Every piece in Kalaurie’s first showroom and atelier is designed to be a “modern-day heirloom”, according to the label’s founder Kalaurie Karl-Crooks – from the flowy Backwards Forwards dress with a fitted waist and deep V neck, to the front-tied Lovers top with romantic puffed sleeves.
The Melbourne made-to-order label produces a single annual capsule collection of between 15 and 20 pieces; each garment is only available until the chosen fabric runs out. And those fabrics are mostly deadstock that would otherwise end up in landfill, such as unused silk, cotton, linen and wool suiting fabric from other fashion houses, or wholesalers that sell surplus fabric.
Since the slow-fashion brand was born in 2017, it has been devoted to combating the enormous amount of waste the industry generates. “I make seasonless clothes built on sustainable principles with the goal that they [be] passed down through many hands,” says Karl-Crooks. “I operate off the basis that we all need much less than we think. A few well-crafted garments are worth a hundred poorly made [ones].”
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SIGN UPHer focus on mindful consumption has struck a chord with shoppers craving less but better quality, leading her to open the Fitzroy North space after years designing and working from home. “I felt I was at a point in my business where I was ready to create a dedicated environment for appointments,” she says. “I love welcoming clients into my home, so it was important for me to translate that personal and intimate experience into my first showroom.”
She has done so with an eclectic collection of second-hand furniture, a rug sourced from a local handmade-rug dealer, custom-made rose copper racks and sheer white curtains that shroud the windows of the showroom’s merlot-coloured facade.
Here, find samples of all available styles from each collection. Kalaurie will be there to take you through and discuss your individual needs and which pieces you like. Measurements will then be taken to ensure each piece is perfectly fitted.
The showroom and atelier will also host occasional open days for customers wanting to browse a curated selection of ready-to-wear garments.
Kalaurie is open by appointment only.
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