Tailoring, lace and whimsy: How Karla Špetić balances risk with wearability
image via @karlaspetic/instagram
words by lara daly
“Now the focus is on creating garments that feel thoughtful, sensual and enduring.”
Thanks to the immediacy of social media, success in fashion can happen overnight. A single collection, campaign or viral moment can catapult a designer into the spotlight. But real success, the kind that endures beyond trend cycles, is built over time.
For Karla Špetić, longevity has been shaped by instinct, evolution and a commitment to her creative voice. Born in Dubrovnik and arriving in Australia in 1993, she launched her eponymous label back in 2008, carving out a distinct space in the local fashion landscape.
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The brand began organically after her graduation from East Sydney Fashion Design Studio and an early stint co-running a retail space in Sydney’s Strand Arcade. The experience led to her Australian Fashion Week debut and the foundation of her wholesale business.
What started as an exercise in personal expression has matured into a unique design language that feels both experimental and wearable. Her range spans tailored suiting, swimwear and bridalwear, alongside more directional pieces like body harnesses, reflecting a practice that shifts effortlessly between structure and sensuality.
Blazers punctuated with unexpected cut-outs sit alongside lace catsuits and sheer, body-skimming silhouettes, while moments of whimsy emerge through giant organza hair bows, encrusted garters and printed pieces that playfully reimagine intimate apparel as outerwear.
The result is clothing designed for those unafraid to push boundaries, offering a sense of excitement within the everyday. “Being able to continue doing what I genuinely love after all these years feels incredibly rewarding,” she says. “There is something very special about seeing a garment move from an idea in the studio to the runway, and then eventually onto someone in their everyday life.”
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Fashion Journal: Hi, Karla! What were you trying to achieve with your label when you started and how has this evolved?
Karla: In the beginning, I simply wanted to create something that felt honest and personal. The brand has always been an extension of my own imagination, emotions and curiosity. I was drawn to the idea of creating pieces that felt expressive but still wearable in everyday life.
Over time, that intention has stayed the same but it has evolved into something more refined. Now the focus is on creating garments that feel thoughtful, sensual and enduring. I’m always interested in the balance between softness and structure, fantasy and practicality, and designing pieces that feel both expressive and grounded.
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Tell us about your latest collection and the inspiration behind it.
My latest collection, ‘Aeris’ Resort 2026, is a meditation on lightness, movement and inner alignment. The idea came from a period of self-reflection and a growing interest in mindfulness and energy.
Visually, the collection explores transparency and layering through sheer georgettes, soft tailoring and fluid silhouettes that move with the body. There is a sense of effortlessness in the garments, but also intentional construction through tailoring and structured pieces underneath the lighter layers.
The colour palette evolves from whites, greys and denim tones into soft neutrals before introducing vibrant pinks and grounding blacks. There is also a playful illusion of denim through printed pieces that mimic layered denim without the weight. Overall, the collection feels airy, calm and slightly otherworldly, but still very wearable.
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What does sustainability in the fashion space mean to you?
For me, sustainability begins with designing pieces that have longevity. I try to create garments that feel timeless in cut and construction, so they remain relevant in a wardrobe for many years rather than just a single season.
Quality fabrication and thoughtful design are also essential. I often work with mills that prioritise responsible production, particularly in Japan, where many suppliers focus on innovative and sustainable textiles. The goal is to create garments that people keep, wear repeatedly, and even pass on rather than discard.
Can you tell me a bit about how you source your materials and your supply chain?
I source fabrics from a range of suppliers, primarily in Japan and Europe, focusing on mills known for quality and responsible production. Sometimes I also work with smaller quantities of stock fabrics. One example is Wall Fabrics in New Zealand, who specialise in redistributing surplus designer fabrics. This allows me to produce limited runs of special pieces using beautiful textiles that might otherwise go unused. Working this way creates a balance between sourcing new materials and thoughtfully using existing fabrics, while also allowing certain garments to remain unique and limited.
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What are you most proud of in your work so far?
Honestly, the longevity of the label. Being able to continue doing what I genuinely love after all these years feels incredibly rewarding.
There is something very special about seeing a garment move from an idea in the studio to the runway, and then eventually onto someone in their everyday life. Knowing that a piece has found its place in someone’s wardrobe is always the most satisfying part.
Which pieces from your label do you wear on repeat?
My own tailoring pieces are definitely the ones I wear most. They’re versatile and easy to style in different ways, particularly with the detachable elements that allow them to be worn multiple ways. Good tailoring always has a place in the wardrobe, and I love that those pieces can move effortlessly between day and evening.
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Who excites you the most in local fashion right now?
There are so many talented designers emerging locally right now. I’m always inspired by designers who approach fashion with a strong point of view and a sense of experimentation. It’s exciting to see creatives across Australia and New Zealand developing distinct identities while still maintaining a sense of craftsmanship and individuality.
When do you feel your most creative?
When the first idea for a collection begins to form, there’s usually a moment where something clicks and I start to see the entire story unfolding. It might begin with a fabric, an image or even just a feeling. From there, the silhouettes, textures and colours start to develop, and watching the concept slowly take shape is always the most exciting part of the process.
To explore and shop Karla’s latest collection, head here.
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