Kai Petty launches her first collection for her new bridal line, 5^th and Welshire, today. Petty launches her brand after a career in government and public servant work, but she has fashion in her genes. She is the daughter of a seamstress and a tailor and learned the importance of quality and fit at an early age.  She was raised to find job security, which for her meant a government job from Monday to Friday and creating bespoke special occasion pieces at nights and on weekends.

In 2018, she suffered her first spontaneous lung collapse and while in recovery, decided the time was now. “I have been full steam ahead ever since“ Petty said. “It isn’t easy managing both, but it seems to always work itself out. I work my 9-to-5 and then work on the brand from 6 to 12am.  I am adamant about not mixing the two. I am appreciative of the lessons that I learn at my day job. They have prepared me for running my own brand.”

5^th and Welshire, which is launching exclusively on CFDA’s Runway360, was inspired by her lack and inspiration planning her own wedding 10 years ago.  “It was very difficult to find attire for all the wedding events that was chic enough for the occasion and fit my personality and style,” she said. “I was looking for something that wasn’t just a white dress that I found and happened to wear to the bridal shower. I really wanted a look that fit the occasion but also transcended it. When I decided to pursue my dream of design, I was initially torn between becoming a ready-to-wear designer and a bridal designer. Based on my own wedding experience, I realized there is space in the market for my take on bridal.”

To launch during a pandemic has been no easy feat. Weddings were cancelled or transformed into micro-events, often live-streamed on zoom. At this time where a ball gown seems out of touch with our current reality, she has seized the moment to save the big day for the brides who are opting for a city hall wedding or a backyard fete – and who do not want to sacrifice the style of their dress. As she put it, “My bridal philosophy is ‘Less is more.’” Very similar to my fashion philosophy, consider what your gown or wedding attire will look like 10 years from now in pictures.”

In addition to fashion, she is also a certified interior decorator. The inspiration behind this first collection was from her wedding anniversary trip to Paris a few years ago where she found the mix of neoclassical and modern design to be the impetus for her own line.

Click here to view the full collection.

IG: @5thandwelshire

Website: fifthandwelshire.com