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.