Designer: Kay Andrada
Photography: Joseph Lucey
Model: Amanda Farley
Stylist: Keaton Burton of Lewisburg Surf Shop
Direction: Adam Payne, Adrienne French & Annika Godwin
Designer Statement
Mabuhay! My name is Kay Andrada, and I am proud to present my very first mini collection: “The M1str3ss.” I am a self-taught designer who was born and raised in the Philippines, but I have called West Virginia home for the past six years. It was here in the mountains where my passion for design exploded. Since 2021, I have been slowly learning about fashion and teaching myself the design process through the help of social media, shows like Project Runway or Next in Fashion and countless hours of trial and error.
A huge part of my brand is sustainability and upcycling clothes. In particular, I love working with denim and upcycling a common pair of jeans, and that’s where I drew inspiration for my mini collection. This mini collection is the perfect representation of who I am as a designer. It is a celebration of femininity — inspired by the amazing women in my life. “The M1str3ss” is a multifaceted woman who takes control, is un-afraid to stand out, loves taking risks and her resilience shines through. “The M1str3ss” is more than just a woman, she is a state of mind.
This mini collection marks the beginning of my career as a designer, and I hope it inspires you to continue supporting small and independent designers in Appalachia. To keep up with me — whether to watch my creative process in designing or just to see my OOTDs — follow me on Instagram @kaayatoday.
(Above) Amanda on the street wearing a belted denim skirt with hardware + upcycled corset by KAY ANDRADA
Button-up shirt, bag & shoes: Lewisburg Surf Shop
Earrings: The Golden Rabbit
Kay onlooking as “the bodyguard” with Amanda caught outside Briergarten in a laced waist- band dress of denim and vinyl strips and tulle bow + twill gloves by KAY ANDRADA Shoes, bags,
sunglasses: Lewisburg Surf Shop
Necklaces: The Golden Rabbit
