Meet Kathleen Colwell | Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Colwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think probably one of the high factors of the success of my brand so far is my ability to have independence as a designer. The first few brands I designed for, my pieces were okay, but I just wasn’t happy with my work. Lots of designers have their creativity stifled because they choose to work for brands who’s vision differs from theirs. That’s why I decided to create KathLunar. I wanted to be able to design what I wanted without having to fit a certain aesthetic. I’m really not a fan of rules, and I think people like my brand because I break them. I design so many different “styles” and themes, and it’s kind of crazy how wildly different each idea is, but I think that’s what makes me fit in, because I’m flexible enough to fill the gaps. I really enjoy a broad spectrum of style, so while everything does have a different vibe to it, I think each of my pieces reflects my personal style a little bit, I sort of have my own aesthetic. I’m much happier designing without constraints, because there are no limits, so I can continue to push myself to be different and offer people unique dresses they just wouldn’t find in a store.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I design custom unique one of a kind gowns, jewelry, and accessories. My most recent project has been a Princess inspired prom collection, and it’s been an absolute blast to work on. I love making things that would make 5 year old me proud, and I think other women are drawn to my brand because it sparks the nostalgia in them that makes the little girls in them excited to play dress up. Personally and professionally, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve had designs ripped off a few times and it feels a bit like being punched in the gut each time, but I’ve also overcome and learned from it. I can’t change past mistakes but I can continue to improve my skill, practice, create, and get to where I want to be. I hope to eventually be designing the high end gowns you see on the red carpet, as well as wedding gowns. I want my dresses to be memorable, but more importantly I want to women who wear them to feel confident and happy. It gives me butterflies to know that I’ve been able to do that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On the first day, I’d take my friend around my hometown of Fort Collins, walk around old town, grab some bubble tea (because I’m obsessed), and drive around the mountains. I’d also love to take them to Boulder to walk around Pearl St. Mall for a quick shopping spree before hiking the flatirons.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother deserves a huge shoutout. She is a huge inspiration to me as an artist and businesswoman, as well as just a wonderful human being. She is one of my biggest supporters and knows how to spark creativity in me without even trying. All of my friends and family are amazing and I’m grateful for their support and encouragement, as well as the amazing other people I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with. None of my work would be brought to life the same way without the talented team behind each photo. Nick Del Duca especially deserves a huge shout out for photographing the Princess collection, the photos definitely wouldn’t have done the dresses justice without his help.

Website: Www.Etsy.com/shop/KathLunar

Instagram: @Kathlunar

Facebook: KathLunar

Other: Www.buymeacoffee.com/kathlunar

Image Credits
Photographed by Nick Del Duca Models: Ashley Lod Chloe Hollingsworth Ciara Roze Cherie Brown Bridgette Hurdel