Kenny Flanagan the Designer showing the 7-fold luxury tie
Kenny “KAS” Flanagan is an exceptional luxury fashion designer, to say the least.
KAS, a D.C. native and New Yorker, brings dapper and fresh perspective to fine menswear design and craftsmanship with his iconic, personal style. Eclectic as his garments, KAS was chosen in 2006 to study under the late, world-renowned designer, Yves Saint Laurent in London and Milan. Soon after, KAS became the first African-American male to sell his couture designer collection at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Now possessing more than 20 years of sartorial genius, KAS has designed menswear, dresses and accessories for numerous entertainers, athletes and dignitaries. Grammy award-winning songstresses such as Alicia Keys and CeCe Winans, actress Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma from the TV show “Good Times”), and Miss Black USA 2009 Shayna Rudd-Winters have all trusted KAS to design and style them with his elegant couture gowns.
Most recently, actor Lamont Easter, model Adam Ayash and television personality Paul Wharton relied on KAS for the perfect cut in bespoke suits, using the finest fabrics, exquisite craftsmanship and standout details.
“If the fit is not right, the suit is not right,” KAS told AFRO in a recent interview.
Kenny showing an up close of the 7-fold luxury tie
Since his days with Saint Laurent, KAS has traveled the world discovering fashion, textiles and manufacturing in Tokyo, Japan, parts of Indonesia and Seoul, Korea. Global experiences such as those led to one thing: sustained success over time. KAS now works as the assistant regional manager for Turkish menswear label Sarar, located in Tyson’s Corner, Va. Sarar is known for Italian-designed FineMen Fashion and British techniques like the luxury 7-fold tie. KAS said he enjoys offering his clients Sarar’s “luxury at an affordable price.”
Maggy Francois, an elite member of the Popularizer 100 for Glamour Magazine’s Glamspotter crew, booked KAS as a menswear designer for Congressional Black Caucus fashion shows in the early 2000s. Francois has continued to work with KAS over the years, loving his flair for menswear design.
“KAS is a go-getter.” said Francois, a former board member of the Fashion Group International for DC and New York. “He is motivated and creative.”
Since his start in 1996, KAS has received many designer awards and has had the honor to ghost design for several global fashion houses including Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Burberry and Max Azria Atelier. In 2012, KAS was featured as Entrepreneur of the Week on the television show “Black Enterprise.”
As KAS works his craft in D.C. and Los Angeles, he remains humble.
“I suit everyone,” KAS said. He previously owned an eponymous flagship at the National Harbor and a shop in Georgetown.
Whether designing or styling, KAS’ work has been featured in upscale magazines including Essence, Ebony, DC Modern Luxury, and Uptown Magazine among others. KAS remains widely known as the CEO and principal designer for his lifestyle brands “KAS Collection Inc.,” “W.E.T. (With Exceptional Taste),” and “KAS Couture.”
In my opinion, KAS is a sartorial prince of the fashion kingdom with a super-cool aesthetic, couture designs, and excellently-crafted garb. Hats off to you, my brother!