Elegant and minimalistic with a design ethos entrenched in sophistication, thoughtful design and subtle perfection, Kara Liu is an emerging Australian label that evokes luxury in simplicity by maintaining an understated but refined aesthetic.
Founding her label in 2013, the Shanghai-born, Melbourne-raised designer’s highly academic upbringing and scholastic nature has resulted in considered and edited collections, with her meticulous attention to detail, obsession with methodology and considerations in ergonomics reflected in her designs. Graduating with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Design (Fashion) at RMIT University, the designer has accentuated her experience training under the guidance of the most esteemed fashion designers both in Australia and abroad including the internationally renowned Alexander Wang.
We caught up with Kara and got a better insight into the designer who is ready to prove herself and her designs to the world:
What/who is your biggest inspiration?
This is going to sound really corny, but my inspiration always come from life. I design from what’s happening around me, the environment I’m in, people that I interact with. I always carry a notebook and use my iphone camera a lot to note down things that inspire me. It could be an interesting mug I saw at a cafe, or a conversation that I had with a friend. Could be anything that I experience anytime. I think it makes sense because my designs are ultimately for the daily life.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in fashion?
To run a lifestyle label. Because my clothing are to fit into the daily life, it makes sense to not just focusing on clothing, but to expand into more aspects of life, and make products that a beautifully designed yet fits into your daily life seamlessly. I want to make living easy and beautiful.
What are you looking forward to in 2015?
First of all, collection number 3. And hopefully a vacation in Croatia!
Kara Liu’s collections are available at the label’s e-boutique, as well as through stockists in Australia and New York.
