Krimson Klover proudly lives at the intersection of fashion and function. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice performance for style. And vice versa. We sat down with our founder, Rhonda Swenson, to chat about how our clothing choices celebrate our unique personalities, and how something as seemingly simple as a sweater can empower us to pursue our passions.
What drew you to the women’s apparel industry? What do you love about this industry?
I was first drawn to the ski industry. I love being on the mountain, the feeling of fresh snow under my skis, the sense of accomplishment after navigating a challenging run. I wanted to connect more people to the joys of skiing. I spent a season working and skiing in Vail after college, and that sealed the deal. And, I'm fortunate my career has expanded to a broader industry over the years—creating high-quality, stylish apparel for the ski, outdoor, and boutique fashion industries.
What do I love? Everything! It’s all about getting outside and enjoying the outdoors. Creating products to help people do just that. I love that we design women's apparel that adds personality to your wardrobe. If you don’t scoop it up right when you first see it, you go home, dream about it, and buy it the next day. In a way, we make dreams come true.
Where do you find design inspiration for each season?
I travel pretty extensively looking for inspiration. We find so many great ideas on our yearly design trips to London. From street fashion to the amazing art galleries to all of the incredible knitwear that comes out of England—it's such a creative hub, and I love it.
I just returned from a trip to Japan, and was blown away by the beauty of this country. Japanese art will definitely inspire a few of our styles next year. It’s really magical.
How does a design go from idea to execution, let’s say, for all those dreamy sweaters Krimson Klover makes?
It all starts with a thought or a feeling. Inspired by something from our travels that we can bring to life in our own unique, Krimson Klover way. We then play with sketches around that idea. When we get to a sketch we like, we take it to the computer and start graphing the patterns. We think about size and balance—the type of yarn we want to use and the size of that yarn. After playing with color ideas, we work with our factory partners to knit a swatch. This is where we can determine if our idea translates well into a knit. If it does, we have a sweater that makes it into our collection, and ultimately into the hands of KK lovers.
Why use bold patterns, vibrant colors, and original illustrations in apparel?
Well, I grew up in Texas where we all love pattern and color. So it’s just in my DNA. And I love that it resonates with women all over. The bright, bold styles we create are happy and full of energy.
What do you love about partnering with artists to bring their work to life on our apparel?
The artists we work with are so incredible. Creating true works of art in what they do for us. They move from apparel to a canvas. They’re amazing. One of our artists, Lamont Joseph White, creates pieces intended to knock down barriers and make snowsports more inclusive and inviting to people of all colors and backgrounds. You can feel this message in every one of his pieces, and it resonates with me and our entire Krimson Klover team. We’re really proud to work with him.
In what ways can fashion play a role in building self-confidence?
I believe that if you’re wearing something that makes you feel amazing, it will help you be at your best. We design products focused on fitting well and performing well. Using low-impact yarns and fibers that feel super luxe. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’re ready to get out there and be your best.
Why does self-expression matter in fashion?
I think we all wear clothes that play on our personality. If we wear something that doesn’t quite feel like “us”, we feel uncomfortable. I’ve heard it said that those with a strong sense of self typically experience a higher self-esteem and improved confidence. I believe this to be true. When I love what I am wearing, I feel good about myself.
What does Live Boldly mean to you?
It means get out there and go after your dreams. Live your best self. Discover new passions. Explore exciting, new things.
Why is it important to feel good in the clothes we wear?
Fashion serves as a powerful tool for us to express our identity, personality, and creativity. It can help us have a positive self-image. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel fabulous increases your confidence. You feel like you can do anything. It’s incredibly empowering.
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