For designer Katherine Rogers, fashion began not in glossy magazines or red carpets, but in the heart of a 13-person household in Alabama, where creativity was born of necessity. “We had to make it work,” said Rogers, founder of House of KLynn, a couture fashion brand based in Burnsville, Minnesota.
“Growing up, my parents made our clothes, and we’d alter hand-me-downs from older siblings. Even to go to prom, we had to make our own dresses.”
Though she didn’t initially aspire to become a designer, Rogers’ upbringing laid the foundation. Home economics — now called life skills — wasn’t new to her. She’d long since mastered cooking and sewing thanks to her parents’ teachings. But it wasn’t until adulthood, after raising children and navigating divorce, that fashion became a healing tool and a profession.
“I didn’t buy clothes. I made them,” she said. “I’d redecorate my house by tearing things apart and redoing them. It wasn’t a passion I pursued — it was survival and self-expression.”
Her journey into couture took a turn when she visited the Dayton Hudson department store in downtown Minneapolis. After admiring an $1,850 wool skirt by a Chanel-affiliated designer, she decided to make her own version. When she returned wearing her homemade replica, a sales associate connected her to Dayton’s design team — offering her a contract. She turned it down.
“They wanted to use their brand name instead of mine. I wasn’t going to do all that work and not represent myself,” she said.
This was in the 90’s. Since then, Rogers has spent decades designing for A-listers like Bobby Jones, working on film sets, and cultivating a clientele that spans elite celebrities to local fashion lovers. It was something about the Covid-19 pandemic that inspired her to officially brand her company.
“I’d been doing the work since the ’90s, but never called it a business,” Rogers said. “During Covid I said, ‘Let me stop treating this like a side hustle.’ That’s when House of KLynn was born.”
Named for her first and middle names — Katherine and Lynn — House of KLynn is a couture design house rooted in simplicity, elegance, and spiritual alignment. No two pieces are ever made the same. Each is tailored to the body, personality and spirit of the individual.
“I pray about every client,” said Rogers. “When someone reaches out, I don’t respond right away. I wait seven days. I need to be sure we’re aligned. I want my designs to reflect the person’s energy and intention.”
From church suits to film wardrobe, Rogers’ work ethic is fueled by faith and discipline. With over 37 years in the industry and 42 years living in Minnesota, she’s gained a reputation for timeliness, integrity, and quiet excellence.
“I always tell aspiring designers, ‘This isn’t a microwave business. You’ve got to be disciplined, on time, and carry good character,’” she said. “‘Your talent will get you in the room, but your character will keep you there.’”
Her advice for young creatives extends to models and photographers too. She often receives requests from people who want to be involved in shows but aren’t ready for the rigor.
“If you miss fittings or show up late to set, you won’t be asked back,” Rogers said. “When you represent my brand, you’re representing me. I’m not late — so you can’t be either.”
Rogers sees her couture pieces as legacy garments — meant to last a lifetime. She emphasizes that her brand isn’t for fast fashion but for clients ready to invest in timeless, well-crafted attire.
“If you just want a pair of shorts, go to Walmart or Target. But if you want a custom piece that’s made for your body and spirit — then come to me,” she said. A deeply spiritual woman, Rogers finds success not in dollar signs, but in intention and joy.
“Success is a well-made garment that puts a smile on somebody’s face,” she said. “They come to me, they get to see their idea come to life — and they leave looking good and feeling good all at the same time.”
For Rogers, fashion isn’t about trends — it’s about truth, dignity, and honoring the divine in creativity.
As she prepares to showcase her designs at an upcoming Twin Cities fashion show, she reflects on how far she’s come. “I started out altering my siblings’ clothes. Now, I design for films and red carpets,” she said.
“But it’s all the same purpose: making people feel seen, beautiful and powerful — in what they wear and in who they are.”
For more information, visit houseofklynn.com.
Kiara Williams welcomes reader responses at kwilliams@spokesman-recorder.com.