After more than a decade of making clothing in Chattanooga, Kimara Dawn recently realized her dream to create a full-scale fashion line.
The line, called Camelot, was inspired by the fashion influences of the Kennedy and Obama administrations as well as the court associated with the legendary King Arthur.
"I've always made custom things like wedding gowns, prom dresses, formal dresses, but I've also always really wanted to launch a ready-to-wear line," Dawn said. "I guess it sparked from last year when I got a Make Work grant, which was a yearlong grant cycle, and it really kind of gave my business a great infusion of cash, which was wonderful, and a big boost of self-confidence."
Dawn rode that self-confidence through the launch of her line last week, which culminated in a fashion show to introduce the 15 pieces of clothing she designed.
Her husband, Nate Cox, worked alongside her through the process and said though it's been a struggle getting off the ground, he thinks the line brings a lot to the Chattanooga fashion scene. It's also important to the couple that they stay in their hometown and keep their work here.
"When we first started working together, we both kind of had the big dreams and everything," he said. "One of the things we decided to do is try to do as much as we can here at home, because we did grow up here and everything. We wanted to do things a little different, not be the type of people who take the talent and up and leave."
The collection, which includes women's separates, outerwear and a handful of formal wear, ranges in price from $55 to $1,500, and will be available through Dawn's website, kimaradawn.com. She is producing the garments in sizes ranging from a 2 to 22, and is in the process of working with several local boutiques.
Dawn said the clientele she has in mind for her designs are professional women from 25 to 65.
"They're just mostly professional women who are fashion-forward and love to dress well and can appreciate the fabric and designs," she said. "It's not necessarily for the younger generation. These women are mentally young and sharp, but age wise probably mostly over 40."