RIP Khòlò – but not really!
If you follow the Australian fashion scene, you’re likely still reeling from the rapid wind-up of inclusive Australian fashion label Khòlò this winter. I know I am!
As a relative newcomer to the brand after a long stint overseas, I’ve loved getting to know the label – characterised by bold, colourful, statement prints; easy-to-wear designs with thoughtful details like extra booby buttons; and an inclusive size range of 6 to 26. I was thrilled when they said “yes” to allowing my little fledgling business to stock their product, and the inclusion of the brand has really helped shape the Oh Ramona aesthetic.
I’ve gleaned so much joy from watching people try on and wear Khòlò’s beautiful clothes. I’m addicted to the way a face lights up, seeing a quirky print or piece of beautiful embroidery come to life on the body – often a body that is not presented with many beautiful, fashion-forward and accessibly priced options, due to the fashion industry’s arbitrary and long-outdated rules about what a body should look like.
With Khòlò, founder and designer Karishma Kasabia had a vision that every woman and femme person deserved to look and feel special in a way that allowed them to enjoy their daily life unfettered. Hence every dress was designed with pockets – ALWAYS – and #pastaspace.
As a “size 16, brown-skinned Indian woman in Melbourne,” she didn’t feel seen by the fashion industry, so she built something that worked for her. Which then made SO many others feel seen and cared for. What a legacy!
So, it’s an incredible honour, as Khòlò wraps up after almost a decade, for Oh Ramona to be given the metaphorical keys to the warehouse. All remaining stock is now in our loving hands, and we will make it available to you, as long as stocks last, through our website and in our Hawthorn boutique.
If there’s a piece you’ve been lusting after that’s not on the website or in-store – please reach out! I might be hoarding it for a special occasion, but I’ll be thrilled to hook you up.
And if you’re a Khòlò fan who’s been sent our way in recent days – welcome to the fold! I hope you’ll love it here. We stock a mix of Australian and American labels that share a lot of the same values as Khòlò – size inclusivity, ethical production, sustainability, ease of wear, and a sense of fun… because life’s too short!
