KZ_K Studio merges modernist design with sustainability, creating timeless pieces that transcend trends. Co-founders Jesse Keyes and Karolina Zmarlak craft functional, high-quality fashion for the conscious, self-driven individual.
In 2025, the fashion industry finds itself at a crossroads. The once-glamorous world of fashion has been overtaken by rapid turnover, an overabundance of fleeting trends, and a sense of disillusionment. As brands churn out collections at an unprecedented pace, consumers are overwhelmed with choices, confused by marketing promises, and yearning for something more—something meaningful. In this environment, where authenticity often feels like a distant ideal, KZ_K Studio stands as a beacon of clarity, offering more than just garments: it presents a solution to the overwhelming noise of the fashion industry.
As a fashion editor at StyleLujo.com and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing numerous collections over the years, but KZ_K Studio truly stands out. The brand’s showroom is a breath of fresh air in an industry that often feels saturated with fleeting trends. Walking into the space, you immediately sense a deliberate, curated atmosphere that reflects the brand’s commitment to timeless design and functionality. The collection exudes a sense of refined minimalism, yet every piece is layered with depth and purpose. The designs feel both modern and rooted in architectural heritage, seamlessly merging form and function in a way that few brands manage to accomplish.
When it comes to the apparel itself, KZ_K Studio delivers a rare combination of exceptional quality and innovative design. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing premium materials that speak to the brand’s dedication to longevity. The use of luxurious fabrics, such as Italian cashmere and Japanese textiles, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the pieces are also incredibly versatile, offering a level of multi-functionality that reflects an understanding of the modern consumer’s need for practicality without sacrificing style. KZ_K Studio ’s ability to marry artistry with everyday wearability is what makes the brand a standout in today’s fashion landscape.
So, what makes KZ_K Studio the antidote to the current fashion crisis? Let’s examine how this forward-thinking brand is addressing five key challenges:
1. The Paradox of Overwhelming Choice
In today’s consumer landscape, the sheer volume of options can paralyze decision-making. With an infinite array of online stores and brick-and-mortar boutiques, the modern shopper is often left unsure of where to begin or what to choose.
KZ_K Studio‘s Solution:
By embracing a minimalist philosophy, KZ_K Studio cuts through the clutter. Each collection is a carefully curated investment—designed with timeless appeal, functional beauty, and adaptability. These pieces are not trends meant to fade after one season; they are enduring essentials that encourage the modern consumer to buy less, but buy better.
2. The Fatigue of Fast Fashion
The disposable, “wear once and toss” mentality no longer resonates with today’s conscientious consumer. People are exhausted by cheap, poorly
KZ_K Studio’s-made clothing that fails to stand the test of time. A growing awareness of sustainability has led many to seek alternatives to fast fashion.
KZ_K‘s Solution:
KZ_K Studio embodies the philosophy of slow fashion with purpose. Their garments are not only crafted for longevity in terms of quality, but also for their versatility. Reversible jackets and multi-functional dresses provide endless opportunities for wear, ensuring that each piece remains a valuable investment for years to come.
3. The Crisis of Misleading Marketing and Empty Promises
In an era where every brand seems to claim “ethics” or “sustainability” as its hallmark, the modern consumer is increasingly skeptical. Buzzwords are rampant, but actions often fail to align with these claims.
KZ_K Studio‘s Solution:
At KZ_K Studio, transparency is key. Every piece is produced in New York City’s Garment District, where the brand partners with trusted, ethical manufacturers who prioritize fair wages and exceptional craftsmanship. The brand doesn’t merely claim sustainability—it proves it. With a steadfast commitment to “Slow Fashion,” KZ_K Studio minimizes waste while ensuring their pieces are built to last across generations.
4. The Shift Toward Purpose-Driven Consumption
Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with merely looking good—they want to feel good about their purchases. The overwhelming saturation of disposable trends has left many feeling disconnected from the clothes they wear, with little sense of purpose or meaning behind their choices.
KZ_K Studio‘s Solution:
KZ_K Studio designs with intent. Drawing inspiration from architectural luminaries like Tadao Ando and Zaha Hadid, the brand integrates modernist principles into fashion. Each collection is imbued with a sense of purpose, designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for the active, self-driven individual who values thoughtful, intentional fashion choices.
5. The Lack of Personal Connection in Retail
With the rise of e-commerce, the personal touch of traditional shopping has been lost, leading to a sense of alienation from the brands consumers choose. People crave relationships—authentic connections with the brands that represent their values and identity.
KZ_K Studio‘s Solution:
KZ_K Studio fosters deep, authentic relationships with its clients. Co-founders Karolina Zmarlak and Jesse Keyes are intimately involved in their brand’s community, cultivating personal connections that transcend transactions. Through the KZ_K Studio partnership program, the brand offers a bespoke, one-on-one experience, ensuring that each customer feels as though they are acquiring something truly meaningful, not just another product.
While others chase trends, KZ_K Studio focuses on building pieces that speak to the modern consumer’s values: authenticity, sustainability, and timeless design. Discover the Essence of KZ_K Studio: A Vision for Modernist Minimalism and Multifunctional Design
Jesse Keyes, Karolina Zmarlak
In the fast-paced, noise-filled world of fashion, KZ_K Studio stands as a beacon of clarity. Co-founded by visionary design duo Jesse Keyes and Karolina Zmarlak, the brand is rooted in the principles of architectural modernism, blending minimalist aesthetics with functional versatility. With a focus on multi-functional design, KZ_K Studio aims to offer women pieces that aren’t just stylish but are designed to endure and adapt to the demands of contemporary life. In this interview, Jesse and Karolina share the journey behind the brand, the philosophies that shape their work, and the innovative designs they continue to bring to life. Read on to explore the story of KZ_K Studio, its design philosophy, and the future of fashion.
Joseph DeAcetis: Can you share how KZ_K Studio was founded and what inspired its creation?
Jesse Keyes: The idea for KZ_K Studio was conceived on an Amtrak ride back home from my famous architect grandfather, Arthur H. Keyes’s modernist home in D.C., on January 1, 2009. Karolina and I had a shared vision of merging her fashion design expertise with my modernist architectural background. We made a pact to create a “recessionist” collection, one that was functional, multi-purpose, and meticulously crafted. The result was KZ_K Studio: a hybrid design concept that fuses minimalist, stylized clothing with the functional principles of architectural design.
Source about Arthur H. Keyes
More on Karolina Zmarlak’s Fashion
Joseph DeAcetis: How would you describe the design philosophy behind the brand? What core principles guide your design process?
Jesse Keyes: Our aim is to infuse the core tenets of architectural modernism into fashion. Modernism, at its core, focuses on utilizing innovative materials and techniques to create functional, minimalist designs. We draw on architectural principles to produce versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes. As our fabrics evolve and our design ideas become more refined, we focus on bringing a stylized, modernist minimalist approach to every collection. This dynamic approach allows us to create pieces that not only reflect architectural precision but also serve a functional role in everyday life.
Joseph DeAcetis: What role do personal shoppers, retail salespeople, and stylists play in representing the brand to consumers?
Karolina Zmarlak: The role of personal shoppers, stylists, and retail salespeople is integral to representing KZ_K Studio. Understanding the precision and functionality of each piece is essential to communicating its value to customers, especially given our brand’s higher price point. We view these partners as the bridge between the product and the consumer, infusing meaning and value into the collection. At the same time, we deeply engage with direct studio clients, ensuring a personal connection with the brand, free from intermediaries.
Joseph DeAcetis: KZ_K Studio’s use of color and fabric is distinctive. Can you explain your approach to selecting materials and colors for your collections?
Karolina Zmarlak & Jesse Keyes: Our color choices and fabric selections are informed by architectural influences, drawing inspiration from the works of modernist architects like Perriand, Bohiga, Ando, and Hadid. We explore unconventional color palettes through extensive research, including site visits around the world.
For instance, vermillion—a bold color found in the Buddhist temple beneath Tadao Ando’s Water Temple—became a key element in our collections. We experiment with such colors to balance our usual minimalist neutrals and create new, unexpected combinations. VERMILLION PLAYS WELL WITH CONCRETE:
KZ_K OTERA TAILORED JACKET $2250. Photography credit: Bellamy Brewster
Joseph DeAcetis: How does architecture, particularly the work of Tadao Ando, influence your designs?
Jesse Keyes & Karolina Zmarlak: Tadao Ando’s architectural philosophy has profoundly impacted our design process, particularly for our Cool Cycle_25 collection. Ando’s use of enclosed spaces and concrete to create intimate, personal experiences aligns with our vision of creating pieces that offer both function and protection. Inspired by Ando’s ability to merge modernism with the natural world, we designed garments that act as barriers—protecting the body while being visually striking and architecturally inspired.
Joseph DeAcetis: Who would you define as your core demographic and psychographic?
Karolina Zmarlak & Jesse Keyes: Our core demographic consists of women who live independently and creatively, women who push boundaries in their work and lives. We cater to those who view fashion not just as a trend but as a tool for empowerment and personal expression.
Joseph DeAcetis: Can you walk us through the SS 25 and AW 25 collections? What are the key highlights and themes we should expect?
Carolina Teixeira (KZ_K Studio’s Associate Designer):
THEME 1
Hadid: Inspired by the once-bustling city of Baghdad and its modernity, Zaha Hadid was determined to push boundaries of structural and creative possibility for a futuristic spatial design and architecture. Within the constructivist capsule, we connect the explosion and deconstruction of her works, that emphasize bold contrasts and dynamic features, such as the Vitra Fire Station. Her fragmented designs convey a sense of chaos and disruption, inspired herself by the Russian artist Kasimir Malevich, a pioneer in constructivist art, who focused on deconstructed shape and color.
HIGHLIGHTS
WARM_25:
VITRA DRESS:
$1395. Photography Credit: Christian Blanchard
MALEVICH JACKET:
THEME 2
ANDO:
Being one of the most regionally conscious architects in Japan, Tadao Ando seamlessly connects the world of modernist design and techniques with functional Japanese design, focused on specific regional differentiations. The Water Temple in Awaji is an excellent example where traditional rich Japanese culture meets modern architecture. Keeping a minimalist, bold design with meditative concrete space on the outside, leading to a traditional Buddhist temple hidden away underground, beneath the water feature.
HIGHLIGHTS
COOL_25:
CINNABAR WRAP BLOUSE:
Joseph DeAcetis: With the rise of AI in fashion, how do you see technology influencing your design and production processes?
Jesse Keyes & Karolina Zmarlak: While we acknowledge the impact of AI in the fashion industry, we prioritize a more human-centered approach. At KZ_K Studio, we emphasize personal relationships and hands-on craftsmanship. Our philosophy of “Rearview Innovation” means we focus on creating meaningful, lasting designs rather than relying on fleeting technological trends. This approach allows us to remain connected to our core values of craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability.
Joseph DeAcetis: How does KZ_K Studio stay committed to sustainability while pushing the boundaries of independent creativity?
Jesse Keyes: Sustainability is fundamental to our ethos. We adhere to a “Slow Fashion” model, producing everything in New York’s Garment District with trusted manufacturing partners. Our pieces are designed to last, and we ensure fair wages throughout our supply chain. We also offer ongoing alterations and repairs, ensuring our garments have a long lifecycle and don’t contribute to the fashion waste cycle. This approach reflects our commitment to both creativity and the planet.
Joseph DeAcetis: Looking ahead, what is your vision for KZ_K Studio? How do you see the brand evolving in the next five years?
KZ_K Studio: We envision steady growth, continuing to explore innovative fabrics and manufacturing techniques. Our focus will remain on creating modernist, multi-functional pieces that cater to the needs of empowered, creative women. As we evolve, we aim to deepen our commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship while maintaining our core belief that fashion should be about more than just appearance—it should serve a higher purpose.
Through this in-depth conversation and showroom review, it’s clear to me that KZ_K Studio’s vision extends far beyond fashion; it’s about creating functional, timeless pieces that reflect both the aesthetic and purpose-driven needs of today’s world.
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