Krystal Phillips has carved a niche for herself with her unique brand, KAPHILL. With a rich background in product development and merchandising, her journey has been marked by notable experiences at Macy’s and Rent the Runway, ultimately leading her to launch Marie Annette NYC and KAPHILL. Her designs, deeply influenced by her Caribbean heritage, stand out for their vibrant authenticity and timeless appeal.
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In an exclusive interview, Krystal delves into her path in the fashion industry, the lessons gleaned from her academic and professional experiences, and the way her Jamaican culture continues to inspire and shape her creative vision. Adding a significant milestone to her journey, KAPHILL has recently launched into Free People stores this June 2024, expanding her brand's reach and bringing her bold, culturally-rich designs to a broader audience.
- Krystal, your journey in the fashion industry is quite intensive. How did your studies at FIT prepare you for the multifaceted roles you've played in product development and merchandising?
My time at FIT was quite fascinating. Despite my passion for design, I hesitated to pursue the Fashion Design major. Opting for Production Management instead, I found it to be an invaluable foundation for my roles as a product development manager, buyer, and eventually designer. Juggling various responsibilities, the program provided a comprehensive understanding of the fashion industry, ensuring I was well-prepared for my career.
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- With experience working for giants like Macy's and Rent the Runway, what key takeaways inspired you to step out on your own and start Marie Annette NYC and, later, KAPHILL?
Employment in large corporations provided me with invaluable foundation and structure, offering lessons that would have been harder to grasp if I had started my own venture immediately. However, my choice to venture out independently was driven by my yearning to have my voice heard. My experiences at Macy’s and Rent the Runway affirmed my self-belief. Despite occasional doubts about my ideas or product instincts, the validation from senior leaders reassured me, even if my ideas were not always implemented.
- Your Caribbean heritage is mentioned as a profound influence on your designs. Could you share how this cultural aspect manifests in your collections at KAPHILL?
As a first-generation American, my family immigrated from Jamaica in the early 70s, shaping my upbringing in a distinctly Jamaican household despite living in the U.S. Dancehall culture, particularly my grandmother’s style, deeply influenced me. She stood out in her choice of attire, favoring top designers and vibrant colors, embracing her unique style without hesitation. This influence continues to resonate with me; I often draw inspiration from her dancehall party looks for my collections. Jamaican culture values pride in appearance and heritage, a principle at the heart of KAPHILL, where authenticity reigns as our top priority.
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- How did you identify and capitalize on a niche for KAPHILL in the competitive New York fashion scene?
When I first established KAPHILL, my designs were primarily driven by my personal preferences, attempting to cater to a broad audience. However, upon closer examination of sales data and identifying the characteristics of my customers, I realized they were seeking statement pieces with timeless appeal. They showed a particular interest in my versatile occasionwear. Staying true to my brand’s essence of bold colors and luxurious fabrics, this niche naturally revealed itself to me without much effort.
- Working in product development can be pretty technical and analytical. Which aspect of this work do you enjoy the most when applied to creating your line?
I find great pleasure in dissecting the business side, uncovering pockets of success solely through numerical analysis. Conversely, tackling construction puzzles has been a passion of mine since my days at FIT. Delving into how a small alteration can impact the overall fit of a garment always sparks my curiosity, and discovering a solution brings me immense joy.
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6. As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, what sustainable practices, if any, have you embraced in your production process?
We strive to prioritize natural fabrics in our materials selection, with a focus on silk, wool, and cotton. Additionally, we maintain a commitment to producing limited quantities, a practice we aim to uphold. However, we acknowledge there is still significant progress to be made in our sustainability efforts, and we are dedicated to continuing our work in this area.
- What advice would you give to upcoming designers about transitioning from being employees to running their own labels?
I advise soaking up as much knowledge as possible while working under someone else. Learning from their mistakes can save you from costly errors down the road. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and cultivate strong connections to build a network for when you venture into launching your own line. The industry is tightly knit, and these relationships are invaluable. Lastly, when the time feels right, don’t shy away from leaving your current job to pursue your dream wholeheartedly. While the journey won’t be easy or immediate, the rewards are undoubtedly worth it.
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- Lastly, are there any dream collaborations or partners you envision working with in the future to expand KAPHILL's reach?
I would love to work with Amina Muaddi on a shoe ocollaboration I think her shoes are so chic and her following is massive and loyal. Tapping into the European market will take KAPHILL to the next level. Also getting KAPHILL into Bergdoff Goodman had been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, I’d love to see that happen in the near future.
