SILK LAUNDRY
'THIS IS NICE’ CO-FOUNDERS, Jax Raynor AND ALEJANDRA GARRAN, CHAT WITH SILK LAUNDRY FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR KATIE KOLODINSKI ABOUT ALL THINGS SUSTAINABILITY, DESIGN AND THE BEST ADVICE SHE’S EVER RECEIVED.
‘THIS IS NICE’: We love silk laundry for the simple luxury behind a slip dress. How did the brand start? Is there a story behind the name “Silk Laundry”?
Silk Laundry: I started Silk Laundry out of my own wants and needs. I think most businesses should be built on a product or service that is difficult to find. I was wearing slip dresses from the time I was a teenager and was always scouting around second hand shops for old slips to tie-dye and wear out. I love simplicity and comfort but I was never really able to find what I wanted in a fabric that was made from natural fibres (most of those old slips you find are some sort of polyester or nylon so not great for the plane). So Silk Laundry was born. I wanted a name that was reflective of the fabric and ease of wear. I think Silk Laundry is still the perfect name for the brand we have created.
‘TIN’: First design memory?
SL: My first design memories will always be my mother, designing and sewing the dresses, outfits and costumes that my sister and I wore. My mom was always up late at night sewing for us, and it’s a beautiful memory that will always be top of mind.
Fashion era you relate most to?
SL: It will always be in the now.
‘TIN’: We love your journal “In Conversation With”. What made you want to interview other creatives in your community? How important is community to a brand?
SL: Thank you. I think engaging the community is important, for you as an individual, a business, and a brand. It is so important to stay connected and tell stories. I have always said that Silk Laundry could be a platform for change and we are getting there.
FAST FAVORUITES
‘TIN’: Slip?
SL: All of my oldest. I love when they get really thin and extra soft with age.
‘TIN’: Song?
SL: Anything my kids don’t play over and over and over again.
‘TIN’: Model at the moment?
SL: Tika the Iggy :)
‘TIN’: Place to visit?
SL: Barcelona
‘TIN’: Colour?
SL: Lavender
‘TIN’: Clothing item you own?
SL: Black Saint Laurent Blazer
‘TIN’: Words to live by?
SL: Never say no to an invitation.
‘TIN’: Place in Australia?
SL: Melbourne for now.
‘TIN’: Dinner Spot?
SL: At home, before the sun goes down, outside, on a blanket with some natural orange wine.
‘TIN’: Muse ?
SL: Be your own muse.
Sustainability and thoughtfulness is built into your brand guidelines, what do those two practices mean to you?
SL: To me, they are everything. I wouldn’t have kept going if it wasn’t for the want to be better, to do more good than harm.
TIN: If you had a uniform what would it be?
SL: A slip dress, blazer and a great pair of sneakers or boots I can really walk in.
How has this past year impacted Silk Laundry? Are there things you implemented this year that will be brought into the next?
SL: The past year has impacted Silk Laundry and myself more than I could have ever imagined. We had many stores and boutiques cancel large orders that were already in production, but as a business owner, I made a commitment to my makers to keep to our word and paying for the canceled orders no matter what. This was difficult but the right thing to do. Personally, I came to Australia in March for two weeks to open a new Brisbane store, and we got stuck here and our lives have literally turned upside down. We delayed our flights to get back to Canada a few times to bootstrap the business on the ground in Australia, and we still haven’t been able to leave. It has been a tumultuous year. It’s been the year of Zoom, as my head designer is still in Montreal, we Zoom, facetime, and WhatsApp through all hours of the night and early mornings. I can’t see Zoom meetings changing anytime soon.
The idea of mentorship is something we love. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
SL: Never say no to an invitation.