PATTERN’s 2019 SUPPLY tradeshow (previously known as the STREETExPO) took place on October 5. SUPPLY is the only streetwear and contemporary fashion trade show in Central Indiana and PATTERN is highlighting just a handful of the brands that were showcased at that show. SUPPLY aims to serve as a conduit between brands, buyers, designers and fashion lovers continuing to bring attention to Indy’s fashion aspirations and talent. To learn more about the event, visit the SUPPLY info page here. SUPPLY will be back in August of 2020.
Komafi, a streetwear brand based on being inclusively exclusive. CP, owner of Komafi, always comes up with out of the box ideas, including his display at SUPPLY which landed him the Best Booth award! Read more about CP’s experience with his brand and with SUPPLY below!
Where did your love of streetwear/fashion begin?
I initially started out making college apparel for the Wabash College bookstore in 2012. After a few failed attempts at getting them to produce some of contemporary designs I decided to start my own brand. At the time I was operating under the name Kite & Key and when I was trying to run SEO, things like Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia, electricity, etc. I wanted a brand that had no other word associations and I’ve always liked my brothers middle name, Karmophy, so I changed the spelling and added the umlaut (Ä) to pay homage to my German heritage (I am a German citizen).
What’s behind the name of your brand?
The message behind my brand is “Inclusively Exclusive.” To me this represents my desire to create for all, but also illustrates the limited pieces we produce.
Describe your design process from conception to realization.
The advice I would consistently give to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start now. Stop waiting for the perfect timing, person, product, etc. The sooner you get started, the sooner you encounter the challenges you’ll have to overcome. Start now because the learning process is endless.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as you’ve tried to grow your business?
Every entrepreneur has challenges and every day has a new set of them. One specific problem I have had to overcome was trying to figure out how to get a multicolor image on to a nylon jacket. I was told by many people it could not be done but I wouldn’t accept that. After weeks of trying to find someone that could help, I found a process that would work.
What is your favorite part about owning your own brand?
My favorite part of the process of taking an idea and creating something you can physically hold/wear.
What’s next for you?
With the more I learn about patterning, fabrics, marketing, etc you can expect that Komäfi will develop higher quality pieces with functionality at the forefront.
What was your biggest takeaway from SUPPLY?
SUPPLY is always a good event to network with others that are doing the same things as you.
Keep up with Komäfi on Instagram, Facebook, and their website.
