Queen Bee: Leader of a female group, a clique leader, usually painfully popular.
Attributes generally associated with a queen bee are:
pleasant in appearance, charismatic, being the shit, creative genius, an entrepreneur, a sex symbol, a pop icon,
and an amazing dancer.
Meet Rachel Pepper, the woman behind the brand King Fly.
You want to know her don't you?
It's because Rachel and her amazing creations possess an effortless, personal, lived in, accessible cool that is extremely rejuvenating.
These bags and accessories will undoubtedly find themselves on the shoulders, wrists, and heads of the girl
with so-ho sensibility.
You should probably get one now.
image via Twinyolks
We were fortunate enough to steal an interview with the Queen Bee herself;
a Lookout Mountain native,
a lover of discontinued vans
(men find her a pair and you may have your "in"),
and a woman with a fine taste in music(see below).
yes... she's real.
How did King Fly get its start?After graduating with a Fabric design major I was trying to find my niche as an independent artist. I started small making and selling hair clips.Later, I started working with leather and making handbags and accessories for myself and there was an interest from people so I decided to sell bags as well.How did King Fly get it's name?
Long story short. If you are a King you are top of the Hierarchy. Fly is the "cool" way to say something is cool. KiNG FLY=you are at the top of being cool.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I listen to ALOT of music. Loud, i turn the volume all the way up. I love it. Music gives me energy to work hard. [Also]Dr Suess, Alice in Wonderland sort of things. Anything with pattern and bright colors. Whimsical - "appealing in an amusing way". I love things that are just a little "off". The pinwheel design on the pockets included in all purses are largely inspired by Simone Shubuck.
Do you do specialized orders?
YES, KiNG FLY is primarily custom orders. The customer decides on the type of leather and from there I just ask them to tell me a little about themselves and I run with it. I try to match up fabrics, thread choices accordingly using my creativity. It is a fun surprise for the customer...so far everyone has been ok with my choices. ha.
What's next for King Fly?
KiNG FLY is actually at the beginning of a HUGE adventure. I just quit my 9-5 office job and plan on taking the next few months to put all of my energy into sewing sewing sewing FULL TIME. I am working on smaller items for the fall. More things that are universally affordable. Smaller clutches, more accessories.
Where is your favorite place to shop in Chattanooga?
Favorite place to shop in Athens?
Reeds Odds and Ends. An AMAZING junk place right outside of Athens. They haven't caught on that vintage, old things are "in" so they practically give it away. Same with J and J's flea market.
What's your favorite article of clothing, accessory, shoe you own right now? Your obsession if you will.
Two favorites:
1.Shoes: "Authentic" Vans in the color "Burnt Ochre". I can't live without them, they are the perfect color shoe, but this is a problem because they are discontinued and mine are wearing out :(
2. Two designers i can't live without 1. nicoandj 2.ashley buchanan. I love neck pieces.
And your personal favorite of all your designs?
The KiNG FLY necklaces that are coming out this fall are pretty rad....wait for it.
True Life: The Queen Bee has arrived.
Prepare to be pollenated by the charm of King Fly this
November 6th and 7th at Chatty Crafty.
If you can't make it out either of those days
and you're as smitten as we are, then email Rachel at KINGFLYdesign@gmail.com to place your personalized order.
It's a treat sweeter than honey.
xo
H&C
