Man of fashion
Carl, when did you come to Paddo and why did you select Oxford St?
We opened our first store in Paddington in 2009, opposite Paddington Town Hall, and moved to our current location (428 Oxford St) in 2018. Paddington was a very convenient location and visible for our clients.
Can you tell us about your design aesthetic and where you derive inspiration?
I'm interested in creating timeless pieces in beautiful fabrics. Sourcing fabric is as always been my passion and discovering new, innovative and tactile fabric is very rewarding.
Australian fashion is a tough business, how have you navigated a challenging couple of years?
Like any business, I have had good times and hard times. The past two years have been so turbulent that the world has changed, but strangely enough my business has remained stable. This is thanks to loyal domestic customers and international customers connected through e-commerce. I was able to communicate with these customers because I have been doing business with Paddington for many years and have done fittings for many different customers, so I have learnt how designs can make women of different shapes and sizes look beautiful. Meeting these women has supported the business as it is today.
Can you tell us about your new collection?
The new collection is a more relaxed way of dressing for work and play. Lightweight Japanese taffeta is used for daytime separates and mixed with Italian wools and silks. There is always a pop of colour in-between the blacks, inks and neutrals. Layering is still important but stand-alone structured or flowing dresses are just as prominent. The coat appears in a variety of shapes and fabrics to suit Sydney’s mild autumn and winter season. It has always been one of my favourite categories to develop. We are lucky here that coats can be worn light and layered for a contemporary look and not just to keep warm, in particular the technical taffeta styles.
Carl Kapp
480 Oxford St