LFW SS25 - "My designs are for those who want to embrace their complexity and freedom without limits": An Interview with groundbreaking designer Tara Kari
Whilst the world edges closer to an AI armageddon, the latest from Tara Kari seeks to plunge us deep into the natural beauty of Finland's expansive woodland. Aligning spectators with a dark, unforgiving femininity, Kari foregoes the delicate and delightful as expected in the typical womenswear spring/summer collection. With masterful craftsmanship, classic silhouettes are reimagined to release the sensual and elegant from society’s narrow expectations of female expression and invigorate these pieces with as much complexity as the designer herself.
Read on to learn more about Tara Kari’s motivations, inspirations, desires and designs as I inquired into one of LFW SS25’s most exquisite collections…
HOLLY: What is the story of how Tara Kari came to be? As a brand, but, also, where did your personal interest in fashion begin?
TARA: I developed a deep passion for fashion from an early age, inspired by my mother, who owned a bridal shop. As a child, I frequently accompanied her on trips to London to select materials and dresses, sparking my fascination with fabrics and design. I loved exploring fabric stores and experiencing the textures of different materials. My mother also nurtured my creativity by making clothes for myself and my dolls, including a faux fur jacket and hat I designed as a fan of 101 Dalmatians.
At the age of 21, I pursued formal training in bespoke garment making at an arts and crafts school in Finland. During my studies, I secured an internship with the Finnish edition of "Dancing with the Stars," where I continued to work after graduating. I also interned with a tailor, and following the internship, we shared a workspace while running our own businesses. During this time, I worked with private clients alongside my work in television.
In 2019, driven by a desire to deepen my knowledge of fashion, I moved to London to study Womenswear Fashion Design. Over the years, I have created many of my own garments, often receiving compliments from people who admired my work. Now, I feel it is the right moment to share my designs with a wider audience and explore new opportunities in the fashion industry.
HOLLY: With this collection, you’ve said you have drawn inspiration from “the enigmatic allure of the dark raven forest” which I absolutely love. How was this conceptualised for a spring/summer collection? What is the draw to nature in a world with an ever-expanding consumption of technology?
TARA: I have always been drawn to the contrast of black with bold colours. This collection features a blend of black and green, inspired by the dark, mysterious raven forests of my Finnish homeland. In Finland, spring and summer aren’t always filled with sunlight. I remember riding my horse through dense forests filled with ravens, where the thick, overgrown canopy kept the sunlight at bay. Even in summer, the forest retained its damp, shadowy atmosphere, hinting at hidden secrets that remained unrevealed.
Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Its unpredictability, constant transformation, and the endless variety of shapes and textures it offers continue to captivate me. While I appreciate advancements in fashion technology, I am far more fascinated by the intricate beauty and creativity found in nature itself.
HOLLY: Your pieces have been described to “exude powerful femininity”, and I certainly felt this as soon as I saw the 2nd outfit. There was such an unapologetic femininity in the cut of the dress and the styling with the lace, knee-high socks, whilst maintaining a rawness from the pairing of black with the forest-green silk and the knitted balaclava. It said “I am feminine, I am ‘woman’ but I don’t need to express that in a way that suits a convention which undermines my own sense of power and individuality.” or “I can be soft and delicate but I am complex and layered and I will not shrink myself to the way society expects my femininity to be expressed”. Like an unfiltered, ‘anti-male gaze’ femininity. Where does this desire to express femininity in such a way come from? Who or what has inspired that?
TARA: From a young age, I’ve had a strong sense of self, always determined to do things my own way, yet with respect for others. As I matured, I discovered the profound freedom that comes with defying societal expectations. I embraced the idea of being bold, wild, and independent, charting my own path. At 19, I moved to the UK and later to Australia, revealing in the experience of being an untamed, adventurous woman—a feeling I still cherish. I balance both femininity and a tomboy spirit, and I resist being placed into a single category. Just as I approach life, I want my designs to embody this duality.
As you’ve said, they can be “soft and delicate, but complex and layered”—a reflection of who I am. My goal is to create fashion that empowers women to feel strong, powerful, and unapologetic. Whether it’s a woman in a sleek cocktail dress and heels or one ready to take on the world in a full leather outfit and boots, my designs are for those who want to embrace their complexity and freedom without limits.
HOLLY: Your 4th outfit follows a similar trajectory, reimagining a classic night robe as the leather and silk cover-up, atop an edgy, cut-out, black dress with green sequins. Could you expand more on your fabric choice and how you manipulated the fabrics in the pieces? How do you see the fabrics you have chosen as expressing the dichotomy of powerful femininity and your inspiration from ‘dark nature’?
TARA: The cut-out dress was crafted using cotton ribbon, to which I attached pieces of embroidered fabric. My intention was to evoke the image of an ancient tree with moss growing along its bark. One of my favourite pieces is the silk and leather cover-up. Made from silk organza with leather strips topstitched onto the fabric, it draws inspiration from a foggy forest where tree branches appear through the mist. I believe these fabric choices beautifully capture the essence of a powerful woman and the darker side of nature in an elegant way—proving that femininity doesn’t require ruffles or soft colours.
HOLLY: Having taken inspiration from nature, what are Tara Kari’s interests regarding the world of sustainability, particularly as Tara Kari has been noted for its dedication to a high standard of craftsmanship?
TARA: I am committed to incorporating natural fibres into my designs as much as possible. My business model would blend pre-ordering with select stock items, as I strongly oppose wasteful production practices that result in excess inventory ending up in landfills. My goal is to create timeless, high-quality garments that can be worn repeatedly, offering both durability and style. I strive to make my designs wearable yet innovative, bringing an element of excitement to everyday fashion—essentially making every day feel like "couture."
HOLLY: Lastly, what can we expect to see from Tara Kari in future collections?
TARA: Future collections will undoubtedly be bolder. I love experimenting with a variety of materials and incorporating chain details. My next collection will feature knitwear, leather, chain accents, and I’m excited to introduce wood and upcycled elements. I’m especially looking forward to unveiling my February autumn-winter collection.
As the catwalk floor flooded with black leather looks, lace, and iridescent, forest-green panelling, onlookers were left stunned. I was left stunned. My inundated camera roll filled with “out of storage” notifications, was possibly even more stunned. Needless to say, it was an amazing collection.
If I had to pick a favourite, the tule and mesh maxi dress, a bridal piece fit for Morticia Addams, styled by Rebekah Roy with a black ribbon blusher bridal veil and heeled boots, would take pride of place, though it’s hard pressed competing against the rest of the works. And if you’re looking for your next favourite innovative designer, who brings a contemporary edge to fan favourites, inspired by the rawness of nature as it surrounds her, look no further.
Written and edited by Holly Anderson
Comments