Handmade in New York City
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About
Handmade in New York City
Each piece is handmade in New York City with trims and materials from local vendors in Manhattan's garment district and Queens.
Kinktessa: The Label
Kinktessa is primarily a lingerie and swimwear line, but we also specialize in clubwear and fetish wear. Each piece is made by hand. Some, especially fetishwear and lingerie and boxers for those transitioning, is custom made to order. Kinktessa strives to be accessible to all. Our lingerie is available in xs-xl as well as plus sizes and for all genders. To inquire about custom pieces, please email Info@kinktessa.com
Kinktessa: Meaning
My designs are inspired by the 7 years I bartended underground lifestyle and bdsm parties in New York City.
At these events, unique garments, accessories, and lingerie stand out. As people in the party scene got to know me, they learned I could make clothes. More and more orders for custom garments and lingerie came in. The next thing I knew, Kinktessa was born.
"Kinktessa" represents the "naughty and nice" feel of the clothes. Edgy yet feminine, for all genders. A study in contrasts. "Kink" is homage to the years I spent working in the nyc bdsm scene and "tessa" is for the more feminine materials I use in most of my designs- lace, sequins, etc.
Now that it's 2020 and parties aren't happening like before, Kinktessa has evolved into making masks. These aren't bdsm per say but have the same bold sentiment of Kinktessa lingerie and swimwear. Kinktessa masks use materials like wet look knit and sequins that stand out in a crowd.
Designer Bio
I've always loved fashion. Working as a personal shopper at both Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, made me want to become a designer.
The highlight of my career was working with singer/songwriter Sia.
While working with personal shopping clients, I noticed something. The design selection for plus size women was particularly lacking. Most of my personal shopping clients in that size range complained about quality and fit. I saw frustration over and over again. I paid close attention to common fit issues , knowing that they'd come in handy when I became a designer.
For this reason, the lingerie and swim I make is available in all sizes. Everything has the option of being made to order by emailing info@kinktessa.com or DMing me on instagram.
Although I had numerous fashion internships across the city, I learned the most about fit and design from working with real people. Seeing how clothing can instantly change mood and confidence is the reason I became a fashion designer. I attended and graduated from Parsons School of Design. I started bartending bdsm and lifestyle parties in Manhattan and Brooklyn to pay for school, and that is what led me to start Kinktessa.