Coline: What is Blue Nude’s story?Katarina: After working in many different segments of the apparel industry (luxury, fast fashion, and elite performance) I became discouraged by the industry's lack of care for/interest in sustainability. Meanwhile, as an active participant in the underground music and art scenes of the UK and Canada, I had forged friendships with many amazing creative talents and wanted to start a business in which we could work together, and that could provide a revenue stream, publicity, and engaging projects for artists.

After commissioning MET, a painter and close friend who ended up being my first collaborator, to create a painting for my home, he additionally gifted me an experimental artwork on raw canvas. I wrapped the piece of canvas around my leg and thought 'this would be incredible on a pant'! This planted the seed (along with encouragement from industry peers, family, and friends) to start my own brand with a multi-disciplinary approach. I wanted to offer consumers art-informed printed and colourful clothing, at an accessible price point. At this time, I was only seeing this level of print design at big luxury brands like Pucci and Missoni. I wanted to make, essentially, wearable and contemporary pieces of art.

The name Blue Nude (as I always get asked) derives from the Matisse 'Blue Nudes'  paper cutout series. It came to me very quickly and easily! I love this series, the Tate Modern's 2014 Matisse exhibition was highly influential in my life and inspired me to learn fashion illustration. Besides this, I love the feeling of the blue nudes  - the freedom, expression, and movement of the human form. I wanted people to feel as free and joyful wearing my clothing as Matisse's figures were.”


“