Kai Star has made the American Midwest the focus of his creative practice, finding inspiration in the region's overlooked history, culture, and communities. Through Nebraskan Sport, his ongoing creative archive, he's exploring those stories through projects like Accounts, a series whose first installment examined the classic Midwestern motel. A 2023 and 2025 Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar and 2025 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Kai currently serves as Operations Lead at Denim Tears. Below, he shares why he's committed to championing the Midwest, how his FSF peers continue to influence his work, and the importance of building genuine connections throughout his career.
FSF: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Kai Star: Honest. Iterative. Uniform.
FSF: What's the most important lesson you learned through FSF?
KS: Win where you are.
FSF: The future of fashion is _____.
KS: Regionalism.
FSF: How did FSF help you embark on your career—and how do you continue to tap into the community or its resources today?
KS: The most lasting resource FSF provided was my network, hands down. In particular, the relationships I've built with fellow alumni like Jack Winkler, Alex Britto, and Kev Addison. We still hop on calls every so often and end up talking about design for hours. Having that group of creative peers to exchange ideas with has been foundational to both my personal and professional pursuits.
FSF LIVE, along with all the events leading up to it, created opportunities for students to connect and have meaningful conversations. Those experiences absolutely changed the game for me.
FSF: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your fashion journey so far?
KS: My biggest influence will always be the American Midwest. It's where I'm from and where I continue to work. The people, history, and culture constantly inspire my personal creative work.
It's such an overlooked region, and my focus is finding ways to champion it through collaboration, education, and strong storytelling.
FSF: Can you tell us about a recent project you're proud of?
KS: As an extension of my Midwest archive, Nebraskan Sport, I recently launched a series called Accounts, which translates education into creative world-building.
In March 2026, I completed the first installment, an examination of the American Midwest through the classic motel as a framework. It's a transient space that, despite its temporary nature, holds resilience, warmth, and a sense of home.
The entire project, from start to finish, was created here in the Midwest. It was my first experience as a creative director and marked the beginning of a larger creative universe I'm eager to continue building.
FSF: What role do you see mentorship playing in the future of fashion? Have mentors, FSF or otherwise, and other relationships shaped your career?
KS: Mentorship has always been an important part of fashion, and I don't see that changing. The passing of knowledge between generations is built on those moments between mentors and mentees.
I've been fortunate to connect with mentors who have really breathed life into my career and helped me understand things in ways I never could have on my own. From navigating professional decisions to offering creative input, their guidance has been an essential part of everything I do.
FSF: Are there any lessons from your time as an FSF Scholar or Alumnus that continue to resonate with you today?
KS: Connection. As cliché as it might sound, the people you meet, exchange ideas with, and collaborate with are such an important part of a creative career.
Those relationships shouldn't be transactional. The value comes from genuine human connection. As designers, thinkers, and creatives, it's easy to become isolated in our own corners. Hearing the stories of your contemporaries, sharing struggles and challenges, and learning from different perspectives can help you see beyond your own experience.
Those exchanges make the work worthwhile and continue to shape how I approach my own creative practice.
FSF: Any upcoming projects you'd like to share?
KS: I'm currently working on the second iteration of my Accounts series, which explores agricultural universities and their history in the Midwest.
I'm always looking for new ways to expand the world of Nebraskan Sport and keep documenting the region's art, culture, and stories.
📲 Follow Kai's journey: LinkedIn | Nebraskan Sport
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