Local Designer Profile: A Day with Kendall K.

Kendall Zundel is an emerging San Diego based fashion designer who appeals to the modern-minded woman with a vintage sensibility. This woman knows her distinct style and never strays simply to please a man. The picture of classic ladylike charm, adorned in subtle shades and intricate lace detailing, this woman is not to be underestimated. She’ll experiment with statement accessories and flirt with unexpected pairings, all while remaining perfectly composed and effortlessly sophisticated.

With this unique, timeless woman in mind, Zundel created kendall k., her first signature clothing line that is now sold in over 20 boutiques across the nation, including two in San Diego. This is an inspired collection with a purpose and there is a personal story behind every piece.

We sat down with Zundel to discuss her industry experience, style obsessions, fashion icons, and what new kendall k. staples we can get our hands on this spring.

Share with us your experience working with BCBG and Arden B. 

Both companies provided crucial insight into the industry. I was very fortunate to learn how to work with a sample room at BCBG. While at Arden B. all sampling was done overseas, which meant that I needed to learn all the components of a tech pack, production schedules and communication with China. This is also where I first traveled to China. At BCBG I worked in a dress division so it was really a separate entity apart from the ready to wear. For the most part, we worked with our own print and color story. Whereas at Arden B., I really learned how to work within a design team. My focus was woven tops and dresses but I still needed to work with the bottoms and outerwear designer(s) in order to make sure that we were creating outfits that made sense. At both companies I worked very closely with different divisions including; fabric sourcing, production, technical designers, marketing and of course store operations/sales. Also, at both companies I helped choose the prints for each season so I became quite familiar with choosing and developing artwork. And like with everything else, I'm grateful for the experience.

When did you decide to launch your own collection, and how did you turn that dream into a reality?

I started thinking about the idea right after I received my B.A. and was just starting out at FIDM. Within my entire professional career, I had been working with that goal in mind. Whether it was taking a particular job to learn a new facet of the industry, picking the brains of the people that I admired, networking with different professionals or taking on more responsibility to expand myself as a designer, I did it all with the intension of one day starting a clothing line of my own. When I was laid off from my last job (with a manufacturer), I knew that it was time to take the leap. It also didn't hurt that at that time my husband and I had saved enough money to get it started, and I had made the necessary manufacturing contacts. It felt like perfect timing.

Who is your customer? Who do you design for?

I design for the woman who dresses for herself and her girlfriends, not for a man. She is confident and sophisticated yet remains flirty and approachable. She is trendy and not afraid to make unique pairings, like for instance an old vintage tee with a lace maxi skirt.

Describe your fashion sensibility and designer style.
I tend to gravitate to more of a classic look. However I definitely love to incorporate vintage femininity with a bit of a mid-century glamour. I love to accessorize with jewelry as well; whether it be a TON of bangles on my wrist or a statement cocktail ring. I guess you could say it's "grandma-chic."

What are your favorite new kendall k. pieces for 2012?

One of my favorites is the "Lola" wrap maxi dress in the navy & white "wavey stripe" print. It's a sleeveless, true wrap style that is effortless, sexy and comfortable! Plus the print feels very "wave or ocean-like" which is trending for spring. Another favorite is the embroidered "Pura" top in a beautiful hammered cotton/viscose blend with navy embroidery down the front and on the sleeves.  My inspiration for the collection was a recent trip that we took with friends to Costa Rica. This top to me embodies the relaxed bohemian vibe from that beautiful country and it takes me back to all the great memories that were made on that trip. Plus, it looks amazing with wide leg denim (which I always wear).

Where can we shop for kendall k. in San Diego? 

Kyss boutique in Carlsbad and Vocabulary in Little Italy.

Personal style icons?

Diane Kruger,  Rachel Bilson, Kate Moss, Rachel Zoe and Alexa Chung.

Favorite high-fashion designers?
Diane Von Furstenberg, Catherine Malandrino, Temperley London, Stella McCartney and Chloe.

Favorite new fashion trends for spring in San Diego?

Vibrant prints, bold colors and embroidery. Perfect for the beautiful weather and relaxed atmosphere.

Favorite places to shop in San Diego?

I love vintage shopping and that is usually where I find most of my inspiration. Some of my favorite places for clothing are Flashbacks in Hillcrest and Vintage Sanctuary in Oceanside. I also LOVE Solo on Cedros for knickknacks, antiques and books. I could spend hours in there.

What pieces in your wardrobe do you cherish the most?

My Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress since I wore it to our wedding rehearsal dinner, my vintage denim Levi's jacket that I picked up in Tokyo, and a fur coat my bestie gave me.

Your most recent “must have” shopping indulgence?

Wrap dresses, maxi skirts and colored denim.

You’d never, ever leave the house wearing?

A face mask.

When you’re not working, where can we find you in San Diego?

I love Wine Steals in Cardiff for a great happy hour, Little Italy's farmer's market on Saturdays, Oceanside street fair on Thursdays for great indulgent food, and whenever I get a chance, a live music show at one of the many SD venues!

Tell us all about this fabulous photo shoot.

These photos were taken by one of my best friends, Jenika Kurtz, as "behind the scenes" at the Spring 2012 video shoot.  I had the pleasure to work with the talented Austin Hendrix for the film (which you can see on my website) and the gorgeous model is Alexis Roohani, which you will be seeing again in the Fall campaign! It was taken at Oceanside beach in the middle of November. We caught a perfect sunny day in between two rainy ones. Once again, a sign that it was meant to be... I love when that happens!

For more information and to view the full collection online, visit kendallk.com

Did you Know: U-T San Diego launched a new Style & Society page this January. Do you want to be featured in the newspaper? Email all requests to Michelle Guerin via mguerin@discoversd.com