Miami Beach, FL – April 21, 2016 – Cecconi’s was packed with trendsetters for another installment of the Fashion for Breakfast series. Moderator Tara Solomon and KaufmanFranco’s co-founders Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco discussed the brand’s latest FW16 Collection.

World Red Eye was able to catch up with the designers themselves, who chatted with us about how they make it work as a duo and what can we expect from the brand long term.

WRE: How did you get into design?

KK: My mom was like Cher in Mermaid, enough said!

IF: It just happened organically. When I was young we travelled a lot to Italy, the fashion bug bit me hard!

WRE: Tell us about what the creative process is like working with each other?

IF: It changes season to season. Sometimes it’s an all out war, other times we get along. It’s really that tension that makes the most interesting collections.

WRE: What set’s the KaufmanFranco brand/look apart from others in the game?

KK: The ying and yang that two people bring is something that cannot always be duplicated. Our clothing looks simple, but they are deceivingly complex. We strive to make the women stand out in a subtle, modern and sexy way.

WRE: Why do you think simplicity works so well?

IF: Simplicity can mean many things; sometimes more is more, it really depends. The cut can look simple but it’s not. The way it’s put together can be simple but the mix of textures can make it look new in a subtle way.

Our clothing looks simple, but they are deceivingly complex. We strive to make the women stand out in a subtle, modern and sexy way.

Ken Kaufman, Co-Founder of KaufmanFranco

WRE: Tell us about some of the favorite fabrics you use? Why do you like to work with these?​

IF: We love all fabrics, from neoprene to tissue silks to heavy wool texture coatings.

WRE: Describe the kind of person who is rocking your clothing?

IF: We really have interesting diverse group. Anyone from Taylor Swift to Oprah, to Jennifer Aniston to Lady Gaga, to a cancer specialist in NY to a Miami housewife.

WRE: Where do you each pull inspiration from?

KK: We draw inspiration from each other.

WRE: If you could describe the KaufmanFranco brand in 3 words what would they be?

IF: Sophisticated, sensual and luxurious.

WRE: What’s one item everyone in South Florida needs in their closet?

IF: Shearling bathrobe coat, these woman are on the go!

WRE: Tell me about the latest collection; what was your inspiration?

KK: Casual luxe.

IF: Women on the go. Nothing to precious!

WRE: Where do you see the KaufmanFranco brand 10 years from now?

KK: We really would love to be a dual gender brand.