Originally from Orlando/Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Iyomi Ho Ken traded the ever-constant season of hot for some real seasons to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Currently, Ken’s work focuses on self, race, and the intersections of the two. While she originally started designing to make clothes to fit her body (as few rarely did), in college Ken transitioned to engaging with fashion as an art form. This has become the basis of her approach when creating. Ken is the 2021 recipient of both the CFDA COVID Relief Fund and the Coach Dream It Real x CFDA Design Scholarship.

For Giving Tuesday, we sat down with her to discuss her beliefs and how they guide her work, representation, her biggest constraints as a Black, female student designer, and her goals as a designer.

 Iyomi, how does it feel to receive two CFDA scholarships?

It truly feels astounding and humbling because I have been dreaming of becoming a CFDA Scholar ever since I was in high school. It makes me feel so ecstatic that I received this honor based off a collection that I worked so hard and so long on, one that represents aspects that are immensely intertwined with what I believe in: representation, fashion as art, color exploration/ connection, and celebration!

You mentioned representation, fashion as art, color exploration/connection, and celebration, how did these beliefs guide you and your collection?

This collection was very personal to my experience as a Black woman which I linked to Color Theory along with Afrofuturity (another term for Afrofuturism). It’s an amazing feeling to have your thoughts and feelings lead you to make connections and create silhouettes that feed your ideas and soul.

What are some of the biggest constraints you’ve faced in your projects? And how has receiving a CFDA scholarship helped you to alleviate those constraints? 

Time is always that one thing that you wish you had more of, but the more frequent and tough one is funding. It’s avidly the number one factor, struggle, constraint, you name it! Thankfully, because of the scholarships I received this year, I was able to use some of the funds to help cover the costs of my collection while still having enough to cover tuition this year! It’s extraordinary to be able to go through my last year of undergrad without the pressure of getting a loan, as I’ve had to do the past three years.

Personally, I feel it is so important for students to be able to go to school without the stress of finances. What was the CFDA Scholarship Fund application process like for you? And were there any memorable moments that stand out?

The application process was a whirlwind! Creating everything of course…And then organizing it into a submission was much calmer. I remember specifically, it was the last few minutes of the application window and my computer crashed, and my heart literally stopped and fell into my stomach. Thankfully, the CFDA was understanding of my technical issues and helped me submit my application.

We at CFDA honestly can relate. Especially now that we are working remotely, which brings me to my next question: What has been the greatest challenges you have had to overcome throughout the pandemic?

I would say the greatest challenges have been letting myself get adjusted to the change in pace and the fluctuating energy that I find my body constantly adjusting to. Additionally, the change to remote learning as I’m a very hands on/inquisitive learner. Because of this, I feel as though certain skills aren’t as evolved as I would like them to be, but we continue to push on, and I’m thankful that my professors this year are working with me on this.

What is your biggest goal as a designer?

To always make people think or ponder a bit at what they’re looking at, or why a certain detail is in a specific place. Thoughts lead to questions and questions lead to conversations, and I absolutely love conversing with others and even observing conversations form. My work provides a multitude of perspectives and can help others either not feel alone or help someone understand a thought better.

Last question. Fill in the blank. “Design has the power to ________.”

“…transport people to different worlds, thoughts, and feelings.

Contribute to the future of American Fashion by donating to the CFDA Scholarship Fund here.