Meet the innovative mind behind the Ken McDonald Collection
The black tailor with an eye for fashion
The fashion industry remains one of the hardest to break into as dozens of brands come and go, styles fade and clientele shifts. The designers that stick around prioritize quality over quantity and always keep an eye on the future. Black tailor Ken McDonald is one of these special few. In a world in which most brands are content with slapping their logo on a shirt and calling it theirs, Ken has started from the ground up, building his clientele off the strength of his custom mens and womenswear, learning from established names in black fashion while carving out his own.
1. Before you started your business, you were a Division One ball player. Was there ever a moment of "What now" when you graduated or did you always have an idea of what's next?
First off, I would like to thank my former coaches & Alcorn State University for giving me the opportunity to play the beautiful game of basketball on the Division 1 level. The journey, not the destination is what makes a man, what develops a man. I think every college athlete has that thought once they realize the road is coming to an end. For me, I've always said once I’m done playing the game, coaching would be my way of giving back and I would start in the community where I grew up to try and help the kids that’s in the same situations I was in. I had someone who helped show me the way so why not do the same, you know.
2. When did you begin creating menswear? How did you learn and develop your craft?
I began creating menswear August of 2019. S/O to my mentor/my guy Steve Smith (Icandy Custom Clothing) who I've worked with and studied for years. He has been in the designing game for over 10 years. Instead of starting from the bottom like most people that start their own business, he has helped me start in the middle with all of the knowledge and game he shared with me. As far as how it all happened....style has always been part of me. My mom and grandma are very stylish. They’ve always had the drip, you know, Jewelry, Hats, Suits etc. I’ve always been into looks more-so than clothes. I’ve always been ahead of the trend. Fashion is basically having an eye for the next thing you know, the next thing people will follow. I’ve spent time studying the fashion game just like I studied basketball. I like to be prepared before I open the the door. “Ken McDonald Collection” is up next and will be heavy in the culture.
"I’ve always been into looks more-so than clothes. I’ve always been ahead of the trend. Fashion is basically having an eye for the next thing you know, the next thing people will follow."
3. What are some qualities of your collection that you'd like to highlight? What stands out about your brand?
I want to clarify to everyone that “Ken McDonald Collection” is a movement/A lifestyle. It has its own presence. It’s not just a logo on some clothing, my Collection cements that. I’m focused on it. When you put on “Ken McDonald Collection” I want you to feel special, you know? Just like Gucci, Tom Ford and the other big brands.
"My greatest reward is when the product is finished and my clients put it on for the first time I see how it gives them a sense of pleasure"
4. How has your clientele been thus far? Any people in particular that you'd like to work with?
My clientele has been great so far, my product speaks for itself so I get a lot of clients by word of mouth. If I had the opportunity I would love to work with Diddy & Jay Z. They are Moguls with knowledge to share. They think big, they weren't just concerned with the lifespan of their own careers, they changed the culture.
5. What's been the hardest part about starting your own business from scratch? What's been the most rewarding?
Before starting my business I knew that there would be challenges and rewards. Due to previous obligations my travel was limited which was the biggest challenge; however I overcame that by starting a World Tour where I gave clients outside of my area a more personal experience. My greatest reward is when the product is finished and my clients put it on for the first time I see how it gives them a sense of pleasure. Another great reward is when I receive calls, text, emails about a professional fitting and their first words are “i received your information from such and such”. That alone keeps me motivated.
6. What's your favorite suit that you've crafted thus far?
I don’t have any favorites but my most memorable one has to be the first one designed for Rodney Hood of the Portland Trailblazers.
7. Where would like to see your brand in the next few years?
In next the few years I would like to see my brand on a major platform. When celebrities or anyone need custom suits, I want my name to be in the conversation with all of the greats. Honestly I believe in the next few years this can be a million dollar business with hard and dedication.
8. What advice would you give to a fellow black tailor or anyone who'd like to start their own business?
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