BOXING KITTEN FASHION

1. Background info. When was the company started? Why did you start it?

I had the idea for the line back in 2005, but I didn’t officially start the line as a company until 2006. I have always been very passionate about clothing, costume, and textiles. I wanted to start a line that was different from the other things that were being offered. I think that I have a unique perspective on women’s clothing and I felt a need to share it with other people. As an artist I just feel a need to share my work with others and I don’t want to do it in a typical way, I want to be my own boss and make my own rules. I think that’s the kind of woman that wears my line and the kind of woman that I strive to be everyday.

With their vintage inspired pieces (handmade with West African Ankara Fabrics), up and coming fashion line BOXING KITTEN is our newest Designer Spotlight.

Celebrities like Solange Knowles, Fergie, Jack Davey, and Erykah Badu have been spotted wearing these dope pieces. I recently caught up with Maya A. Lake, the creator of this vibrant line, so she could speak a little more about her creations.

2. Can you elaborate a little about the message behind Boxing Kitten?
Boxing Kitten is really about having fun with what you wear. I like things to be unexpected and I have fun with small details like metallic threads and vintage buttons. The philosophy behind the silhouettes is based around fashion of the 50’s and 60’s. When you combine those silhouettes with the fabrics that I use there is a unique result achieved. I’m also drawn to answer the question, “what is authentic,” and how that relates to being an “American.” I think the message is different for every woman that wears a piece, for some women the cuts remind them of their mother, and for others the fabric may bring them to a moment in their childhood.

3. Who/what inspires you and your creations?
I am heavily inspired by my Grandmother and mother, textiles, my clients, my friends, and the writings of Evelynn M. Hammonds and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham. Powerful women from all walks of life inspire me. Inspiration is everywhere and always evolving. It’s very important to grow and I am constantly learning new things, and being inspired by all kinds of women in my life.

4. Where do you see yourself in the future?
I would love to add some mens pieces to the line. I think that menswear is very exciting right now, and I think that I could add something to it. I would love to continue my work with music artists, even maybe design things for stage for a tour.