VINTAGE-INSPIRED HEADPIECES ADD THE PERFECT TOUCH TO ANY OCCASION
Story by Ranj Dhatt
Photos provided by Lori-Anne Krausewitz
Raised in a family that always encouraged creativity and self-expression, Toronto-based designer Lori-Anne Krausewitz spent most of her childhood in her craft hub, working on art that involved a lot of detailing and supplies. Krausewitz is now putting all that experience to use with her accessory line, LaKrause, a collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade headpieces.
Tell me about your business and why you decided to start it when you did.
I always knew I wanted to start my own business. In 2008, my old roommate, Jenny, told me to take my hobby of making feather headpieces and cocktail hats and turn it into a small business. She told me to make a bunch of pieces and take them into local stores to see if they were interested in selling them. I’m glad she gave me that initial push. I don’t think I would have done it if it wasn’t for her. Three years later, I’m making my dream happen.
How do you prefer your studio/workplace when you are in the midst of creating a piece?
I work from home and I am lucky to have enough room to use [it] for studio space and storage. My ‘studio’ doubles as my living room so I prefer everything to be neat, tidy and organized most of the time, especially when I sit down and get to work. All of my supplies are organized in specific drawers, containers and storage boxes in the walk-in closet. It makes working a lot easier knowing where everything is and not misplacing important materials and orders.
What is a normal work day for you?
I’m a night hawk and I don’t really have a normal work day or week for that matter. I have another part-time job that takes up most of my weekend so that leaves me with Monday [through] Wednesday to work on my pieces. During the day I catch up on e-mails and orders then I hop on my bike, grab a coffee, head to antique shops, vintage and thrift stores, jewellery supply and bead shops in search of materials and supplies. I come home make some dinner, play with my cat Rudy and then work until the wee hours. I make my best pieces between 9pm-3am.
I know you do a lot of research on vintage pieces for inspiration, what else inspires you?
Having a wonderful circle of creative friends and colleagues and attending their shows, exhibits, shops and galleries. Oh, and I scroll daily through Etsy.com.
What role does your personal style play in your designs?
I appreciate detail and quality, especially in the vintage clothes and accessories that I collect and wear on a daily basis. I make sure these characteristics are quite evident in my pieces.
What is the general process you go through when designing?
My pieces are one-of-a-kind and usually consist of reworked vintage hats and antique jewellery so every piece has a unique beginning. I don’t really rely on sketches. I usually go through my boxes of jewellery or hat cupboard and pick a piece that I can see being remade into something brand new and beautiful.
I know some jewellery designers enjoy exploring second-hand stores. What materials are you more inclined towards, and where do you usually shop for them?
Big, bold, unusual costume jewellery, vintage lace, birdcage veil netting and old, sad looking felt hats that have lost their appeal. I’m always on the lookout for items to be reworked into something totally different. I scour thrift and antique stores, vintage sales, friend’s and family’s closets, and I can’t wait for summer estate sales!
Has your formal education helped with the preparation of your business?
My sculpture and drawing training [at York University] helped me understand shape, form, colour and texture and hone my artistic talent. I loved my sculpture courses in university, and I’m so happy that I am actually putting my BFA Honours Degree to use.
Designing headpieces must require a lot of time and patience, what strategies do you use to help make the process easier?
I think making my headpieces puts me at ease actually. I enjoy the detailed, patient work that goes into every piece. I pop in a movie, cue up This American Life, or put on some records and the time flies.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a line without a business partner or a stable team?
It can be really difficult at times because everything is my responsibility. I have to be on top of orders, sourcing materials, designing new stock, ordering business cards, updating my website, packing, shipping and the list goes on and on. Juggling another part-time job on top of LaKrause proves to be my biggest feat. Luckily I am at a point where the business is still manageable on my own and if things continue to grow as they have this past year, I may have to quit my other job or hire someone.
What are some of your accomplishments up to date?
LaKrause custom bridal pieces, two successful years at the Queen West Art Crawl, selling my pieces at several stores here in Toronto and Montréal, and realizing that I can get paid to do something I love.
Would you consider branching off and taking your line other places?
In addition to hats and headpieces, I’ve been making brooches, lapel pins and shoe clips. In the next few months I plan to revamp my website and finally get my designs up on Etsy. I’m going to focus on refining my brand and see where it takes me next year.
While I was on your blog I noticed that you get a lot of requests for bridal headwear. How rewarding is it for you to see a women wear your piece on the most memorable day of her life?
I love doing custom work, especially my bridal pieces. I’ve been really lucky this past year and had the pleasure working with some fantastic brides who came to me with grand aspirations for their headpieces. I put a lot of time, effort and love into my work and seeing their ecstatic face light up at first sight of their finished piece and have them tell me that it’s perfect – that’s priceless.
What is the most fascinating part about vintage to you?
Vintage and antique items tell stories, they have a history and a connection to the past. They have a classic authenticity that can never be matched. This is what I love!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to run their own clothing or jewellery line?
Just do it! It’s not going to be easy, it’s a lot of work, but oh, so rewarding!
Talk about the new designs you have been working on.
Bridal, bridal, bridal. Lot of cocktail hats with birdcage veils, feather clips and combs accented with beautiful vintage brooches and earrings, silk tie headbands adorned with rhinestone necklaces, Medieval-style metal and pearl headpieces……[and] so many more.
