EMERGING DESIGNER

KahriAnne Kerr

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet KahriAnne Fashion Focus

ahri by KahriAnne Kerr is hip, funky, rocker chic women's contemporary clothing. Be Rebellious! is my motto for my line and for life.

Growing up in Tripoli, Iowa, where fashion is of little concern, KahriAnne Kerr broke the mold. She was tired of generic mall clothes, so KahriAnne started to make her own clothes. Having no previous fashion/sewing experience KahriAnne taught herself how to sew and design.

It was in the spring of 2002 (KahriAnne’s freshman year at BYU-Idaho) that Kahri clothing was first showcased on the runway. KahriAnne created her first women’s collection to great success. She also created a line of funky eveningwear that same year for a class. The fashion design department at BYU-Idaho named KahriAnne Kerr the “Best Fashion Designer” and the “Most Promising Designer” for 2001-2002.

Next, KahriAnne moved back to Iowa to set up her first mini store. Kreations by Kahri was born in the summer of 2002. KahriAnne sold her funky women’s clothing, artwork, and quilts in a 10’x10’ space in Waverly, IA. That summer the first solo Kahri fashion show was produced. KahriAnne coordinated everything to make the fashion show a success. Her new men’s line, Slide by Kahri, was featured on the band members who played during the show.

KahriAnne then moved to Ames, IA to attend Iowa State University, so the Kreations by Kahri store had to go. Luckily, Zushy a local boutique picked up Kahri and soon KahriAnne became a local celebrity, with her designs quickly selling out. She was also featured in Zushy fashion fashions. KahriAnne deservingly received recognition from the fashion department at Iowa State University. She received 3rd place on a pair of pants and a top was put in a special showcase at the Iowa State Fashion Showcase. In spring 2003, Kahri entered two women’s collections in the Iowa State Annual Fashion Show, the only sophomore to do so. Both collections were accepted and displayed on the runway.

Summer 2003 brought the beginning of www.kahri.com. KahriAnne wanted to reach a wider audience so she taught herself how to design a website. That summer Kahri branched out including a new Kahri Lil’ Chick line for girls, Slid Lil’ Guy for boys and Kahri baby.