KAT AND CLARESE - A MODERN take on VINTAGE

Interview by QP STAFF WRITER

In the world of modern accessories, Kat and Clarese is quickly making a name for itself with its distinctive blend of vintage flair and contemporary style. Founded by Kat Cole , the brand has grown from a single headpiece designed for a photo shoot into a full-fledged fashion line celebrated for its editorial-quality floral headpieces, chokers, and reimagined vintage handbags.

Kat and Clarese accessories are crafted to make a statement, fusing elements from classic fashion with a modern edge. Kat draws inspiration from old magazines, vintage jewelry, and timeless films, blending these influences with current trends to create wearable art pieces that feel fresh yet familiar. Known for their high level of craftsmanship and artistry, each piece is designed with the intention of making the wearer feel uniquely special. In this interview, we sit down with Kat Cole to delve into her creative process, her inspirations, and her vision for the future of Kat and Clarese.

Kathy, what inspired you to start the Kat and Clarese fashion brand, and how did you come up with the name?

My husband James McArthur Cole is a photographer. Right before Covid he went to Cuba to do a photoshoot of a ballerina. He asked me to do the styling. I decided to do a flowercrown as part of the wardrobe. It came out beautifully. The ballerina looked stunning in it. After the shoot I put up a few photos promoting my husband´s work and I started to get inquiries about the headpiece. After a few inquiries, a few custom pieces and the nudging of both my husband and my mother - I began to think about actually designing headpieces. It was Covid. Had allot of time on my hands. So I began and what was just a headpiece for my husband's photoshoot evolved into a business.

The name Kat and Clarese is a combination of my nickname, Kat , short for Kathy . And my mother's name, Clarese , who has always inspired me and I can remember as a child, her having the most beautiful clothing. So the name is very personal for me.

Your accessories are known for their unique, unexpected designs. Can you tell us more about your creative process and where you draw your inspiration from?

I love beautiful things. I love to see women in beautiful things. I consider my work modern vintage. It's the old fashion magazines and books and movies that inspire me. I go to vintage stores and just look at jewelry, hats and clothes. And I take pictures or take notes. Then I look at the latest VOGUE or HARPER'S BAZAAR or whatever fashion magazine and I look at the editorials. Again taking notes and photos. And I combine the old with the new for a fresh modern take on vintage . Many say my work feels editorial. And it does. But I think of my work as wearable editorial pieces. For me, it's a feeling.

Floral hairpieces and chokers are central to your collections. Why do you think these items resonate so well with contemporary women?

Statement pieces are always a vibe. Contemporary women tend to gravitate toward pieces that are unique and that make a statement. Again floral headpieces and chokers have been around forever. But I like to make them feel fresh and interesting.

Recycled and re-imagined vintage handbags are a standout aspect of your brand. How do you source your materials, and what is your process for transforming them into new creations?

I love old handbags. The material. The shapes. I have a cabinet full waiting to be worked on but I don't want to give them up. My work is interesting in that much of what I create is one-of-a-kind. For some of my pieces once I make it and I sell it ... that´s it. So I have to get over my attachment to these beautiful bags. My plan for next season is to work on them. The ones I have completed have all had flowers which I source out of London and also from Miami. That is my plan for my new handbag collection as well. Continuing to work with florals. Stay tuned for these. I have some real plans for these.

Glamour and femininity are key themes in your work. How do you balance these elements while ensuring each piece feels fresh and modern?

I love all things feminine. And I love all things glamorous. I just love beautiful things. It's in my DNA. So it's only natural that when I am designing that this is where it all begins for me. Before I design I ask myself "Is it uniquely feminine?" and "Do I think it will make a woman look and feel special?" If I can answer yes then I can begin.

Kat and Clarese accessories are described as wearable art. How do you ensure that each piece maintains a high level of artistry and craftsmanship?

Making pieces by hand. Slow fashion. Using the best materials. And honestly caring enough about what you produce and putting your name on what you produce that you would only create work of the highest quality. I think it really starts here.

Can you share a memorable moment or milestone in your journey with Kat and Clarese that significantly impacted the brand?

Honestly, being accepted at The Confessional Showroom in New York . Johnny Cohen , the owner of TCS , believed in my work in its infancy. Even more than I probably did at the time because I was so new to this. Once I began working with Confessional and began to get magazine editorials and celebrities wearing my pieces like right away - I began to see things differently. My confidence raised and creatively I hit another level and continue to do so. The Confessional Showroom has been the best thing that's happened to my brand and I have had several milestones, including the honor of being accepted into the Nordstrom family.

In the world of fashion, trends are constantly evolving. How do you stay true to your brand's identity while adapting to changing trends?

I watch the trends. As a designer you must be aware of trends. And following trends is not necessarily bad. But I think you must never chase a trend and then allow it to change what your brand stands for. So I try to do a little of both. I keep my staple items but if there is a certain color that's trending for example then I don´t have a problem using that. If large flowers are the thing or charms on bags are the thing. Then that is doable. However, I feel like you should do you and let them catch up. For instance. before the oversized flower trend got strong a couple of years ago, I was already doing flowers. So it goes both ways.

Individuality is a cornerstone of your brand's philosophy. How do you design your pieces to celebrate and enhance the uniqueness of the women who wear them?

I create unique often one-of-a-kind statement pieces. My goal for my work is to elevate any outfit on a woman, or a man for that matter. My hope is that every woman who wears my work receives an "oh my gawd that's interesting" or an "oh my gawd that's beautiful" or an "oh my gawd that's amazing". Thats how I know I've done my job.

With sustainability becoming increasingly important in fashion, how does Kat and Clarese incorporate eco-friendly practices into its production processes?

Much of my work come from pieces that already exist. For example my XL Denim Flower Bombs come from old recycled jeans. Or I use vintage rhinestones and vintage veils on my pieces. Additionally there are ways I try to reduce the carbon footprint. For example when I place an order for several items/supplies for my work and one product is ready on Tuesday but the other is not available till Wednesday- I will ask that it all ship together on Wednesday - if time permits. So that it can all come in one box if possible. and Clarese accessories, and what do you hope she feels when she wears your pieces?

Your brand combines vintage and contemporary elements beautifully. How do you approach blending these different influences in your designs?

I love the old and the new. Actually I love the modern-vintage aspect of my work because although there is a familiarity to a piece that I am working with - there is also something something new and fresh about it. People often ask this question. And I am not sure that there is a real answer for this because allot of what I do is just a feeling. It's in my DNA. Sometimes I start with a vague concept from something I've seen while looking at some young Cher photos when she was being dressed by Bob Mackie or costumes on Diana Ross in Mahogany. Then I see an editorial in the latest French Vogue and my wheels start turning. Or I just see a piece of fabric that torally inspires me. So there are a variety of ways that an idea is born.

How do you envision the woman who wears Kat and Clarese accessories, and what do you hope she feels when she wears your pieces?

I hope she feels special. I know it's not a long drawn out philosophical answer. But that's it. I just want the woman that wears Kat and Clarese to feel really, really special.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in building and growing Kat and Clarese, and how did you overcome it?

Social media actually and I haven't overcome it. How do I reach more of the people that I need to reach to introduce them to my brand via social media. In particular Instagram. It's a challenge. But this too shall be slayed.

Can you share any collaborations or special projects that Kat and Clarese has been involved in, or any that are on the horizon?

There are a few. One in particular is with a national retailer actually. I can not disclose it yet. But soon.

What's next for Kat and Clarese? Can you give us any hints about upcoming collections or new directions you’re excited to explore?

I am working on a line of lenticular rhinestone chokers, necklaces, earrings and brooches. I am excited to continue to explore and build upon this line. Then it doesn't stop there. I have many more ideas floating around in my head.