Interviewed & Photographed by Grace Diarra

Kandy’s Dirty Laundry

A neon-soaked runway pop-up at Kingdom on 6th

Walk down 6th Street, turn left, and you’ll see it immediately — a massive poster of a guy with white eyes lounging in a tub, pink shirt soaked through, low-rise pants Britney Spears would die over, revealing an unapologetic flash of bush. It’s the promotion for the “Dirty Laundry” by Kandy runway show produced by Immediate Rush. A chaotic, neon-drenched night of unearthly colored contacts, slick skin, and volume turned all the way up. We got the chance to speak with the mind behind it all: Keagan Pace.

Three models lined up immediately before the “Dirty Laundry” runway show. Photo by Grace Diarra.

Is there a certain type of story telling you implemented in this collection?

Yeah, this story specifically was just coming to terms with my sexuality and my gender expression, living that through each and every one of the models here tonight

Dirty Laundry

KANDY

What inspired this collection? Tell me about the creative direction, visuals, and promotional posters.

Life, lived experiences, really doesn’t get much deeper than that. When I look at the clothes I think about the mess I made along the way, the sweat and dirt that collects when they’re worn. My washer was broken for two months prior to the show, hence the name “Dirty Laundry.” Whenever we [Immediate Rush] do something, we try to take it to the next level. It’s not just an Instagram post. We do boots-on-the-ground promotion. We want people to see us everywhere — walking to their usual coffee shop, heading to their favorite restaurant. You’re probably going to walk down the street and see my bush, unfortunately.

Last night, honestly. This is just how I function, I literally got no sleep. I’m a night owl, so most of my work happens between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. Sleepless nights mean minimal distractions. I put my headphones on, zone out, and just lock the fuck in.

Tell me about the work you put into the collection. Especially a moment in time that felt super challenging:

I feel like my job here in Texas has come to an end. Not that we won’t continue doing things here, but I’m ready for more. And that more is New York. I do a lot of upcycling in my collections, but in New York, I want to learn cut and sew, pattern drafting, and build out full collections from my own patterns and silhouettes. I’m not just printing. Screen printing is something I love and will always do. I’m excited to merge those techniques together.

As a creative and a fashion designer, what do you plan to do next?

Any advice for young creatives trying to do what you do?

Find your people. Go to local events. Go to local music acts. Chop it up with people you know, and if you think someone looks cool, compliment their outfit. Build that community slowly. If you support them, they’ll support you back.

[At this point, Keagan turns to his girlfriend, NYC-based artist Lee Mosely, for her take]

Lee Mosely: Intentionally grow your friendships and relationships. Be genuine with yourself and the people around you. What you deserve is what you’ll receive.

Keagan:

“What you put into the world, the energy you put in, comes back tenfold as long as it’s good. Period.”