Kari’s Resumé
- Fashion designer
- Entrepreneur
- Mother
Kari
“I have always had a passion for anything creative,” said Kari Dahlen, who owns her own local fashion clothing line, Style by Kari. When Kari Dahlen began sewing with her mother she discovered her passion for the craft. She found her niche by incorporating sustainability into her work and creating outfits that have a vintage flair. Together, they made elastic skirts and pillowcases, and when Kari knew she could make garments with fabric she already had in her house, she never wanted to stop—and to this day, “sustainable” is at the core of all of her projects.
Kari is a real entrepreneur. She studied Apparel Studies for two years at NDSU, but her most successful experiences and successes have come from working as an independent designer and being a part local and regional shows, such as Minneapolis Fashion Week, and being one of the original NDSU FABO Fashion Shows in 2002. “I’m a lover of all colors and would definitely be considered a maximalist,” Kari said, not afraid to dive into a variety of textures and colors. “Although, when I was younger, my grunge phase took on a life of its own. The clothes were almost entirely black with lots of chain. So I’m making up for it now.” But even today, her work takes on a unique life of its own, each piece with its own unique personality, almost as if tailored specifically for one person—which is often the case. Kari enjoys being commissioned by local fashion lovers to create pieces. She loves blending her unique twists on fashion with elegant designs.
She loves being a maximumist because she can combine classic styles with vibrant colors, prints or textures. She believes that with just a little bit of color you can have the best of both. Her work is an example of this, with styles ranging from bold, classic colours to soft, vibrant textures. See some of the pieces Kari designed and why she’s making a fashion impact in Fargo-Moorhead.
Kari’s Work Process, Featured Projects, & More
Kari showcased some of her recent favorite projects, such as a quilt-turned poncho. This is one of Kari’s more unusual projects. The classic, plaid dress with the accent waist belt feels almost like something you’d see Emily Blunt donning in the American pioneer thriller, “The English.” And the red dresses are a perfect balance of vintage, classy, and modern— perfect for any date night or party.
Did You Know?
Kari loves designing custom pieces for local shoppers. You need a new dress to wear on a date, or for that holiday party. Contact Kari [email protected] Get started now!
Kari’s process always begins with the color. While many designers begin with textures or patterns when choosing their starting point, Kari is a fan of color. She will then look at the print to see if she can use it in a sustainable fabric. She’s also done some vintage embroidery inspired by the shape and how it would work on a cuff or collar.
“I’m also inspired by the movement of the fabric or the texture I can manipulate the fabric into,” she said. “I enjoy creating pleats, gathers, and ruffles. It’s important to see how a garment hangs on a hanger as well as on the body. If it stands out in the closet, you are more interested in wearing it.”
Being a plant lover, this terra-cotta-colored dress is one of Kari’s favorite pieces. “I had leftover fabric from making some bridesmaids dresses and of course, I had to make something flowy and girly with it,” she said. “The stretch velvet is flattering on every body shape and hangs so beautifully. The long sleeves make the high slit and wrap comfortable without showing too much skin.”
Kari designed the mini collection for Minneapolis Fall Fashion Week, 2022. It features a color story of fall emerald. “I was on a walk with my dog one fall day and I saw a tree that had a purple leaf and it had just started turning brown,” she shared. “The blend of those two colors inspired me—I’m constantly on the lookout for how color can be used.”
She also incorporated pieces from her friend’s garments, who was on a weight loss journey, and gave some old pieces new life. She made a dress using a pair yellow denim jeans for the bodice and a colorful stripe flowy skirt.
Kari’s 3 Favorite Local Places to Shop For Clothes1.
1. Gathering’s Collective
“The curated pieces in this shop have the best vintage vibe. Definitely check them out if you are in the mood for something special!”
2. Revolver
“You’ll always find me at the back of this store trying on all the dresses or looking at the vintage lace undergarments that are so feminine and delicate.”
3. Violet Vintage
“If you don’t follow them on their socials, you’re missing out. They have a great collection of girly dresses that flatter all sizes.”
Kari’s 5 Musts for Fashion
1. A Floral Dress That Is Good
“You can layer it in the fall or winter with tights and a jacket or make it perfect for a summer day with gladiator sandals.”
2. Delicate Jewelry
“These pieces are easier to layer on and still feel carefree. Some of my favorite delicate jewelry pieces are my grandmother’s wedding ring, a small pair of gold diamond earrings, and a simple gold thin bangle bracelet.”
3. A Blazer
“This could be a fitted business style for dressing up jeans or a boyfriend-style blazer to layer with boots and a sweater. The local thrift stores had my favorite boyfriend-style blazers. “
4. A Statement Scarf
“I have multiple scarves that are just two yards of fabric that I’ve finished the edges on. It creates a big cowl and doubles as a shawl as well.”
5. Nude Heels
“They go with everything! I used to wear heels a lot more than flats. I remember when I used to wear flats, my feet would be sore—they feel more comfortable in heels.”
Kari’s Top 3 Places to Shop for Holiday Gifts
1. Zandbroz Variety
“This shop has been a part of my childhood and it’s always my go-to for something unique; especially greeting cards.”
2. Unglued
“Unglued is one of my favorites for gifts because not only does it have unique gifts, but you support local makers when you buy here.”
3. Baker Garden & Gift
“Not only do I always find amazing gift ideas at Baker, but I walk out with a new plant too. It’s a win-win!”
Q&A with Kari
Your work is characterized by the use of sustainable and upcycled material. Tell me about this approach and why it’s meaningful to you.
Not only do I absolutely love working with unique sustainable materials, but knowing that I’m lessening the amount brought into landfills is the reason I do it. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else has? A piece that’s been hand embroidered can be displayed rather than tucked into a drawer.
Speaking of materials, what have you really been enjoying using, and what’s been inspiring you lately?
I love embroidered tablecloths. I like to use trims and edges for sleeves, cuffs or hems. This is a great way to make a statement.
What’s been the most out-of-the-box or unique project you’ve worked on yet? What was the most challenging aspect of this project and how did it make you a more skilled designer?
One of my best friends was trying to sell her old clothes after losing a lot of weight. I bought two of them, and transformed them into special pieces. Using a pair of her mustard-colored jeans as a bodice for a dress and then having her model in it for me—that really made my heart full.
What are the ways in which your children inspire you as a creative mother?
The fact that I am a mom has definitely boosted my creativity. My boys teach me how to look at things from their perspective; buildings, flowers, and hidden gems. They really like to be around me when I’m designing too, and sometimes they even design with me.
How would you describe the style of your life?
I would describe my fashion as feminine, girly, and ladylike. I like to have floral prints and colors in my home as well as my wardrobe. I also prefer to wear a dress instead of jeans or leggings; I feel most myself when I’m in a dress. In middle school I had a very intense black and grunge look. Baggy pants, dog collars, spikey hair—I guess I’ve been through all fashion fads.
How do you approach a new project with a fresh mindset — what would you say is unique about your workflow?
When I start a collection, the fabric often speaks to me. It can be an old tablecloth, or fabric bought in a bolt from a shop. I either design the garment to show off the uniqueness in the vintage fabric, or follow the flow of it. I’ve made a couple of pieces that have multiple vintage pieces included in them and some other classic styles that only have one special aspect. When I look at both designs, it’s great when a single piece of fabric that is sustainable is the star.
What are the current trends that you’re following?
This allows me to use more fabric and not look too heavy. You can do this with layers, pleats or gathers. Adding these elements to a piece of clothing also adds texture.
How to Support Kari
Instagram| @stylebykari
[email protected]
