Meet Kahlen King | Fashion Model & Future Fashion Mogul

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kahlen King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kahlen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been a fairly artistic person. I’ve loved art and the various expressions of art forms for as long as I can remember. Rather that be freehand art, music, painting, or poetry, I’ve always felt a strong connection to artistry. When I was younger I liked to draw all day, every day. I liked to follow streetwear trends during the early days of new streetwear, such as the Pyrex’s, the new age Supreme’s, the Been Trill’s, and so on, but I wasn’t too much into the craft of fashion and modeling. It wasn’t until 2019 where everything changed for me. That was the year where I started excessively researching fashion. Most of my idols are very fashion-forward and iconic. From Kanye West to Playboi Carti, I started to closely study their artistry choices, psyche, and moves they made in the fashion world. Eventually, I took the time out to look at my own frame. Tall, slim, fashionable. I immediately looked more into modeling and eventually created an everlasting passion for it. One day I just sat back and thought, with the countless hours I’ve already put into fashion research, even researching pieces that I don’t even have yet, studying fashion shows and how the most prestigious brands and designers got to the point of mastery, complemented with my frame and appearance, “I can really do this and make a living out of it.” Art is all around us. Without art, all of the creativity and individuality that we possess would cease to exist. I am eager to show the world my art form of modeling and tell stories without saying a single word.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One thing that sets me apart from other models or upcoming fashion connoisseurs is my sheer passion and rapidly developing skill for modeling. I am extremely excited about my future career. I have so much that I will accomplish in the field of modeling. Everything has a rhythm, and when I’m modeling or aligned with something creative is the time where I feel my rhythmic frequency is the highest. I feel free. I am proud of my will to achieve greater, my ability to know that my purpose is larger than a common job, and not giving up and staying true to myself during the process. My road to the point I am at now was not easy, mentally or emotionally. Being fairly young and having a different mindset than the majority of my peers that I either grew up with or began high school with took a toll on me. I felt like I was doing the wrong thing by separating myself early from distractions and relationships that would overall hinder my success. I had to learn and realize that severing relationships with those who would only do me a disservice actually benefits me in the grand scheme of things. I want the world to know that I am me, and being unapologetically me, while also being respectful and empathetic, is the greatest service that I can do myself. I am devoted to the craft of modeling and deeply rooted in overall artistry. I have a lot to prove to myself and execute, and I will do exactly that. I am Kahlen Laron King. It is my turn.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My hometown, Pittsburgh, is no stranger to tourism and travel due to our historic scenery and unique culture. So to start, we would go to my neighborhood and hit the pool, play basketball, and have great conversations with the elders of the community. In addition to that, we would definitely check out one of our many museums. A big favorite of mine is the Andy Warhol museum. The abstract colors and the overall style of his art that is displayed at the museum gives a subtle peek into his psyche. After that, we could go to Oakland and participate in pop-up painting, or maybe catch a live stand-up jazz performance. If we got hungry, I would suggest some of my favorites such as Piada Italian Street Food, Carmi Soul Food, and Nakama just to name a few. Pittsburgh isn’t Pittsburgh without our Kennywood Amusement Park, so you know we have to go there. And if we wanted to do something more chill, I would suggest going to the drive-in movie theater in Moon Township. That would be a great way to soak up the vibes and end the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Reflection is a critical key to success. Reflecting on what got you to the point that you’re at now keeps you humble while also motivating you to succeed even more and strive for even greater feats. My story wouldn’t be complete or even have begun without my mom. I owe everything to her. My mom put the motor in my back for me to even get into fashion in the first place. She saw my endless potential when I didn’t and made me feel like a superstar at a time when I didn’t even think I could be a model, let alone fathom being in front of a camera. I could never repay you, mom, thank you. I want to thank my Grandma and Nana for everything. Thank you for molding me into who I am today, in your own separate ways. What you guys do and provide mentally does not go unlooked nor unexecuted. My first cousin Reymere Dyer, thank you. Thank you for pushing me to my limits and not letting me slack. Thank you for putting me in my first photoshoot with your brand The Loners Society, and also taking me to my first fashion show. Thank you for taking the time out to aid me in a time where I was lost.

Website: https://kahlenlking.wixsite.com/my-portfolio

Instagram: Instagram.com/kahlenlking

Twitter: Twitter.com/kahlenlking

Image Credits
Trippy Suavé