Storytelling Through Avant-Garde Design

Kelli in one of her own designs. The puffy sleeves and the branches were a true challenge to do my own makeup and hair, but I wanted everything here to be 100% me in every way. Designer/MUAH: Me, Photographer: @tomluptonphotos, My left-handed right hand man: @hdlmonkey, Location: @newwavestudiopdx

For some designers, fashion is about selling garments. For others, it's about storytelling—an intimate, expressive art form that transcends trends and seasons. Emerging designer Kelli McDonough of inkthethink, falls into the latter category, crafting deeply personal narratives and storytelling through avant-garde design.

Behind the Scenes with Ink The Think

Peek into the world of inkthethink studio

in our exclusive interview

After studying at the Portland Fashion Institute, Kelli took the runway by storm at FashioNxt's Emerging Designer competition in 2023, later closing the show in 2024. But instead of following a conventional path, she found inspiration in costume design, influenced by their time with the Portland Opera and Renegade Opera. The result? A collection born from raw emotion—sometimes melancholic, sometimes hauntingly beautiful, but always sincere.

Kelli showing her deconstructed puffer crop jacket design

For Kelli, the runway is not about commerce but communication. "I never thought I was showcasing on the runway to sell 'clothes,' but to showcase how my brain works and how it can be translated into garments". In a move that speaks to her passion for artistic collaboration, all runway garments are now being donated to Renegade Opera, an organization that thrives on innovation and creative storytelling.

As Kelli steps away from large-scale projects for now, her home studio is alive with experimentation—proving that a designer's journey never truly pauses. What lies ahead? Kelli has an exciting vision of leading creative direction for a brand that embraces bold storytelling, and with her dedication, it's only a matter of time.

Butterfly Dress

Origami Dress

Origami Dress

Pearl Necklace

Wallpaper Dutchess

Cloud Dress

Cloud Dress

Looks from inkthethink Childhood Escapism Collection 2024. Photograpy: Tom Lupton

ifd: Kelli, tell us about your journey into design:

Kelli: "Costume design was the last thing on my mind while I spent at Portland Fashion Institute. When I had the opportunity to compete in FashioNXT's Emerging Designer competition in 2023 and close out the show in 2024, the only thing that made sense to me was the more avant-garde storytelling route. I saw how beautifully a story could be told through costumes when I spent time at the Portland Opera and Renegade Opera. It was really important for me to be sincere and genuine by creating pieces that developed from true moments in time for me. I will admit most of the moments I chose are pretty sad and even somewhat morbid, but it is often from tragedy that we seek a kind of torturous beauty that is universally understood."

Costume Designs from The Portland Opera

During runway shows, many people ask about the prices and where the garments may be sold. They are often perplexed and confused when I have no immediate answer. I never thought I was showcasing on the runway to sell "clothes," but to showcase how my brain works and how it can be translated into garments: I am promoting myself. Most people say, "I have a passion for fashion," but mine is more, “I happen to have fashion for my passions”.   All the garments created for both runway shows are being donated to Renegade Opera, which does such creative and amazing work! You will not be disappointed when you go see them. I always want to bask in the talent and energy of others who so generously share it. I would love to someday be a company's creative director with a similar creative vision. I know it will take time and hard work, but I will do the job as long as possible. 

Cardboard

Kelli with Tito Chowdhury

Pixel

Cloud

Childhood Escapism Collection 2024 at FashioNXT. Runway photos by pixelnickphotography

ifd: Kelli what's next?

I am currently taking a little time off from big projects, but I am in my home studio experimenting and trying all the other little things that have been put on the back burner. The last two years out of school have been so adventurous and been a journey that I could not have imagined thus far, so I am not about to prophesize.

FashioNXT 2023 People's Choice Winner

Kelli provides consulting services for design, pattern creation, and prototyping. She mentions that her clients can choose their level of involvement in the process to help realize something they've always desired or to experiment as much as they wish. This can range from casual, formal, and costume to Avant-garde styles. Kelli can support any part of the process, from teaching how to use a sewing machine to altering and bringing their own sketches to life. 

Kelli can be reached at: Kelli@inkthethink.com

View more of Kelli's work, visit Ink the Think website here: https://inkthethink.com

Work from Kellis portfolio

Thank you for sharing your story with us Kelli!!