The ANNA made in nyc shop is not only a destination for locals, but for tourists and celebrities’ alike. Kathy Kemp is modest, during our instant messaging and emails she never once mentioned that she has a celebrity clientele, I would have figured it out, but it took several emails to find out that she designed costumes for Mikhail Baryshnikov and more research to find out that she’s been given a lot of kudos from the fashion industry, and it’s well deserved.

Her designs are beautiful, dresses and blouses, jumpsuits, skirts, bottoms, you name it are designed with flare. Kathy is also well-versed in the best shops and restaurants in New York, you’re going to want to visit on your next trip to the Big Apple.

Kathy, in-between designing and running her shop found time to answer a few questions.

Fashion Icon: Anne Reinking, like many I’ve been watching lots of tv and I recently finished Fosse/ Verdin I came away from it inspired by New York City all over again and loving the look of bodysuits worn with no pants. I’m not a sweat suit person and I’ve always been inspired by dance costumes (I’ve designed many, even for Baryshnikov) and the creative personal style of many dancers. The skin tight black (often with sparkle) bodysuits worn with everything from boots, ballet flats, to heels felt new again. Nobody did that look better than Anne Reinking.

Kathy with Baryshnikov , Courtesy of Kathy Kemp

Last piece of clothing purchased before the pandemic: Last thing I bought is the most amazing Aline black scalloped lace vintage dress lined with nude fabric. Bought at my favorite vintage shop, Three Turtle Doves in Woodstock NY. Traditional 60s cut makes it comfortable enough for every day wear. I feel so Queen’s Gambit every time I wear it.

THREE TURTLE DOVES: 62 B Tinker Street, Woodstock, New York 12498

Last book read: I Become You by Tom Hughes. It’s about a telepathic sheep. Also just recently reread A Little History of the World by Ernst Gombrich. It’s the story of human development globally told in a very Kiplingesque voice. So comforting.

Takahachi – 85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Favorite restaurant:
Takahachi on Avenue A. It’s blocks from my store and my apartment. Always beautiful sushi, and always so much fun, I always bump into someone I know there.

Beauty Routine: When it comes to beauty I like to keep it simple. Love skinceuticals C and E Ferulic and could not live without Skin Food by Weleda.

Actress and dancer Elsie Altmann-Loos, 1922 by Madame d’Ora

The red lipstick from the Neu Museum is amazing. It’s inspired by 1900 Vienna and the texture and shade are perfect.

Item you never leave the house without: I don’t leave home without my Renee Frances Circle Cuff, I even wear it on the beach. It finishes every outfit without overdoing it and pulls me together without overdoing it.

People watching: I’ve always been fascinated by the way people see themselves and put themselves together. I’m lucky to have a very creative community at ANNA, it’s lots of fun experimenting in the store. It’s inspiring to see how other people incorporate the ANNA into their own lives. I’m really starting to get into prints, my friend Rebecca Kaye Eppenstein and I have started making some of our own prints at ANNA Print Shop.