INTRODUCTION
The Kaves clothing brand was a fun project focused on creating apparel for dancers. Designed with comfort, movement and authenticity in mind each piece of apparel was created to "inspire movement". This project helped me understand the process of starting a business from scratch and building it up to ship globally. All done with the help of my friends.
CHALLENGE
Creating streetwear that is breathable to move in with comfort and ease.
PURPOSE
My plan was to focus on hip hop dancers as my niche. I wanted to focus on these individuals because they are active and there is an authentic style to each dance they perform. It's almost like prom night, a chance to show out your style on stage. I wanted them to be someone but more importantly, be themselves. Focusing on this audience challenges me to create great quality clothing that can endure the human spirit. I wanted to create clothing that feels comfortable but is also adaptable to our active lives. Apart from the quality, I chose to focus on the individuality with my designs. Versatile enough to show out to a bouncing Kendrick track or to a slow and melodic Khalid song.
DESIGN
I: The Logo
The inspiration for this logo design was blending the legend of the koi fish with a hint of streetwear to give it an urban punch. We wanted to revive a traditional narrative with modern style.
II: Shirt Designs
a. Beautiful Madness
b. Balance
c. Lost in Tokyo
III: Website
IV: Mobile
INSIGHT
Building a brand was very difficult to do but there was so much joy out of seeing others wear and love the products that I created. The whole process was completed by my friends and myself. Designing the clothing in Illustrator to working with different vendors and screen printing companies to deliver the final product. Various hours came in to building the website and social media outlets. Doing photoshoots in various parts of Houston. Delivering shirts to different countries. Planning for vendor shows. Researching the best materials to use. It was all a learning process and I enjoyed every aspect of it.
What I learned?
The biggest lessons learned were to fully understand the customer in your niche, provide high-quality products and create a user-friendly process to purchase your products. A final lesson learned was social media presence, showcasing your products and story for others to see was very impactful to my success and collaborations.
PASSION FROM BEYOND THE VEIL