Exclusive Interview: Kenley Collins of 'Project Runway' Kenley Collins began her career in fashion at the age of 16, when she started buying vintage clothing and reconstructing them for herself and friends. She was born and raised in Pompano Beach in Florida, and is the daughter of a tugboat captain. The youngest of three daughters, Kenley studied marketing at the Florida State University. After graduation, she found herself in New York City with a sales job at Missy Wear. She was soon promoted to a design position after a week, and began to be serious about the fashion industry and being a part of Project Runway.
Kenley has been working on her own line of clothing, and works in a small boutique as well as her Web site. She also does freelance work and teaches during her spare time. She has also been inspired by designers like Coco Chanel, Edith Head and Betsey Johnson. For Kenley, black, high-waisted skinny jeans are a fashion must-have.