K.NGSLEY DEBUTS NEW EXPANSIVE COLLECTION
K.NGSLEY launches C1A1, the label’s inaugural expansive collection, offering ready-to-wear and accessories ranging from jewelry to footwear. The Black-owned brand was founded in 2020 by New York-based designer Kingsley Gbadegesin, a first-generation Nigerian-American. K.NGSLEY aims to reclaim and redefine the Black, Queer, Femme body and to create the tangible, direct support communities need today.
The label initially launched with the now infamous tanks in Collection 0: BQ Essentials, which have been worn by the likes of Lil Nas X, Bretman Rock, Issa Rae, and Zaya Wade, among others.
Due to the overwhelming support of this past venture, K.NGSLEY is sharing the next iteration of the label with a full collection to give THE GIRLS the full head-to-toe K.NGSLEY fantasy. While designing the first collection, Kingsley wanted to make sure he built upon his core offering in new ways that felt right for this next transition while championing a new form of inclusive and approachable luxury. This collection is the K.NGSLEY aesthetic and an ode to how Kingsley wishes to present himself to the world.
Highlighted items teased earlier this year through pre-order include the Vincent top, a sleeveless woven cotton top in eggshell with a raw edge fused collar. Details include an invisible zipper on the left shoulder, darted back panels, and a layered v-shaped back opening. The Ayan trouser; a mid-rise, straight-leg cotton faille trouser in eggshell with seven-pocket styling, belt loops at the waistband, zipper-fly with antique nickel hardware. Rounding out the pre-order was the malachite oversized cardigan in recycled wool with horn hardware, as seen on the September cover of Teen Vogue featuring Natalia Bryant.
The 701 jewelry which debuted this past summer, promotes sex positivity, arming youth in the community with the proper resources to take control of their sexual health. As Black and Brown folk still have the highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in America. It also brings awareness to the lower levels of access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, within the community. The offering includes the 701 drop earrings in brass accented with dipped PrEP Blue enamel and the 701 Mini Choker dipped enamel with gold accent, which have been a hit since the reveal.
The Clandestine boots are the first foray into footwear and are sure to be the next staple piece for the K.NGSLEY customer. The round toe, ankle-high matte leather boots in black are detailed with tonal wraparound lace-up closure at heel and zip closure at the inner side. Composed of a triple-stacked tonal leather heel with tonal leather midsole and outsole, the Clandestine is the label’s take on a faded combat boot with a twist.
C1A1 is available now on k.ngsley.com and select retail partners including Nordstrom, Moda Operandi, Fred Segal among others.
