Show notes
Born in Salinas Kansas and eventually raised in Oklahoma, Kenneth knew at a very young age who he was and what he wanted to do. He just didn’t understand the road he would travel to get there.
He earned a BS in fashion merchandising from Central State University in Wilberforce, OH and learned pattern making in San Francisco from Paris trained Simmin Sethna
Kenneth has sold to boutiques across the country such as Maxfield, Wilkes Bashford, and Ultimo. His work has appeared in music videos and television commercials…he designed for Geena Davis, Cloris Leachman, Bernie Taupin and Elton John He’s also been featured on the red carpet for the Oscars. His creations are in the permanent collections of the De Young Museum in San Francisco, the L.A. County Museum of Art, The Oakland Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of New York and teaches around the United States and online. He’s a Contributing Editor and author to Threads Magazine, has courses on Craftsy and Burda, and has written many books on couture sewing techniques.
Kenneth currently lives in New York with his husband Andrew Marley.
(2:19) Kenneth takes us back to his childhood, talks of his parents and the people who have powerful influences in his life. He tells us when he started and what he liked to sew. His move to Oklahoma was traumatic, but he used this to fuel his resolve.
(6:44) Why did Kenneth choose to sew as an outlet? He explains… And he introduces us to Estelle.
(7:55) His grandmother was his champion in his finding himself. He introduces us to her.
(9:55) Who is Norma and how did she influence Kenneth? He talks us back to their meeting in 1983 and shares this story…
(13:36) Kenneth expounds on the influence that San Francisco’s Beaux Arts architecture had had on his work.
(15:00) How does Kenneth feels about beauty in creativity in today’s modern design? Pretty strongly as he explains. And don’t use the word “edgy”! As part of this, he takes us inside San Francisco’s famous Opera house and describes the reopening gala performance.
(19:12) Kenneth’s creations are not just worn, they are a part of the whole experience. He explains what this means…the person wearing it is the star!
(20:14) He has developed several techniques to make his creations more wearable and comfortable…he shares a few of these secrets.
(21:40) And what took Kenneth to San Francisco…? He takes us on this fortuitous journey.
(22:55) Mariano Fortuny www.fortuny.com had a technique that greatly influenced Kenneth as did Swarovski www.swarovski.com. Hear about these influences and how he created a chair slipcover for Swarovski.
(26:32) And how did Elton John get one of Kenneth’s footstools? This is quite a story…hear it here! Elton John also owns a lot of “the good stuff” See several of Elton’s videos featuring Kenneth’s creations https://www.kennethdking.com/copy-of-what-s-new.
(30:52) Now a part of pop culture…he has created for red carpets and many A List stars. He shares a few of the stories of how this came to be. And how does it work today…he shares the process and why is doesn’t work for him now.
(32:29) The Orchid Broach which he created in 1987…but didn’t wear until his wedding day in 2016 is an important part of his life. Learn why. And hear the story of how he met his now husband. And…then there’s the famous evening embellishment vests – a signature style of his.
(40:36) Doll Couture: The Story of Lolawww.lolatheshowgirl124.com is Kenneth’s upcoming new book. The story of how this tome came to be is a wonderful as the book itself. Kenneth shares the backstory and gives us a sneak peek at the book’s plot.
(44:06) And what’s the best decision he ever made?! His answer to a pointed question steered the course of his life.
(47:10) What’s his dream and what’s next? Well spy clothes and his Screen Play.
(50:50) To reach out to him go to www.kennethdking.com and at Instagram @Kennethdking
If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.
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