Kenzie Rose is the founder and head designer of K. Rose, Cayman Islands – a fashion design house based out of George Town, Grand Cayman. The brand was launched in spring 2015. Kenzie moved to the Cayman Islands in December of 2008, from her hometown of Edmonton, Canada. With no formal training, Kenzie not only conceptualizes, designs, sketches and patterns each garment, she also stiches appliques’ and constructs every piece down to the K. Rose runway. After the 2015 Cayman Islands Fashion Week (CIFW), K. Rose launched into full swing, with clients inquiring about her work as far away as Milan, and Sydney. She has worked and collaborated with artists and local designers such as YNC, Coterie Label, stylist Nick O’Conner and Antonio McFadden. Her Fall/Winter 2016 collection is titled “Drowning in Paradise,” an eclectic sexy mix that embodies the modern international fashionista.

Describe your style in three words?
Eclectic, unique, and edgy.

Where do you shop in Cayman?
Sadly, I don’t often. The closest thing I really do to “shopping” in Cayman is the occasional trip to Super Stitch. I fly out regularly (every 3-4 months) to New York City, where I do the majority of my buying for fabric. No shop in Cayman has a better selection of statement jewellery pieces than FAB Cayman.

Who or what inspires you? (Particular era, period in fashion, particular person)
I get inspired by anything, and everything. Fashion shows by Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Alexander Wang and Marchesa, all make my heart sing. I love European history and costuming, which were exposed to me by my mother, who is an insanely talented seamstress and designer herself.

What has been your most recent achievement?
I was sought out to design and produce Monyque Brooks’ – Miss Cayman Islands – national costume that was worn at the Miss Universe pageant in January. I used the inspiration all around us (the sea, the greenery, the textures and shapes the waves produce in the water) to channel the beauty of the Cayman Islands. Making something that represents our home to over 7.7 million viewers worldwide was a huge honour and privilege.

What are your classic ‘must have’ items of clothing in your closet?
Knee high boots, T-shirt dresses, unisex jackets. Black, grey, white, neutral shades and dark saturated colours such as wine, olive and navy are essential.

What accessory or article of clothing can you never leave home without?
My gold wrapped coin pendant and chain – I rarely take it off. And the three gold rings my mother gave me for my 28th birthday. They have tremendous meaning to me.

Is there a particular style of clothing or jewellery that you favour?
I love statement jewellery that is large, oversized and unique. I like making people talk. For daytime, I gravitate to urban-influenced “athleisure” pieces, while in the evenings I like to combine unisex outerwear with fitted feminine dresses in my signature dark colour palette.

How do you stay on top of the latest trends?
I don’t. I just march to the beat of my own drum. I seem to be pretty spot-on when it comes to staying ahead of the trend by paying no mind to what’s “in”.

Do you prefer wearing flats or heels?
If I could live in my suede, leather and faux snakeskin over-the-knee stiletto boots, I would.

What is your favourite lipstick? (Colour and brand)
Ashton by Anastasia Beverly Hills. It’s an amazing long wear matte lipstick that applies beautifully and lasts all day. I’m also a fan of any shade of the ColorPop liquid lipsticks.

What perfume do you wear?
‘REPLICA’ – Beach Walk by Maison Martin Margiela. It’s the most intriguing scent I’ve ever worn.

Where do you get your hair styled?
Francis Omar of Rock Gorgeous Hair takes care of my ever-changing, temperamental hair. He is a miracle worker.

Which celebrity’s style do you most admire?
I admire designers and the stylists behind the scenes who put everything together for the celebrities. I will always love Kanye West’s style. Locally, no one tops my stylist @Zeenickster. He’s fire.

What style tips did your mother pass onto you?
Take chances. Wear what you like. Be fearless. If you can imagine it – make it.

See more of Kenzie’s designs on her Instagram or her website