An Interview With Toronto Fashion Designer Kendra Francis
I was given the opportunity to sit down with the lovely and extremely talented Kendra Francis of Franke Clothing. Kendra is one of Toronto’s talented designers who has had longevity in the industry. Francis has been designing clothes since the mid 90’s to critical acclaim and has also had the success of her very own boutique from 2002-2005. During our interview, Francis took me on a journey through her career as a designer, her first break, her views on celebrity fashion clothing lines, her inspirations, and being one of the few African Canadian designers in Toronto.
Afrotoronto: When did you realize you had a love for fashion design?
Kendra Francis: “When I was really young, my mother used to sew all my clothes, my cousins would sew, and my uncle was a tailor. So that's where my love of the craft began. Also, one of my first design jobs was to do a relative's bridal party, so I made all the dresses. It was very 1980s, an angora vogue pattern, but fabulous nonetheless.”
Afrotoronto: When did you get your first break in the industry?
Kendra Francis: “My first break was Fashion Cares in 1996. I had a friend who was a fashion illustrator who gave me the heads-up about entering Fashion Cares. I had until Monday to enter a gown, and I was told on Friday. I only had 50 dollars to buy some fabric, but I did it. My dress was actually the first dress out that night and was worn by Sonia Rodriguez, a national ballet dancer at the time.”
Afrotoronto: What sets you apart from other designers in the industry?
Kendra Francis: “My designs are first things I like to wear, you can pull one of my designs out from 5 years ago and still rock it. I wouldn’t say I’m a trendy designer, but my clothes are still in fashion. My pieces are classical but sexy.
Afrotoronto: Where do you get your inspiration from your designs?
Kendra Francis: My inspirations come from fashion magazines, music, movies, reading books, and all walks of life. “
Afrotoronto: Have you designed anything for any celebrities/VIPs?
Kendra Francis: “Yes, some of the celebrities I designed for have been Sara Taylor, YaYa of ANTM, Tanya Kim of E Talk Daily, and just recently, Sarah Polley for the Cannes festival. “
Afrotoronto: Are there any designers you would like to collaborate with?
Kendra Francis: “I would like to collaborate with Zac Posen.”
Afrotoronto: What are your thoughts on celebrities having clothing lines?
