KYE INTIMATES
KYE Intimates is an artfully minded lingerie brand helping women feel sexy and sensible. Launched in 2017, the young brand represents a modern take on everyday undergarments.
Founder Bonita Kye understands how women want to feel and what we value. The pieces are minimalistic in design, sustainably produced and comfortable to wear; a trifecta unfortunately rather difficult to find. Through sharing an authentic vision, she’s built KYE alongside a community. She’s collaborated with like-minded creatives; a collection in partnership with skincare line LESSE, journal entries and conversation pieces with Tiana Petrullo, and seasonal giveaways with niche brands Sigil Scent, Rachel Saunders Ceramics and Frisson Knits. Bonita shares with us her references in modern art, interest in ceramics and post-quarantine hopes.
Where is your studio based?
Santa Monica, CA
How did your interest in design begin?
My father is a really great painter, which made me appreciate design at a very early age.
What is unique about your creative process?
Unconfined by seasonality, each piece is meant to be transitional and multifunctional.
Who or What are some of your specific inspirations?
I’m greatly influenced by the 'International Style' architectural movement, the way ornamentation is stripped from the structure and exposes the building’s construction with such vulnerability.
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be?
Agnes Martin
If you had to work with a different medium, what would it be?
Would love to learn to work with clay.
Can you explain your design process?
It is important to us to keep a tight / edited collection. The woman is at the center of each design—every detail is intentional with practical comfort and functionality at the forefront.
Do you have any repeat processes or habits you find yourself returning to in each piece/collection?
There are recurring motifs throughout, always natural support / wire-free.
How do you practice sustainability?
We partner with a family-owned, solar dependent factory. Each garment is designed and made in Los Angeles from deadstock fabric. Our packaging is composed of 100% recycled content and 25% post-consumer waste made!
What's been the most frustrating or challenging hurdle you have come across/overcome since starting Kye?
Our biggest hurdle is strategizing ways to reduce our overhead while continuously minimizing our environmental impact and never compromising quality.
A Guilty Pleasure
Rolling around naked in freshly washed sheets
Something you're currently reading/listening to/watching:
Reading: The New Yorker
Listening: Michael Kiwanuka
Watching: Just binge watched 'Normal People' after binge reading the book
One thing you're looking forward to...
Hugging friends + family
CREDITS
Photography & Art Direction Carly Smith
Styling Paige Melkerson
Makeup & Hair Autumn Suna
Model Yana Rybina
Featuring Kye Intimates Spring/Summer 2020
For more information about Bonita Kye and her collections, head to KYEINTIMATES.COM
This interview published in ONE Magazine Online