Creative expression begins with the right workspace

About Us

OUR MISSION

K KIISEL STUDIOS offers a resource for creatives, designers, and makers alike; providing a unique coworking space to develop your next project.

From a designer, for designers

Karolyn Kiisel opens her 4500 square foot DTLA loft for use by the week, day, or hour.

Known for her original style with successful fashion collections and costume designs, as well as her decades as an educator and author, she invites professionals and students from all disciplines to benefit from her personal studio, steps away from the fashion district in the Historic Core neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles.

K Kiisel Studios provides the space to . . .

DESIGN + DEVELOP

A fully equipped fashion atelier or costume design workshop

SHOOT

Complete with backdrops, lighting, and props for photography and video

SHOW / SELL

Launch a collection with runway shows, sample sales, or pop up shops

MEET / HOST

A collaboration hub for meetings, exhibits, or social gatherings

Design & Develop

Inspiration / Research

Research informs creativity. Get inspired!

At K Kiisel Studios, you’ll have access to our extensive library of books and periodicals, as well as multiple racks of reference garments made up of vintage clothing and costume collections Use our easels to sketch your designs with panoramic views of the LA skyline.

Drape/Draft

A curated collection of equipment and tools! large 60″ cutting tables, dress forms of various sizes, muslin, pattern paper and more! Karolyn Kiisel’s selection of pattern blocks available for use.

Sew/Fit

A selection of industrial and portable machines including some specialty stitching machines, large mirrors, fitting area with tools, thread rack of assorted colors, and rolling racks are available.

Shoot

Shoot anywhere in the loft with our stunning natural light, or use our blackout curtains. You can use our photography bay or bring your own equipment.

Choose from a selection of backdrops, props, and lighting to create a unique ambiance for an intimate portrait shoot, music video, film production, or youtube channel.

Hair and makeup area complete with a lighted vanity mirror and garment rack.

Inquire about our in-house production design team, PROP+ART, to transform your project into a professional quality production

Show/Sell

Set up a runway show or pop-up store to showcase
your latest collection.

K KIISEL STUDIOS is the perfect location for sample sales, trunk shows, and product launches. Conduct a costume parade for your theater director.

Meet/Host

Our customized spaces foster collaboration. K KIISEL STUDIOS is a perfect spot to connect creatives and makers, host a reception or workshop.

Set up a display or presentation using our large conference table, monitors, projectors, and easels.

A great central location to set up a production base camp.

With a variety of table décor, china, and seating, K KIISEL STUDIOS ready to host your next event!

“My years of design experience have taught me that losing yourself in a creative flow is essential to accessing the deepest well of inspiration and nurturing your talent. This happens best in a space where you can relax, have the tools and equipment you need close at hand, and have many resources to draw from.”

-Karolyn Kiisel

Amenities

  • Wifi
  • 2 commercial air conditioning units
  • Kitchen and dining area w/ refrigerator, microwave, toaster and toaster oven, electric kettle, coffee machines, dishes, cutlery, linens, and glassware
  • Complimentary filtered water
  • Tiki lounge – break area with sofas and tv, stereo, and blu-ray
  • Hair & Makeup area with lighted vanity mirror and garment rack
  • Bathroom and separate shower
  • Reception lobby to great visitors
  • Elevator with attendant
  • On-site management

Equipment List

Fashion & Costume Design

2 Large cutting tables: 16 ft. X 60”
1 Medium sized cutting table:  8 Ft. X 60”
Pattern paper dispenser/ rack
2 standard gravity irons
1 Table press with gravity iron
2 standing steamers
small quilting iron
Garment Racks
12 foam hat forms on wooden stands
2 Display heads/ dark toned
1 Display head/ 1930’s style
Artists Tools and Equipment:
Drawing Horse
1 large easel
2 light tables
Small wooden poseable mannequins/ cat and human
Airbrush machine
Vintage Fashion Collection:
Dating from 1870’s to contemporary, over 500 pieces to sketch, photograph and study

Dress Forms

Women
1 Custom Wolf size 8 bifurcated, two legs on wheeled hanging stand
1 Custom Wolf size 8 cocktail form *Note: These two forms have a darker than standard muslin base, beneficial for photographing muslin toiles or drapings.
1 Wolf form, size 9/ dated 1974 *Note: specs reflect listed decade
1 Wolf form, originally size 6, customized to size: bust:  36.5”, waist, 29”, hip,  39”
1 “Modern” brand, size 8 standard dress form
“Modern” brand/ size 8, bifurcated, two leg form, on hanging stand
1 Womens’ display mannequin, wooden stand, muslin body, size small
1 Storefront display mannequin – white acrylic over plaster with removable limbs for dressing.
Attachable muslin arm forms
Chaise and ottoman for fitting guests
Hem gauges, measuring tapes. dress pins, pattern cards, measurement charts
Pattern paper dispenser/ rack
1 XL curtained Fitting area with 8 ft. X 10 Ft. mirror

Sewing Machines

Industrial:
1 Industrial Consew single needle
1 Industrial Singer #241
1 Industrial Juki, single needle
1 Singer #20 U53/ industrial zigzag (and single needle capacity)
1 Standard Overlock/ Singer #842
1 Babylock Juki Serger
1 Industrial pinking machine
1 Industrial/ Wilcox Gibbs mini overlock/ merrow
Attachments:
Binding:  ¼”
Elastic feeder
Babyhemmers/ various size
Table Machines:
1 Singer #306 W/ metal precision/ zig zag capable
1 Sears Kenmore #2142/ metal precision/ zig zag capable
1 Sears Kenmore # 2142/ metal precision. Zig zag capable
Portable Machines:
1 503A  singer, suitable for zig-zag and heavy duty
1 White, solid weight, zig-zag and buttonhole capacity
2 Singers

Styling / Fittings

chalk
artist tape
pins
curtained dressing room with 8×10′ mirror
measurement worksheets*
wooden riser for fittings
invisible pens/markers
hem tape
garment racks/tags
pattern cards*
chaise and ottoman for fitting guests
hangers/garment bags

Draping/Pattern Drafting/Cutting Tools:

Metal yardsticks, wooden yardsticks
Metal T-squares
Metal Hip curves
Metal Hem curves
Plastic French curves
Plastic graph rulers
Tracing wheels
Staple removers
Awls
Notchers
2 Heavy duty Rabbit punches
Long neck staplers
Tape dispensers
1 dozen metal standard weights
pattern paper on table paper roll dispenser/cutter
“Rhino –mat”  92” X 44” cutting mat (for rotary cutters)
3 smaller mats
Rotary  cutters and blades
Tailors’ chalk
Safety pins
Straight pins
Pin Cushions
pattern cards*
drawing pencils/pens
trunk with muslin pieces – free to use
Tape measures
Pattern Blocks available for Trace-off:
Basic Bodices/ sleeves
Basic Skirts,
Classic 3 panel jacket/ mens and womens
Supplies available for purchase:
Muslin
Fusibles
Thread
Elastics/ various sizes
Sewing needles
Zippers
Buttons
Ribbon
Misc. trims
Snaps, closures; hooks and eyes
Horsehair
Misc. fabrics
*”Free Fabric” trunk always available!

Fashion Library (Karolyn Kiisel’s personal collection):

Reference books:
Large format/ coffee table fashion designer (from Poiret to Alexander McQueen)
Technical textbooks
Research Files:
Ethnic clothing
Style types  (Equestrian, matador, etc. )
Personalities  (Jackie “O”,  David Bowie etc. )
Periodicals:
Womens Wear Daily from 1980 to present
Vogue and other fashion publications/ 1980 to present
Design Portfolio (K Kiisel’s personal sketches & illustrations):
Sketches from 1980’s to present
Fashion
Opera

Photography

Studio lighting – 2 mono lights
Can lights
Strobe
Bounce
Lighting
Seamless rolls
Seamless stands
Lighting stands
Boom stand
Ting light
Sandbags
Tripods
Light tables
Clamps
Blackout curtains
Large loft windows for natural light
Desk with monitors, power cords, adapters and extension cords
Pop up booth for product photography
Product photography booth
Blackout curtains
Set/ prop Pieces:
Assorted antiquie sewing tools and supplies
Vintage treadle Singer sewing machine
Tip12′ tipi with various covering styles
Various displays and risers
Backdrops
Throne with staircase
Driftwood archway
Moss wall
Door, windows, and fireplace
Theater flats
Antique couches, chairs, tables, and rugs
Tools for set builds
Masks hats purses and other accessories
Vintage lanterns
Oversized flower photobooth – pink
Mismatched china sets
Broad selection props and costumes
Contact us for specific item inquiries**

Office

Conference table
Chairs / stools
Bulletin boards
Easels
White boards
Wireless printer
Scanner
Various monitors
Projector
Med. Protable projector screen
Brother labeler*
Power cords
Surge protectors
Hi speed wifi
Hdmi adapters
Laser pointers
Basic office supplies*
Laminating machine*

Rates

DESIGN & DEVELOP

Starting at

$35/hr

Registered client plus 1 guest

SHOOT

Starting at

$35/hr

Price based on a crew of 4

SHOW/SELL
Custom Quotes based
upon event details

Price varies according to number of attendees

HOST/MEET

Starting at

$35/hr

Price varies according to number of attendees

RENTAL POLICIES:

• 50% DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO HOLD BOOKING
• REMAINING BALANCE DUE UPON ENTRY
• CANCELLATIONS LESS THAN 48HRS IN ADVANCE ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
• DAMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL FEES.

Reviews

“

Looking back as a former costume design student, working at K Kiisel Studios, the first thing I noticed was how big the space was and how everywhere I looked I felt inspired. Each working station is equipped with just the right tools and big working tables, so every project I worked on was finished so much faster and fun! And, if I needed to research steps on how to transfer my drape to paper, I just grabbed Karolin’s Draping book from her library, where she also has some great sketches of her own along with other great books for inspiration. My time there was the best experience I ever had as a student!

Linda A. AguirreFashion Student
“

K Kiisel studios was a great place to build the costumes for our last big production, “The Spell Of Tradition: Two Noh Play/Operas on the Life and Afterlife of Benjamin Franklin”. We had also begun work on the costumes for our new production “The Tree” when the pandemic hit. The studio is centrally located, especially for singers who tend to have work downtown. The parking lot is very close and reliable. The space is magnificent with lots of room to build large costumes, huge cutting tables and every resource imaginable. There are fitting areas, mirrors, a good bathroom, a kitchen and the added benefit of a large photography studio right there. This is very helpful since you usually need shots of people in costume for publicity ahead of the production but don’t want to have to move the costumes until they all go to the theater at load-in.
Ms. Kiisel herself couldn’t be nicer and is always on hand to give a helping hand or an expert reference from her vast network in Los Angeles and her many years of experience in the garment and costume industries.

Peter Wing HealeyDirector, The Mesopotamian Opera Company, Inc.
“

Excellent hospitality and great workspace to shoot at. They greeted us with cold water and made us feel at home. Thank you Kirsten for prepping the space to fit our needs!

Christi VFashion Designer

FAQs

What are the hours available to work?

Day rates are figured around the elevator access for our guests. Please note elevator hours below.

Can I work overtime?

Overtime subject to availabilty. However, we understand the necessity and do our best to accommodate all of your creative needs!

What are the elevator hours?

Current elevator operating hours are 9:30am – 4:30pm.

Where can I park?

There are three parking lots very close by as well as street / metered parking. The least expensive is up the steep ramp just south of the B. Black Building. There is an open air lot just north of the building, and a covered parking garage directly across the street.

Where are the fire escapes?

There is a street-side fire escape, as well as an emergency exit to the roof.
Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen, library, and another by the elevator. There is also an interior fire hose in the center of the studio.

Is there fabric available?

There is some in-house fabric available for purchase. Also, there is fabric store located in the bottom floor of the building. Don’t forget that we are blocks away from the Garment District in Downtown Los Angeles!

Will there be someone onsite?

Yes, we have a property manager that will on-site and able to help with any specific needs, questions, or customizations required for your project.

Contact