In Conversation with Kairo Atelier- A Fashion Designer and Business Owner


What Drew you to fashion?

I’ve always loved clothes. My mum would dress me and my sister in vintage hand-me-downs and we’d be dragged along to boot-fairs and sample sales with my mum and aunties. I didn’t appreciate these things when I was younger but they really informed my style and love for fashion as I got older. My cousin was a stylist so I would sit and flick through her hoards of magazines for ages as a child and watch her organise her styling returns. That’s when I gained a real appreciation for fashion and textiles. I loved drawing so I’d combine the two and illustrate designs whenever I got my hands on a pen and some paper. I studied a foundation course in fashion and textiles but didn’t feel very liberated – I felt rushed with my ideas and steered into directions based on what my tutors thought would be interesting. It wasn’t really resonating with me so after a lot of thinking, I decided not to do a BA. I told myself that in the 3 years that I would be at uni, I’d bet on myself and see how far I could take my own brand in that time frame

Your designs are so precise what’s your process?

I do a lot of thinking before I start anything. Designing, for me, is very intuitive so my ideas are very spontaneous. But sometimes I’ll design something and experiment with a bunch of different versions of it. Everything is a work in process, I often revise designs each drop if I find something to tweak or improve. In a way, it’s reflective of the fact that I’m always learning so it’s nice to see the pieces refine more and more over time. I’m not as skilled in the technical field of making clothes but I enjoy figuring things out so when I design something that I don’t know how to make, I usually make it in my head times over and problem solve until I am ready to put scissors to fabric. If I’m ever spacing out I’m probably thinking about clothes. I have an archive of designs that I don’t know how to bring to life yet but I’m slowly working my way through them.

What inspired your first collection?

My first collection was inspired by what I wanted to wear at the time but couldn’t find. I designed a pair of trousers with a layered apron the year prior, inspired by painter’s attire and my love for art. So, for my first available collection, I elevated the design as a monotone pair for everyday. I wanted to tie in my tomboy style of baggy relaxed clothes but also my dip into femininity with the layered apron skirt and find a medium between the two. I drew inspiration from modest fashion as well as work-wear and uniforms that incorporated aprons. I liked the idea of it being a tie between an apron and a skirt – not covering the trouser completely, but covering enough of it to make the silhouette feel elevated but cohesive. I wanted to design a staple – and found it hard to find layered monochrome denim pieces, I also liked the versatility of having a ready-made layered ensemble that I could choose to wear together or separately.

My first collection was also the introduction of ‘mundane feelings’ – a concept that came out of covid and and looks at the shift to finding the beauty in things that we sometimes fail to appreciate. Our generation gets bored really easily and in an environment where everything can feel very fast paced, it’s comforting to look at the moments we silently cherish but simultaneously take for granted. It also looks at things we use everyday and playing with the traditional design of things, keeping or elevating the functional aspect with an unconventional lens on shape and colour.

The idea for the ‘mundane feelings’ sub-collection was initially to have limited edition hand-sprayed graphics. The first top I made was inspired by walking around my area through the lens of a tourist. I took pictures of landscapes that I’d walk past everyday and spray painted one of them onto a top using a stencil I’d made. I then, released ‘mundane feelings’ logo graphic one-sleeve tops as part of my debut collection. They were supposed to be long sleeves but I ran out of fabric for the 2nd sleeve of the sample but ended up liking the asymmetry so I kept it that way.

I designed these logo tops as the intro into the ‘mundane feelings’ concept and It’s since progressed into a collection of workwear pieces that I’m really excited to start working on.

My first collection was also the introduction of ‘mundane feelings’ – a concept that came out of covid and and looks at the shift to finding the beauty in things that we sometimes fail to appreciate. Our generation gets bored really easily and in an environment where everything can feel very fast paced, it’s comforting to look at the moments we silently cherish but simultaneously take for granted. It also looks at things we use everyday and playing with the traditional design of things, keeping or elevating the functional aspect with an unconventional lens on shape and colour.

The idea for the ‘mundane feelings’ sub-collection was initially to have limited edition hand-sprayed graphics. The first top I made was inspired by walking around my area through the lens of a tourist. I took pictures of landscapes that I’d walk past everyday and spray painted one of them onto a top using a stencil I’d made. I then, released ‘mundane feelings’ logo graphic one-sleeve tops as part of my debut collection. They were supposed to be long sleeves but I ran out of fabric for the 2nd sleeve of the sample but ended up liking the asymmetry so I kept it that way.

In 3 words how would you describe your designs?

Functional, Unconventional, Versatile

What’s the hardest thing about owning your own fashion business?

It’s hard balancing everything and knowing when to take time out. Because I’m working on something that I’m passionate about, I feel like I can never spend enough time at it. It feels like there is always something to work on or something that I’m excited about creating. Theres also a lot of pressure in the fashion industry to constantly pump out new designs and be on top of trends so I have to remind myself that I’m going at my own pace.

What brings you joy in your creativity?

I’d say that seeing the final product brings me the most joy but also the process- finding the ryythym whilst creating and feeling really determined and inspired. I enjoy listening to music on my commuted and designing on the train, some of my favourite designs have been done on my commutes.

Whats your favourite piece you’ve made?

My favourite piece is the first pair of layered trousers I made. It was the first pair of trousers I made ever so they have a special place in my heart. They are pretty badly made but they are a reminder of how much I’ve learnt and improved. I always feel like I have to give a disclaimer when I loan them out because they are practically falling apart but I hope to keep this pair in the archives and eventually release the design but made well this time lol.

Where do you hope to see your brand in the future?

I see the brand growing with a team of passionate people and scaling to be a distinguished and admired London brand.

How would you describe your own style?

I usually see how I’m feeling that day and dress accordingly. I typically prioritise comfort since I’m usually working so normally opt for anything with a relaxed silhouette especially in terms of trousers/jeans. I like a tailored cinched jacket but will always contrast it with something baggy or layered. I like fun patterns and accessories especially bags. I love a good bag but sometimes I have to ban myself from buying them.

What are you loving right now?

My recent obsession has been wellington boots. When the weather is bad it’s a bit more fun when you’re wearing waterproof shoes. I think practicality is underrated, and it doesn’t have to be boring.

If you weren’t designing clothes what do you think you’d be doing?

I’d probably be painting. I loved art in school and when I left, I’d do portrait commissions but kind of fell out of love with it in the process. It’s definitely something I would like to get back into at some point but more on my terms.

What’s next?

I’m working on a restock currently but I have so many designs I’m really excited about getting stuck into. As I mentioned, I’m designing a collection that’s inspired by workwear but delving into occupations that are overlooked or deemed ‘undesirable’. Those are typically the jobs that are the most important so I think it would be fun to reimagine those uniforms. We also see a lot of workwear inspired by male-dominated fields so I think it would be cool to reference some of the female-dominated occupations like beauticians etc. I love designing for anyone that requires tools because I’m always drawn to utility and function so I’m excited to play with that.


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