Kelly Austin
Even as a child, Kelly Austin had a keen awareness of patterns in the world around her—fern leaves, her dad's ties, tree bark, the glowing fish tank in the family room. She'd sit on the floor for hours, flipping through her mom's wallpaper and fabric swatch books, mesmerized by the repeating shapes and waves of color.
At Arizona State University, Kelly weaved, dyed, screen-printed, and embellished her way to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fibers, deepening her love of all-things textiles. A chance to earn a second degree in fashion design at FIDM brought Kelly to Los Angeles, where she then stayed, working on the design teams for established California brands like Ella Moss/Splendid, True Religion, and BCBG. It was also here that her infatuation with Southern California's breezy sense of style was born.
Nombre was developed out of Kelly's drive to create a brand around that aesthetic—fusing the effortless chic of soft, drapey fabrics, the bohemian exoticism of nature-inspired prints and color blocking, and the more sophisticated tailoring of her high-fashion background. The line is an updated approach to the classic tunic, adding high-end details in the sewing, trims, and overall shape while respecting the garment's inherent summertime ease. The goal is to create a product that looks and feels beautiful, but in machine washable fabrics and at a price point that appeals to a wide customer base.
Kelly's love of L.A. has kept her here for going on 8 years now. She currently resides in the appropriately eclectic nook of Silver Lake with her darling husband Matt—and, on most days, the neighbor's cat, Carlos.
NOMBRE WILL BE ON SALE AT OUR POP UP SHOP
Opens March 2oth to the 30th
17 East Pearson, Chicago
Find over 35 designers up to 75% off current collections