Friends of Edité: Kaelen Haworth
In this interview, we’re chatting with Kaelen Haworth. Kaelen is the visionary behind the compelling boutique, Absolutely Fabrics, where the only thing more stunning than her curated collections is her eye for the emotional undercurrent in fashion.
Kaelen’s taste is equal parts high concept and real life — where functionality meets fabulous (yes, even while wearing all-white silk around her two boys). From her first Marc Jacobs show in New York, where she ended up sitting on Richie Rich’s lap, to balancing motherhood, to curating emerging designers to carry in the store, Kaelen’s approach to style is anything but ordinary. Below, we talk taste, the future of American fashion, and why buying better (and not newer) might just be the ultimate act of rebellion.
Photographed by: Kayla Rocca
Has design always been an innate part of your life?
Yes, I think so. I’ve always been creative. It took me a while to commit to making a career of it, but I feel lucky everyday that I did.
“I care so much about the emotional connection and the stories. There is so much available to us now that I think it’s more important than ever to look for the way we connect instead of mindlessly buying.” — Kaelen Haworth
What are the things that have defined or influenced your taste?
The internet, for better or worse. Menswear ( It’s so interesting when it’s done well). Functionality has become paramount – form following function is important now that I’m a mom – although I still wear all white silk outfits around my two boys like a fool.
Do you remember the first brand or designer that had an impact on you?
I think it was Marc Jacobs. Which is interesting because I don’t own anything (other than a Stam bag!) from the brand. I just remember always feeling emotional when I watched his shows. I went to his show the first year I lived in NY, and it was the first one after the show that was 2 hours late. So he was prompt. My heel broke running into the Armory and I couldn’t find my seat, so Richie Rich (of Heatherette) told me to stop wandering and sit on his lap before they kicked me out. So I sat on his lap and watched my first in person Marc Jacobs show. A true New York moment.
What are your thoughts on the concept of taste? Is there good and bad taste?
I think there is taste and no taste. At least as it relates to fashion. There is definitely bad taste in general decorum.
What are your clients looking for now?
Unique, stand-out pieces that you can’t find everywhere and exceptional quality. We have people buying pieces from brands they had not heard of before walking into the store and that speaks volumes to me. It means people value quality and craftsmanship as much or more than they do logos. Which feels big.
“I think we should try to think of new not as a thing or a product, but a point of view on style and interpretation on a theme.” — Kaelen Haworth
Do you have a favorite designer or design personal piece? What makes it special to you?
I have a Rick Owens leather jacket that I don’t wear very often but is like a portal to another world for me. It was my first real designer purchase and I was so excited about it, I wore it everyday for 2 years. It’s been in my closet for 15 years.
What excites you most about the future of fashion?
The new crop of American designers. It finally feels like something fresh and exciting is happening. Willy Chavarria’s show in Paris last month was so special, it gave me goosebumps. The fact that the CFDA is giving the right people awards is thrilling. The fact that designers like Colleen Allen are proving commercially successful. The sustainability focus – it’s not acceptable anymore to ignore it and designers are being intentional about what they make and how they make it.
Fashion is a reflection of the times we live in. What do you think fashion today says about our society?
I think it says we are Olympic-level consumers. Which is a bit scary. I think it’s so important to educate yourself on the things you buy. I’m guilty of it, but I genuinely believe buying better on an individual level makes a difference. Shein should be illegal. On a more positive note, I think the pendulum is swinging back to smaller, scrappier designers. Obviously logomania is less of a thing right now and people are buying high quality over name recognition. Which is wonderful. But I think people are yearning for connection and community and they are expressing that through the products they buy and the designers they support.
How has that affected what "luxury" means today?
I think luxury is about scarcity and uniqueness. It’s about quality. It feels like we’re in a nice place where people are less concerned about the trend signalling and more connected to the ecosystem that exists around certain designers and brands.
What are your core leading principles when it comes to making decisions?
Does it make me feel something, would I buy it, is it *actually* wearable, do I care about the people/ethos behind the brand, are we lifting up and supporting truly deserving designers?
What’s your process like when you’re developing the style and language around a look or a season?
No rules, just vibes. At my big age, I hate saying that specific sentence but it’s true. I react and I trust my reaction. Before we submit orders, we look through the pieces and pull out the commonalities and make sure everything is friendly. And it usually is. My personal style philosophy is the same. It’s pure feeling and emotion. If it makes me feel good I’m going to wear it.
Tell us about some new designers that you are loving these days.
Colleen Allen, Ashlyn, Meryll Rogge, Recto, Zankov, Bettter, Diotima, Vautrait… there are so many!
Within your career, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?
Trust yourself, but not *blindly* before you have experience to draw from. What I mean is, take advice from people who are qualified to give it. But develop checks to run it through that make sense for you as you gain experience and knowledge. I love to collaborate and take advice, but now that I’ve been in the industry for a long time, I feel more comfortable sifting through it and taking what I need from it without blindly following.
