Kay Unger epitomizes the customer for whom she designs—with a clear understanding based on her own busy lifestyle. Using herself as the customer, she understands the needs of an active lifestyle, whether a woman is involved in a career or not. The specific needs of her clientéle are rooted in lifestyle dressing, primarily dresses that can be worn from the office to dinner or appropriate for luncheons or charity functions.
Today's American woman is sophisticated, yet relaxed, and Kay Unger captures that subtle blend of ladylike elegance and classic comfort in her collections which range from eveningwear to sportswear, and everything in between. Her designs blend glamorous details like hand beading with simple cuts and fabrics that fit her customers' busy lifestyle.
"I take pride in knowing that when a woman chooses to wear any piece from any of my collections, she will feel special and good about herself," Ms. Unger explains. After working with Geoffrey Beene, she founded Kay Unger New York in 1996. Her collections have recently expanded to include Phoebe Couture, a line for the younger market that looks haute couture without the matching price tag.
Who Wears It
Kay Unger has a following among the famous; she created Tipper Gore's gown for the 1997 inaugural ball and has designed custom attire for stars at various awards shows, including the Grammy Awards. Unger's designs have received a boost through publicity in fashion publications, particularly In Style magazine, and through product placement in television shows and films such as Bounce. Indeed, many of her designs are influenced by looks from Hollywood's heyday, with Unger claiming Audrey Hepburn as one of her muses.