Red Chalk by Kate Perry

The story behind Red Chalk.

Aside from my love of illustration and design, the motivation behind Red Chalk came from the lack of well designed, quality kids wear.

Being a mum I found kids wear to be a pretty disappointing affair. With all the predictable designs and colours on offer, it all seemed “cookie cut”.   I didn’t want my little girl or her boy buddies to be dressed in the same old skulls, rock’n’roll, slogans, sickly sweet patterns or mini adult clothing that dominate the market. 

Of course, there were always beautiful clothes available but, like most people, I didn’t want to spend a fortune knowing that Olive would grow out of it by next season.  For the pieces I did invest in, I was again disappointed because the quality just wasn’t there.

So longevity was absolutely mandatory, but it was also bold illustration in strong colours that I desperately wanted to incorporate into the range.  I also wanted to challenge the gender colours that seem to dominate kids wear.  Personally I love Olive in navy blue, charcoals, browns and even black. The more I asked around, the more I found this was evident for boys too.

With this in mind, I got started by producing some samples and testing them with mums groups and on their kids.  The results were resoundingly positive and the experience was so encouraging.  Most mums had several occasions where people would ask about where to buy such gorgeous unique clothing.  Of course all the mums commented about the fantastic quality too. 

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing from there.  Once I was ready to go into production I came across an alarming problem with the availability (or lack thereof!) of local manufacturers.  Sadly they were really scarce, as most had closed down due to offshore manufacturing. 

I’d love to say it was an easy process to find the right manufacturer.  It took a lot of patience, money and perseverance, but I discovered a quality manufacturer who took great care in his work. It was a no-brainer to pay extra and get a high standard of product in return.

Since I’ve been in business for a few years now, I understand and can compare the quality of offshore products versus Australian made, and to me there is just no comparison.  The quality I’ve seen since working with the manufacturers here is far superior to clothing made overseas.  And so the inherent quality and feel good factor of supporting local business are the reasons that all Red Chalk products are 100% Australian designed and made.

It’s because of this that Red Chalk clothing holds its shape, retains its bright colours, doesn’t pill or shrink and can withstand rough and tumble.  In fact it was a mission to make sure kids will grow out of Red Chalk before it starts to lose shape, fade or fall apart.  So much so that Red Chalk guarantees its clothes make great hand-me-downs and are even good enough for your child’s glory box! 

Growing up, mum taught me it’s better to buy one quality item of clothing that will last forever rather than ten cheap pieces that won’t last the season. I have since thanked her for this advice as I now have a wardrobe filled with classic jackets, pants that sit well and tops that feel great and have stayed in shape. 

This advice also cautioned me not to follow fashion trends as such, but to wear clothes that best suit my shape and colour tones, so ultimately my style combines today’s fashion with classic items from yesteryear.  I can’t wait to pass this piece of sound advice down to Olive when she’s old enough to understand!

Red Chalk clothing has been designed with longevity in mind, that’s why you’ll find in most cases the legs a bit longer, the necks a bit wider, the cuffs left ragged (ideal for rolling up) and the fabrics a bit stretchier.   

Most jumpers and tank tops look great worn as oversized dresses for girls with leggings before they grow into them as jumpers. Crop jumpers can be worn both oversized (with sleeves rolled up) and true to size.  A-line dresses should be worn as a dress before they’re short enough to fit like a jumper.  And of course leggings scrunched up the leg before they’re long enough to fit like a second skin.  

I’m so proud to share Red Chalk with you.  It’s been a fantastic journey that has allowed me to channel all the things I’m passionate about into.  Hopefully other people around the world will also share my love of great design, quality and like supporting local business.  Red Chalk is the way I live and captures how I feel - it’s what I want Olive to be surrounded by.  And with any luck more kids and parents can enjoy a little bit of Red Chalk love too!