Ken Burt’s “JE NE SAIS QUOI” for FREKLS: Streetwear With Soul, Depth, and a Dash of Dandyism
By Paris Runway Official | Austin Fashion Week Feature
Emerging designer Ken Burt, founder of FREKLS, made an unforgettable statement on May 10th at Austin Fashion Week 2025 with his newest collection: JE NE SAIS QUOI. The name alone—a French phrase for something with that “indescribable charm”—perfectly encapsulates the essence of FREKLS: a brand defined not by formula, but by feeling.
“FREKLS is still discovering itself,” Burt shares. “This collection reflects the beauty of uncertainty and experimentation. It’s the snapshot of a designer mid-evolution.”
Presented with a bold blend of vulnerability and style, JE NE SAIS QUOI channels the 2024 MET Gala’s Black Dandyism theme through the lens of streetwear. The result is unexpected yet cohesive—where elegance meets grit, and personal storytelling meets elevated style. One standout piece, Tears at the Altar, was inspired by a real moment: a bride left at the altar. “I imagined how the aftermath would look—the tears, the running makeup, the quiet beauty of that rawness,” says Burt.
Photo by Julie Trinh, @julietrinhphotography // Fashion PR Firm // Paris Runway Official
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Each item in the collection is handmade and upcycled, repurposed from pre-loved garments and pieces from Burt’s own wardrobe. “Everything has history,” he explains. “Each fabric has lived. Each thread tells a story.”
Burt, currently based in Austin, Texas, draws creative energy from New York roots and global influences. “I was born in New York. That city shaped my instincts,” he says. “But I also believe in creating outside of trends. Inspiration can come from anywhere—even a wedding gone wrong or a crushed glass blazer inspired by Pusha T.”
Photo by Julie Trinh, @julietrinhphotography // Fashion PR Firm // Paris Runway Official
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FREKLS is fashion with an edge—and a heart. The upcoming runway reappearance will be June 1st, 2025 at Texas Fashion Week in San Antonio, with new additions to the JE NE SAIS QUOI collection. After that, Ken Burt heads to RUNWAY817 in Dallas this September, further expanding his reach across the Texas fashion circuit.
“My favorite part of the runway is community,” Burt says. “Fashion is a team sport—the energy, the exchange, the people behind the scenes. I love it all.”
The collection will be available at BLKFREKLS.com in early June. Due to the custom nature of the work, production lead times may vary, but every piece is crafted with intention and individuality.
Photo by Julie Trinh, @julietrinhphotography // Fashion PR Firm // Paris Runway Official
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Burt’s journey into fashion began not on a runway, but with a brush. Originally an acrylic painter, he started designing T-shirts, which evolved into full garment creation. The tipping point? An art show in NYC where he sold out of 20 shirts. “That was the moment,” he reflects. “It made me believe this was possible.”
He credits his parents as his foundation. “My father taught me that anything is achievable with hard work. My mother’s strength and selflessness drive me daily.”
As FREKLS continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Ken Burt is here to redefine what it means to create fashion that resonates deeply and authentically.
"FREKLS is a reminder," Burt says, “that your perceived flaws are your greatest strength. You’re not broken. You’re becoming. You have the potential to become great. So, I ask... why not you?”
Photo by Julie Trinh, @julietrinhphotography // Fashion PR Firm // Paris Runway Official
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