Class Year/Degree: 2016, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
City: New York, New York
Job Title: CFDA Innovation Fellow, Kenneth Cole Production
Kara Kroeger, ’16, works on design concept and branding within Design Services of Kenneth Cole Production. Kroeger is responsible for developing concepts for collections under the brand’s umbrella.
In May 2016, Kroeger was named a Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Award winner for a shoe line she created for the brand. The line also included accompanying handbags and gloves. The award, created by Kenneth Cole Productions and the Council of Fashion Designs of America (CFDA), grants a yearlong fellowship with the brand and carries a $50,000 salary stipend.
How has your time at ϳԹ helped with current successes?
Being a student at ϳԹ exposed me to the Kenneth Cole Footwear + Accessory Innovation Award and the opportunity to work for the brand after graduation. ϳԹ has also helped me gain relevant experience in the fashion industry, including working with accomplished faculty members, as well as studying and interning at the NYC Studio. The university landed me where I am now.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I’m love sketching for all of the design concepts. I enjoy bringing my illustration skills to Kenneth Cole Productions, which allow me to create illustrations that influence the seasons’ silhouettes.
What advice do you have for current ϳԹ students?
Students should keep doing what they love. They shouldn’t forget to stay true to how they want to design. It is important that fashion design students remain true to themselves and what their goals are.
What is your favorite ϳԹ memory?
It was incredible to see my senior collection, “Occupy Everything,” showcased on the runway at China Fashion Week in Beijing. My demi-couture collection was one of six collections chosen from ϳԹ to be featured throughout the week.
How do you stay connected to ϳԹ today?
My senior collection is still being shown at different ϳԹ events, which continues to keep me connected to the program.