Living Room
MEET THE 2022 KARL KANI x E&J MENTORSHIP WINNER
Introducing Rachel A. Fenderson of Pepper Jacques
Congratulations to Rachel A. Fenderson, co-founder of fashion brand Pepper Jacques, on her selection as the winner of the 2022 Karl Kani x E&J Brandy Mentorship. Fenderson will receive a yearlong one-on-one mentorship from the Godfather of Urban Streetwear, as well as a $10,000 project stipend. We sat down with the fashion guru to learn more about her life, the brand, and how she plans to maximize her time with Karl Kani.
How would you describe yourself?
I am an artist who lives, breathes, and eats fashion. I love to illustrate my designs and technical flats from scratch then see it through to production. My goals, dreams, and ambitions are predicated on the hardcore discipline that was instilled in me through my parents nurture and scholarship. I am also a Fashion Historian, Curator, and the Lead Authority on Fashion Designer, Couturier, and Costumier Jay Jaxon.
Tell us about Pepper Jacques.
On January 1, 2011, my sister Marshea Fenderson and I established a womenswear company monikered Pepper Jacques. I named our brand after my favorite cheese. Our luxury brand utilizes sophisticated designs to capture the styles and curves of a woman’s body. The Pepper Jacques woman is a trendsetter perpetually teetering on the edge of haute couture while remaining loyal to classic lines, lush fabrics and accessories. We design garments for sizes 0-22.
What is your brand’s mission and vision?
Pepper is downtown chic and Jacques is uptown elegance. Pepper Jacques is where edge meets regal. Our brand vision is that we are not a Misses brand, we are not a Plus brand, we are a fashion brand. We create for all women. Our company motto is that Pepper Jacques is a lifestyle choice, and so is stunting.
Any work you’re extra proud of?
As far as collaborations, we have partnered with The Body Shop at their SoHo and Long Island, New York locations to promote the release of our Accessories Fall/Winter collection which consisted of sequined motorcycle gloves, opera gloves, beanies, hoody wrap scarves, as well as circular infinity scarves. The Stella IIII Resort Collection was Pepper Jacques’ first introduction into the industry as a womenswear brand, and it consisted of polarized eyewear, innovative swimwear pieces, day-to-night dresses, eveningwear, coverups, and oversized hats made in silk chiffon, charmeuse, and mesh fabrics.
What made you apply for the 2022 Karl Kani x E&J Brandy mentorship program?
Besides the fact that Karl Kani is a legend, hands down! As a designer, I applied to this program because I wanted to be a sponge and absorb the knowledge from a world renowned designer who is self-made. Karl Kani not only opened doors, he demolished the entire building of naysayers, and left a blueprint for the next generation to sketch their dreams into reality. When you can visualize it, you can become it, and I see myself in Karl Kani. I admire the fact that Karl Kani influenced a generation of people through his style, flavor, creativity, vision, and love of fashion.
What do you hope to get out of the mentorship, and your time with Karl Kani?
I hope Karl Kani can help me and my business be more established and empowered in the fashion industry. I hope to learn more lessons through Karl Kani’s lived business experiences for me to then make knowledgeable business decisions. I desire to receive candid and direct feedback not only on my business goals and company direction, but also on aesthetics, garments samples, and fabric selections.
Karl Kani has an enduring legacy. What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to live beyond my walk on this earth, and be documented in history books, museum exhibitions, and on the curriculums of scholars. I specifically want to have an impact on the dreamers to pursue their dreams into reality, without doubt nor fear.
Want to keep up with Rachel throughout her journey with Karl Kani? Follow her on IG at @Rachelext, and find Pepper Jacques at @PepperJacques or pepperjacques.com.
Let us know if you liked the spotlight, and who you’d like to hear from next!
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Fam Comments
ttpjquinn
22 months agoawesome
chocolateladyct@yahoo.com
22 months agoCongratulations on winning. Can't wait to see your next collection. Hopefully purchase a few items.
Tracy Lynn-Pittman-1609201336
22 months agoIt really looks good can't wait to try it
MzScarface
22 months agoThat’s Awesome Congratulations girl
Monkiee
22 months agoI'm into networking and meeting very influential people. This meeting is a way of achieving my goals and adding more worth to my value; which is hight. I know my worth and would love this opportunity. Thank you again.
patty
22 months agoyes
Vagabond Savant
22 months agoSuper dope! I really like this line. Reading this, as well as seeing the photos has definitely taught me a few things about my own brand, and what is expected of me as a designer! I have a feeling I’ll be seeing A LOT more of Pepper Jacques in the not-so-distant future!
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