Hey, I’m Kiwi!
My path into fashion began with the kind of opportunity that can change the direction of a young designer’s life.
While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, I joined the inaugural class of Jeanology, a program led by VCU alumnus Donwan Harrell, the owner and creative director of PRPS. I studied denim history, conducted market research in New York, and traveled to Portugal to learn directly from the Pizarro denim mill. That experience helped me understand denim as both a creative material and a technically complex product.
After the program, Donwan invited me to design under him at PRPS. Working on a small luxury team allowed me to participate in the complete process and showed me how meaningful hands-on mentorship can be.
At Aeropostale, I learned how design operates within a large commercial brand. Later, my work with Artistic Milliners and Star Fades International gave me a wider understanding of the industry from the vendor and manufacturing perspective.
Over the past nine years, I’ve learned how to move between creative thinking and product execution. I know how to develop an idea, communicate it clearly, and work with the people responsible for making it real. I also believe that the best creative environments are built through curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn from one another.
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I was always struck by [Kiwi's] curiosity and excitement for new innovations in trend, design, and fabric, and her ability to apply these learnings to her designs.
Lila Habermann
Denim Design and Product Development Consultant -
As an established designer, Kiwi has such unique work experiences spanning across nearly all areas of fashion design and product development.
Kimberly Guthrie
Chair, Associate Professor at VCU -
Kiwi is the kind of collaborator who sharpens an idea. She listens closely, shares knowledge freely, and helps a room move from many points of view toward one strong direction.
Isaiah Sanabria
Creative Director, Sweetfruit Studio
I’ve collaborated with a diverse list of brands.
Request a Consultation
Submit the form to initiate a collaborative discussion regarding your organization’s design challenges and objectives. For all other inquiries, please reach out directly via email at thekiwilouis@gmail.com. And download my resume for a more detailed look at my work history.