My Fashion Superheroine: Kim Schalk

There are many perks in the life of a wardrobe stylist, namely meeting talented designers. We are so fortunate to live in a city that boasts a healthy scene for local jewelry and accessories designers and a slow, but growing, apparel sector. Hence, I feel obligated to promote these designers at every opportunity, especially to my clients.

Among such designers is my local fashion superheroine, Kim Schalk. A patternmaker by trade, she leaped to design and production during a stint at Barneys New York. After a dizzying decade, which included ownership of a local boutique in Adams Morgan, launch of her first label and three children later, the designer is building a new line, Kim Schalk Designs.

This Sunday, March 4, Kim unveils her fall 2012 collection at Nana boutique for a special trunk show. Kim returns to the charming indie boutique where she has held courtside for several years. Yours truly became acquainted with Kim’s then label, God Help Miss Agnes, by gobbling up her repurposed tops and skirts nearly five years ago. I continue to treasure those pieces and was honored to carry her spring and fall 2011 collection at my boutique, CARBON.

She departs from her vintage-inspired creations for a Grecian goddess draped in rayon jersey fabrics. In true tradition, she incorporates an element of surprise into her design. For this collection, she favors metallic belts and accessories to evoke a dose of female empowerment, or rather a superheroine edge. If wielding metal cuffs doesn’t appeal to your inner Wonder Woman, the collection’s soft palette of light greens, creams, and blues are statement worthy.