And the Winner is…

Winning the Fashion Insider contest is definitely a blessing. Just seven months ago I was in Buffalo, New York thinking to myself, “I need to get to New York City and start my career.” Never did I think in a million years that I would be going to Fashion Week so soon after moving here. I was browsing one of the magazines’ websites when I saw an ad for Redken’s Fashion Insider Contest, so I decided to enter. And let me tell you, this contest wasn’t your typical “pick a name out of a hat” contest; I really had to work for this—something like interviewing for a job.

First round I had to submit two writing samples, one of which was a mock fashion blog, another was a 250-word essay describing my fashion icon. The second round was a phone interview with three Redken representatives. This is where I really had to sell myself. I talked about my career goals, my blog, my love of fashion, beauty and words, and my aspirations to fuse them all. I was a nervous wreck after the phone interview. I waited a week to get a call back, only to hear I didn’t make it to the final round—I was bummed.

A week later I get a call from Peggy, one of the Redken representatives, to tell me I did make it to the next round…What?! Apparently one of the three finalists couldn’t make it to New York for the in-person interview and I was next in line—I’LL TAKE IT!! I was excited, exhausted from my excitement and anxious all at once. I scoured 34th Street for a perfect outfit, but to no avail; I ended up wearing something I already owned.

Then came the big day—the in-person interview. I knew that there were two other contestants I was up against for this, and I knew I needed to be myself, be outgoing, and bring it! I left the interview feeling pretty good. I answered their questions as best as I could, and I didn’t regret anything. My position as Fashion Insider was contingent upon the answers of my competitors.

So I went back to work, feeling a little bittersweet. I felt honored because knowing that I passed the first round meant my four years of studying English grammar, and journalistic writing paid off, but man…going to Fashion Week would defiantly be the icing on that sweet cake. Not even three hours had passed when I got a call from Peggy, “Hey Kinya, how do you think the interview went?”

“I think it went well, I don’t regret anything,” I said while laughing.
“Well guess what?” Peggy said, her voice a little menacing.
“What?!”
“You won! You’re going to Fashion Week!!”
“No way!” was I could say.

So I went from fourth to first in the matter of one interview. Being Redken’s Fashion Insider will be an incredible experience to see designers, hair stylists, make-up artists and models at their best. I can just imagine the people I would meet, and hopefully make some great connections. Thank you so much Redken for giving me this opportunity!

The Three Styleketeers

My love of style came to me at a young age from three of the most important women in my life who taught me the fundamentals of individual style. First is my great-grandmother, the southern belle from South Carolina, who wears the most beautiful white embellished dresses accessorized with an even more extravagant white hat. Ever since I’ve been on this earth, and even before, she has only worn different shades of white…yes shades—like cream, eggshell, ivory, magnolia, etc. She is beautiful in every measure, and it goes to show that you can be stylish with only one color!

Next is my grandmother. She is the sophisticated, conservative business woman with well structured skirts, blouses and suits. She irons everything—even her jeans, and abides by the washing instructions tag on every article of clothing. She is the quintessential New Yorker in every way—extremely modern.


Then of course, is my mother. Her love of prints and flowing fabrics mirrors her easy-going personality. She’ll match a black and white zebra print with a red Fendi bag, armor her arms with gold bracelets, and look fabulous.


All three women taught me that style is not what you wear, but how you wear it and true style is the individual and not the fashion.

My Fashion Insider Duty

I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to be Redken’s Fashion Insider. Of course as a dutiful Fashion Insider, I will give my readers the inside scoop on what’s “in” for Spring and Summer (clothing, hair, make-up), and upload exclusive photos from backstage and the runway. In addition, I want to show my readers all of the hard work that is put into developing a cohesive, well-planned and fashionable runway show. Many people forget, or are unaware, that what goes on in the background dictates what they see on the runway.

So I hope you get a chance to read my blog, leave comments, ask questions, check photos, and most important of all—enjoy my postings! Stay tuned!