CELEBRITY DESIGNER KENNY KAS TALKS FUBU COLLABORATION, FASHION LEGACY, AND HIS NEW MODEL BOOTCAMP
Fresh off receiving the Fashion Icon Award at the 2026 Power Player Suite, Kenny Kas shares what's next in an exclusive interview with Queen Size Magazine.
Recently, celebrity fashion designer and stylist Kenny Kas sat down with Queen Size Magazine to discuss the exciting new chapter of his career following his recognition as the recipient of the Fashion Icon Award at the 2026 Power Player Suite in New York City.
The evening was filled with unforgettable moments, but one of the biggest surprises came when Kenny Kas gave guests an exclusive first look at his highly anticipated collaboration with the legendary fashion brand FUBU.
Adding to the significance of the unveiling, FUBU Co Founder J. Alexander Martin and Co Founder Keith Perrin were in attendance to celebrate the collaboration and accept the Legends of Fashion Award on behalf of one of the most influential brands in streetwear history.
Together, the three visionaries stood on stage representing decades of creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation while introducing a collaboration that bridges fashion's rich history with its exciting future.
The exclusive Kenny Kas and FUBU collector's jacket immediately became one of the most talked about reveals of the evening. Designed as a limited edition release, the khaki jacket combines Kenny Kas' signature luxury aesthetic with the unmistakable identity of FUBU. Once the collection sells out, it will never be produced again, making every jacket a true collector's piece. The exclusive collaboration is scheduled for release this Christmas season through www.TheKennyKas.com. Fashion enthusiasts who want to be among the first to receive release details, exclusive updates, and news about the launch are encouraged to join the Kenny Kas Clothing Insider List by visiting the website today.
While the collaboration generated tremendous excitement, Kenny Kas says one of his greatest passions today is creating opportunities for others.
Creating Models, Not Just Fashion
As much as Kenny Kas enjoys designing clothing, he believes his greatest contribution to the fashion industry is helping develop the next generation of talent.
That vision inspired the launch of the Kenny Kas Model Bootcamp, a three week professional development program happening on August 8, August 15, and August 29, created for aspiring, emerging, and experienced models who want to sharpen their runway skills while learning the business behind the fashion industry.
"This is about giving people the tools to succeed," Kenny Kas explained during his conversation with Queen Size Magazine.
The bootcamp offers professional runway instruction, confidence development, personal branding, industry education, and practical insight gained from more than three decades working in luxury fashion.
Unlike traditional modeling classes that focus solely on walking the runway, the Kenny Kas Model Bootcamp prepares participants for every aspect of building a successful modeling career. In addition to professional runway training, attendees will participate in a professional photoshoot designed to teach them how to confidently work in front of the camera while building high quality portfolio images that showcase their talent.
The bootcamp welcomes models of every age, background, body type, and experience level, creating an inclusive environment where confidence, professionalism, and personal growth take center stage. To make the program accessible to aspiring models everywhere, the Kenny Kas Model Bootcamp will also be offered virtually, allowing participants from across the country to receive expert instruction, mentorship, and industry insight from wherever they are.
Fashion With Exceptional Taste
Guests attending the Power Player Suite also enjoyed a preview of Kenny Kas' popular W.E.T. Collection, which stands for With Exceptional Taste.
The collection continues attracting fashion lovers through bold craftsmanship, luxury styling, and Kenny Kas' signature inside out denim designs that have become instantly recognizable.
Helping bring both collections to life were runway models Lanta Dos Santos, Yasmeen "Yassie" Thompson, and Patty Singh, whose confidence and professionalism perfectly reflected the vision Kenny Kas hopes to instill through his Model Bootcamp.
QSM: You've built a career that has outlasted trends, brands, and even entire eras of fashion. In an industry that constantly chases what's next, how do you stay authentic without becoming stagnant?
Kenny Kas: I've never designed clothes to fit a trend. I've always designed from conviction. Trends come and go, but style is personal. The moment you start chasing what everyone else is doing, you lose what makes you different. I stay authentic by remaining curious. I travel, I observe people, I study culture, and I pay attention to how people want to express themselves. That keeps my creativity fresh without compromising who I am. Evolution doesn't mean changing your identity. It means continuing to grow while staying true to your foundation. The words I live by are “Stop rushing to be known… and take your time to be remembered”
QSM: Fashion has the power to influence culture just as much as culture influences fashion. Looking at where the industry is today, what responsibility do designers have to shape conversations around representation, identity, and opportunity rather than simply respond to them?
Kenny Kas: Designers have a responsibility to lead, not follow. Fashion has always been a reflection of society, but it also has the power to inspire change. We decide who gets seen, who gets celebrated, and who feels represented. That responsibility shouldn't be taken lightly. For me, it's about creating opportunities for people who may have never thought there was a place for them in this industry. That's one of the reasons I created the Kenny Kas Model Bootcamp. I want people from every background, every age, every body type, and every level of experience to know they belong. Fashion should open doors, not create barriers.
QSM: Success is often measured by awards, celebrity clients, or sales, yet you've invested significant time into mentoring others through your Model Bootcamp. At this stage in your career, what does legacy truly mean to you, and how do you want the next generation to define Kenny Kas long after you've designed your last collection?
Kenny Kas: Awards are appreciated. Celebrity clients are exciting. Sales keep the business going. But none of those things become your legacy. Legacy is what you leave in people. It's the confidence you helped build, the careers you helped launch, and the opportunities you created for someone who simply needed a chance. That's what the Model Bootcamp is really about. I want the next generation to remember me as someone who believed in them before they believed in themselves. If someone walks a runway, lands a campaign, or builds a successful career because of something they learned from me, that's worth more than any award I could ever receive.
QSM: If you could sit down with the version of yourself who was just starting out, with no reputation, no connections, and no guarantees, what hard truth about the fashion industry would you share that most people still aren't willing to talk about today?
Kenny Kas: I'd tell myself that talent alone isn't enough. The fashion industry rewards consistency, professionalism, relationships, and resilience just as much as creativity. There will be people who overlook you, underestimate you, or tell you no. Don't let their opinion become your reality. Keep showing up. Keep improving. Keep building your name. I'd also remind myself that your network is just as important as your portfolio. The people you treat with respect today may be the ones opening doors for you tomorrow. Success rarely happens overnight. It's built one relationship, one collection, and one opportunity at a time.
Photo credits: KBX Photography for the Jacket shoot and Stellar Life Photography for the others.
