The Thousands

Lollies that fizz on your tongue, naïve children’s watercolours, farmyards viewed from afar and the aroma of warm butter … the dresses, hard-tailored pieces, mouthwatering swimsuits and wispy tanks of Karla Spetic‘s designs call to mind a hardy femininity, a history tempered by freshness.

Born in the fairytale-like city of Dubrovnik on the coast of Croatia, Spetic moved to Australia in 1993 and after graduating from the East Sydney Fashion Design Studio launched her label in 2006. You can see influences from both hometowns; the mature lace and elegant drapery of Central Europe, the pairing of sorbet colours a breath of fresh air from Sydney’s beaches. Either way, you’ll want your hands, arms, legs and heads covered by both, and her new online shop makes it easy no matter what continent you’re on.