Known for custom suiting and couture dresses, designer and stylist Kenny “Kas” Flanigan is taking a more democratic approach to fashion. With his new Inside Out Denim Collection, Flanigan reimagines timeless denim staples through a bold, conceptual lens—proving that everyday wear can still feel elevated and intentional.
At the heart of the collection are unisex denim silhouettes defined by unconventional constructions. Signature pieces like the Inside Out Jacket feature removable sleeves and a high-waisted leather-and-denim belt, while the coordinating Inside Out Jeans have a double waistband and exposed pocketing—details typically hidden, now intentionally on display. By turning garments “inside out,” Flanigan spotlights the craftsmanship that often goes unseen.
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The collection also includes more conventional styles like the KK Cargo Pocket Jeans and the KK Classic black and blue jeans as well as sweatsuits, caps, beanies and sneakers. All denim items feature the brand’s signature KK logo leather patch in unexpected places like at the hem of jeans.
Flanigan’s love for fabrics is evident in the collection. He sourced high quality stretch denim that would wash well without losing its weight, texture or quality. Durable denim with structure was especially important for the deconstructed pieces in the collection.
“Some denim shrinks and loses its rich texture after washing. We didn’t want that. We conducted extensive testing and washing on the denim to ensure the customer achieved the same texture and gain after washing,” Flanigan told SJ Denim.
However, landing on the ideal fabrics for styles as complex as the Inside Out pieces was challenging. Flanigan said the design process was lengthy, mainly because several types of denim fabrics are used.
“I was looking for denim that would represent my brand in both style and quality. We had some challenges with the wash, which is what took so long with the process. Some of the denim lost its texture and weight after the wash. They would become darker or very thin after a wash. Once we got the right denim fabric after many tries, we still had to ensure it had the proper stretch and no shrinkage. But we did it and I am very pleased; I know the world will appreciate it,” he said.
Here, Flanigan shares why he was drawn to denim and the legends that have inspired him.
SJ Denim: What inspires you as a denim designer?
Kenny “Kas” Flanigan: To be honest Gap and Levi’s really inspired me. There were others like Parasuco jeans, AJ’s, Karl Kani, FUBU… I am a little old school and seeing companies like them still around says volumes. I felt that from a production and quality standpoint, they set the bar.
SJ Denim: What does denim mean to you?
KF: To me, denim means diversity, fashion and timelessness. Denim has been around since I was a child, and it’s not going anywhere. Denim has been reinvented so many times, and it will never go out of style. Denim is worn by construction workers and in the business office. It will never die. As a creative designer I wanted to be a part of that history.
SJ Denim: What is your most worn pair of jeans you own?
KF: Ok, don’t laugh, it would be my Kenny Kas cargo and Kenny Kas classic jeans.
SJ Denim: What is your first denim memory?
KF: When my mom bought me a pair of AJ jeans with the fold-down pockets. I might have to bring that back with a Kenny Kas twist.
