Local Designer Series: Human Movement Inspires a Fashion Business

Michigan-native Karen LaKritz took her passion for clothing and dance, and married them into an exciting career in the fashion industry. Karen started her own company Audra, and creates a line of basics that include leggings, skirts, tops and wraps. Her collection is sophisticated in look and style, but is something in which one can move and dance.

Image from Karen LaKritz

DGG: Tell us about yourself, Karen.

Karen LaKritz: My name is Karen LaKritz. I was raised outside of Detroit in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. I have always loved fashion and clothing. From a young age, I would put together outfits of clothing that I had in my closet, creating a whole new look. I attended the University of Michigan where I studied Kinesiology; this was a natural choice for me as it fostered my love for dance and learning about movement and the human body. It was not until later in life that I decided to attend fashion school. 

DGG: What's the Audra story?

KL: Audra began when I realized I wanted to do something that would combine my love for movement as it relates to dance, and fashion. I decided I wanted to start a business of my own with a keen eye for transforming fabrics into garments. This led to the creation of the Audra brand, and I began designing and making bottoms/leggings. Shortly thereafter, I expanded into a full collection of basics. Transitioning easily day to night, these basics can carry you anywhere, anytime. I currently design high-end basics and novelty pieces, along with hand painted t-shirts. I paint-dye each t-shirt by hand, separately, making each one unique and different.

Image from www.audrashop.com

DGG: Describe your job in 10 words.

KL: Dynamic. Technical. Focused. Visual. Instinctual. Rewarding. Innovative. Artistic. Resourceful. Original.

DGG: I saw that you recently posted you are working on hand-painted tees; what do you like about doing it yourself versus having it done somewhere else?

KL: When I create my own work, I don’t have to rely on others to complete the project. I can control the process. I also love the freedom to be artistic, personal and expressive in a free form style that is translated onto fabric. It allows me to create one-of-a-kind pieces for my customers.

Image from Karen LaKritz

DGG: What was the best and worst advice you have received since starting Audra?

KL: Best advice: Never be intimidated or affected by your competition. Stay focused on your own company and your own designs.

Worst advice: The industry is too diffictult. You may need to do something else.

Image from www.audrashop.com

DGG: What has been the most rewarding thing about starting your own company?

KL: Watching people try on my clothing and loving the way they look and feel. 

DGG: If you could dress anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

KL: At this moment, Gigi Hadid. She is a beautiful girl and would wear my clothing in such an effortless way.

DGG: How do you want to be remembered?

KL: I want to be remembered as a designer who is creative and artistic with an eye for creating clothing with comfort, sophistication and style. 

DGG: Who is your fashion icon?

KL: I have so many. Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Edie Sedgwick.

DGG: How do you take your coffee?

KL: Black

DGG: Céline or Emilio Pucci?

KL: Céline

DGG: Uniqlo or Zara?

KL: Zara

On The Town: Detroit Fashion is on the Move

Detroit fashion is hitting the road with fashion trucks popping up everywhere. New boutiques and established shops, like Rococo in Birmingham and Northville, are taking it to the streets with mobile retail. And we couldn't be more excited about it.

Fashioned after the food truck, these boutiques-on-wheels are outfitted with fitting rooms, lighting, sound systems, and all of the latest trends that you would find in a brick-and-mortar storefront. Here is the scoop on a few that we’ve sighted in the area.  

Image from Madison Boutique

Madison Boutique

Michigan's first fashion truck was  about a year ago and sold in the truck is everything from tops, bottoms and dresses for all sizes to jewelry and accessories. This fun purple truck is based in Plymouth can be found around metro Detroit and local festivals. Also, Madison Boutique can be booked for private shopping parties. For more information about Madison Boutique, and to see where it's headed next, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or go to the website.

Image from Fashion Truck Detroit

Fashion Truck Detroit 
Fashion Truck Detroit is a part of a national franchise and you won't see this truck around town because it is used mostly for private parties is perfect for private parties. It's great for anything you're looking to do such as fundraisers, birthday parties, girls night ins, corporate lunch parties or bachelorette parties -- and they even offer a discount to the host. If you're interested in booking yout own fashion truck party or finding out a little more information, click here!

Image from Sloane Street Style

Sloane Street Style

Merchandise on the Sloane Street Style truck includes apparel, accessories and jewelry and you can breathe a sigh of relief while shopping because all of it is American made and responsibly sourced. This truck can be found weekly at the Sunday Street Market in Eastern Market. 

Image from Rococo

Rococo Mobile

Of course, all of the fashionable women in metro Detroit know what Rococo is, but now you can get all of the trendy rompers and sexy two-piece outfits you want around town. To track this fashion-mobile, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with where the shopping is happening.

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

This weekend is chock-full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

Sunset Yoga at the Lincoln Street Art Park | Wednesday, July 29

Are you looking for a new environment to practice yoga? Join Green Living Science for yoga from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Lincoln Street Art Park. Dress comfortably, and bring a yoga mat, and water. If you’d like to come around 7 p.m., you will see a free performance from Annie Bacon on stage. Yoga will meet up is at the Activi-Tree Learning Center. Pay what you can afford to participate, the sliding-scale donation fee will be between $5 to $20.

Lincoln Street Art Park is located at 5926 Lincoln St., in Detroit.

Idea for Innovation: A Case for Open Space | Thursday, July 30

Detroit, once a thriving and booming city, were left with vacant land in many areas in the city, even though people are moving their families and businesses into the city daily. Listen as panelists discuss the many things that can be done with the various open spaces in Detroit starting at 6 p.m. at the Gleaners Community Food Bank.. Panelists will discuss different uses for the space, including improving quality of life, improving the environment, providing places to walk and play, and so much more.. Tickets are free, but registration is a must, so head over to Eventbrite. 

Gleaners Community Food Bank is located at 2131 Beaufait St, in Detroit.

“Nick Cave: Here Hear” Dance Live at Campus Martius | Friday, July 31

Nick Cave will be giving a live performance of his very popular Here Hear Dance Labs. Enjoy as he partners with local performers to give a fun show in his brightly colored soundsuits from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The performance is choreographed by Hardcore Detroit and features musician ODU Afrobeat Orchestra. It all takes place at the beautiful Campus Martius. Admission is free.

Campus Martius is located at 800 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Hamtramck Bike Tour August | Saturday, August 1

Enjoy a bike ride through the diverse and rich city of Hamtramck and explore places like the Polish Art Center, the Power House Project, the Hamtramck Stadium, and more. The bike tour is 15 miles long and takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., starting at the Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop. Admission for the tour is $25, and if you don’t have a bike, you can rent one for $35.

Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Shop is located at 1340 Atwater St., in Detroit.

2015 B. Nektar Summer Fest | Saturday, August 1

B. Nektar Meadery, who is known for some of the coolest and creative beverages made from honey, is celebrating its 7^th Anniversary. From 2 to 8 p.m., enjoy some of its best drafts and drinks, and listen to live music.

B. Nektar Meadery is located at 1511 Jarvis, in Ferndale.

JCMB Garage Sale | Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2

The Julian C. Madison Building will be holding an estate sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to get rid of the old, and make room for the new. Office furniture, fixtures, and more will be for sale, and the items must be taken as soon as they are purchased, so it might be best to borrow a friends truck for the day.

The Julian C. Madison Building is located at 1420 Washington Blvd., in Detroit.