Push Admin

He came to San Diego as a teenager from Zamboanga and in two decades, Kenneth Barlis has built his fashion empire.

Article (news)

Kenneth Barlis opens shop in Los Angeles' fashion district

Steve Angeles

ABS-CBN News

<div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="2986416"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script><p>He came to San Diego as a teenager from Zamboanga and in two decades, Kenneth Barlis has built his fashion empire.</p><p>After graduating from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in the fashion district of Downtown Los Angeles, Barlis made waves in his hometown of San Diego, designing gowns and dresses, holding local fashion shows, eventually opening up a pair of shops. </p><p>Despite being two hours away, the City of Angels continued calling. He’d go on to to design for Hollywood stars and events. And now he’s back to his Los Angeles roots, opening up Kenneth Barlis Los Angeles just around the corner from FIDM.</p><p>&quot;For the last 10 years, I’ve been driving from San Diego to LA. All the time, from 2-3 times a week to the point I just stayed in the hotel when I have events. Eventually I was like, it gets expensive driving back and forth, to stay in the hotel and then just trying to do everything while I’m here,&quot; he said. </p><p>&quot;So we have a showroom in Melrose that specializes in concerts, events, but this one in downtown LA we specialize in the bridal wear... I think its closer to a lot of our clients here in LA, that’s why we picked downtown.&quot;</p><p>His new space includes a bridal showroom, and another space for everyday and red carpet looks for men and women.</p><p>&quot;The fashion district is really here, the materials is just downstairs, productions are around the corner, everybody&#x27;s here. There’s so many different talented people, designers, different rooms, in the building. Being here makes me feel like I made it to the group,&quot; he said.</p><p>Despite his accomplishments, Barlis continues to find new ways to innovate and revolutionize the fashion industry.</p><p>&quot;I didn’t realize in this journey you’ve done so much, yet it doesn’t feel like it’s enough and I feel that’s where I’m at in my life right now. I feel like I’ve done a lot but I can still do more and being in LA now gives me the motivation to keep going,&quot; he said.</p><p>Barlis has also expanded his operations to the Philippines recently, opening a Manila branch this year.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div>

<p>He came to San Diego as a teenager from Zamboanga and in two decades, Kenneth Barlis has built his fashion empire.</p>