Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Denman
Hi Kyle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in an unconventional way. Originally, I studied political science and was on a path toward a career in that field. But as I navigated my studies, I found myself drawn to the artistry of fashion and its potential for social impact. Fashion became my creative outlet and a way to express deeper ideas about identity, representation, and inclusivity—themes that were close to my heart as an Asian, gay, and adopted individual.
I shifted gears, immersed myself in the fashion world, and started creating with a focus on designing for diverse bodies, abilities, and identities. My goal was always to make fashion a platform for authentic self-expression. Over time, my designs began to resonate with others, and I built a brand that challenges traditional beauty standards.
Along the way, I became the Executive Director of Arts Bridging the Gap, a nonprofit focused on bringing art to underserved communities in Los Angeles. One of our major initiatives was creating over 115 murals, which allowed me to marry my passion for art with my desire to uplift communities and spark social change.
In 2023, I was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, which was a surreal milestone, recognizing not only my work as a fashion designer but also my broader mission to create inclusive spaces for people to thrive through creativity. Additionally, being named International Fashion Designer of the Year in 2021 was especially validating for me. Given that my journey was far from traditional and my trajectory wasn’t linear, receiving such recognition reaffirmed that pursuing my own path—rooted in authenticity and creativity—was the right choice. It reminded me that success isn’t always about following the typical route, but about staying true to your vision and putting in the work.
The road wasn’t always easy. I faced self-doubt, challenges in the industry, and moments of feeling like I didn’t fully belong. But what kept me going was my unwavering belief in the power of effort and the drive to build something meaningful. I’ve learned that effort beats talent every time, and that consistency, compassion, and creativity are the keys to building a lasting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth, and I think that’s a big part of what has made the journey so meaningful. Early on, I struggled with self-doubt and the fear of not fitting into the traditional mold of what a fashion designer or creative should be. I didn’t have a formal design background, and there were moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged in the industry. I also faced a lot of rejection—whether it was not getting the opportunities I thought I deserved or being told I was “too different” from what was expected in the world of high fashion. Those moments were tough, but they ultimately pushed me to dig deeper into my purpose and remind myself why I started in the first place.
Additionally, I encountered challenges in creating space for diverse bodies and identities within the fashion world. For a long time, the industry has had very rigid standards of beauty and size, and it wasn’t easy to break through those barriers. I had to constantly fight for representation, not just in the designs I create, but also in the models I work with and the stories I choose to tell. It felt like there was this constant pushback—both externally from the industry and internally from my own doubts—that made me question whether I could make a lasting impact. But it was precisely these struggles that reinforced my commitment to inclusivity, authenticity, and the idea that fashion should serve everyone, not just a select few.
On the nonprofit side, managing Arts Bridging the Gap and overseeing large-scale public art projects has come with its own set of challenges, including working with tight budgets, navigating community politics, and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and represented. But despite these hurdles, seeing the impact of our projects—whether it’s through murals or other community-driven art initiatives—has made every struggle worthwhile.
In the end, the struggles I’ve faced have been the catalysts for growth. They’ve helped me build resilience, sharpen my focus, and reaffirm my belief that effort beats talent every time. The challenges have shaped me into who I am today and continue to fuel my drive to make a positive, lasting change in the worlds of fashion and art.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a fashion designer, artist, and advocate for inclusivity and representation. My work revolves around using fashion as a means of self-expression, empowerment, and social change. I specialize in creating designs that break from traditional beauty standards, offering pieces that are inclusive, versatile, and meant to make people feel seen and celebrated for who they are, regardless of their body size, gender, race, or abilities.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to tell personal stories through my work. I believe fashion is not just about clothing—it’s about identity, expression, and the emotional connections that we form with what we wear. I strive to create pieces that allow people to step into their own power, whether that’s through bold colors, unexpected silhouettes, or designs that reflect someone’s cultural background, sexuality, or personal narrative. I’m especially passionate about working with models of all sizes, shapes, and abilities, which sets my work apart in an industry that often prioritizes a narrow definition of beauty.
What truly sets me apart, I think, is my ability to bring a cerebral and artistic approach to fashion. My designs are often inspired by deep themes of identity, humanity, and social impact, which are informed by my own experiences growing up as an Asian, gay, and adopted individual. Those experiences shape the lens through which I view the world, and I incorporate that perspective into my work. My approach to design is also informed by my work in the nonprofit space, where I use creativity to drive social change. For example, as the Executive Director of Arts Bridging the Gap, I’ve led initiatives that have resulted in over 115 murals across Los Angeles, which use public art to elevate marginalized voices and foster community engagement.
I’m also proud of my international recognition, including being named International Fashion Designer of the Year in 2021 and being selected as part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023. These honors were not just a reflection of my design work but also of my broader commitment to using my platform to promote inclusive creativity and drive social change.
Ultimately, what drives me is my mission to ignite a culture of change through creativity and curiosity. Fashion, for me, is a tool to push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and spark conversations about representation, diversity, and self-expression. What sets my work apart is the deep purpose behind it—each piece I create, whether it’s a garment or a public art installation, is a step toward building a world where everyone feels empowered to express their authentic selves.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m deeply inspired by The Cheetah Girls—their energy, confidence, and ability to stay true to themselves resonates with me. But beyond that, the best resource to inspire my creativity is truly the people around me. Whether it’s the innovative ideas they bring to life or their unique perspectives, I’m constantly motivated by the passion and creativity in the world around me. The people I work with, my friends, and the community at large constantly remind me that we’re all capable of creating something amazing, and that energy fuels my own creative journey every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kyledenmanfashion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekyledenman
- Other: https://www.artsbridgingthegap.org
