Culture / The Background and Inspiration of KayOss Founder Amy Johnson

The Background and Inspiration of KayOss Founder Amy Johnson

The designer known for “popping up” around town talks about fashion, engineering, and the calm within the storm.

Background: My [previous] career was in engineering, but what inspired me were art openings. After discovering fashion design, I did a sabbatical in Florence, where we explored fabrics. It was in that moment I realized I could be a fashion designer.

 Choosing the Name KayOss: In engineering, there is order in chaos. So I took the word, but I made it into a girl. We need chaos, because without it we remain stagnant.

Stay up-to-date with the local arts scene

Subscribe to the weekly St. Louis Arts+Culture newsletter to discover must-attend art exhibits, performances, festivals, and more.

We will never send spam or annoying emails. Unsubscribe anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Pop-Ups: I love to find a new space that feels good, especially when the timing is right. It’s a great way to showcase a new line and interact with clients.

Her Most Recent Pop-Up, “KayOss In the Calm”: In 2013, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I realized through Gerson Therapy, a holistic approach to healing, that I was living too much in the outside world and not enough in the inside world. I’ve since learned to create that calm within.

 Yoga and Meditation: The two are so good for the mind, body, and spirit. They help release me from this time-sensitive world.

Attire: This is one of my reversible shift dresses, perfect for traveling. The sandals are from one of my many travels, and the bracelets are both gifts from friends from when I was healing.

Chihuly the Dog: She’s a Havanese, and she pretty much owns the business. I got her at the start of KayOss Designs—they are both 10 now—and she has been a part since.