Introducing: J.McLaughlin x KMJ, A Limited-Edition Shirting Collaboration
The collaboration we’ve been dreaming of is finally here—J.McLaughlin x KMJ. Founder of KMJ, Kate McHale Jensen is known for making unique one-of-a-kind creations sustainably made from vintage shirts, and that’s just what she did with our limited-edition & limited-quantity line of summer-approved tops and shirts.
Constructed from vintage J.McLaughlin men’s styles, KMJ reimagined our limited-edition collab with whimsical flutter sleeves, patchwork designs, and ruffled collars for a timeless take on sustainable fashion. Kate shared, “We believe in celebrating uniqueness. That's why it's our mission to breathe life into vintage shirts and transform them into one-of-a-kind pieces of art... kind of like you."
Come see the collection at select stores (before they sell out) and visit our Montecito, CA store on Tuesday, July 2nd for a special J.McLaughlin x KMJ celebration.
Below, J.McLaughlin Chief Merchandising Officer Glynis Karp & Kate McHale Jensen talk inspiration, style icons, and Santa Barbara.
The Inspo
Glynis: How did you get your start? Why men’s shirts?
Kate: After many years in the fashion industry, I was looking for something to get my creativity going again after having my two girls. I took a shirt from my husband’s closet and cut it up and sewed it back together at my dining room table. I wore it around town and multiple ladies asked where I got my top, and KMJ was born!
Style Icons
Glynis: How would you describe your style? Who is your style icon?
Kate: I would describe it as modern, classic with a bit of edge. Wow, there are so many! I would have to say Jackie Kennedy, Bianca Jagger, and Victoria Beckham, to name a few.
Santa Barbara
Glynis: Where is home for you? Favorite activity to get out of the studio?
Kate: My family is from the East Coast but I have lived in Santa Barbara most of my life, where my husband Mark and I raise our two girls. We love to hike in the beautiful Santa Barbara mountains, go to the beach, and spend many hours on State Street shopping with my teenager.
Glynis: I’m visiting you in Santa Barbara, where are we going?
Kate: Ooh fun! We’re going to the Miramar for sunset cocktails on the water, shopping at J.McLaughlin of course, and Brophy’s for a cup of their famous clam chowder.
Summer Travel
Glynis: You’re on vacation! What’s the destination and what are you packing?
Kate: This year the family is taking a road trip to Santa Fe, NM! I’ve always been intrigued by their rich artistic culture. We can’t wait to taste the food, see the art, and we’ll probably find ourselves hunting for mushrooms at some point! (My husband is a big fan of porcinis, and Santa Fe is supposedly mushroom heaven!!)
Sustainability
Glynis: The best advice for starting a sustainably conscious brand?
Kate: I think the most important thing is to be passionate about what you create! Then you will find success regardless.
Style With
