Creative Direction Kaeden Kalaqtic @kaeden & Justin Ayers @justinnayers Photography Justin Ayers @justinnayers Digi Tech & Photo Assist Sophia Carrasco @ladyluckmedia BTS Photographer Andy Myers @andy.myers Videographer Tristan Renaud @tristanjrenaud Makeup: Autumn Jacobsen @wild.nun Hair: Caitlin Krenz @caitlinkrenzbeauty Wardrobe Assistant: Byron Alvarado @supbyron Grace Anderson @gr4ceanders0n & Romona @dramasllamas
From the buzzing world of YouTube storytelling to the high-stakes runways of New York Fashion Week, Kaeden KALAQTIC’s journey is nothing short of cosmic. With a vision that fuses futuristic aesthetics, bold craftsmanship, and an inclusive ethos, KALAQTIC is more than a brand, it’s a universe. Mentored by Project Runway’s Seth Aaron and celebrated by icons like Megan Thee Stallion and Machine Gun Kelly, Kaeden is charting a path that is uniquely his own. In this conversation, he opens up about his inspirations, the lessons that shaped him, and the galaxy-sized dreams fueling the next chapter of KALAQTIC.
Your journey began on YouTube before transitioning into fashion. At what moment did you realize that design, not digital content, was your true path?
“After living in LA for a couple of months, I found the social media industry was new and immature. I achieved goals in that career that ultimately fueled my confidence to pursue a more sophisticated industry like fashion.”
Mentored by Project Runway’s Seth Aaron, you’ve had a unique start in fashion. What was one lesson from that mentorship that still guides you today?
“I approached Seth to collaborate on our NYFW show, and that process educated me so much on the art of fashion. His knowledge and wisdom resonate with me daily.”
Kalaqtic’s aesthetic is futuristic, bold, and unapologetically luxe. What inspires your creative process when conceptualizing new collections?
“Honestly, I’m an artist at heart, I love creating in different forms, and fashion just happens to be my vessel for self-expression right now. I ultimately create what I wasn’t seeing in the boutiques. Designers like Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, and Peter Do helped me discover my personal style, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to wear their art as well.”
From YouTube storyteller to NYFW spotlight, how did it feel to debut your first official show and see your name in publications like Elle and Glamour?
“NYFW was definitely a learning experience and a beautiful moment to share with my team, family, and friends. It ignited my passion for performance art and the galaxy of creatives that fashion brings together.”
Your pieces have been worn by powerhouses like Megan Thee Stallion and Machine Gun Kelly. What goes through your mind the moment you see a celebrity in your design?
“Observing how they feel and manipulate my art is very fascinating to me. I feel powerful and confident when I put Kalaqtic on, and to see others experience the same makes my heart feel so warm.”
You’re one of the few out LGBTQ+ Asian creatives in fashion with such a visible platform. How do your identity and heritage influence your vision and work?
“Being LGBTQ+ and Asian has heavily influenced the openness and love I have for all types of beings. Kalaqtic’s identity is about recognizing everyone and all. Anyone can look up and see the sky of stars, no matter where you come from, your sex, religion, language, race, or sexual orientation.”
Kalaqtic isn’t just fashion, it’s an ethos. How do you define the spirit of the brand in your own words?
“Family and community are essential to the foundation of Kalaqtic. Every person that’s been a part of Kalaqtic’s journey, big or small, has been deeply appreciated, and I love to constantly shower them with gratitude.”
The quality of your materials rivals legacy houses. Why was it important to you to align Kalaqtic with top-tier production from the beginning?
“It only made sense to match their quality, if not better, to be respected for attention to detail and design, which I believe is essential to how I create.”
Music, space, and culture all orbit around your creative universe. What’s a song or album that’s currently shaping your designs behind the scenes?
“MAYHEM. Lady Gaga is a powerhouse, an inspiration, and an art form in herself. It’s an honor to be able to witness her craft.”
What do you want young, underrepresented creatives to take away from your story as they navigate their own path?
“You can do anything you dream of in this life, and nothing is permanent. Take baby steps and never feel obligated to fully commit. Put yourself in different rooms and meet different people. You are a product of your environment.”
Looking ahead,what are some dreams or upcoming projects for Kalaqtic that you’re most excited about?
“Our next show is going to be one for the books. We are incorporating several designer collaborations and textiles the world hasn’t really seen before. I’m excited to showcase a new chapter of Kalaqtic in a visually stunning, sentimental way.”
Finally, if your younger YouTube self could see you now, showing at NYFW and leading your own label, what would you say to him?
“The hiccups aren’t really hiccups. They’re learning lessons, and that’s the most powerful form of growth.”