Slow fashion: Silk Laundry puts focus on longevity

Katie Kolodinski isn’t comfortable with the fast-fashion industry. In fact, she doesn’t much like it at all.

But rather than simply prompt change for her personal shopping habits, the now Montreal-based designer decided to start her own brand in the hopes she’d shake up the speeding sartorial cycle for herself and for others.

And Silk Laundry was born in Australia.

We caught up with Kolodinski to learn more about her brand, silk styles, and why 2019 was the right time to set her sights on Canada.

Q When and why did you first start Silk Laundry?

A In 2014 because I wanted people to stop wearing polyester. I wanted women to dress better in clothes that would last longer than one wash. I’m opposed to fast fashion, and I wanted to start a brand that was attainable in price point yet with the quality I thought women deserved.

Q How would you describe the brand?

A Luxe, feminine, artistic and real. The brand is based on classic and comfortable styles, and prides itself on exceptional quality.

Q Who is your target customer?

A I don’t believe my creations are limited to a specific target demographic. When designing, I simply keep in mind that these are being created for a woman who wants to feel comfortable and beautiful wearing my garments.

Q What makes it different from other clothing companies?

A Slowness. The way that it’s made for longevity. I try not to create something that will date from season to season. I aim at creating classic pieces that you could wear for years to come. We also put a noticeable emphasis on the craftsmanship, fabric and quality of each style, which sets us apart from others.

Q What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about silk?

A That it’s not as delicate as you think and that it doesn’t have to be saved for special occasions. Silk is something that can be worn every day.

Q You’ve recently launched an online shop in Canada. What made this the right time to do so?

A I am of Canadian origin, and I fell in love with Montreal during my university days at Concordia. My husband and I have wanted to move back to Canada for quite some time now. We had been wanting to develop Silk Laundry’s presence in other geographic locations worldwide, so this seemed like an inevitable step forward for the brand as well.

Q Any plans to expand to stores?

A Yes. We will be opening our very first Canadian flagship store in Montreal this spring.

Q What’s next?

A I would love to focus on expanding some of my philanthropic work through the brand.