Kuwaii

Kuwaii

BRUNSWICK, Melbourne based Kuwaii is a personal philosophy of dressing by designer Kristy Barber. Each piece is carefully considered- effortless and refined. These are garments to live in.

Kristy explains “THE CONCEPT FOR THE LABEL WAS ALWAYS A MORE OLD FASHIONED APPROACH- A RETURN TO QUALITY THROUGHOUT ALL PROCESSES. I WANTED TO PRODUCE BEAUTIFUL PIECES MADE TO LAST AND FOR THEIR OWNERS TO TREASURE.” Kuwaii’s emphasis is on interesting and meaningful garments with a focus on fine workmanship, fabrics, and finishes. Whilst being both stylised, and subtly poetic, these garments are intelligent in both their design and production processes.

With internships spent at cult Australian brands Arnsdorf and Lover, as well as a stint in New York at the Phillip Lim 3.1 atelier, Kristy’s unique aesthetic was fostered.

LUXURIOUS fabrics combine with intricate pattern making techniques and refined tailoring to create Kuwaii’s brand of stylish minimalism. Fabrics are draped, twisted, laser cut and manipulated to produce garments that are both effortless and modern. Kuwaii pieces are made locally, with a strong commitment to excellence in manufacturing and supporting the local industry.

Kuwaii expanded their collection in 2010 with the launch of a footwear collection –  useful and sophisticated brogues, ankle boots and sandals, which are made in Melbourne in collaboration with a master craftsperson.  Like their clothing, Kuwaii Footwear has developed a cult following

Kuwaii has appeared in Australian publications such as Madison, Marie Claire, Vogue, and Yen, and have been described as “GROOMED TO ARCHITECTURAL PERFECTION, THEY ARE PROPORTIONALLY PERFECT IN TERMS OF ELEGANT REFINEMENT AND INTRICATE DETAILING.”   Kuwaii’s quiet philosophy is quickly gaining momentum.