Cover image: Kate Mack at her rue Oberkampf boutique
© Entrée to Black Paris

This is the last installment of our exclusive interview with fashion designer Kate Mack.
Read Part 1 here. 
Read Part 2 here.

What’s one of your proudest moments since opening your shop?

Undoubtedly, it is the acquisition of some of my designs by NMAAHC (National Museum of African American History and Culture) in Washington DC. I have been part of their permanent collection since they opened in 2016.

National Museum of African American History and Culture
2020 Frank Schulenburg
CC-BY-SA 4.0

I feel blessed to be part of such a meaningful place and the Smithsonian Institution in general. It’s a mind blowing achievement coming from where I do, being a French designer, and knowing how I made my way to fashion. It’s a great reward for being persistent and determined, and I can only advocate for more of this in the future.

Kate Mack design acquired by NMAAHC
Image courtesy of the designer

Where do you see yourself and your brand in 10 years?

1) Going global after getting back on track regarding exports after being deprived of this due to attacks on my business,

and

2) Creating a fashion house run by a Black person…

How do you think being a Black designer in Paris has impacted your experience in the fashion world?

Greatly and sadly, at so many levels.

It has been difficult, with a lot of closed doors and obstacles. I can’t believe I’ve been lacking visibility and funding to make my brand a real success until now.

Even if we’re talking about culture, which most people think should be gathering open minded people, it’s obviously not the case in this world. Fashion is a very conservative field to evolve in and often times people make you feel like you don’t belong here.

I've even had shop visitors making me feel that way. I remember one telling me I show way too much boldness in keeping up with my activities.

Kate Mack boutique - façade
© Entrée to Black Paris

Artisanal fashion accessories displayed at Kate Mack
© Entrée to Black Paris

Although I have nothing but my faith and talent, some people were willing to crush me literally in ways I could never have thought of when I got started. Others will just ignore you as if they want to silence your contribution to fashion.  And I’m not even talking about the constant lack of support.

Ironically I’ve received genuine validation from people and countries abroad who have hired me or invited me to their Fashion Week and fashion events as a representative of French fashion and Parisian style.

This quote from Michael Granger, a businessman I know, pretty much summarizes it all: 

I give major credit to her [Kate] for the fortitude she has exhibited in keeping her independent business going, without the resources of the major brands and with a paucity of support in general.

Honestly, I thank God I’m so passionate about what I do and see it as a purpose!

Kate Mack
15, rue Oberkampf
75011 Paris
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12 PM-2 PM; 3 PM-8 PM
Metro: Oberkampf (Lines 5 and 9) or Filles du Calvaire (Line 8)