Social Media’s Socially Conscious Shop: Kiki’s Kinis
As ‘thrifting’ and sustainable clothing rises in the ever-growing list of trends, here’s to shining a spotlight on a one-woman company giving new life to old clothes. “Curry Queen”, or @loookatmeimkiad on Twitter, has been gaining an influx of popularity on social media platforms for all the reasons we aspire for. Rather than beef or shade, she simply likes to sew.
Her company, Kiki’s Kinis (which is based at her home in Puerto Rico) began by refining her hobbies of self-sewing and hemming during her free time, and posting her creations onto her personal Twitter. After realizing her passion was gaining social traffic and attention, she decided to make her pastime into an official, profiting company. While her main focus includes is hand-making a wide range of her own garments such as: dresses, crop tops and tees, sultry swim wear, accessories and most notably: her thrifted matching sets, she also makes thrifting easy for others by providing her own “vintage” section. Items you can find in that section include abstract one-piece swimsuits, groovy slip dresses, high waisted jean shorts, and 90’s style sports gear, such as FILA and Champion.
Although her leading product’s style is simple enough- an oversized sweater or sweatshirt being remade into a matching cropped top and bottoms- the demand has skyrocketed. She currently has a whopping 60.2K followers on Twitter and new items on her site selling out within minutes. Celebrities and reigning social media personas such as Orion Carloto, Ski Mask The Slump God, and Baby Coco follow her and avidly retweet her products to their thousands upon thousands of impressionable followers.
Additionally, Super Model Bella Hadid has even been seen sporting her gear. For a celebrity of her caliber to purchase a small growing company’s clothing and to get photographed wearing it is such a huge deal. Trendsetting and reputable celebrities such as Hadid have an immense influence on their fanbase. Fans of Hadid as well as other fashion icons are likely to buy similar clothing as the celebrity that they are worshipping. After all, everyone wants to look like their favorite idol.
One of the exciting aspects of her company is the fact that the pieces are rare. Since there are literally only a couple of the sets to be sold, it can be incredibly hard to get your hands on an item. Successfully acquiring one is a feat in itself.
Another reason why Kiki’s Kini’s deserves the spotlight is the fact that she is keeping be a part of positive change in the fashion industry. Sometimes, fashion brands have unethically exploited the lives of those working to produce their clothing. Well-known and successful companies who have publically accused of doing this include Aldo, Forever 21, and Urban Outfitters. All companies that provide the same styles and trends that Kiki’s Kinis does, expect she does it without the sweatshops. Kini’s advocates for conscious fashion shopping choices, saying, “We are a brand that wants to help make a difference. All of our pieces are made in house by one designer, no sweatshops!” Shopping consciously may be more inconvenient, as there isn’t an extensive rack of the same exact shirt for sale, but it fights against the inhumane treatment and rights of all textile workers across the world.
Who knew comfy, simple, and ethical could be so stylish?
If you’d like to check her out and show some support to those making a difference, here are all the ways you can!
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
Personal Twitter (public, gives sneak peaks to when new items will be dropping): @loookatmeimkiad
Company Email: KIKISKINIS@OUTLOOK.COM
Company Twitter and Instagram: @KIKIKINIS
Company Website: https://www.kikiskinis.com/
Strike Out,
Writer: Gillian McKendree
Editor and Graphic Designer: Savannah Tindall
Tallahassee