Mikhael Kale (New York, US)

Mikhael Kale’s no underrated talent. This Toronto-born, Central Saint Martins graduate employed his craftsmanship for women’s clothing since the age of ten; when he designed an A-line skirt for his sister. Since then, Kale’s passion for construction and the woman's silhouette secured him apprenticeships under couturiers including Alessandro De Benedetti and Sergio Cucci in Milan, and he’s been the central focus of myriad accolades since launching his eponymous collection in 2007. His dresses are at the top of Beyoncé’s list — a logical consummation seeing his sequined embellished, body-conscious concepts appear to be a homage to the untouchable superwoman. But it also seems as though his collections have shifted focus. His debut was a polished, high-street friendly anthology of glossy dresses and pleated leather jackets; while his newer collection fosters a darker, Gothic characteristic. The designs have gotten bolder; still ravishing in glamour, but there’s a commanding vixen lurking beneath.


Dazed Digital: How old are you and where do you currently live?
Mikhael Kale: I'm 29 and live in Toronto and New York.

DD: How would you describe your personal style?
Mikhael Kale: Evolving structure.

DD: Tell us about your collection?
Mikhael Kale: It’s a mixed media collection that utilizes a variety of textures, tones and techniques. SS '10 was loosely inspired by the Sahara desert; I was moved by its tones, motion, and mass.

DD: What inspires you when designing?
Mikhael Kale: Women. Women are ever evolving, I play with structure to map this change.

DD: Who would you like to collaborate with?
Mikhael Kale: Past, present and future Annie Lennox.

DD: Who are your favorite designers and why?
Mikhael Kale: Madame Grès.  She was a women of her craft who believed in sacrifice over compromise.  She died at her drafting table.

DD: If you could time travel, what era would you go back to and why?
Mikhael Kale: I wouldn't, fashion is now far more technique driven, diverse and technologically modern than past.

DD: What country would you consider to be the real fashion capital of the world?  
Mikhael Kale: One’s mind.

DD: What are the difficulties faced being a designer today?
Mikhael Kale: Far too many to list. It is important that one is in fashion and a designer for love of it. Passion is pay. We are in uncertain times, therefore it is a choice that is not rational. You simply do it because you must.

DD: What are your plans for the future?
Mikhael Kale: I like to believe my present is my future. Garments that make both myself and my woman feel.