Atlanta has always been known for its social nite life, however over the last decade a new fashion culture has emerged. Independent designers often go under the radar, but we recently had the pleasure to meet up and work with up and coming designer Kirk Kelley. We can guarantee that you will see more of his collection in upcoming issues of KISS Magazine.

Davielle: Where are you from?

Kirk Kelley : I was born and raised in Talladega, Alabama. I moved to Atlanta to attend Bauder College a well known fashion design college.

Davielle: What lead you into the world of Fashion to become a designer?

Kirk Kelley: My passion for designing started in High School. I took a home economics class in 9th grade and fell in love with the art of designing clothes! Since then I have been designing any chance I can get.

Davielle: Who are the Kirk Kelly clothes made for?

Kirk Kelley: The Kirk Kelly collections are for the ” Fashion Foward Male and Female”. I try and push the envelope with my designs and create pieces that you won’t normally see when you walk in regular stores.

Davielle: Where can a person purchase or see more of your collection?

Kirk Kelley: As of right now a person would have to purchase directly from me. One may view more of my portfolio on www.modelmayhem.com/kirkkelley or on my twitter @THEKIRKKELLEY

Davielle: What should we expect in near future KIRK KELLEY collections?

Kirk Kelley: In the near future, I plan on becoming a tad bit more avant garde and branching out into Plus size and childrens wear.

“Kirk Kelley has been featured in J’Adore magazine, and has worked with several notable photographers in the Atlanta metro area.”

http://twitter.com/TheKirkKelley

KISS Magazine is the only high end urban magazine that is free to the fashion and entertainment industries.

Fashion Editor: @DavielleC on twitter

Did Akoo clothing line go to far with it’s recent ad campaign? Looking at past jean companies this falls in line with ad strategy. Controversy sales in the fashion world and sometimes risque ads work out well for the clothing line (Calvin Klein).

We personally feel this ad can be taken either way, but what are your thoughts? We will add one tidbit the model is not responsible for picture selection she or he is there to give the client what they are looking for.

So in your comments or thoughts keep in mind don’t attack the model, perhaps the direction of the clothing line.

Excerpt and video below are from WABC

NEWARK, NJ (WABC) — A sexy billboard for jeans in Newark is drawing criticism from the Mayor and citizens.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, some people say two words come into mind when they view a new billboard ad in Newark.

The racy billboard is for Akoo Jeans, a clothing line by rapper T.I. It’s perched at the corner market and Washington Streets in Newark. It’s a busy intersection for the state of New Jersey’s largest city.

The Ad shows a woman knelt in front of a man.His jeans are unbuckled, his underwear is exposed, and her hand is wrapped underneath him.

People on the street said they never noticed the billboard before, but once Eyewitness News pointed it out, they had plenty of opinions.Many felt it was not right in their community.

Mayor Cory Booker says he’s fed up.

In a statement to Eyewitness News, Booker said, “So often when I am out in the community I see kids wearing their pants too low and others using inappropriate language in public.” He added while there are lots of fronts to fight, “I will work with my city council to see if we can address it so we don’t see these types of advertisements displayed in our city in the near future.”

To see more of Akoo clothing : Akoo

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It may be redundant for me to state the world wide economy has stalled. The WORLD WIDE economy has stalled. A natural reaction to tough times is controlling one’s personal spending, i.e. luxury items. The cut back on balling is affecting everything from cars to clothing. The fashion industry is no different. Some designers are coming up with new ways to sell their wares. Recently, international renown, national know and locally loved designer Chilly-O partnered with SMKA (a multifaceted production company) on a signature design. Check it out here. The design was debuted at SMKA’s listening party for the highly anticipated The 808 Experiment: Vol 2. mixtape. The celebration took place at Atlanta’s hipster boutique WISH Atlanta.

Chilly-O discusses this innovative collaboration here. CAN YOU DIG IT?!

The stars came out in Chicago for one of the biggest fashion shows of the year at the luxurious Alhambra Palace, located near HARPO Studios. CHI-LOVE Productions & NEF Entertainment mixed local designers and artist for an exciting show.

Production: Andrea Nichole - Chi-Love Productions

Photographer: Andrew Thomas Clifton (Evolutionvintage.com)

Casting: Chicago’s Yoshimi Kiosha Chi

Hair: Xklusive Hair Studios - 708-206-0199
Designers

80′s baby vintage.
House of Bidalle.
Gigi
Avanta Couture
Deon Howard
She She Designs
Suzette 828
One of a Kind
Barak & Adagbada
Majleo
Socialite Designs
TBY Designs
LaCOUR
Broke & Boogie

Performers
Demi Lobo
Shorty Showbiz
DP
BIG Kannon
Twenty Inch
Benoficial
Marwan
Brittany Monet
Yohannes
Thurstin “saxman”
Kenny T
Melinda Bussie
Syennica
Ray Ace
“The Ex”
Ro-B
SG
Kazi Blak