ABOUT

 

Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s expansive wilderness, Nicholas and Christopher Kunz’s formative years were spent exploring the barren deserts and rugged canyons of the rockies. Coexisting with nature at the foothills of the santa catalina’s, the brother/sister duo acquired an affinity for the outdoors and desire for conservation. Born to a russian-chinese mother and german-irish father, the rich blending of cultures fostered an appreciation for diversity and inherent sense of wanderlust.

 

Bolstered by dreams of becoming a designer from an early age, Nicholas honed her creative talents during high school, studying sculpture, drawing, and weaving at Michigan’s Interlochen Art Academy. Post-graduation, she pursued her talent into design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and later refined her sensibilities at the Polimoda School of Design in Florence, Italy. Returning from overseas, an internship at Donna Karan led to a position with the founding team of Coach’s men’s sportswear start-up. Wooed back to DKNY amidst the denim explosion of the late 90s, Nicholas spent four years at the helm, launching men’s and women’s denim divisions before joining Nautica Jeans to work under John Varvatos. Continually bridging the gender gap throughout her career, Nicholas later consulted for Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Polo Jeans, gather indispensable hands-on experience that led to launching her own line. Straddling the worlds of menswear and womenswear would later influence the progressive, utilitarianism of Nicholas K.

 

Equal parts analytical and artistic, Christopher’s early years were spent working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, lending expertise to early stage technologies. Holding a masters in finance and marketing and wholly entrenched in the world of bioscience, Christopher remained a fabricator at heart. Emboldened with a passion for product design and an innate appreciation for craftsmanship, he lives in a perpetual pursuit to improve upon design.

 

In 2003, Nicholas and Christopher reconnected in New York City, enticed by the idea of launching a collection. Ultimately striving for unconscious sustainability, they endeavored to create products that mirrored their purist lifestyle while simultaneously embraced the energy of the city. Tailored for the urban nomad, they envisioned versatile, seasonless silhouettes, each collection seamlessly building upon the next. The antithesis of ever-ephemeral fast fashion, their progressive designs utilize sustainable textiles, employ ethical practices, and promote supply chain transparency advocating a deep connection to the earth.

 

Nicholas and Christopher have been members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America since 2009.  Nicholas K is part of the CFDA + Lexus Eco Initiative, championing conscious living, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.