Kate! We are so excited to introduce you to the Girl Gang. First things first, give us a little bit of background. How did you get your start?
I've always had an eye for fashion. I vividly recall orchestrating impromptu fashion shows with my childhood friends, using nothing but a simple white Hanes shirt as my canvas. Fast forward to winning the 1998 Young Designer of America Competition – an unforgettable milestone that kickstarted my journey in the fashion world. My design for the 'Gene' Doll not only earned me a spot at the prestigious Toy Fair in NYC but also paved the way for my enrollment in art school. Fuelled by passion, I left my retail job to launch my first brand, pioneering pants that fit like a dream.
Today, as the driving force behind KMJ, I'm still on a mission to empower women through fashion. With each repurposed shirt, I'm not just creating clothing; I'm igniting a movement where every woman feels confident, powerful, and unapologetically herself. Because at KMJ, we believe the future is female, and every stitch tells a story of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
What led you to found KMJ?
After many years in the fashion industry, I was looking for something to get my creativity going again after having my two girls. I took a shirt from my husband’s closet and cut it up and sewed it back together at my dining room table. I wore it to preschool drop-off and multiple moms asked where I got my top, and KMJ was born!
We love that KMJ’s mission is rooted in sustainability. Why is this so important to you and to KMJ as a brand?
At KMJ, we take pride in our commitment to ethical production and supporting local artisans. Many of our garments are crafted in our in-house facility in Santa Barbara, California, or in partnership with ethical manufacturers in Los Angeles, California. By keeping our production close to home, we minimize our carbon footprint and support the local economy. When you choose KMJ, you're not just investing in high-quality fashion – you're also supporting American craftsmanship and sustainable practices. We have more on our statement about sustainability and how we contribute to sustainable fashion on our website here!
You clearly have a passion for reworking clothing and giving it new life – it is inspiring! What is your favorite part of the design creation process?
Thank you! The physical boundaries of men’s shirts are what ignites my creativity and design process. To this day, I still get the biggest rush from ‘pulling’ the next batch of vintage shirts to offer than another life. Digging through and seeing what the potential of an otherwise forgotten shirt to repurpose in the opes of making women feel empowered and alive!
Like Jane Win, KMJ is a family business. We see your husband, mom, and daughters on the KMJ Instagram. Tell us about your experience creating and running a business in collaboration with your family.
It is so incredible to be able to collaborate with the people I love the most! I love being an example for my girls that you can be or do whatever you want with hard work and dedication. I am very lucky to have a husband who has believed in me since day one and supported all of my wild dreams.
We love that KMJ’s mission is rooted in sustainability. Why is this so important to you and to KMJ as a brand?
At KMJ, we take pride in our commitment to ethical production and supporting local artisans. Many of our garments are crafted in our in-house facility in Los Angeles, California, or in partnership with ethical manufacturers in the USA. By keeping our production close to home, we minimize our carbon footprint and support the local economy. When you choose KMJ, you're not just investing in high-quality fashion – you're also supporting American craftsmanship and sustainable practices.We have more on our statement about sustainability and how we contribute to sustainable fashion on our website here!
Ok we need to know the deets—who is your favorite celebrity or influencer that wears KMJ?!
Shop with Caroline, who has become a friend, has been a KMJ supporter from day 1! Recently we’ve seen KMJ on Jennie Garth on the cover of her podcast which was so exciting!! On the Main Line, we adore influencers Meeghan Mullin and Lindsey Schuster (of themotherchic).
You have quite a stack of JW coins and charms. Thank you for wearing the brand so well. Which pendants do you have on repeat?
I love layering! The ones I am constantly wearing are the Protect snake coin- for safe keeping and the Forever moon and back coin- because it reminds me of my kids, we say “love you to the moon and back” every night before bed.
You are always rocking your KMJ tops with GREAT jeans and skirts. What is your spring uniform? Tell us your favorite brands to pair with KMJ!
I am in denim on repeat in any shape and color! I love pairing a classic KMJ in denim with any pair of jeans. Currently obsessing over Citizens of Humanity. I love their barrel and Ayla styles, and also can’t forget vintage Levis!
I am in denim on repeat in any shape and color! I love pairing a classic KMJ in denim with any pair of jeans. Currently obsessing over Citizens of Humanity. I love their barrel and Ayla styles, and also can’t forget vintage Levis!
Some quickfire questions—
What do you never leave home without? Snacks! If you know me, you know I don’t go anywhere without my cauliflower pretzels!! I would say my phone, but I’ve been known to forget that…
Summer vacay is coming! Mountains or Beach? Always beach! Being born in Hawaii, and spending summers at the Jersey Shore with my family are memories I’ll never forget and hope to continue making with my family here in beautiful Santa Barbara. I mean who doesn’t love happy hour in the sand at sunset!
What do you never leave home without? Snacks! If you know me, you know I don’t go anywhere without my cauliflower pretzels!! I would say my phone, but I’ve been known to forget that…
Summer vacay is coming! Mountains or Beach? Always beach! Being born in Hawaii, and spending summers at the Jersey Shore with my family are memories I’ll never forget and hope to continue making with my family here in beautiful Santa Barbara. I mean who doesn’t love happy hour in the sand at sunset!
What are you binge watching right now? Palm Royale! I love the fashion, the setting, and the actors are fabulous- it’s a great escape at the end of the day, it’s like a fashion fantasy!
Thank you Kate for sharing your story with the Girl Gang. Be sure to enter the giveaway to win $900+ of Jane Win and KMJ goodies here.
