Featured Fashion Label + Interview: Kalaurie
Handcrafted womenswear label Kalaurie is turning one
and we’re excited to mark the occasion by publishing an interview with Melbourne-based Founder / Designer Kalaurie Karl-Crooks.
Kalaurie’s catch-cry is “dark, romantic and ethical” - offering up a limited-edition selection of feminine, high-quality garments – the right blend of versatile and ostentatious, with bold, striking silhouettes that aren’t afraid to take up space.
Inspired by intense personal experiences and the fashions and craftsmanship of centuries past, Kalaurie, an RMIT fashion graduate, has created three collections over the past year themed around death and mourning (“Widow’s Weeds”), obsession and control (“Terror Made Me Cruel”) and insecurities and self-loathing (“Black Mountain”). They're pieces with a story, drawing you in in a way that fast fashion just can’t do.
Q: Congratulations on a year of Kalaurie, the Label (though you've been creating a lot longer than that!) Do you feel the label's evolved much in a year, or are you only just getting started?
A: I'm all about a slow evolution- doing what feels right at the right time. I like to take my time with things and I am still very much testing things out, seeing what works, seeing what doesn't and still really finding my personal style. It's been a wonderful learning curve and I'm trying to keep this journey in a space of openness so I can just see where things go. I'm looking forward to seeing how I can grow the business when I have access to more resources but for now I am content with the simplicity of my goals.
Q: What has your relationship with fashion been like over the years?
A: From when I first started studying fashion until now, my relationship with it has very much been about self-discovery. I think fashion gave me confidence, taught me discipline and helps me to find myself more every day.
Q: What do you think has drawn fashion-lovers to a more sustainable way to shop lately?
A: The confronting reality that our actions are compromising people and the earth on the daily basis without any consideration for the future.
Q: Much of your work harks back to past eras - what do you think always draws us back in time with fashion?
A: Before I studied my fashion degree I studied costume design. I have always been really fascinated with fashion history and things from the past. I love all eras but I'm mostly drawn to Victorian and Renaissance eras. I am very inspired by the meaning and symbolism of clothing to people historically.
Q: If you could only wear the wardrobe from one film, which would it be?
A: This is actually the hardest question ever! I think I'll have to go with Jane Eyre directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Q: Do you regularly wear many pieces from your own collection? If you do, which is your favourite?
A: My personal style is a mashup of second hand clothing mixed with pieces I've made myself. I don't have a huge wardrobe as it can be hard to find time to make myself something but recently I made myself a Jealousy Dress. I love it so much. It's the perfect sultry piece with the right amount of modesty.
Q: What are your favourite fabrics / textiles to work with?
A: I mostly work with wovens - I like the stability of them. I'm very much texture orientated, it really sets the mood. I tend to be inspired by a pretty monochromatic colour pallet so texture is key for creating depth in storytelling. When it comes to sourcing I am very passionate about using dead-stock textiles and trims. I love the feeling of taking something considered undesirable to another business and giving it a new meaningful life and saving from landfill or destruction. My focus fibre wise are fabrics made from fibres which come from renewable resources and are biodegradable. I'm really hoping to be able to source organic cotton shirting this year!
Q: You're proudly a Melbourne creative - how do you feel living in Melbourne has shaped your work? (If it has at all?)
A: I've always wanted to do my own thing, my own way and I definitely don't conform to the standard trendy independent Melbourne label aesthetic. The beautiful thing about Melbourne is its openness and acceptance of new ideas.
Shop Kalaurie online, like the Facebook page and follow on Instagram for more. We can’t wait for another year of beautiful, well-made clothes!
Full credits: Photography by Vlad Savin | Muse Olympia @ Work Models | Beauty by Rob Povey | Hair by Xeneb Allen
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Cecile isa writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.