“A gift from the heavens for plus-size women” is how North Vancouver fashion designer Kjaer Pedersen describes her collections.
It can be “ridiculously impossible” to find flattering and fashionable clothing for curvier women, says Pedersen, who designs with women of all shapes and sizes in mind for her brand, K-o.me.
Universally flattering is the drape design that Pedersen employs when creating her one-of-a-kind kimonos, tunics and ethereal jackets. The silk fabric whimsically cascades from the shoulders down for an elegant feel. Vibrant asymmetrical skirts are also featured prominently in Pedersen’s collection.
“So often when women put on my clothes, they want to dance,” says Pedersen.
She designs using an array of vibrant fabrics – silk, polyester and bamboo – which exude her idea of beauty.
A lifelong artist and teacher, Pedersen, who has a penchant for charcoal portraits, is inspired by the natural surroundings on the North Shore, especially the ocean.
When she told her sons about her foray into fashion, they were dubious.
“They said, ‘But mom you’ve never even sewn on a button.’”
Pedersen leans on her mathematical skills and an innate talent to bring her fashion ideas to fruition. Her father was a master tailor in Denmark and her mother, a seamstress.
“I think I learned a lot more at their feet than I realized – it just came naturally,” she says.
Pedersen free-hand cuts the fabric she sources mainly from Canadian suppliers, inside her studio nestled in a building with jewelry, fashion designers and other artists on Pemberton Avenue.
A crushed velvet silk jacket in burgundy is a piece from her current collection with a decidedly ’90s esthetic that is currently en vogue again.
Pedersen says her designs are timeless and versatile and can be dressed up or down. Her unique clothing line has caught the eye of local and abroad fashionistas alike.
A woman living in Germany commissioned Pedersen to make outfits for her wedding, while a clothing boutique in San Francisco also carries some of the K-o.me collection.
For the seventh year, Pedersen has been chosen to sell her clothes at the popular Circle Craft Market, on now until Nov. 13. K-o.me joins fellow North Shore fashion brands Moojoes Outdoor Gear, Dahlia Drive, Linda Paterson Jewellery, Treats Designs and Chi’s Creations.
Locally, K-o.me can be found at Marilyn’s Of West Vancouver and at Pedersen’s studio at 195 Pemberton Ave.
K-o.me is open by appointment and also the first Saturday of every month from noon to 4 p.m.
The 195 Artist Studios will be having an open house on Dec. 3 from noon to 4 p.m.
Hundreds of designs, some 50 per cent off, will be on sale at K-o.me during the event. K-o.me will also be hosting a VIP night on Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m.
“It’s a chance for people to come down and shop one-of-a-kind creations for themselves and for gifts,” says Pederson.
More information is available at 604-612-6070 or komeclothing.ca.
