Kathleen van der Spek’s collection is a unique combination of classic sophistication and modern innovation. She designs for women who want it all: to be chic yet effortless, edgy yet polished, practical yet unique, and luxurious yet comfortable all at the same time. She draws inspiration from past eras but designs in the context of modern life. Her pieces are always made from natural materials of exceptional taste and quality. Kathleen’s collection is manufactured in San Francisco where she is able to work hands-on with the factory and reduce environmental impact while assuring high quality workmanship.
Kathleen began sewing and designing at the age of 10. As a child she would go over to her Grandma's house where she was exposed to closets full of scrap fabric. Often she could convince her grandmother to make her a new dress or romper with some fabric Kathleen had picked out of the closet. When Kathleen barely reached the age of safe sewing machine operation, her grandma sat her down at her Singer and let her go. That is how her passion for designing clothes began.
Kathleen studied fashion design and marketing at Ball State University where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Apparel Design. After graduation, she set off for New York where she worked for a couture milliner. The winds changed and brought Kathleen to Seattle. Here, she worked for an apparel importer, managing manufacturing for multiple apparel companies. She then went on to work for Tommy Bahama designing for their signature product, Men's woven shirts, for the next 5 years. In 2008 Kathleen moved to the San Francisco Bay area with an idea and an entrepreneurial spirit. Shortly after arriving she launched her womens apparel line under her own name. Her talent and dedication has helped her continue to grow her business over the last 2 years. The Kathleen van der Spek line is now carried by several boutiques across the country.
Kathleen currently lives on a sailboat with her husband and cat, Spinnaker. She is fulfilling her life’s dream and it is full of hard work, sacrifice, beauty and love.
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