Our Story
A Legacy in Motion
KD New York began in 1980 with a simple idea: to design garments that move with the body, not against it. Founded by Oakland Ballet dancer David Lee and his partner Tricia Kaye, the brand’s first creation—a pair of footless knit tights that folded neatly at the waist—was a quiet innovation that redefined movement-ready apparel. What they didn’t know at the time was that this experiment would spark a revolution in technical knitwear and sow the seeds for one of today’s most advanced sustainable fibers.
In 1983, the vision moved to New York City, the global capital of dance, where collections were handcrafted in a small Lower Manhattan studio. By 1987, KD New York opened its Bronx factory, and by 1990, became one of the first to pioneer computerized knitting technology, enabling scale, innovation, and the development of proprietary yarns that remain in use today.
At its core, the brand remains committed to the art of movement, conscious luxury, animal welfare and environmental responsibility. What began as a practical solution for dancers has since evolved into a 40-year pursuit of knitwear excellence, designing apparel that honors the body in motion while advancing the possibilities of sustainable innovation.
Today, KD New York has expanded beyond dance to deliver premium performance knits for modern life, using proprietary plant-based fibers that rival animal-based yarns in softness, resilience, and durability without compromise to ethics or the environment. It remains committed to ensuring that creativity, community and conservation remain integral to its mission.
Movement Reimagined
Four decades later, that same spirit of innovation powers everything KD New York does. What started as dancer-made apparel has evolved into a purpose-driven ecosystem of brands – from the performance-focused knits of KD New York to the technical, timeless elegance of KD dance.
At the core is Vegetable Cashmere®, our flagship plant-based fiber developed through KD Knit, our in-house material innovation platform. Spun from upcycled soy byproduct, it offers the softness of luxury fibers without the environmental cost – blending performance, wellness and sustainability in every thread.
Designed to Move Forward
We believe the future of fashion is conscious, collaborative, and built to last. As we expand into new partnerships, platforms, and products, our focus remains on crafting wear that honors the body in motion, while leaving a lighter footprint behind.
From the studio to the street, from our heritage in dance to the next generation of fiber technology, KD New York continues to lead with intention. Because movement isn’t just our inspiration – it’s our foundation.
Wear What Moves You
Discover performance-ready pieces crafted with elegance, intention and sustainability. From studio staples to everyday essentials, KD New York designs collections for how you live and move.
Shop our latest collection and experience the difference of movement-loving, consciously made wear.
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