Exploring the World of Couture with Kea

Imagine legal briefs meeting fashion runways. I recently spoke with Kea, a fashion law student who blends his academic pursuits with a deep passion for fashion. From Instagram mood boards to the world of fashion blogging, Kea’s journey is truly inspiring. Join us as he shares his unique beginnings, sources of inspiration, and views on the ever-evolving fashion scene.

August 3rd. written by Ryan Packer

From Law to Fashion: Kea's Unique Journey

Kea, now a law student specializing in fashion law, began his journey into the fashion world in an unexpected way. “I started as a regular student with a growing interest in fashion,” Kea shared. “Initially, I made mood boards on Instagram, but I quickly became overwhelmed by the bookmarks. To keep things organized, I moved to Twitter to post my findings, making them easier to revisit later.”

This simple method of cataloging his fashion inspirations gradually evolved into something more substantial. “I began noticing others doing similar things, which sparked my curiosity about fashion movements and brand histories. What began as a pastime during the pandemic quickly transformed into a genuine passion.”

The Freedom of Blogging

When asked if he considers himself a fashion blogger, Kea offered a nuanced perspective. “While ‘fashion blogger’ is probably the closest term to what I do, it doesn’t quite capture the full extent of my work,” he explained thoughtfully. “What I truly value is the freedom my platform provides. I can post pictures, write in-depth reviews, and offer historical backgrounds on fashion trends and brands—all without being confined to a single format or expectation.”

Kea relishes the versatility of his platform, allowing him to explore and present fashion in a multifaceted way. “It’s not just about showcasing outfits or trends. I get to delve into the stories behind collections, the evolution of styles, and the impact of historical influences on modern fashion.” This freedom lets him experiment with different types of content and keeps his passion for fashion vibrant and evolving. “I don’t feel boxed in by any one label, and that’s something I really appreciate about blogging.”

Fashion's Role in Culture

Fashion's influence on culture and vice versa is a subject Kea finds endlessly intriguing. "It goes both ways. Think of movements like grunge, where anti-fashion statements define a culture. Fashion can bring groups together and foster recognition. For example, religious clothing can identify someone's beliefs and spark conversations, maintaining cultural cohesion."

Fashion and Art: A Growing Relationship

Kea envisions a future where the bond between fashion and art becomes even more pronounced. "I’m truly fascinated by the intersection of fashion and art, particularly within the realm of couture," he shared. "There’s a noticeable increase in exhibitions and archival displays at museums showcasing fashion as an art form. It’s exciting to see how fashion is being recognized for its artistic value, though everyday wear often doesn’t receive the same level of appreciation." Kea believes this recognition is crucial, as it elevates fashion beyond mere clothing. "I think there’s a growing acknowledgment that fashion can be an art form in its own right." He’s passionate about the idea that everyone has the potential to express their artistic side through their personal style. "In my view, everyone can be an artist in the way they present themselves, turning their wardrobe choices into a form of self-expression."

Top Fashion Moments

Kea’s passion for fashion shines through as he recounts his most memorable fashion moments. “The Fall/Winter 2021 show by Virgil Abloh was truly unforgettable,” he says. “The way he combined figure skating, poetry, dance, and fashion was extraordinary. It was a brilliant display of how interconnected these elements can be.”

He also recalls attending a Daniel Roseberry show themed around celestial imagery. “It was my first full live couture show, and seeing those planetary-inspired designs felt magical. The creativity behind those pieces was inspiring.”

Kea highlights Bella Hadid’s look with golden lungs by Schiaparelli as a standout moment. “It was a bold, innovative design that captured high fashion’s essence. The details and concept were mesmerizing.”

He also points to Rihanna’s yellow Guo Pei gown at the Met Gala. “That gown was a spectacular statement piece, embodying both grandeur and artistic flair.”

Lastly, Kea reflects on the old Mugler couture shows, known for their extravagant and theatrical presentations. “Those shows always made a lasting impression with their dramatic and avant-garde approach, pushing the boundaries of fashion.”

Influences from Childhood

Surprisingly, Kea credits Rihanna as a significant influence. "Rihanna’s Fenty Puma line and her creeper shoes were my first fashion purchase with my own money. Her style led me to explore broader pants and oversized t-shirts, which I still wear. Virgil Abloh also played a huge role in shaping my fashion perspective."

Thoughts on Fast Fashion

Kea holds strong opinions on fast fashion. "It's a problematic phenomenon both socially and environmentally. The mass production of low-quality items is harmful. While clothing should be accessible, the sheer volume and waste generated by fast fashion are unsustainable. This will likely be the focus of my thesis."

The Role of a Fashion Lawyer

As a fashion law student, Kea explained his unique field with enthusiasm. "Fashion law encompasses a wide range of areas including environmental issues, compliance, intellectual property, and much more," he said. "All these aspects are specifically tailored to the fashion industry, which makes it a fascinating and specialized field." Kea elaborated on how fashion law prepares one to handle the complex legal challenges that fashion houses face. "It's not just about understanding the law, but also about understanding the fashion industry itself. From protecting designs and trademarks to navigating labor laws and sustainability regulations, fashion law is comprehensive."

He also shared his aspirations within the field. "The goal is to equip oneself to potentially become an in-house counsel for a major fashion brand. It's about being ready to tackle everything from contract negotiations to litigation, ensuring the brand's legal and ethical standards are maintained." Kea’s passion for both fashion and law is evident in his dedication to mastering this intricate field. "Ultimately, being a fashion lawyer means bridging the gap between creativity and legality, helping to shape the future of fashion in a legally sound way," he concluded.

Dream Brands to Work With

Kea’s aspirations include working with brands like Bottega Veneta for their sustainability and thoughtful design, Louis Vuitton for their vast and varied product line, Jacquemus for their innovative marketing, Ferragamo for their authenticity, and Chanel for their robust legal strategies.

Kea’s journey from a law student with a passion for fashion to a potential fashion lawyer is nothing short of inspiring. His insights into the industry, appreciation for fashion's artistry, and critical view of fast fashion highlight the depth of his commitment to this field. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the intersection of law and style, Kea is poised to make a significant impact. We eagerly anticipate watching him continue to blend law and fashion in innovative and transformative ways.

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