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: Dancing with the Survivors

The Pink Fund’s Dancing with the Survivors took place last night and it was a night DG3 won’t soon forget. Guests were encouraged to wear pink, and as we walked into Art Van, the crowd of people was peppered with the hue, tables were covered in fuchsia tablecloths and even the furniture displays had rosé accents.

The dancers were dressed in their beautiful dance costumes and walking about for everyone to see all of the hard work our local designers had put into them. Guests were imbibing and patiently waiting for the showcase to begin. People were already in their seats well before the show started, and as soon as it did, it seemed like no one could take their eyes off the dance floor.

Each performance was preceded by a touching but fun video of the breast cancer survivor’s journey through breast cancer along with preparing for their dance, and once they got on the floor, they really gave it their all. The professional dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio were flipping their partners around the floor and it was so fun to watch! Sabrina Mayhew was the last survivor to get on the dance floor, and once her performance was over, it turned into a flash mob of dancing. About 30 people participated, getting down with their bad selves – it was really a perfect ending to a perfect evening of fun, dancing and awareness.

And, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t forget to schedule your mammogram appointments, ladies! 

Willys Detroit: Meet the Designers of Edith A. Miller

On September 17, Willys Detroit held a Meet the Designer event with designers Nancy Gibson and Jenn Murray of the classic Americana brand Edith A. Miller. This American-made clothing line is a super laid-back collection comprised of casual tanks, striped crewneck t-shirts with contrast banding that trims the neckline, and cool-girl t-shirt dresses with different types of stripes in two different places on the dress. It’s a J. Crew lovers dream – as is the rest of Willys.

Nancy, a former Wall Street maven, and Jenn, a former designer rep at The News showroom in New York, ran into each other at a party in 2009 wearing the same vintage striped Robert P. Miller t-shirt. They immediately bonded, began to research Robert P. Miller and found that their favorite shirts were made at an old knitting mill in Pennsylvania. The two decided to start their own line and produce it in the same mill. Their t-shirts are vintage inspired, made of 100% American cotton and can be worn with anything.

Willys Detroit is located at 441 W. Canfield St. in Midtown Detroit near their sister store Shinola. For more information about this brand or any other brands at Willys Detroit, go to www.willydetroit.com.