Kyle Denman

I have always loved art. My parents have told me that I could draw before I could talk. However, I have also loved politics and law. When I was in high school, I was the Youth Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio and attended national conferences on policy. When I was completing my undergraduate degree in Political Science, I was working with the Scripps Gerontology Center and was supporting them with research on the effectiveness of art on people who have dementia, Alzheimer

I am extremely grateful to have worked with some incredible celebrity clients for different events, performances, and red carpets. I have also been fortunate to have presented my work in different fashion shows and Fashion Weeks. However, the best part of my job is teaching fashion design to some incredible students! They inspire me every day and certainly make me laugh! I consider some of them my close friends.

I believe fashion is an all-encompassing art that is movement, innovation, and architecture juxtaposed in political, social, and cultural contexts. From my experiences, I have learned that fashion design is one of the simplest yet most complex ways in which people communicate with the world and themselves. In order for the fashion design industry to truly thrive, there needs to be an understanding of how people affect and are affected by the field, from start to finish and from design conception to the last wear of a garment. In a way, the fashion industry itself is a form of globalized team collaboration and social supply chain.

I am deeply inspired by the late couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, and Japanese designer Issey Miyake. All three designers have really pushed the envelope when it comes to design. All three have experimented with architecture and silhouette, which is arguably the aspect of fashion design that I enjoy the most. They are also each incredibly avant-garde in their design philosophies and evoke such strong emotions through their work. The first time I saw work by any of these three in-person, I think I was left speechless.

I think a

As a designer, I am known for my avant-garde creations, unique silhouettes and construction techniques, and emotional storytelling. Sometimes, my work is labeled

If I am working with a client, I want to ensure that I listen to their voice. I do my best to set my ego and personal needs aside and just provide feedback based on my own skills and experiences. For instance, it

I do. I am adopted from South Korea and grew up in Ohio in the United States. I think my whole upbringing has had an influence on my design process. What artist or designer isn

Creating my winning entry and collection,

Premiering at New York Fashion Week,

The biggest challenge with this project was not doubting myself in the process! In the past, I have often lacked a lot of confidence in my work. Believing in myself and the work that I create was the biggest challenge. Sometimes, you have to just get out of your own head!

Winning a MUSE Design Award has definitely given me the confidence to keep working. It

My three favorite things about the fashion design industry are: the creativity and inspired work from designers and artists; the collaboration and teamwork among designers, patternmakers, merchandisers, and others (it

I think the United States is unique in the design industry because there is SO MUCH of it! From a business perspective, there are so many consumers who lead incredibly different lives and who live in incredibly different climates and social settings. From a design and art perspective, there are SO many talented designers! I also think so many designers bring elements from their families

Fashion design has evolved substantially over the past few years. There is more social and cultural awareness and a stronger emphasis on sustainability. I think this sensitivity and eco-consciousness are driving positive change in the fashion community. The fashion industry, like most industries, is globalized and built on both a resource supply chain but also a social supply chain.

Just go for it! A person can

A person does not need to spend tons of money to get started! YouTube and other websites that are easily accessible to anyone and are user-friendly and extremely important! If someone wants to hone their sewing skills, I would recommend that they find an inexpensive sewing machine and practice sewing straight lines until they

My family, friends, and students inspire me. They constantly push themselves to be better versions of themselves, and it

Believe in yourself! I have almost always received the same criticism for my work