Meet Our Designers - McKinley Guidry

The Creative Journey

My connection to X2 has always been set into motion, the name X2 derives from my sister and I being twins and ultimately inseparable. Being born into a family of creatives and entrepreneurs, a creative field of work and being my own boss was always in the cards for me. Since I was very young, I’ve always had an appreciation for peculiar fashions, objects, and theatrics and immersed myself in all things creative. My journey to becoming a fashion designer, however, was not a smooth one, I was told many times I shouldn't be a designer, but that didn't stop me. 

Design Philosophy

When I design, I design fluidly. I don't have a formula or regimented way of curating inspiration as they try to teach you in design school. I just do what feels natural and naturally what inspires me are icons of the past like Paul Poiret or Duquette, eclectic  interior design, travel, and unusual objects that catch my fancy. I’ve always had a fascination with integrating details that don’t necessarily belong in certain environments and making them work in their own way and a lot of ways I relate to that because I’ve never really felt like I belong but when I wear my creations I’ve never felt more like myself. 

Signature Touch

My sister and I design hand-in-hand. Everything we do is collaborative and lives through many phases before it goes live. The more tailored and refined touches to our garments and everyday pieces tend to be mine, however our custom metal hardware and bespoke touches are mostly my sister. The ski skirts on the mountain were my signature touch. It was time for a comeback for femininity island sophistication in ski wear again. 

Current Inspiration

I am currently very inspired by vintage St. John powersuits and how they incorporate sporty fabric with evening hardware and finishes. I would like our ski wear next season to have the same feeling of sophistication, timelessness, and heritage and I think the brand as a whole is getting there. Good things take time…

A Hidden Gem

Two places come to mind instantly… Lofty Vintage in Yonkers and East Village Hats. These places are two of my safe havens. I just love being surrounded by beauty and when I am in these two places I get lost in time.