BY MARTHA SARUMPAET
Naarm based fashion designer, Kylah Palis, the founder of Kylah Owo, is a creative that views fashion as an art form. More than just clothing, Kylah channels her creativity through her garments, pushing boundaries and redefining what can be seen on a runway. With rebellion at the core of the label, Kylah Owo advocates for our differences to be seen as our ‘superpowers’.
Music, arts, and fashion have always been a safe haven for Palis. Having moved from the Philippines at the age of seven, Palis grew up in West Melbourne where she was always immersed in the vibrant culture. Always surrounded by people who were fearlessly themselves, Palis was inspired by their willingness to celebrate their identity.
“I’m inspired by the things I feel liberated by. The scene I grew up in, it was very much based around hip-hop culture, and everyone dressed really cool and weren’t afraid to express themselves. It was so cool to see people so confident in what they wear,” explains Kylah.
“At first I was never drawn to high-end designers like Karl Lagerfeld, because I couldn’t relate to that world. Then I remember my teacher mentioning Vivienne Westwood. I didn’t think my style was something that could be on a runway, until I saw Vivienne Westwood’s designs. I was like ‘I see it now’, I was mind blown.”
Creativity has always been Kylah’s avenue for expressing herself, having wanted to pursue music most of her life. However, growing up with immigrant parents, it was challenging to convince them that pursuing a career in the arts was viable. It wasn’t until she started showing tangible success in fashion that her parents acknowledged her potential in the creative field.
While Palis’ name is not actually Kylah Owo, it is a persona that she created at the age of seven: “It actually started when I wanted to play Pet Society on facebook when I was little. My mum told me not to use my real name on Facebook. I was in grade two so I chose Kylah Owo. I just kept it. Everywhere I moved schools everyone thought it was my real last name. It’s not, but only real ones know. I like it because It’s definitely like an internet name. In this digital age, I’m able to express my fashion sense through social media,”
Having graduated from the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Kylah’s educational journey has been crucial in developing her skills and pushing her creative boundaries. While she initially pursued fashion design to challenge herself, her portfolio showcased her styling experience. Eager to learn something new, Kylah embraced the opportunity to expand her knowledge and gain valuable insights into the fashion industry.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in Palis’ design process. Intentional of the materials she utilises, Palis stresses it is always something she keeps in mind before creating.
“I remind myself to be conscious and realistic. I want to look at what is actually sustainable and what is doable,” she says. “Right now it’s just me, but recently I’ve been looking into outsourcing certain things and in very small quantities. I want to start with small quantities to ensure I’m doing everything ethically here in Melbourne,”
Kylah Palis’ journey as a designer truly showcases the power of authenticity. With commitment to her vision, there is no doubt she is carving her path as a designer who fearlessly embraces self-expression.
Shop Kylah Owo custom designs and ready-to-wear pieces at kylahowo.com and follow the designer on Instagram at @kylahowo.
IMAGES: Tilly Parsons & Bella Simmons
