FK chats to Kajsa and Kate of beautiful and very wearable fashion label APOM, based in Melbourne. We especially love their gorgeous hand rendered prints featuring designs from their collaboration with local artists.
Tell us a bit about APOM and what products we can expect to discover?
APOM, an acronym that stands for A Part of Me, is a Melbourne based women’s clothing label. Each collection features a hand rendered print design by a specially selected Melbourne based artist. We pride ourselves on making beautiful wearable clothing that can translate into the modern women’s everyday wardrobe. From the high quality fabrics to the carefully designed cuts and details, the collection resonates with those seeking both quality and beautiful design.
What are your backgrounds and how did you start working together?
Kajsa Kvernmo is originally from the northern city of Karasjok in Norway. Kajsa studied costume design and then philosophy at the University of Mexico before moving to Australia in 2006. Kate Brook was born in Melbourne but spent her formative years in Adelaide, South Australia where she developed a flair for design and sewing by creating clothes for friends and family. Kate initially embarked on a marketing and business orientated pathway but in 2007, moved to Melbourne to follow her passion for a career in the fashion Industry.
Kajsa and Kate met at the Whitehouse Institute of Design , Melbourne and both graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fashion Design. The partnership was created through a like-minded philosophy of design principles and sustainable fashion values. After years of interning and work experience they both felt were ready to embark on business together and APOM: A Part of Me was created.
What do you love about working with fashion? What keeps you creatively motivated?
Working in the fashion industry has found us never having dull or boring moment which is one of the reasons we love what we do. There is always something creative in the works, whether it is designing the new print, experimenting with fabrication for the new season collection or keeping a few ideas for the next collection in the back of our minds. If we ever find ourselves in a creative ‘rut’ we just take a little breather and spend time doing things that inspire us. It is important to sometimes take a break and remember why you are doing this job in the first place.
What is your creative workspace like, and what inspires you about your surrounding?
For our upcoming Spring/Summer collection we were sharing a studio space with a pair of avid fishermen while watching a boat being built from our work room windows. This energy quickly captivated us and we became inspired by the thrill of life at sea and the transcendental mystery of the ocean and its stories.
What challenges have you faced starting your own label, and what are some things you love about it?
Being a small fashion label has meant that often we are restricted to what resources are available to us. Meanwhile, selling the label, putting it out there and that fear of rejection is always daunting. But the thrill and excitement of when stockists call you back and tell you how much they love your work is worth the risk.
What new projects are you working on and where would you like to see APOM in the future?
We collaborated with a Finnish artist for out Winter 13 collection on a jewellery line. We have created delicate ceramic houses made to match our print. We are currently working on a collaboration with a Melbourne based artist to create another jewellery line for our next Spring/Summer collection. We want to grow our label, gain international stockists and continue to collaborate with more talented artists in Australia and overseas.
