Women we admire # Kitty Callaghan
A Renaissance woman, Kitty Callaghan lends her discerning sensibility to her roles as PR coordinator for cult fashion label Ellery and contributing editor at Russh magazine as well as to her artwork. In addition to a myriad of creative endeavors, she has become known for her vintage-inflected style and fiery locks.
With a keen interest in collaging since childhood, her perspicaciously executed collages are female-centered and have a delicately surreal quality, garnering much attention with commissions for Elle magazine and Woolmark among others.
- Do you have a favorite philosopher to guide you through more difficult moments?There are a few... When I need some inspiration for strength in myself, I turn to Simone de Beauvoir. I have been reading some of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s work, in particular his essay on the importance of Nature. I do not agree with some of his views regarding God and religion, but in the face of hardship, I find nature to be healing and grounding. In hard times I have turned to Khalil Gibran for wise words on loss, pain. He isn’t a philosopher, but I love Doctor Seuss books for a lighthearted and simple approach to processing life’s complexities.
- How do you feel the fashion landscape will change over the next year (especially smaller luxury labels)?
We are seeing a move away from overconsumption and overproduction. It’s no secret that slow fashion is becoming a model that many designers and labels are incorporating into their business practice. Communicating the true value of a product has become an important step in marketing a brand - justifying an item’s price tag through highlighting the work, quality, and ethical practices that go into creating them. I think we will see more of this transparency in the overall landscape in the years to come from brands across all demographics. Customers are choosing to buy less and be better informed when making choices. Through the corona virus pandemic we are seeing brands having to rely on online platforms to launch and promote products instead of events in the physical realm, and I think collaborating and working in this sense will become more common in the years to come.
- Do you have a favorite poem?
It would have to be “If” by Rudyard Kipling.
- What thing have you learned about yourself recently that surprised you?
I have been surprised by my strength in the face of hard times and the ability I have to forgive and grow. I am being reminded of my desire to hold those dear to me close. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the past, I took for granted the things most important to me, and this strange time in 2020 has reminded me that there is so much to be grateful for.
- What are some current or upcoming projects?
I am working on some new collages and studying online to further some technical skills I have been wanting to get better at for some time. I am also in a phase of seeking lots of inspiration for my next chapter creatively – trying to read a lot and soak up lots of food for thought in terms of conceptualizing things I have wanted to work on for a while. It involves working in new mediums and trying new ideas.
- Sustainability is one of our core values - for all decisions we choose to put the fair treatment of people, planet and animals first. As a business, we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact and contribute to organizations that make a difference. Do you have a favorite charity you would like us to support?
The charity Grandmothers Against Removals. This organisation is important to me because I live in a country where there are generations of trauma suffered by Indigenous Australians as a result of babies being taken forcibly from their families. Over some 232 years this has caused intergenerational trauma - the full extent of the lifelong and lasting effects as a result of these events on these children and their families is still unknown. Children who have been removed are more likely to be abused, suffer health issues, have poor educational outcomes. I think it is an important charity to support because these babies and their families deserve to be safe, and have justice for past abuse and traumas suffered as a result of being stolen from their families.
#paytherent to Grandmothers Against Removals
Photographer: Sophie Brockwell