Interview with designer Kenneth Barlis

Luxury and elegance describe the creations of International Fashion Designer Kenneth Barlis who is from Pagadian City in the Philippines. Currently, this talented designer creates beautiful couture dresses, stunning bridal gowns, and must-have menswear in his repertoire. Barlis has won three awards throughout his short career in fashion, including the Project Ethos award, Top Designer at Icon Magazine as the Rising Star, and the Fashion Week San Diego Top Designer award, which he won. In an interview with Kenneth Barlis, I was able to ask him about his fashion career and what his future plans were as an upcoming designer.

Have you always wanted to be in fashion? When did you know that you loved designing, and how did you get started?

I didn’t think about fashion when I was growing up. In fact when I was seventeen I went to San Diego Mesa College and received an AA Degree in Biology. Immediately afterwards I went to UCSD for pre-med school and then decided to take a year off. This is the period when I got interested in fashion.

During [my] year off of pre-med school, I heard about a Project Ethos competition. I didn’t sew much but worked with my mom to create 12 pieces and 1 special design for the competition. I won the competition, which was almost $3,000 in prizes. After this I decided that I wanted to go to fashion school and learn how to design correctly. I enrolled in FIDM and received a Degree in Design.

For every designer, it is important to set yourself apart. How would you describe your style?

I love telling a story with my designs and staying true to what I like. Every fashion show has a story. When I had my packed debut show at the Broadway Pier, my theme was a Fairytale Collection. I created 100 pieces for this show. For my show at Fashion Week San Diego my theme was a Love Story with a whimsical approach. The theme for my show at the Lafayette Hotel was the Mayan Civilization.

Fashion is constantly changing.  What new trends do you see in the bridal, evening wear and menswear markets?

For the Spring/Summer 2016 Collections I see statement pieces with color and crazy prints. My clients want something different. In my bridal business, I have a bride who wants to be different so I am making a blush pink bridal gown for her.

What made you decide to create a menswear collection, and when did you first unveil?

There is always a need for something other then the standard looks. I saw that there aren’t any statement pieces out there. Wearing clothes gives a person a chance to express themselves without saying anything. I believe in being yourself. As a consumer I want to be different and standout. I showed my men’s collection at Toronto Fashion Week to rave reviews and LA Fashion Week.

Designers use to do 4 clothing lines per year and most are now down to 2 lines per year.  How many collections a year do you create?

My Men’s Collection is growing and I am gearing towards an International market. This is the first year that I will be doing 2 collections for Spring/Summer 2016 Fall/Winter 2016.  When I was in Toronto, I talked with Saks 5th Avenue Canada who is interested in my Collection. I am excited about possibly having my collaboration with Saks.

Where do you manufacture your garments, and what are some of your favorite materials to work with?

Currently I am creating half of my collection here and the other half in the Philippines. My goal is to have everything made here in the U.S. I love working with natural material such as feathers and shells. My favorite material is a fabric made from pineapple. It is clear like organza and is strong with a shine. I would like to use linen and silk for my men’s Collection. I like working with French lace for my bridal collection. It is very feminine and romantic and makes me happy.

The Fashion Industry is celebrity driven and many people become famous overnight by having the right people wear their designs. What celebrities have worn your creations?

I have been fortunate to dress many celebrities such Kendra Wilkinson, who is a Reality TV Star and in the series Playboy and The Girls Next Door, Sarah Hyland from ABC’s sitcom Modern Family, and Chrystal Reed from MTV’s show Teen Wolf. Additional celebrities are Matt Lantern from Star Wars and 90210 and Esmeralda Padilla-Gould who is Mrs. Asian Las Vegas. I will also be doing the gowns for the winner of the Miss Teen and the Miss California Contest that will be announced on December 6.

Do you have any special charities that you will give a certain amount of your proceeds to?

I am sponsoring a program throughout the year in the Philippines for Juvenile Kids from approximately 9 to 17 years of age. The program keeps them off the street and gives them housing and work. I have a T-Shirt project that they are doing, and I am giving 100% back to the program.

As there anything in the future that you will be doing? Where can people find you?

I would like to do an accessories line in the future. I also want to keep expanding my knowledge and skill so I am planning on going to school at St. Martin next year. The program is a 3 month program and keep adding to my craft.

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