Custom clothing has Western inspiration

KLS Designs represents an ongoing lifelong passion for owner Kristen Adkins, a passion for Western culture.

The online shop features a range of unique frayed jean jackets, leather purses, accessories and more, all inspired by the West and hand-created by Adkins, who lives south of Billings but travels across the state for different events to showcase her work.  

The Ohio native first began creating clothing as a kid for horse shows since her family couldn’t often splurge on a new outfit. She kept it up as she entered college, where she began selling her show items on E-Bay. From there, Adkins said, it kind of took off.  

“There's a lot of mass-produced items out there... but I have a unique taste. I like things a little bit more refined and unique,” she said. “That’s one of the benefits of making your own stuff.” 

Early in her design career, Adkins focused on custom-made show gear, each hand-gemmed with intricate designs. In 2020, Adkins transitioned from making show clothes after 17 years and started another venture: leather design.  

“Switching over my clientele was hard and then gaining everyone’s trust that I am still making these orders to the highest quality was tricky,” Adkins said. “But it was worth it.” 

Adkins officially launched KLS Designs in 2021 when she transitioned to leather but had always called her business KLS Design before that. The leather she uses comes from Montana Leather in Billings. 

From jackets to neck cowls, Adkins’ online store features a range of products for everybody. Custom and colorful pistol cases, hand-worked wallets, stockings, necklaces, hats, pillows and more are also offered.  

Looking forward, Adkins is excited to continue to travel the state to go to different events with her family to show her work. Fully operating out of her home, Adkins and her husband — a former Army Ranger — are undergoing a revamp on a shed they just purchased to act as a studio for her design work. Their two daughters, Blaine and Callyn, help out when they can, from modeling to traveling to different art shows.  

It’s a family thing, she said.  

“When you dig deep and personal, KLS is here because of a dream I had as a kid and when people, specifically family members, said I couldn't do it, when I surrounded myself with the right people, I basically persevered. I never gave up. No matter what life through at me,” Adkins reflected.  

To shop or contact KLS Designs, visit kls-designs.com.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com. 

 Kristen Adkins and her daughters. (Photo contributed)