Afrotoronto: When did you realize you had a love for fashion design?

Kendra Francis: “When I was really young, my mother used to sew all my clothes, my cousins would sew, and my uncle was a tailor. So that's where my love of the craft began. Also, one of my first design jobs was to do a relative's bridal party, so I made all the dresses. It was very 1980s, an angora vogue pattern, but fabulous nonetheless.”

Afrotoronto: When did you get your first break in the industry?

Kendra Francis: “My first break was Fashion Cares in 1996. I had a friend who was a fashion illustrator who gave me the heads-up about entering Fashion Cares. I had until Monday to enter a gown, and I was told on Friday. I only had 50 dollars to buy some fabric, but I did it. My dress was actually the first dress out that night and was worn by Sonia Rodriguez, a national ballet dancer at the time.”

Afrotoronto: What sets you apart from other designers in the industry?

Kendra Francis: “My designs are first things I like to wear, you can pull one of my designs out from 5 years ago and still rock it. I wouldn’t say I’m a trendy designer, but my clothes are still in fashion. My pieces are classical but sexy.

Afrotoronto: Where do you get your inspiration from your designs?

Kendra Francis: My inspirations come from fashion magazines, music, movies, reading books, and all walks of life. “

Afrotoronto: Have you designed anything for any celebrities/VIPs?

Kendra Francis: “Yes, some of the celebrities I designed for have been Sara Taylor, YaYa of ANTM, Tanya Kim of E Talk Daily, and just recently, Sarah Polley for the Cannes festival. “

Afrotoronto: Are there any designers you would like to collaborate with?

Kendra Francis: “I would like to collaborate with Zac Posen.”

Afrotoronto: What are your thoughts on celebrities having clothing lines?