Designers To Watch | Kenya of Sugar Scout Couture

This guest post comes from Tiara Henry of The Dope Girl.

Meet Kenya Kirkland of Sugar Scout Couture. She’s an L.A.-based designer and graduate of Clark Atlanta University who recently completed a product development program at FIDM.

2011 has been a huge year for Kenya – Meeka Claxton had the cast of Basketball Wives Miami wagging their tongues when she wore Sugar Scout Couture designs during her stint on the show (you may even remember Kenya’s spat with Evelyn Lozada during the reunion special) and in October Kenya’s designs made their runway début in Jen Awad’s SS12 show at Concept Fashion Week.

 During a recent trip to Kenya’s LA Boutique Something Old, Something New I sat down with the designer to learn about the new collection, which features arm and ear cuffs, oversized earring designs and charm bracelets. Using elements like brass, aluminum, 14K gold and Swarovski crystals, the designs are bold, edgy pieces that make a statement.

 

Kenya and I discussed street trends versus high fashion. “I can’t take opinions to the design room,” Kenya says. “I go in with a clean head. Just me and my music, in my zone. I think about what I would want to wear.”

When I asked about other stylish celebrities Kenya would like to see rocking her designs she quickly named Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Angela Simmons and the cast of VH1’s Single Ladies. “I would love to make a 5-chain bracelet for Rihanna or a necklace for Kelly,” says Kenya. “Angela Simmons’ style has shown so much growth and I would love for her to be the face of Sugar Scout Couture.”

 

Shop Sugar Scout Couture online for these designs and many more. You can also like Kenya’s Facebook fanpage and Twitter for updates and sales.

Visit the The Dope Girl blog for music, fashion and all things L.A.!