Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Flores and Lee Yates.
Kiara and Lee, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
We met in 2012 when we were attending The Art Institute of Houston and enrolled in the same Fashion Design program. We had so many classes together the first quarter that inevitably we became close friends. We soon found out that one unique thing we have in common is the date of our birth. Coincidently, we were born on the 28th day of a month; Kiara was born on January 28th, and Lee was born on February 28th. After obtaining our Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Houston, we pursued careers in Houston’s fashion industry.
After graduation, we would always get together, and our conversations would always center on fashion. We shared the same type of “design style,” some of the same life goals, and lifestyle. That’s when we decided to create 228 (pronounced Two-two-eight) which stands for two people born on the 28th. For us, fashion is a feeling. Whether a person cares about fashion or not, whatever someone wears is enormously influential. People like to feel good about themselves, and when they do, there’s an instant euphoria whether they realize it or not.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
228 by Flores & Yates is a contemporary women’s wear brand. We design clothing that speaks for itself. One of our “mottos” or “theories” is “Clothes do not make the woman, but the woman makes the clothes.” With that mindset, we are inspired by eclectic and influential attire that accentuates a woman. She’s modern, ever-evolving, and isn’t afraid to break the rules on standard day-to-day attire.
Our theory is redefining modern silhouettes by blending unique details, textures, and colors with a minimalistic approach. We make effortless pieces made in carefully selected unique natural textiles that emphasize comfort in both the garment and in her skin. What we hope people take away from wearing our clothing is the ability to wear interchanged pieces with each other and within their wardrobe.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
As artists, we believe one of the many roles we have in today’s society is being a voice. We live in a time that you have to be vocal about what you believe in and be authentically expressive. We have the power to create, speak, and be at our highest potential. As we design, we believe our woman is proud of who she is, where she comes from, and who she is becoming just like we are. Her sensual aura radiates authenticity and style.
We believe in living a conscious lifestyle. We eat plant-based foods, treat our body, mind, and soul in any way it needs restoring (exercise, meditating, reading, etc.) and just LIVING in the present. We portray this in our materials, creative process, sketches, and etc. As a brand and to the best of our ability, we choose materials that are good to the Earth and nature. During production, we strive to use our materials such as fabric or pattern paper to their full potential and minimizing waste. Clothing to us is more than just clothing, but a conscious statement!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can follow our journey, take a look at what inspires us, see outfits, and much more on our Website, Instagram, & Facebook.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.228floresyates.com
- Email: contact@228floresyates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/228official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/228floresyates
Image Credit:
Sarah Miller
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