Kimberly Grisdale Founder of Xonotu

In the second instalment of the women that inspire Project Tomoe we connected with Kim Grisdale founder of Xonotu — product designer and fashion/fitness creator blending storytelling, science, and world-building into wearable form.

For Kimberly, creativity was a natural evolution—fueled by a love of video games, nature, and immersive storytelling. Her pieces aren’t just garments, they’re gateways: bold, functional, and designed to move through imagined worlds.

What inspired you to pursue your creative path? Was it an act of rebellion or a natural evolution?

For me, it was definitely a natural evolution. I’ve always been obsessed with adventure movies and video games - the kind that build entire worlds you can get lost in. I’d immerse myself in those universes and imagine what it would be like to actually be there. On top of that, I’m a bit of a science and nature geek, so I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and mystery of natural phenomena.

As I grew in my clothing design skills, I realised I didn’t just want to make pieces that looked cool - I wanted each one to tell a story. I wanted to create garments that took people on a journey, to invite them into a world of my own making. World-building through fashion became my way of blending all the things I love into something tangible.

How would you define your style in a few words? And how do you think it has
evolved over time?

I’d describe my style as experimental, bold, and functional.

Over time, my taste has shifted. I used to gravitate toward pieces with loud prints, but as I’ve grown as a designer, I’ve become more interested in pushing boundaries through texture, shape, and silhouette. I'm drawn to garments that feel unconventional not just in how they look, but in how they move and function.

I’ve also come to really value the balance between beauty and practicality. I think there’s something powerful about a piece that feels both striking and functional. Just because something serves a purpose doesn’t mean it has to sacrifice beauty and I’m always chasing that intersection.

Do you ever feel creatively "stuck"? How do you overcome those moments?

Definitely. I spend a lot of time in my basement studio or on the computer, designing clothing and building environments in 3D. It’s a pretty controlled, solitary space, so it’s easy to hit creative roadblocks when the outside stimulus is limited.

The best way I’ve found to get ‘unstuck’ is by consistently stepping outside of my routine and trying new things. It doesn’t even have to be directly related to my work. Sometimes it’s about changing my environment: exploring a new place, taking a different route, or trying something new creatively. I’m really into climbing, so I’ll spend weekends outdoors in new areas, or I’ll tag along with a friend to a pottery class.

I think doing things like that helps build different neural pathways and gives your brain new connections to work with. It expands how you see the world and I think that shift in perspective is where a lot of fresh creative energy comes from.

What’s the most unconventional choice you’ve made in your career?

I’m a fashion designer, but I chose to spend months teaching myself Blender - a 3D design and animation software. Instead of focusing solely on the clothing itself, I dedicate a huge chunk of my time to building the world that the pieces come from.

To most people, that might seem like a distraction or something better outsourced to a specialist. But for me, having full control over that world-building process is essential. It allows me to translate the ideas in my head with complete accuracy, and often, those environments end up informing my designs in ways I never would’ve imagined. It’s become a key part of how I create.

The strangest or most unexpected thing you always carry with you.

I usually carry a small notebook with me, especially when I’m heading somewhere outdoorsy. It’s not exactly standard hiking gear, but I’ll often see something like a texture, a pattern, or just a weird bit of nature that sparks an idea. I’ll quickly scribble it down with a little sketch or note. It’s kind of become a portable archive of inspiration. Whenever I’m feeling stuck or starting something new, I’ll flip through it and usually find a thread worth pulling on.