Meet the designer
Introducing Witchery x KITX - a limited-edition capsule collection like no other - 'Towards a Sustainable Future'.
Kit Willow's passion for the environment and sustainable fashion has been explored throughout the capsule collection 'Towards a Sustainable Future', with the use of naturally derived fabrications including Hemp, Cotton and Viscose.
So who is the designer behind the collection? Get to know Kit Willow.
What sparked your sustainability journey?
“I have always had a love and interest in nature, and protecting nature, but it wasn't until my journey with my first label WILLOW was coming to an end that I met an incredible man in 2013 who ignited my environmental passion and told me that 70% of the cost to the planets resources comes from material sourcing in fashion. Total light bulb moment, it was crystal clear to me what my purpose was.”
What does sustainability mean to KITX?
“Sustainability means maintaining or 'sustaining' the earth's present resources, however we have gone past the need to sustain, and actually, in order to allow survival for our future generations we need to regenerate. Regenerate and rewild forests, the barrier reef and regenerate the earths soil and the atmosphere, by not only reducing carbon emissions but actually move to absorbing or carbon sinking them overall.”
What are the biggest challenges you've faced?
“[There are] many in fashion but putting planet before profit in every decision we make to invest in the future and future fashion system is certainly challenging at times, however it pays off in the long term.”
How has KITX evolved since its conception?
“We have moved from creating a 100% consciously sourced designer label and working with artisans around the world, to bringing the production much closer to home, and now working with waste with the FUTURE FROM WASTE LAB and testing new fashion systems that ensure carbon neutrality and minimising waste.”
Tell us about the Witchery x KITX capsule collection and inspiration behind the range?
“Our collaboration was about creating high frequency wear pieces with a long lasting timeless appeal that can be taken from work to dinner to the dance floor. Easy to wear, highly functional with elastic for ease and pockets, using materials sourced with consideration for environmental impacts, and the aim to be worn, loved and passed down.”
Tell us a little bit about the collaboration process and how you brought the two brand identities together?
“The sustainability team at Witchery and the larger group are very impressive, as are the design and marketing teams, all very passionate about realising the vision, from design to sourcing. It was important to me to consider the environmental impacts of as many components of these garments as possible.”
What signature KITX details can we expect to see in the Witchery collaboration?
“KITX's iconic shirt dress in hemp, corsetry and big pockets are just a few signatures interwoven into this collaboration.”
“I love how fashion impacts lives, empowers women, impacts soil health, workers health, and the planet's resources and then at the end can make or break the mood of the wearer. A beautiful flattering dress and well-cut jacket can empower and impact the outcome of an event, meeting, or day significantly.”
What is success to you?
“If I get this right with KITX then I believe success is when a movement begins, and I can impact and inspire change.”
Standouts from the collection and why?
"I love the use of hemp, a plant that needs little water, can store carbon (CO2) and can support soil health when it grows. Specifically the Learning Power Dress made with 100% hemp fabric, to me is future dressing. It has a timeless design, large pockets, it's easy to wear, you can dress up or down, wash in cold water, hang to dry, and is designed to last many lifetimes."
What does your day-to-day involve?
“Nonstop juggle and never enough time.”
What makes a truly sustainable brand?
“One that invests in the future and gathers a devoted group of customers and staff that create and make a difference to minimise the impact of their actions on the planet's resources.”
What is success to you?
“If I get this right with KITX then I believe success is when a movement begins, and I can impact and inspire change.”
What's next for KITX?
“To move beyond consciously sourcing into quantifying impact and investing in end of life circular solutions. Watch this space.”
WITCHERY x KITX
Witchery x KITX