KATE & KATE
Sisters-in-law, friends and business partners Kate Pascoe Squires (below, left) and Kate Pascoe (below, right) fell into textile design by accident. Both were pursuing independent projects when they happened on some lovely blankets; minutes later, they were deep in discussion about going into business together and decided that blankets would be their thing. And thus, Kate & Kate was born.
“Kate Pascoe is based in Melbourne; she runs our Port Melbourne showroom and warehouse and most of our wholesale accounts,” says Pascoe Squires. “I’m in Sydney and deal with manufacturers, PR and marketing.”
From humble beginnings, Kate & Kate has grown into a textile and home furnishings success story known for clean lines, geometric shapes and colour exploration. Along the way, the founders have formed collaborations with creative talents such as Marsha Golemac and Kikki.K. Most recently, they teamed up with Sydney design studio Arent&Pyke to create the Carnival range. “We are all so thrilled with the results,” says Pascoe Squires. “The collection is a wonderful combination of rich textures, soft colours, punchy design and, of course, big love.”
All blankets designed by Kate & Kate are Oeko-Tex certified. “This means they’re free from any harmful substances,” says Pascoe Squires. Before the Kates sign up to work with any new supplier, they visit the factories to check out the firm’s employment policies and ethics. “Sustainable and ethical design and manufacturing are very important to us.”
The founders have learnt a lot since their first collection of blankets came out back in 2013. “We know that customer service is everything,” says Pascoe Squires. “We’re also learning that you have to be malleable in business, to evolve and change as the market and environment changes around you.
Growth is key.” kateandkate.com.au; @kateandkatehome