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Minna Kao

"My designs are modern and elegant with a twist."

Minna Kao approaches her design sense as modern elegance with an edge. Dressing women with worldly confidence and effortless grace and style is the aesthetic of her collection. A native Texan, Minna graduated from UT Austin with a BS in Textiles and Apparel. She evolved quickly by honing her skills at Fashion Institute of Technology and graduating at Parsons School of Design.

She also apprenticed and freelanced under prestigious brands in Tokyo, and under designers in Paris, such as Alan Faye and Diane Pernet. Minna didn’t stop there. To add to her portfolio, she worked in bridal and evening wear houses in New York. One house she gives most appreciation to is Amsale, helping her gain the extensive knowledge she needed to launch her eponymous company in 2006. Her life skills coupled with work experience is evident in her label, which is a full expression of her past and present influences.

Minna Kao founded her eponymous company in 2006. The company began as a custom bridal line, and eventually expanded to bridal ready-to-wear and eveningwear. After making the first posts on Etsy.com and collaborating with the retailer, Kleinfeld, MinnaK began making its mark online in blogs, and websites such as Martha Stewart.com. A signature gown from the collection has also been featured in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of Brides New York. MinnaK has stayed true to the concept behind this brand, which is to design gorgeous gowns that highlight the beauty of the woman.

Designer Facts:
The one item in my closet that I will never get rid of is my mother's 1950's wool coat with trapunto stitched lining and a removable faux fur collar.

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