IMBY LANGENBACH| FOUNDER OF KARMME [CALM]
KARMME WAS BORN OF CREATIVE DESIRE
KARMME is a bespoke label of beautifully handmade leather goods proudly designed and made in Australia. Producing only small quantity, locally created products, KARMME bags are created using premium Italian leather and the range includes colours developed exclusively for the label. The leather chosen is bold yet soft enough to give all KARMME bags a beautiful feel that only gets better with age - they are made to last and be loved.
We spoke to Founder, Imby Langenbach about why she created KARMME, what it represents and what's ahead for the brand.
Describe yourself and your designs to us?
I am the Founder and owner of KARMME, a leather accessories business based in Coogee, NSW. I have created in many different mediums since I was really young, I made Cabbage Patch kids clothes in primary school, took embroidery lessons at University and I have cooked, baked, made paper, candles, quilted, sewn all along the way up to now at 45. It’s kind of part of who I am and so I’m really lucky to get to do this as my every day job. I design for need firstly. So when I have a need to carry something, I design to make it as simple, clean, practical and as beautiful as I can.
My design ethos is if you need to carry it all - keys, phone and purse in a bag - then it should feel beautiful to hold. Our range developed from clutches to totes, then crossbody satchels all due to my personal needs and experiences. It is my wish that KARMME designs transcend a fashion season, age, gender and time of day. They are meant to be easy, work with anyone’s wardrobe, be classic and elegant and go from morning to night seamlessly. All KARMME products are lined in hand dyed fabric that I sew myself using the shibori technique. It’s a true labour of love but the result is a truly unique piece as every metre of fabric is completely different to the next. This makes every bag one of a kind and something special for its owner. This has been our KARMME signature since the beginning.
How did it all begin for your brand?
KARMME was never meant to be a business. I made a clutch for my sister in Western Australia for her birthday as I always made an element of her birthday gift. I sent it off without too much thought and then I had neck surgery and didn’t want to carry a heavy shoulder bag any more. I made myself the same clutch to carry my keys, phone and purse when picking my three daughters up from school. Some friends of mine asked if I could make them the same, friends of my sister asked the same and all of a sudden I had people wanting to buy my creations. It was back when social media was a platform to share creative ideas and so I would share photos of what I was making and more people wanted to buy. I created a website and KARMME was born, that was over five years ago now.
What has been a stand out moment in shaping your brand?
The game changer for KARMME was sourcing my leather from Italy and developing colours that were exclusive to KARMME. I wanted soft Italian Cabretta leather to work with but the supplier I was working with in Sydney did not have the range I needed so we worked together with the tanneries in Italy to create the perfect palette of tans, grey and midnight that make up the KARMME classic collection. Since then I have developed metallics and embossed leathers out of Italy and Japan. I am lucky to have supportive suppliers who help grow my brand. Also, previously I stitched all the clutches myself, KARMME’s range was able to expand extensively when I was able to work with skilled makers in Sydney, who are integral to me being able to execute the vision I have for new designs and quality in KARMME.
What creative work has you excited right now?
I have always loved the brand Aesop and their ability to create the most beautiful spaces and products. I continue to be inspired by their aesthetic and vision for the brand. Anything that creates with beautiful fabrics, raw materials and does so carefully and with meaning is what I am attracted to and inspired by. For KARMME it has been really fun to delve into creating for men, a really different vibe for KARMME but an exciting new branch for the brand.
What do you love to do to recharge or relax?
I try to practice yoga a few times a week, very cliche for the relaxing bit but I do find it calms my mind for a busy day ahead and helps my body stretch out the desk work. I love being on holiday adventures with our family as my husband tends to organise every thing so I can completely switch off and look out the window and quiet my mind. When life with three children just gets too hectic, I head to my studio and sew, just for fun, to create not sell, its still my out when life gets too crazy, hence the name KARMME (calm)
What excites you about the year ahead?
This time of year I knuckle down and start production for the crazy gift giving season, it always sneaks up on me so I’m trying to be organised this year. The next few months will see pop ups, studio opens as well as the online store to keep me busy. But, my design brain is always simmering and I have some new ideas that are brewing for 2020. They will take time to mature but so far I’m excited !
What advice do you have for emerging designers?
Ask lots of questions from people in the industry, especially the ones who have been around for a long time. Work for free to absorb the industry. Don’t be afraid to fail, you will not always get it right. Listen to advice but still make your own call. Find your style, it might not come for years but the only way I have found to still be in business is to stay true to me. I think if you try to do what others want, then it sets you up for failure. I believe true designers will do that, as it’s in their blood to design and create, not replicate.