Hi, I’m Sour Mandy, the creative force behind Katkow. This journey started with a lifelong passion for designing, crafting, and, most importantly, expressing myself. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping my mom sew my clothes, and little did I know, those early experiences would lay the foundation for my career.

In 2019, I stepped into the world of drag in NYC, and everything changed. Drag became my creative playground—a space to push boundaries, tell stories, and, of course, turn looks. Inspired by avant-garde designers like Mugler, Balenciaga, Iris van Herpen, and Alexander McQueen, I wanted to bring high fashion to my drag. But there was one problem: the garments I dreamed of either didn’t fit, or they were completely out of my budget.

When shopping for feminine clothing from retailers like Amazon, Pretty Little Thing, or Fashion Nova, I quickly realized that "plus sizes" were either not available or severely lacking in style. That’s when I dusted off my old sewing machine and began designing and creating my own looks. My drag became a true reflection of me—fierce, bold, and unapologetic.

In 2020, during the pandemic, I started showcasing my drag on social media and found my passion shifting towards creating custom garments. While selling stretch dresses on Etsy was rewarding, it became clear that hand-sewing each piece was time-consuming. Then, it hit me: what if I shared the patterns instead? Let others bring their own creativity to life?

And just like that, Katkow was born.

In 2022, I fully leaned into creating sewing patterns that cater to drag queens and those who love bold, unique fashion. Our patterns range from beginner-friendly staples to advanced pieces like catsuits and corsets, all designed with our unique drag-friendly sizing to fit male bodies and curvy, plus-size individuals. These patterns have empowered creators around the world to craft their own fierce looks.

In 2024, Katkow has expanded beyond Etsy to our own website, continuing to serve crafty drag queens and performers worldwide. We’re focused on perfecting our bestsellers, launching innovative designs, and collaborating with LGBTQ+ fashion designers to bring even more creativity to your sewing table.

Looking to the future, we’re excited to offer our patterns in standard women’s sizing and venture into creating flamboyant men’s clubwear, festival fashion, and unique designs for everyone who loves bold self-expression.