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

Do It: Project Runway is Looking for Applicants!

Hey designers, have you dreamed of competing in one of the worlds most famous fashion competitions? When you come across a problem while sewing, do you say to yourself “make it work,” for a little fashion motivation? Well, then you will want to continue reading.

Bunim/Murray Productions is looking to cast a new season of Project Runway, and the application is now online. Once applied, and if accepted, designers get the chance to showcase their work during New York Fashion Week, and the opportunity to win $100,000 or more to launch or expand their collection.

The application deadline is Monday, March 16. To learn more about this fabulous opportunity and to apply, click here. Good luck!

Oh, Shop It: Mix-and-Match Leggings

Image from Oppos

Eleven-year-old Josie Ervin saw a girl wearing leggings with a different color on each leg, found out that it was a homemade gift from her grandmother and shared this knowledge with her grandfather Tom Ervin. That conversation sparked an idea that would bring Tom back into the business world. He recruited designer Shelly Chilton of Lake Orion and – voila! – OPPOS, short for opposites, was born.

The line of detachable leggings comes in a variety of colors and patters and has a zipper that allows girls to swap one leg for a different one. OPPOS is made in the USA and comes in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large for ages 4 to 16. Currently, the company is working on a Spirit Wear line for older girls to showcase school pride.

“I knew that [Josie] and many other kids were still mixing and matching their socks, and I just couldn’t let this idea go,” Tom Ervin explains. “I looked at Josie and I said, ‘We are going to start a company.’”

A whopping 54 legging combinations are possible, and the legs can be purchased individually. And don’t think about getting these anywhere else: OPPOS has obtained a U.S. Patent, which gives them the exclusive rights to offer detachable leggings.

OPPOS leggings, matching tops and reversible headbands can be purchased at a kiosk in Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi and at www.oppos.com.