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