Brit Hines (née Smith) & Kara Smith are two stylists and designers who captured the fashion world’s attention in 2011 when they launched their womenswear label, ELKIN. Hailed as ‘ones to watch’ by top media outlets, they became known for their feminine, darkly romantic, and effortlessly cool aesthetic. ELKIN quickly became the go-to wardrobe for Hollywood’s top young talent, including Brie Larson, Zosia Mamet, Dakota Johnson, Langley Fox Hemingway and Emma Roberts.
Known in the industry as tastemakers, Brit & Kara’s elevated aesthetic consistently keeps them on fashion’s best dressed lists. Their refined eye and distinguished taste have resulted in a style sensibility that is characterized by its seamless combination of classic Hollywood and modern cool.
Prior to styling, Brit studied film at USC and worked for CFDA jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer. Kara studied art and fashion before designing for various LA labels. Their strength as a styling team is complementary, driven by Kara’s unique creative vision and Brit’s impeccable attention to detail. Their contagiously cool and strategic approach to image-making places them in a category of their own.
The name Elkin came to them after visiting a taxidermy shop in LA. Inspired by an elk head that they describe as “feminine, masculine, fragile, and strong”, they combined the word with kin (a nod to their kinship), and Elkin was born. The designers describe the Elkin girl as “adventurous, unpredictable, mysterious, and eternally youthful.”
Brit & Kara live in Los Angeles.
They are represented by A-Frame Agency and you can find their portfolio HERE
