Kaia Gerber Opens up About Her Jimmy Choo Collection and Mentorship from Karl Lagerfeld
It’s no secret that Kaia Gerber has always been immersed in the world of fashion even before her catwalk debut (I mean, we needn't remind you who her mother is) but, now, the multifaceted supermodel is making a name for herself outside the catwalk.
On February 2, Kaia, alongside Jimmy Choo’s creative director Sandra Choi, released a capsule shoe collection featuring quite a variety of styles such as boots, mules, and the ever-so-popular kitten heel. The collection marked Kaia's second fashion collaboration, following her debut with none other than Karl Lagerfeld back in 2018.
To celebrate Kaia becoming Jimmy Choo's latest guest designer, Teen Vogue spoke with the model about the design process behind the collection, her approach to personal style, and navigating the industry outside of modeling.
Teen Vogue: Of course this isn't your first fashion collaboration. How would you say you've grown as a designer since your last?
Kaia Gerber: As I’ve gotten older, my taste has matured and I’ve become more confident. It’s been surreal to graduate from Karl to now Jimmy Choo. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher.
TV: Full transparency, did you have any doubts when creating the collection?
KG: I was almost intimidated by how much creative freedom I was given. It was shocking! But once I started playing with fabric/hardware samples and creating mock-ups [they dissipated] — just witnessing how a drawing can turn into a shoe was so much fun! Honestly, 15% of all proceeds [being] donated to St. Jude’s is all the motivation I needed. All of my doubts went away, and that became the end goal for me, just doing something incredible for a cause.
TV: Would you say you've exceeded your expectations?
KG: Absolutely! As a model, feeling like something is so genuinely you while simultaneously helping others create their vision such a fun experience.
TV: When designing do you look to the latest trends or would you say you like to create the trend?
KG: I’m not typically the type to dress on-trend. I’m an "if I like it, I like it" type girl. For example, the kitten heels - yes, they’re on-trend and chic, but also very practical. It was sort of a selfish decision because I’m not big on high-heels.
TV: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
KG: Comfortable, Classic, French-dad.
TV: You're no rookie to modeling your very own lookbooks, but if you had the choice of the type of girl to represent your brand, who would that be?
KG: When designing this collection, I really wanted to make a shoe that my mom, my friends, or even my grandmother could wear. So, not so much, a certain type of girl — because I needed this to be for everyone. My mood changes every day and my shoes have to fit each mood so I wanted to be sure that I had a shoe to fit each mood.
TV: Any advice for young people with dreams of taking leaps into industries that wouldn't typically accept them. For example, oftentimes models are boxed into just that. What's your advice for navigating a new lane?
KG: Well, I always like to say, I model — but I am not a model. Because once you put "a" or "an" ahead of a title, it staples that to you. When going into this design process, I thought of what I would want to wear and what I would be proud of. So, my advice to others who want to navigate new territories would be to not hesitate and just do what would make you proud. Never box yourself in.
TV: Looking into the future, are you looking forward to more fashion collabs?
KG: Mmm, I suppose we will see how this goes. But to be honest, anytime I can get a charity involved, I’d do it 1000 times over. It’s really so fulfilling. If I’m gifted this incredible platform, why not?
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Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Kaia Gerber Just Had a Twinning Moment With Harry Styles
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
