Feeling like an underdog in your creative journey? Colm Dillane, the visionary behind KidSuper, shares his raw, unfiltered path to success, proving that sheer determination and a unique perspective can shatter industry barriers.
Imagine a room buzzing with anticipation, packed to the brim at Rizzoli's for an evening dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of "creativity, curiosity, and the making of KidSuper." What was initially set up as a chat between KidSuper founder Colm Dillane and an arts writer transformed into a solo performance by the designer himself. He captivated the audience with a blend of hilarious anecdotes and poignant excerpts from his new book, "The Misadventures of KidSuper." This illustrated autobiography is a fascinating chronicle, taking us from Dillane's humble beginnings selling T-shirts in high school all the way to his celebrated fashion shows in the fashion capitals of New York and Paris.
The crowd, far from being disappointed by Dillane's solo act, was roaring with laughter at his candid, and at times expletive-laced, reflections on his career. "I've learned through trial and error," he admitted, emphasizing, "My path was kind of determined by what worked and what didn't work."
Dillane's early life was marked by frequent moves – a staggering seven times between the ages of 3 and 12. This constant upheaval meant he arrived in New York for high school without a solid group of friends. His solution? To forge connections through creativity. "I was always trying to build this New York world where artists, musicians, scientists were all friends. And clothing became the catalyst. That was my initial obsession with fashion," he explained.
After high school, Dillane took a detour, spending a gap year in Brazil to pursue soccer. While he acknowledges he wasn't quite good enough for a professional career, the experience taught him a profound lesson. "When I was in Brazil, a lot of the players would ask me why I was there. Their plan A was to make it in soccer, move to New York and go to college. And it really hit me hard that my plan B was their plan A. So when I came back, I was incredibly motivated." This realization fueled his drive upon returning to New York University.
At NYU, Dillane majored in mathematics, a seemingly unconventional choice for a budding fashion designer. However, he was simultaneously nurturing KidSuper on the side. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to get "kicked out" of his dorm for transforming it into a retail space for his collection. Undeterred, he found a new spot in Brooklyn, which he initially used as both his living space and his store. But here's where it gets controversial... The initial idea of people simply walking in and shopping didn't pan out. So, he ingeniously pivoted, transforming the space into a vibrant creative hub featuring a recording studio, a photo studio, and yes, even a sewing machine. This adaptability was the true catalyst for his ascent.
Interestingly, his mathematics degree proved to be a surprisingly valuable asset. "When I do my brand deals, and I come in looking like this and talking like this, they’re like, ‘Wow, this kid’s an idiot. We’ll never give him money.’ And then someone will whisper: ‘He’s got a math degree from NYU.’ And they completely switch. So that’s pretty cool," Dillane shared with a grin. It seems a solid understanding of numbers can indeed open unexpected doors in the creative world!
Upon graduating, Dillane poured all his energy into KidSuper. In 2019, he set his sights on Paris, envisioning a fashion show. His book's first chapter, "Bull in a China Shop," vividly recounts the chaotic journey of orchestrating that inaugural off-calendar show. Picture this: a venue that stretched his budget to its limits, the creation of 30 distinct looks, and the heartwarming, albeit slightly nerve-wracking, task of convincing his parents to open the show by walking the runway.
His public relations team managed to secure a review from a Vogue editor, which famously declared: "KidSuper Is the Breakout Surprise of Men’s Paris Fashion Week." Dillane admits he thought this was his ticket to the big leagues. And this is the part most people miss... The reality was starkly different. "My life changed zero," he confessed. "I was so unknown that an article didn’t matter."
Despite this initial setback, Dillane's resilience shone through. He continued to relentlessly pursue recognition, and today, KidSuper is a staple on the Paris Fashion Week calendar. His collaborations are a testament to his enduring appeal, spanning partnerships with giants like Puma and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as with Mattel and Bape, and even a guest designer role for Louis Vuitton menswear.
Dillane's core message to his audience at Rizzoli was one of unwavering perseverance. He stressed the importance of "keeping your head down" and maintaining a "never quit" mentality. "I always had that mentality of never quitting, even back when I was at NYU studying math and running my brand. I didn’t change my major or drop out. If I start something, I see it through."
So, what do you think? Is it the sheer grit and refusal to quit that truly defines success in the creative fields, or are there other, perhaps less talked-about, factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
