Aimee Kestenberg Launches Her First Apparel Collection

You’ve built a strong identity in accessories. What made this the right moment to move into apparel?

For me, this wasn’t a pivot—it was an evolution. I’ve always designed with the full woman in mind, not just what she carries, but how she lives, moves, and shows up in the world. Over the years, I kept hearing the same thing from my customer: “I wish I could wear your bags.” That was the unlock.

The brand has always stood for creativity, confidence, and connection—and apparel allows me to express that more fully. It felt like the natural next chapter, especially at a moment when women are craving ease, individuality, and pieces that can actually support their real lives.

When you think about your customer, how does she show up differently in what she carries versus what she wears, and how did that shape the collection?

What she carries is often her expression piece. It’s where she feels a little more playful, a little bolder. But what she wears is more deeply tied to how she feels in her body and how she moves through her day – and that distinction shaped everything.

I wanted the clothing to meet her where she is and feel comfortable, flattering, effortless – while still giving her that same sense of personality and spark that she gets from our bags. It’s about removing the daily stress of getting dressed while still letting her feel like herself.

Photo by Aimee Kestenberg

Your bags are known for function and detail. How did those ideas translate into design choices in the clothing?

Function has always been at the core of how I design and to me, it’s just as important as the aesthetic. In apparel, that translates into things like thoughtful pocket placement, adjustable elements, fabrics that move with you, and silhouettes that are intentionally designed to flatter without restriction.

I think about how a woman actually lives her day—school drop-offs, work, travel, dinner—and design pieces that can naturally move through all of that with her. The details aren’t just decorative, they’re purposeful.

Was there a specific piece that helped define what “Aimee Kestenberg apparel” is?

Yes! The Silkee by Aimee Kestenberg Get Outta Here A-Line Wrap Dress.

It really captures everything the brand stands for. It’s easy, flattering, versatile, and designed to work for different body types and moments in a woman’s life. But what makes it feel Aimee is the unexpected detail like the print, the hardware, and the way it moves. It’s that balance of effortlessness and intention that defines the collection.

You’re launching exclusively with QVC. What made that the right platform for this collection?

QVC has been such a meaningful part of my journey. It’s one of the few platforms where you can truly tell your story, and where women can see the product, understand it, and connect with it in real time. This collection [Aimee Kestenberg] is very much about how things feel, how they move, and how they fit into your life. QVC allows me to communicate that directly in a very authentic, human way. There’s also an incredible trust factor with their customers. She’s smart, she values quality, and she appreciates pieces that make her life easier – which is exactly who I design for.

Your brand has always balanced quality with accessibility. How did that translate as you moved into apparel?

That balance is non-negotiable for me. I come from a background where design and quality matters deeply, but I’ve also spent years learning how to deliver that in a way that’s accessible. With apparel, it means being incredibly intentional about fabric choices, construction, and where to invest so the piece really performs.

The goal is always the same. It should feel elevated, it should last, and it should make a woman feel incredible – without feeling out of reach.

Having worked at brands such as Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and Vince Camuto to name a few, what lessons from those roles directly shaped how you approached this expansion?

Each of these experiences shaped a different part of how I design and build a brand today.

At Ralph Lauren, I learned the power of creating a world, not just a product. Everything is intentional – from the storytelling to the lifestyle it represents. That idea of building a brand that women can step into has stayed with me.

At Alexander McQueen, it was about emotion and artistry. Design isn’t just functional – it should make you feel something. That pushed me to always bring a point of view into what I create, even when it’s something as everyday as a dress.

And at Vince Camuto, I really understood how to balance design with accessibility; how to deliver something that feels elevated but is still attainable and relevant to a woman’s real life.

All of these lessons came together in this collection. It’s thoughtful, it’s expressive, and it’s designed to be lived in.

 Your bags often have a strong point of view. What were the most important elements you wanted to bring into the clothing?

I wanted to bring in the same sense of personality and intention but translate it in a way that feels wearable every day. That meant incorporating signature elements like unique hardware, custom prints, and thoughtful construction – while grounding them in silhouettes that feel easy and approachable. It’s that balance of statement and simplicity. Pieces that stand out, but don’t feel overwhelming.

Photo by Aimee Kestenberg

Your designs have been worn by Vanessa Hudgens. How do you think about visibility and cultural relevance when stepping into a new category like apparel?

Visibility is powerful, but for me, it always starts with authenticity. When someone like Vanessa Hudgens chooses to wear the brand, it’s because it resonates and feels like her. That’s what I focus on creating.

Cultural relevance isn’t about chasing trends – it’s about understanding how women are living, what they need, and how they want to express themselves. If you stay grounded in that, the visibility follows in a more meaningful way.