Kate Brook and Kajsa Kvernmo met at fashion school, recognised something of themselves in each other and quickly became friends.
From there it seemed natural for them to tie their creative future together and form APOM (A Part Of Me) shortly after graduation.
“We just clicked instantly really!” Kate tells me in their light and airy Balaclava boutique.
Aside from being designed in Melbourne, the label manages to manufacture there as well, something only managed by a handful of brands in the difficult textile production reality of 2016.
“We work really hard with our manufacturer on cut and finish, which we couldn’t do if we were manufacturing offshore,” Kate tells me.
“They’ve been really instrumental in teaching us about that side of the business and helping us develop our fabrication, pattern making and sourcing skills,” she said.
Small considered collections are what APOM is all about, sourcing fabrics from mills in Italy and France and working with natural fibres where possible.
“Natural fibres last longer and we just feel that they represent who we are as a brand much better,” Kate tells me as we chat about their current collection, in particular some of the stunning coats on offer.
“Each collection is a follow on from the last, and we aim to make pieces that can be worn with previous collections. We’ve had some customers that have supported us from the beginning, and it’s great seeing them come in, wearing something they bought three years ago and pairing it with something from our current range.”
“These coats are a sort of signature of the label, with our approach to make a statement piece like this that’s flexible and timeless. ”
Hoping to take part in this years Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the label has a strong social media presence and a loyal fan base here and overseas.
A label most definitely worth checking out if you want to take home a part of Melbourne with you.
