Kahini Fashion Rises
3 min read | A.M.
Illustrations by Goda Pele
inspired by Kahini Fashion at LAFW
Featured in The January Issue.
In mythological traditions, the Phoenix represents the cycle of life whereby the new springs from the remains of the old, inspiring us to embrace change in all its form and nuance. It’s fitting, then, that Kahini Fashion’s latest collection is not only named after the Phoenix, but reflects a new direction for the Northwest fashion house.
Kahini Fashion SS20 collection at LAFW.
In 2019, Founder and Creative Director Joy Sicar McMillen made the decision to close her brick-and-mortar location in the Factoria Mall. The news came amidst national retailers Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Forever21 making similar announcements.
“I absolutely love what I do. I was invited to show my collection in Paris and Milan. I’m so passionate about designing. But the demands of owning a brick-and-mortar business are incredibly draining. It was so much work, 24/7, and it kept me from my family.”
But where one chapter ends, another begins. After taking the winter season to reflect, Joy has renewed her focus on that matters to her most.
Expanding on her Goddess theme from last year’s collection, Kahini Fashion showcased truly powerful women at last year’s Los Angeles Fashion Week. The collection was well received and plans for AW20 are currently underway. Joy shared her inspiration with us, as well as her moving story that motivates her to elevate not only fashion in the Northwest, but the people she serves.
“When I grew up, I witnessed women being discriminated against. And I knew it was something I never wanted to experience. So with Kahini Fashion—everything I do—independence is what I carry with me.”
Kahini Fashion was founded in 2014 and has served the greater Pacific Northwest bridal market. Prior to Kahini’s founding, Joy worked at Nike for eight years, and Nordstrom for six. Her decision to close her Factoria Mall location was the perfect time for Joy to shift focus to formalwear, which has always been and remains her area of greatest passion. And with a selection of custom dresses that boldly announce one’s strength and femininity, the future of Kahini Fashion is abundant with online and runway opportunities.
“I’ll have more time now to focus on designing collections and showing them during Fashion Weeks. So I’m really excited to rediscover the creative process and do work that’s meaningful to me.”
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