Kathleen Dittmar

My name is Kathleen Dittmar, located in Brisbane, Australia & I am writing to introduce you to my new label. It is called Shirley Fracture Couture & was born a year ago via my heart, head, hands, blood, sweat & tears, literally. A one woman operation, with no funding, I have had to be resourceful & think outside the box (or whatever type of container one may find themselves in) to make anything happen.

 Although I find myself immobilised due to a disability, the creative process and sharing my creations gives me the freedom to be a part of the world at large.That said, I'm a self-taught designer, working out of my home.   My influences are art, music, experiences in life & things & people that I love. My designs are quirky but restrained.

 I'm trying to revolutionise the sea of black legs out there that is like a uniform, especially in winter. And firmly believe that recycling is sexy. I can proudly say Shirley Fracture has a very low carbon footprint & is a big recycler.

Shirley Fracture Couture is hand painted tights & leggings & when I say hand painted don't think of the cheesy hand painted gear you may see at tourist markets. 'Shirley' is modern with attitude.  Shirley Fracture is also 'up-cycled' or recycled vintage slips transformed into darkly divine garments that are hand dyed, hand painted & embellished. The designs are rooted in tradition with a modern twist. I am a child of the punk era & this informs what I do now.

I am now seeking assistance to fund the creation and launch of my next collection 'Fractured'. The collection builds on the foundations I have laid over the past year. The business has reached a point where I can no longer do everything on my own & am therefore seeking support. The funds raised will go towards all associated costs of designing, creating, launching & promoting the new collection.  It includes materials such as paints, fabric, sequins and other fabulous embellishments, promotional material,  and goes towardsall other costs associated with running, creating and shooting a collection.

Any additional funds raised will go towards the collection and help Shirley Fracture Couture become a viable business in the future. As for the future, world domination is certainly part of the plan. I will continue to work hard no matter what, to make ‘Shirley’ a success.

Two looks from the most recent collection above.