Our Story
Katre Arula: Estonian Fashion Designer with a Folk Art Soul
Since 2004, Estonian fashion designer Katre Arula has been dedicated to creating handmade clothes and bags inspired by Estonian folk art and upcycling. Her creations are recognisable by their unique pattern techniques and incorporate many cultural values. Today, Katre Arula has grown into the Katré brand and a small family business, where mother and daughter share a common passion for the fashion world.
Creations that Tell Stories
At the heart of the Katré brand is a sustainable fashion vision. Using production waste and used clothing, the designer creates new unique items inspired by Estonian heritage culture. Since practically everything in Katre’s creations is based on reuse, preliminary work, making things and designing are even more complicated – folding existing pieces is more time-consuming than cutting parts from a large ready-made fabric. The entire creation process takes place by hand in Põltsamaa, so each product bears the touch of a master. The designer produces very small quantities, making them unique and exclusive.
Author’s Techniques and Unique Patterns
Katre Arula’s work is characterized by pattern motifs made in the author’s techniques, which draw inspiration from folk art. These patterns give her designs depth and uniqueness and tell exciting stories. Glove patterns are made in a unique way as “pixel embroidery”, brooches and silver necklaces are moulded from fabric, buttons and furniture felt, and exciting 3D garments are created with “felt roses”. All items made in the author’s techniques bear the Certified Estonian Artisanal Craft label.
Recognized Craftsman: the Pearl of Estonian Handicraft
Katre Arula is a true craftsman, whose creations have received numerous recognitions and awards. She has participated in many joint exhibitions of the Estonian Fashion Designers’ Association since 2010, introducing her works both locally and internationally.
The craftsman has received the awards Jõgevamaa Kultuuripärl 2013, Estonian Folk Art and Crafts Association Pärandihoidja 2017 ning Crafts Entrepreneur 2020. In 2016, the dress “Sõlelugu” created by the craftsman won the “Sõlelugu” konkursi “eesti-keha-kate 2” competition.
2020. In 2020, the audience of the Estonian Fashion Festival chose the “Black Stork” collection as their favourite.
The brand Katré was selected as the best trademark of the Estonian Patent Office in March 2023 and EVEA selected it among the top 3 in the “Successful Solo Entrepreneur 2023” category.
Katre Arula is a member of the Estonian Fashion Designers Association and the Estonian Lapwork Society, and a member of the board of the Estonian Folk Art and Crafts Association.
Continuous Inspiration: Author’s Books
The designer is not limited to creating clothes but also shares her knowledge and experience with others. Her book “Timeless Patchwork” (Pegasus Publishing, 2013) introduces the reader to the colourful world of patchwork, offering inspiration and lessons for craft lovers.
Katre Arula’s second book “Clothes Converse” (Saara Publishing, 2024) focuses on clothing and techniques created over the past ten years, such as the pixel, hidden button and felt roses technique. The book documents Katre’s participation in fashion shows and offers ideas on how to use Estonian national patterns in everyday life.
Katre Arula is more than just a fashion designer – her life tells a story of craftsmanship, culture and sustainability. The designer’s creations speak of timeless values and continue to uphold the Estonian craft tradition while inspiring new generations.
Katre Arula’s workshop is located in Põltsamaa Castle in Estonia.
The craftswoman has created a world of her own in Põltsamaa Lossihoov – Katre Arula’s Workshop, which consists of a shop and a studio. The products are made in a studio workshop in the back of the store. In addition to sewing, creating and designing, Katre keeps a collection of her past creations, a collection of old scissors and tools, sells author’s work and hangs photo exhibitions of new collections on the walls.
This is how ideas become finished products, not somewhere far away and through others, but right here, in our home studio, through Katre’s own hands and thoughts.
Meie väärtused
Eesti käsitöö
Ütleme, et see on käsitsi valmistatud, kuid tegelikult tuleb see südamest.
Jätkusuutlikkus
Mood, aga aeglane. Ela paremini vähemaga, mis kestab kauem.
Ainulaadsus
Pea iga kott on omanäoline, sest mööblikanga tükid, millest kotid valmivad, ei ole alati samasugused.
Funktsionaalsus
Vastupidavad materjalid, niiskuskindel, mustust hülgav, helkiv muster.
Contact
Lossi 1a, Põltsamaa, Estonia
Open by appointment
info@katrearula.com
+372 5513 147
©2022 - Triinu Arula & Katre Arula. All rights reserved.