Interview with Kate Goldwater, Designer & Owner of AuH2O

We've been blessed this week to have the chance to interview a local star, Kate Goldwater, designer & owner of AuH2O. Kate happens to be hosting a fashion show and clothing swap at 5pm this Sunday, April 18th, to kick-off Earth Week! It will be free and right outside of her store on 84 E. 7th street in the East Village. People can bring one item of unwanted to clothing and swap it and go home with new clothes. Plus, the fashion show is going to be awesome. For more info on this swap, read her blog.

CMar: When did you first begin your company?

Kate AuH2O: In a way I began my company when I was in middle school when I first made my own pants out of a discarded table cloth. Even though it wasn't an official business then, I have continued to do just that - making, wearing, selling my clothing, and always shopping my mom's closet or finding vintage at thrift stores to cut up and rework. Friends would ask me to make them clothes or costumes and by the time I was in college, I was running my own little business from my dorm room. I had my sewing machine set up on my desk so people on my floor could bring me their old t-shirts and I would rework, redesign, or "kate-i-fy" them. By my senior year in college, I had a website up and running with an online store, and I was selling in consignment shops and open air markets around the city. I ended up graduating from college  in May of 2006 and opened my shop in the East Village shortly after in October.

CMar: What is your background in fashion?

Kate AuH2O: I don't really have a proper background in fashion, I've just always been interested in it. Ever since I was little, I would always paint my nails in 12 different colors, make friendship bracelets and hair wraps from embroidery floss, and give myself magic marker tattoos. I discovered fashion was my favorite form of creative self-expression because I could really wear my art. In high school, I was voted "most outrageous style" (which I'm not sure was a compliment), then I went to NYU where there isn't a fashion program, but i made up my own major in the Gallatin school of Individualized Study in "Art and Clothing for Social Justice." and oh, and i worked at NYU Steinhardt's costume shop for 4 years, so even though I've never taken a pattern-making class or learned to drape, I've been deeply into fashion for years.

CMar: What inspires you to design?

Kate AuH2O: Because I use entirely recycled clothing to make my designs, the clothing and recycled materials themselves inspire me. I buy old clothing or material or fabric at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales and friends closets and cut it up and embellish it into new outifts. I never know what I'm going to make until I see the materials I'm using. I'd be lying if I said "I get inspired by the wind and the trees and the buildings and the city." I don't. I get inspired by old clothes and recycled fabric, and I get inspired by my friends' discarded wardrobes.

CMar: What are your views on eco-fashion?

Kate AuH2O: I think eco-fashion should be what every designer strives to create and every customer vows to buy. We hear every day that we should reduce, reuse, recycle, turn off lights and unplug appliances, use public transportation and carpool, but you don't hear enough that we should shop for clothing that isn't as hard on the environment. I wish people considered wearing vintage and eco-fashion as important as recycling their plastic water bottle. I wish everyone knew that it takes 400 gallons of water just to make one cotton t-shirt, along with all the CO2 emitting pesticides, insecticides and synthetic fertilizers. If everyone knew and cared about this, shoppers would seek out organic cotton and eco-fashion, vintage and recycled clothing. Once enough shoppers demand it, designers and clothing stores would have to provide it. My hope is someday there won't even be a distinction between "fashion" and "eco-fashion," all fashion will be eco-friendly.

CMar: Well-said Kate! That's exactly how we think as well. We would like to see all fashion become eco-friendly! What are your views on sustainability?

Kate AuH2O: I've heard several definitions of sustainability, but my favorite one is "using the resources we have to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In other words, let's not screw over our future grandchildren and let's not screw over our planet. I think our environment is our playing field and we should try to preserve it with everything we do.

CMar: Who are some other designers you admire?

Kate AuH2O: Strictly aesthetically speaking, I love betsey johnson because of her use of prints, textures, ruffles, layers, sequins, color, and I love her style and creativity so, so much. But she hasn't committed herself to eco-fashion yet, so I don't totally consider her a role model or a design influence. I also loved all of alexander mcqueen's designs and admire the social, political, and feminist statements he made through his work. As for eco-fashion designers, my favorite is linda loudermilk for everything she stands for, in addition to her beautiful designs.

CMar: What are your future design goals?

Kate AuH2O: I actually don't think I have any goals at the moment. I'm incredibly happy where I am now. In the past three years since I opened, my store has really established its location, my customer base has grown, and I even expanded during the recession. My sales have gone up each year, and I guess I just hope that continues to increase.

Actually wait, I totally take that back. I definitely have a goal. I'd like to dress lady gaga- some day. I know it's a little unrealistic, but maybe eventually. I think that not only is she such a strong woman and talented artist and performer, she's incredibly influential in the fashion world, and I'd love to dress her in one of my recycled designs in hopes that she and her fans would get on board with eco-fashion.

CMar: What is special about your products?

Kate AuH2O: My designs are one-of-a-kind, unique, environmentally-friendly, sweat-shop free, and unlike most in this category- affordable! Prices are reasonable at $15-$28 for a shirt and $35-$50 for a dress.

CMar: Where can customers buy your products?

Kate AuH2O: Customers can buy my clothing, jewelry, and curated vintage and consignment collection at my clothing store in the East Village! 84 E. 7th St. between 1st and 2nd avenue. see my webiste: http://auh2odesigns.com or blog: http://blog.auh2odesigns.com for more info!

For videos of AuH2O fashion shows, check out the their youtube channel! There are some pretty creative designs for Mets Fans and Obama supporters!

Thanks Kate! Happy Earth Week