SARAH CLANCy, DESIGNER, KATE & CONFUSION
Kate & Confusion is a contemporary fashion accessories brand with a touch of quirk, appealing to the young at heart and those with a sense of whimsy who long for overseas adventures.
SARAH, HOW WAS KATE & CONFUSION BORN AS A LABEL?
After 25 years buying and developing product in Fashion Accessories for major Australian retailer David Jones, and working closely with iconic brands such as MIMCO and Oroton, I decided it was time to go out on my own and develop a quality yet affordable brand.
From doing product development for so many years, I had developed strong relationships with reputable factories in Italy.
I have always loved working in accessories and hats and owned far too many pieces myself, so I decided to turn my passion into a business.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS?
We design our product in Australia and work with only the best factories in Italy to create our designs. Specialising in Felt Hats, Leather Gloves, Scarves, Beanies and Wraps, we use only the best quality materials. Our pieces are made to be loved and to last.
I love most working with the Italian factories. They really are craftsmen. It is when I am able to be my most creative.
When creating each collection, I try and have pieces that are classic enough that they will be timeless, yet build in an element of quirk so that they allow the wearer to showcase their own fashion style.
HANDCRAFTED PIECES ARE CORE TO YOUR BRAND. TELL US YOUR VISION BEHIND THIS?
I have always appreciated quality so it was important that our collections would stand the test of time. My favourite pieces of our range are still the leather gloves. They are handmade in Italy and we only use the highest quality leather which means that they are so soft.
I have a vivid memory of my mother owning a beautiful pair of leather gloves that she owned for years. Each winter they would come out and they still looked fantastic - so soft and comforting against the winter chill.
I designed a pair just like the gloves my mother owned to honour her. I want that sense of belonging and appreciation in a classic piece for my customers . For them to own their pieces for years and experience amazing memories wearing them.
Funnily my four year old son loves to wear my Biker Chick leather gloves, so I wonder if he will have a great memory of me and my gloves too. Either that or he just appreciates the soft leather too!
WHAT DESIGNS HAS YOU EXCITED RIGHT NOW?
I am excited to be launching my Summer collection of hats soon. I am just working on the photoshoot now for the marketing campaign. I also have the samples for Winter 20 being sent from Italy as we speak so I can’t wait to open the box and see how they have turned out. It is a little like Xmas for me!
I am also busy designing our stand as we will be showing at the Sydney Retail Festival in September.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING ON YOUR BRAND, WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO DO?
Travel is a big part of how we spend our free time. We love discovering new countries and cultures and having an adventure. I love to ski but also could quite happily spend days on end by a pool with a good book.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KATE & CONFUSION
Website. www.kateandconfusion.com
Instagram. @kateandconfusion
Facebook. @kateandconfusionptyltd
