity of Paris Designer Kate Mack

In a world where fashion trends reign supreme, 38-year-old French designer, Kate Mack prefers exclusivity. She describes her collection as “feminine and elegant with a funky edge blending modern appeal with classic romanticism.” Many of her avant-garde designs are reminiscent of the Victorian era, but they are nothing short of fierce.

“I try to define the femme fatal, the glamorous and sexy woman and her different moods, desires and needs,” explains Mack. Her signature cowl-neck sweaters, A-line coats and hooded gowns in sensual, colorful fabrics and three-dimensional concepts expose her deepest thoughts. “I create what I feel. I don’t draw any of my designs; they are the fruits of visualization.”
Although Mack, a woman of French-West Indian heritage, says she doesn’t follow fashion trends, everything seems to inspire her. “The language of fabric, pop culture and women on the street dictate what I do—they are the starting points for everything,” she says. “I love fashion, it’s a fabulous means to assert one’s personality and seduce others, while expressing yourself.”
Mack was born in Paris and educated at the Sorbonne, but turned to hair and makeup to express her creativity. Her collections are like poetry in motion blending feminine edgy concepts into romantic and wearable art. “Anything can push me into creating,” explains Mack. “I came up with the idea of using synthetic hair on dresses, coats and accessories. It came naturally to me because I could sew braided hair on anything.”
Inspired by a lack of original creations while spending summers in the Caribbean, Mack’s passion was born. The self-taught designer says her aunts introduced sewing to her as a teenager. They also sold her garments in their shops giving birth to designer "Kate Mack." Since 2002, Mack’s designs have been seen all over the world, including her 2006 debut during Paris Fashion Week. Her clients range from entertainers to lawyers… singers Les Nubians have been added to her roster of celebrity clients along with TV host Linda Lacoste.
As she sifts through samples of her designs in her small boutique, in the heart of Paris, Mack whispers, “I feel very close to designers like Versace, Roberto Cavalli and Azzedine Alaia because of the way I see women.” While not comparing her work to anyone else, she is quick to say, “I’m just doing my thing, trying to show that multiplicity is a richness. I’m a mixture of cultures; my vision is eclectic, plural and tolerant.”
Who is your favorite designer?
Watch a Kate Mack Fashion Show
http://www.youtube.com/user/katemackfashion#p/a