It started at a very early age. Growing up in small-town Ohio, early values included supporting small businesses and buying products that were Made in the USA -- and made to last. I wore hand-me-downs. My mother shopped smart and she often made my clothes. Shopping was a treat (not a daily activity) and purchases were thoughtful. When I moved to NYC and began my professional career, I was seduced by the thrill of shopping at the big, fast-fashion retailers, until one day, I wasn't anymore. The temptation wore off as fast as the clothes wore out and I suddenly didn't enjoy being a part of our massive consumer culture. So in 2005, as I was beginning to reclaim my childhood values and become a conscious consumer again, I found myself at a crossroads in my career...and I had my AHA moment. Less than a year later, I opened KAIGHT in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
We source goods that reflect a value system that respects humankind and the environment. KAIGHT values good product design and quality above all else; all of our products should be worn for years to come. Many of our brands are small, women-owned businesses like ours that value authenticity and good quality goods.
Growing up in small-town Ohio, early values included supporting small businesses and buying products that were Made In The USA -- and made to last. Purchases were thoughtful. When I moved to NYC and began my professional career, I was seduced by the thrill of shopping at the big, fast-fashion retailers, until one day, I wasn't anymore.
The temptation wore off as fast as the clothes wore out and I suddenly didn't enjoy being a part of our massive consumer culture. In 2005, as I was beginning to reclaim my childhood values and become a conscious consumer again, I discovered a movement was happening: London Fashion Week had launched Esthetica, which was devoted to showcasing ethical brands, and brands began showing the cool and sexy side of "eco fashion". Retail, however, had not caught up.
In 2006, I found myself at a crossroads in my career, and had my AHA moment. Less than a year later, I opened KAIGHT in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
The mission was simple: To provide consumers with fashion-forward clothing and accessories with a sustainable component, including sustainable textiles and ethical production, among others. We source goods that reflect a value system that respects humankind and the environment.
KAIGHT values good product design and quality above all else. All of our products should be worn for years to come. We aim to create a shopping experience that is based in integrity, authenticity and transparency.
Since opening, Kaight has been recognized as a leader in the slow fashion movement and has been featured in Vogue, Elle, CBS, Expedia.com, Ecocult.com, Inhabitat.com and more. Now located in Beacon, NY and Montclair, NJ, KAIGHT continues to be a destination for those seeking well-designed clothing and accessories by independent designers with an emphasis on sustainability.
Now located in Beacon, NY and Montclair, NJ, Kaight continues to be a leader in the sustainable fashion community, the store has evolved to become a specialized, local boutique. Our customers are our neighbors and friends, and I love being a part of our local communities; in many ways, it feels like I've come full circle.
I'd love to be a part of your community, too, so please let me know if there are ways to enhance your online shopping experience.
xo,
Kate
KAIGHT continues to be a destination for those seeking well-designed clothing and accessories by independent designers with an emphasis on sustainability. While KAIGHT continues to be a leader in the sustainable fashion community, the store has evolved to become a specialized neighborhood boutique. Our customers are our neighbors and friends, and I love being a part of our local community; in many ways, it feels like I've come full circle. I'd love to be a part of your community, too, so please let me know if there are ways to enhance your online shopping experience.
xo
Since opening, KAIGHT has been recognized as a leader in the slow fashion movement and has been featured in
