 |
Q1 What's a highlight of your recent design career?
The highlight of my design career has been the incredible response that I have gotten from my first collection. Specifically, one of my bikini bottoms was seen in Sports Illustrated, that was HUGE—definitely something I wasn't expecting to accomplish in the first season!
Q2 What can you tell us about KanDi Swim designs?
KanDi Swim's collections are driven by conversation pieces so there is an incredible attention to detail. The KanDi Swim girl wants to be wearing the cutest bikini on the beach! Everything is mix and match, from the sizes to the styling because as a designer it's important for me to give my customers options. Some girls might want a matching pink top and bottom while others would rather pair a chocolate brown top that has pink striped straps with a pink striped bottom. |
|
|
|
Q3 What would you say is your brand's concept?
Dessert inspired swimwear!
Q4 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
Definitely Moschino. I've always been inspired by their ability to effectively juxtapose high fashion and whimsy. They are constantly pushing the envelope to create collections that are humorous yet completely wearable and functional. I've never told anyone this but Moschino's "dripping chocolate bag" from the early '90s actually inspired the Ice Cream Bikini in my collection!
Q5 Name three things we might be surprised to find in your closet.
1. My leather motorcycle jacket from when I was 8 years old.
2. My Halloween costumes from the last few years even though I'll never wear them again (toy soldier, baker, lion tamer, tennis court)
3. A skirt that I made out of a blue pin striped shirt and pink tie. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q12 Tell us your secret favorite store.
Pet stores. I could spend hours looking at puppies, lizards, birds—I love animals.
Q13 What are your aspirations?
I have a lot of aspirations right now. I would like to establish a bigger client base and gain more press and exposure. My long term goal for KanDi Swim is for it to be a nationally and internationally recognized brand that is available in department stores and boutiques around the world.
Q14 Would you like to add anything for the fans?
Starting this line was a dream that I made come true and I strongly believe that anyone can do anything they put their mind to. =) |
|
|
|
|
|
| These days the very idea of a bikini sends girls running to the gym, skipping meals, tragically depriving themselves of hot fudge ice cream sundaes and chocolate brownies. Despite the universal love girls share for dessert, the "I cant-eat-sweets-during-bikini-season" phenomenon seems to be virtually irreversible. What's a girl to do? Don't fret. One designer has found the solution! That designer is Dani Kates.Dani Kates, a recent graduate of Parsons School of Design, has launched KanDi Swim, her own unique line of swimwear. KanDi Swim debuts with a collection of mix and match swimwear separates that is sure to satiate your sweet tooth (without all the calories). The suits come in a variety of "flavors" (no they are not edible, just aptly named Chocolate, Strawberry and Mint). You can choose from the menu of Ice Cream Sundaes, Milkshakes, Cupcakes, and more. The chocolate cupcake bikini with hand-beaded colored "sprinkles" is guaranteed to make you stand out on any beach! Try the Mint Ice Cream Sundae with whipped cream ruffles and appliqués of dripping chocolate with a cherry on top! Dani is no novice in the fashion industry. Back in 2004, Dani started her first venture, KanDi Designs, that brought back the candy necklace. Her necklaces can be seen on celebrities like Mischa Barton, Fergie, and Lindsay Lohan in the US, UK, and Germany. |
|
|
Q6 What project you are working on right now?
I just had a photoshoot for next season's collection and I have thousands of photos to look through and choose from, so I'll be working on that for next week!
Q7 If you were to dress one person, who would that be?
Brigitte Bardot-circa 1960.
Q8 Whose closet would you like to raid?
The fashion closet at Vogue!!
Q9 Music to live by
Right now I love Kate Voegele.
Q10 If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Africa!! I've always been fascinated by Africa, there are so many things I want to see... The Sabi Sabi Game Reserve in South Africa, Victoria Falls, the Pyramids in Egypt, Lake Malawi.. I want to see it all... |
|
|
|
Q11 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
This shouldn't come as a surprise... I LOVE dessert. I like to mix desserts together, like Chocolate Soufflé and Cheesecake, or cookies on top of cake. Max Brenner's (NYC) is amazing-- it's basically a chocolate restaurant. They have chocolate pizza (chocolate sauce with grilled marshmallows), and chocolate soup! |
|
|
|
|
