Kids have a natural desire to be creative in dressing- have you ever witnessed a child pair two mismatched socks with a bathing suit, a pair of cowboy boots and a sombrero and sashay out the door with the greatest of confidence? At DezignKidz we will provide a fun and stimulating environment to channel these creative energies while laying a foundation of practical skills that will last a lifetime. Inspired by the global tapestry of SIlicon Valley, we will incorporate ideas and textiles from other cultures as well as our own, as we explore the process of garment design from concept through creation to create wearable art.

Durga Kalavagunta is a former garment designer and entrepreneur with extensive knowledge of the global apparel and textile industries. Durga has held numerous positions running the entire gamut of the industry from designer of leather garments at Tata Exports, to Merchandising Manager for Limited Brands. As an entrepreneur in the industry, Durga worked closely with prominent West Coast design houses including Barbara Beckman Designs SFO, and Tomasini, Los Angeles  and upscale textile retailers like Cotton Works, Los Gatos. She holds a MS in apparel and textile business analysis from Virginia Tech and an MS in Clothing & Textiles from MSU, India. Currently an apparel and fashion industry consultant, Durga heads costume committees for professional dance/theatre productions and continues to do pro bono work for large school plays. In her spare time she volunteers at local schools in various capacities, from serving on PTA boards to chairing various committees and helping in the classroom. DezignKidz gives her an outlet to soak in the creative energies of young students and to inspire the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs. Her youngest child’s love of fashion and sewing was partially the inspiration for DezignKidz.

Kathy Bonte is a freelance marketing and design professional and a former New York City art director. Her extensive design background spans 20+ years in the industry and encompasses a variety of traditional and new media.Former clients include apparel brands Hanes Hosiery and Champion Sportswear as well as many other prominent packaged goods and retail brands. She holds a BFA in design from Syracuse University and has studied at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Kathy has enjoyed igniting children’s creativity since her teen years as an Art & Crafts counselor—she was an original co-founder and Publicity Chair for Almond School’s BookWave program, dedicated to inspiring young authors and illustrators, and has served on the Board of the Los Altos Art Docents, where she teaches hands-on art and art appreciation lessons to K-6 classes in the Los Altos School District. Indulging her love of all things wearable, she also chaired the Almond Wear program at nearby Almond Elementary School for two years-designing, sourcing and coordinating the sale of the school’s fundraising spirit wear. Kathy is currently developing her own accessories line utilizing recycled materials. She is a self-taught sewist and a rabid Project Runway and HGTV fan.