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Kirk Johnson, designer and owner of b.- Vain couture II, has
talent most only dream about. Having started his venture in Philadelphia in
1990, after budding as the protégé of well respected designer
Sayida Hafiz, He quickly made a name for himself. Upon his move to Chicago in
1994, the buzz of his talent landed him the opportunity of assistant designer to
one of Chicago’s fashion elite, Barbara Bates.
Since then, his
pieces have been shown throughout several major cities and have adorned many
celebrities including supermodels Tyra Banks and Beverly Peele, as well as
singing diva Patti LaBelle. He has made repeated appearances on Chicago’s
NBC Morning News with Art Norman, as well as participating in some of the
city’s most high profile fashion shows.
b.-Vain’s new
fall 2004 collection recently debuted at Fashion Café Fridays, a weekly
event held at Club 212, hosted by Phife and Duece. The collection was chic and
sophisticated with smooth lines and tailored fit. The color palette nicely
complimented his line, consisting of stylish off the shoulder sweaters,
ultramodern dresses, and most impressive, his signature suits. The suits feature
a collarless fitted jacket in various fabrics with leather trim which looks
great closed or open, which the models displayed in variety. The one thing that
couldn’t be missed in his show was leather. It was subtle and bold at the
same time and accented most of his pieces.
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CA got a chance to go
backstage with Kirk after his unveiling to learn more about his fall line and
get some advice for the readers’ about this season’s upcoming
wardrobe.
CA: The show was hot! Tell us what inspired your fall
line?
Kirk: I believe in making timeless pieces. I actually used my 2000
signature collection as the basis. I build on it every year using new colors and
fabrics, so, each year the collection changes but is still the same.
CA:
What is your signature style that sets b.Vain apart?
Kirk: The combination of
leather and fabric.
CA: What is the hot new color for this upcoming
season?
Kirk: I don’t believe in following clicks or trends. I go more
on how I feel when I see certain fabrics and colors and the way the spirit [of
the material] moves me. I usually see a fabric I like and build off of it. But,
in my current collection I incorporated black & white, grey, pink, berry,
winter white, red and black.
CA: I love that answer. What are three
essentials that every one needs his/her wardrobe for fall?
Kirk: A timeless
suit, accessories are key, and Leather, definitely.
CA: What can we
expect next from
b.- Vain?
Kirk: The Sky’s the limit. I am
currently preparing for a show in LA.
CA: For anyone interested in seeing
more or purchasing anything from the
b.-Vain couture II collection, how
can they get in contact with you?
Kirk: They can call 1-773-271-5647, or the
toll free number is 1-877-678-6065, or via email at
bvaincouture@aol.com.
CA:
Thanks for taking a minute with us. We can’t wait to see more from
you.