Meet Kait Macleod | Designer & Creative Director

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

Hi Kait, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Simply put, designing makes me happy! Working in fashion has always been something that energizes me. After working for several different positions in the industry, I realized I could either keep trying to fit into roles that didn’t spark that same excitement, or I could build something that truly reflected what fulfills me. I saw a gap in the market for brands that focus on doing real good for other people, the Earth, and themselves without losing specialness in each product. Owning my own company has become so liberating in choosing which path we take. It’s my space where creativity and purpose meet where I can spend a lot of energy without feeling burnt out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve completely self funded my brand, which has been both rewarding and challenging. Building awareness in such a saturated market like fashion hasn’t been easy, and it’s something I still navigate every day. What truly sets Kait Macleod apart is the genuine intention behind everything we create. It’s not about presenting good ethics just to look good on paper, it’s about building something real, thoughtful, and beneficial for the industry. Our pieces are sustainable, but more importantly, they’re designs people actually want to wear. With the small reach we have grown so far, we’ve seen amazing reactions. I think that’s where sustainable fashion often misses the mark, focusing so heavily on the message that the product itself becomes secondary. My goal is to make beautiful, timeless clothing that people fall in love with first, and then discover that it’s also doing good for the planet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m definitely my happiest in nature, and always take friends on my favorite tucked away hike: the Corral Canyon Loop in Malibu. (So grateful to still have access to this after the fires.) It has a good portion where you can see the ocean which is rare, and reminds me why I love LA. You can be in the city enjoying that buzz and then easily find nature and a softer side to escape and reconnect. ❤️

Usually I’m running around during the day, but I love long dinners and cozy spots with good energy. Alba, The Little Door, and Saffy’s are my go-tos. And for smoothies, Punch Bowl actually beats Erewhon in my opinion!

Unoriginally, I love a good dirty martini, so we’d definitely do a martini tour at some of my favorites: The Polo Lounge, The Club Bar at The Peninsula, and The Tower Bar.

LA Sundays are meant to be spent at the farmers markets. I’ve been trying to shop more ethically and get all my produce, honey, & baked goodies locally and the Brentwood market is by far my favorite. Our perfect week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to FIDM, where I studied Fashion Design. It’s where I truly found my design voice and learned how to turn ideas into something tangible. The professors there had such a personal impact on me; they pushed me creatively but also believed in me in a way that instilled real confidence to eventually start my own brand. Even though FIDM has sadly closed its doors, it will always hold a special place in my heart for being the foundation of my journey and shaping who I am as a designer today.

Website: https://Kaitmacleod.com

Instagram: @kaitmacleodla

Other: Pinterest: https://pin.it/XMdHIERuH

Image Credits
Ridge BenBen