Spotlight On: Katharine Kidd

Fashion has been in my blood since I was a little girl in Atlanta. I was always in my mom's closet, and I have a vivid memory of going to preschool dressed in one of her dresses. My room was literally wallpapered with pictures from fashions magazines! I enjoyed summers in Paris with my mom and her best friend, and I dragged them into all the fabric stores year after year. In the 7^th grade, I never wore the same outfit to school. Not because I had a lot of clothes, but because I was constantly putting new outfits together. I made costumes and did a lot of my own sewing, including my first prom dress. I wore an antique wedding dress that I still own to another prom.

When did you start this line?

I started several months ago, in August 2009.

What prompted you to launch a fashion business?

I went to school with the idea of saving the world, and tried to figure out what I could give back. I was an Ultimate Frisbee champion and team captain in college, so I kept fit! I earned a Master's in Special Ed, and taught for several years after that. I was a good teacher, but teaching was more nurturing than creative. It seemed like the right thing to do, even though it wasn't my heart's calling. But the part of me that was so important - fashion design - was stifled. After my first child was born, I realized that my time is limited. I feel that it's my obligation as a parent to fulfill my own dreams. I can't do something I'm not 100 percent passionate about any longer.

Was it easy to start up?

I started by designing clothes for myself. I'd do the sketches, and then I took the pieces to a seamstress and let her make the initial designs. But they never came out exactly right. There was too much disconnect. After we moved to Santa Barbara two years ago, I decided to get serious. I found a mentor and took on every part of the process, from the sketching to the draping to the patternmaking to the sewing.

Where do you work?

I am fortunate to live in a beautiful home with a huge, light-filled barn that we converted into an atelier. That's where I design my pieces.

What are your inspirations for the spring line?

I've always been fascinated by the 1940's and '50s. In school I loved romantic literature, old world romance, the Bronte sisters - that genre. I used to watch old black and white movies, and loved Marylyn Monroe and Vivian Lee. They were spectacular! The idea of juxtaposing old time period clothing with modern lines appeals to me. I love architecture, home design and décor, glamour and romance. The classic designers - Dior, St. Laurent, and Chanel are my inspiration.

When you design, whom do you see?

I think of Lawrence Olivier's romance with Vivian Leigh. They were elegant, romantic and timeless.

What attracts women to your designs?

My line has a very romantic feeling, and reflects the old world. My designs are an attempt to bring back that time, but update it so women will feel and look more elegant in today's world. The designs reflect a period when women were glamorous and more coiffed. I was always the girl who was so much more dressed up than everyone else. I'm nostalgic for a period when I wasn't even born! I love that post World-War II period, and I immersed myself in it. I'm not trying to imitate designs from back then, but my goal is to bring back old-world glamour with a modern twist. I think women today want to dress up more, and this collection represents that vision.

Tell us about the Spring 2010 line?

It's my first collection, and I hope it will inspire women to dress more elegantly. I just showed it in New York this past summer. I was thrilled that several East Coast boutiques picked it up while I was there. It's actually two lines: high-end and embellished tees. The collection is mix and match; the pieces are feminine and charming. It's a combination that works together beautifully in pieces like the riding jacket. It has a classic silhouette, but is surprising thanks to the back's modern pleating. This line is timeless, elegant and chic. A friend told me that when someone walks into a room wearing my designs, heads really do turn. I was delighted to hear that - what a great compliment.

Where can we see or purchase items from your line locally?

I donated pieces from the spring collection to the Dream Foundation's annual fundraiser two weeks ago. I'm giving another piece to Casa Del Herrero's annual auction on December 4th. I'll also be dressing several of the women on the Casa del Herrero "Casa Blanca" committee. Some of the highlights of my 2010 collection will be worn at that event. We've had some trunk shows, and I am fortunate in that I have some wonderful private customers

What are your favorite things to do in Santa Barbara?

What isn't my favorite thing to do in Santa Barbara? I love the beach, hiking, and the restaurants. Santa Barbara has a small-time feel with a lot of the amenities of a big city. Life is simple yet rich.

Katharine Kidd is now taking special orders from customers. She is represented by several boutiques on the East coast and will be in West coast boutiques in the new year. For more information please visit www.katharinekidd.com, or email info@katharinekidd.com.