It’s officially my second trip to China (one of my favourite countries to visit) and I want to bring you along!
When I first started the brand, I used to sit and make every single dress myself in my spare bedroom. From designing to pattern making, sewing, pressing, finishing, packaging and posting – every piece went through my hands. I loved shining a light on this craft and process, and showing the reality of what fashion really is.
I will always look back on that time so fondly, and my advice to anyone starting a fashion brand will always be to begin this way. It teaches you everything – about the garment, about the customer, and about the care that goes into making something people love and wear.
We built the brand around small runs, deadstock fabrics, and pieces that would sell out over and over again. While that was incredibly exciting, it also meant we were constantly racing to keep up with demand and turning around newness at a pace that wasn’t sustainable long term.
MANUFACTURING IN CHINA
We started manufacturing in China in 2025, and the very first thing I did was book a flight over to visit the factories we were considering working with. I wanted to see everything firsthand – meet the teams, understand the process, and make sure the quality and standards aligned with what we believe in as a brand.
*The city of Shanghai
*Factory lunch with Lois and Amy in between fit sessions!
There’s a lot of stigma around “Made in China”, but like most things, the reality is far more nuanced. When you find the right partners, the craftsmanship, expertise and innovation can be incredible.
This week I’ve been back in Guangzhou, fabric sourcing, sampling an entirely new collection, and continuing to build relationships with the people who help bring our designs to life. I'm so proud of the factory we are working with and deciding to scale with. Being here and seeing the process in motion is always such an important reminder of how many skilled hands are involved in creating a single piece of clothing.
*My suitcase filled to the brim with fabrics.
And while expanding production has been an exciting step forward, it doesn’t mean we’re leaving our roots behind. We will always continue creating runs in Australia and Bali, especially for limited edition pieces and deadstock fabrics. That side of the brand is such a huge part of our DNA and something I’m super proud of.
*Something new in the works...
What working internationally allows us to do is grow the brand in a way that feels sustainable; refining our most loved pieces, improving quality and fit, and continuing to create collections that feel considered and have that Katharina Lou touch.
#1 The best dumplings I have *ever* eaten in Shanghai - you can see the excitement in my face.
*Street inspo always.
Getting to travel across the world, source beautiful fabrics, design new collections, and work with talented people who care about the craft as much as we do… is something I still pinch myself about.
Anyways, that's a wrap from me. Hope you enjoyed an inside scoop of our KLOU universe!
Big Love, Katie XX