Katy K started her business in Manhattan in the early 1980’s.  She had retail sections in happening boutiques such as Fiorucci and Screaming Mimi’s.

The 80’s were a wonderful time to dress up and be seen in nightclubs such as Mudd Club, Max’s, Studio 54, Limelight, Ritz, Tunnel etc. Katy K did many fashion shows in these venues which brought her  press notice in such publications as New York Times, Soho News, Village Voice, Harpers Bazaar, Elle and many others.

 Her designs appeared in early MTV videos on Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper, New Kids on the Block and others.  Downtown luminaries such as Klaus Nomi, John Sex and Joey Arias wore Katy K originals as well as Newport Society folks.