More and more in today’s fashion industry, women are the ones in charge and designing for themselves instead of for some unrealistic societal ideal. Kimberly Becker is doing this and going a step further for women’s rights with her brand K. Becker. In episode 111, hear how politics, feminism, and sustainability guide her work and how she’s using fashion to give back to causes that support women across the globe.
Kimberly started this journey as a Textile Major at RISD. After graduating, she worked in the garment district of Manhattan for about a decade off and on – beginning at Liz Claiborne, and then moving to upholstery fabric design, always focused on designing the fabrics. Kimberly’s time at Liz Claiborne gave her priceless experience, both about how the business was run and also in getting exposure to the suppliers and manufacturers from around the world.
Fast forward 25 years and she is creating art focused on women’s rights. Her House Dresses and Dolls for Change were both discussions about how women are still facing an uphill battle in the world. Someone asked her why she wasn’t designing clothing. They loved the way the dolls Kimberly was making were dressed. It took about 6 months for Kimberly to find the courage to try. That decision was life-changing. She’s one year in and the brand is settling into the collection and message she feels fits what she was aiming for.
K.Becker is a collection of sustainable pretty things that fit and flatters real women’s bodies. Empowering women is vital. When we feel beautiful we are a force. All clothing is sewn in NYC, and knit in Brooklyn and the company is an all-women team. Kimberly donates 5% of all profits to women-focused causes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The two sides of feminism in fashion and where Kimberly sees both in the industry today
- How politics and women’s rights activism sparked the idea for K. Becker
- Why Kimberly moved away from describing her brand as petite
- The thing that Kimberly asks her focus groups of women to bring
- The balance between being too corporate and too personal as a brand
- The core message and values that guide K. Becker
- How Kimberly met her factory and patternmaker
- The importance of consistency
- Why Kimberly doesn’t like to use blended fiber materials
- How Kimberly’s background in textiles influences her fabric and apparel design decisions
People and resources mentioned in this episode:
- K. Becker website (use code “Fitting20” for a 20% discount!)
- K. Becker Instagram
- Kimberly’s email
- Kimberly’s LinkedIn
- Jane Hamill – Fashion Brain Academy – fashion business coach
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