Antoni Kirk
Palm Springs
wHO iS
aNTONI
KIRK?
Throughout my life, people accused me of being "too much." I tried to fade into the background, but no matter how much I tried, I always imagined myself as the Headliner while everyone else was waiting in the wings!
I adore color — if you can't tell by my inaugural SP26 Collection. After years of trying not to be too much, I finally embraced being enough. Why go through life as a back-up dancer when you can be the Star?
And that is the heart of Antoni Kirk: claiming your place in the spotlight, unapologetically, dramatically, and with excellent posture!
BE BOLD.
BE BRIGHT.
BE THE HEADLINER.
But also, my dears, luxury should never be a punishment, so Be Comfortable! Dior said "there can be no fashion without foundation" but you never saw him catwalking around with a cinched corset (not that we know of, at least). Glamour should always let you breathe.
ACT ONE
THE HUMBLE
BEGINNINGS
If you have read thus far, you must either be a relative, bored, or you've taken your seat in this comedy of errors. Bravo!
Dad
Antoni was raised in the suburbs of a Midwestern city to a Dad who worked at a major aeronautics company and a stay-at-home Mom who dreamed of a more glamorous life. Before marriage, she actually worked as a team-room model for a local women's store (in a time when tea rooms still existed).
Antoni & June
Dad was a Scout Master and an avid fisherman, two pursuits that had no appeal for young Antoni. One birthday, a new man came into his life: GI Joe! He loved his little soldier but always thought Joe could use the companionship of Barbie - and let's be honest, maybe Ken, too.
Antoni & Joe
One fateful day, finding some tattered graph paper, he drew an entire couture collection of paper doll clothes. Naturally, these masterpieces were hidden safely away in a drawer, lest an older brother should stumble upon such genius before its time.
And then, it happened. Lurking in the basement inside a garment bag, revealed only a single sleeve belonging to a Charcoal Grey, 3/4 sleeve jacket trimmed in Grey Fox! He couldn't unzip the bag, but that lone sleeve sparked a thousand questions - What was it? Why had Mother never worn it? And how fabulous was the rest of it???
And dear reader, a Star was Born (way before the last two remakes).
ACT TWO
WELCOME TO
THE THEATRE
Cue the overture, dim the house lights and enter Stage Left: Young Antoni Kirk.
Fast forward - quick change - to the college theatre department where, as a senior, he took a costuming class and learned to sew, sketch and create. This was no casual elective, this was the moment he decided he wanted to be the next Theoni V. Aldredge (Google her - homework is glamorous).
He earned his Master's degree in Theatre Design and worked here and there - mostly "there" - eventually landing in garment manufacturing. But then, because every show needs a plot twist, he came upon an idea sparked by a 1960s Polnesian Kaftan Pattern found at a thrift store: a fitted Kaftan in the front with a dramatic, flowing Watteau back (again, Google is your friend!). Structured where it counts, theatrical in the back.
And just like lights up, curtain call - he took his place Centre Stage. Antoni Kirk Apparel debuted. Please don't make this an out-of-town tryout, but a smash hit everyone wants to see!
SOME EARLY ANTONI KIRK SKETCHES
THE PROGRAMME
IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL
THE FAT LADY SINGS
Every style has a story, and every story has a name - pulled lovingly from the people who shaped my life, past and present. Cue the spotlight:
June
My fashionista Mother who owned & wore a rhinestone tiara
Linda
My dear friend, fearless in animal prints and who never met a chunky necklace she didnt love
Beth
Linda's neice, because fabulousness is hereditary
Kenny
My dad, The Producer, in more ways than one.
Sandy D
Cast as the original best girlfriend (shhh! don't tell Katie!)
Myrna
My California Aunt, serving sunshine and style
Melissa
Linda's daughter - sassy, brassy with a surprisingly soft side (like her namesake tank)
Valerie
My city brainicac cousin
Bobby
My two uncles, because one Bobby wasn't enough
Butch
My oldest brother (also a Kenny - confusing, but iconic)
Rita
My California cousin - how the West Was Won
Samantha
Linda's granddaughter. Lady Adorabelle
Katie
My bestest girlfriend, chosen family and external co-star
Deb
My first sis-in-law, an original cast member
Tanya
Another beautiful sis-in-law who tamed the wild beast known as my brother!
...and darlings, this is only the beginning.