Kalaurie’s Melbourne Atelier
Kalaurie invites us into its considered world, as the Melbourne made-to-order label opens its first showroom and atelier in the heart of Fitzroy.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Vlad Savin
Founded in 2017, local womenswear label Kalaurie has carved out a name on the Australian fashion landscape for its limited-run capsule collections, use of deadstock fabrics and timeless design of “modern-day heirlooms”. Every piece is made-to-order in Melbourne.
So it should come as no surprise that Kalaurie’s first Melbourne showroom and atelier would be imbued with the same highly-considered, sustainable philosophy. Behind a merlot-red shop facade in Melbourne’s inner-north, an eclectic mix of second-hand furniture sits against a bare brick and polished concrete backdrop.
A feature rug, sourced from a local handmade rug dealer, adds warmth to the space alongside custom-made rose copper clothing racks, handmade by a local craftsman. Locally made sheer white curtains perform the dual function of softening the environment and dividing the front showroom space and the atelier workshop to the back.
Founder Kalaurie Karl-Crooks explains the space will provide an environment for her clients to have a unique shopping experience within a warm and intimate setting.
‘Personally, I’ve always found traditional shopping environments to be uncomfortable and transactional, so I wanted to create a space that was warm and modest. A place where customers can feel comfortable, as though they’ve stepped into a friend’s home,’ says Karl-Crooks.
‘If we make purchasing decisions based on objective usefulness and subjective beauty, our lives are simplified,’ says Kalaurie Karl-Crooks. Photo: Vlad Savin
“I’ve long felt that true sustainability stems from a rather pragmatic outlook that one should be resourceful with what you have, and mindful in how you use, consume and communicate.”
‘The showroom is a simple and elegant reflection of the essence of Kalaurie – essential pieces, created and sourced in the most mindful way possible,’ says Kalaurie Karl-Crooks. Photo: Vlad Savin
‘The ready-to-wear offering will be dainty – at this stage I’m looking at offering about 20 pieces. There will also be special one-off pieces on display. It will be an evolving range that gives new customers and clients the chance to try pieces on.’ Photo: Vlad Savin
‘After working from my own home for so many years, it was important to me to translate that highly personal and intimate experience within my first showroom. I’m looking to create a rare experience for my clients that they won’t be able to get elsewhere that bridges the gap between the designer, the garments and the wearer.’
Kalaurie is a rarity in the local fashion ecosystem. With one annual capsule collection of between 15-20 pieces released each year, the label is grounded in a slow and thoughtful approach that does not rely on seasonal trends or continual releases to reach its customer.
Each design is available until the fabric used to create it runs out, ensuring no overproduction or wastage. It is, as Kalaurie describes, a business model that is grounded in her belief that we don’t need enormous wardrobes to express ourselves through our clothes. Simplifying the process of engaging with our wardrobes enables us to treasure each and every piece, which in turn guides our decisions to be more considered and reflective of who we are.
The Kalaurie showroom will be open by appointment for clients to view samples of all available styles from each capsule collection for a made-to-measure service. In addition, the showroom will occasionally host open days for those who would like to browse a curated selection of ready-to-wear garments. A retail experience that reflects the self-assured identity of the Kalaurie brand and allows her craftsmanship to take centre stage.