Meet Naomi Kind of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Kind.

Naomi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Naomi, I’m a self-taught fashion designer based in Los Angeles. I’m originally from Gabon and France, and fashion has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, after school, instead of watching cartoons, I would sit and watch Fashion TV for hours. It was 24/7 fashion shows: no breaks, no ads, and I was completely fascinated.

My first sewing project was when I was about six years old. I used to secretly take my aunt’s dresses when she left for work, cut them into pieces, and try to hand-sew skirts using needles I found in her sewing box. The skirts never really lasted, my stitches were too weak, but that didn’t stop me. What really did … was my aunt, who wasn’t very happy about a mysterious “dress cutter” in her closet, especially when her expensive dresses started turning into “upcycled” creations.

When I was 19, I bought my first sewing machine. I was excited, but I quickly got overwhelmed. It felt too complicated, and with college taking all my focus, I convinced myself to let it go. I ended up selling the machine to an older man who wanted it for his young daughter. I’ll never forget how happy he was, he kept saying, “My daughter will be so happy, it’s her dream to learn. Thank you!” That moment stayed with me, because it was my dream too… and I felt like I had just given up on it.

After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles. It came with challenges, but I was thrilled to explore American culture, practice my english, and step into this new chapter of my life. Then COVID happened, and like everyone else, everything suddenly stopped. But for me, it also created space. And in that space, I went back to what I had always loved: sewing.

In 2020, I bought another sewing machine. This time, I was determined. I mainly taught myself through YouTube ‘how-to’ videos, spent time reading books on sewing and pattern making, and reached out to local tailors for advice to keep improving my skills. I practiced almost every day, and this time, I didn’t stop.
I’ve always been drawn to vibrant colors, textures, asymmetrical shapes, and the endless possibilities you can create with fabric. Growing up in the 90s with the influence of designers like Christian Lacroix, Roberto Cavalli, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, and Sonia Rykiel… I feel like it naturally shaped my vision of fashion.

Today, I can say that fashion design brings me peace and joy. It feels like I found my way back to something that was always meant for me. And I’m excited to see how far I’ll go.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting to sew from scratch was much harder than I expected. Creating a finished piece is overwhelming, there’s math, understanding fabrics and the human body, and figuring out machine settings.

I began with stretchy fabrics, which was not a right choice. YouTube tutorials helped a lot, but often skipped important details.
A local tailor I met in the Fashion District gave me advice that changed everything.
I also pressured myself to improve fast, sewing almost every day stopped being fun and became stressful, so I took a break before returning with fresh energy.

Through it all, I learned patience, persistence, and the importance of seeking guidance and I’m so grateful to all the creators who shared their knowledge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create unique garments that bring vision and ideas to life.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always open to work and collaborations, and I love connecting with people who are interested in what I do. You can find me on Instagram @naomikindaass.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomikindaass
• Other: [email protected]