Yolo Journal is one of Nikki’s favorite magazines, and its newsletter, Yolo Intel, is a must-read for discerning travelers. Yolo is a compilation of photography, travel inspiration, and ideas from various contributors with exceptional taste, creativity, and a great eye. Founded by Yolanda Edwards, the former creative director of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Yolo’s recommendations are always spot on. Nikki suggests it for anyone who likes to travel, especially if you have interests in the arts, interior design, food, and fashion. She recently shared her packing tips for Yolo Intelβs newsletter. You’ll thank us for the recommendation π. Sign up for it here.
Packing is hard. It takes time. I have to think about how many days Iβll be away and try to bring Β½ basics and Β½ fun, so that Iβm still inspired and excited to get dressed. I usually pack a little more within a color story when traveling to cities. When itβs a beach vacation, I pack fun patterns, prints (stripes) and some basics. On the plane, I like to look put together. I usually wear layers. I love to wear versatile and super comfortable pants, usually with stretchβI love the new brand High Sport, which are perfect for traveling. – Nikki
Nikki shared her packing-related tips, from general methods like folding vs. rolling to specific recommendations like her favorite travel hat.
I have this hat that was given to me as a gift by Michael Kors and Lance LePere. Itβs a hat that completely flattens. Itβs genius. – Nikki
Nikki was also recently featured in InStyle Germany’s “On My Desk” series, and guess what made an appearance? Her favorite Yolo Journal magazine π.
YOLO is the best travel magazine: I love both the photographs and the content. I started subscribing during Covid, and I am now always so excited to receive it in the mail. Before traveling, I use it for insider information and tips on destinations (like where to eat and shop). – Nikki
Check out Yolo to see more about Nikki’s packing tips, including what she fits into a suitcase, the items she always has on the plane, her must-have beauty products, and plenty of stripes π.
We’ve been a fan of Sarah Clary for years. She’s a “Professional Wardrobe lover and opinionated creative for hire” who has styled and worn KULE since 2015. She is one of the best follows on Instagram with her honesty, openness, humor, and taste. We’ve asked Sarah about her style, how it’s changed since becoming a mom, and who inspires it. She also shared some holiday tips, including her gifting secrets π€«π. Raise your coupe for Sarah π₯!
Sarah and her two kids — ages 8 and 6 — live in Brooklyn, NY. She’s styled some of the most fun KULE editorials, with her penchant for pattern mixing, fun ways of dressing garments in unconventional ways, and originality. Seeing Sarah style KULE is always a joy, and her kids also look pretty great in stripes.
The Lucca Sweater
The Kid's Riley Tee
The Modern Long
The Kid's Charley Tee
The Banks Sweater
When we asked Sarah about her style — specifically how to pattern mix, which she does so well — she said, “I embrace it, make mistakes, and try to find the beauty in the weird and my take on the predictable. I try big patterns paired with dense ones or pattern variations of the same all-in-one mix. I try florals with stripes and checks with tweed or throw it all on the floor and see what sticks.”
On whose style (living or not) she loves, Sarah said, “That is like picking a favorite child! I want a mashup of Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, Bianca Jagger, Peggy Guggenheim, Debbie Harry, and the character in Killing Eve all in one.”
And as for who she’d style if she could style anyone: “It is a toss between Tilda Swinton, David Bowie, Katharine Hepburn and Grace Jones. Unique style icons in their own way. Unapologetically themselves and always effortless.”
Her style rule is “Wear it now before you die or before moths get at it.”
Sarah’s kids have also been longtime members of the KULE family, appearing in campaigns since the beginning.
Sarah’s son in a KULE editorial in 2015
Sarah’s daughter wearing the O GIRL Tee in the Fall 2019 Lookbook
“[Since having kids] I am more practical, but also I feel freer. My kids won’t always admit it, but they love the chaos I wear and when they or I get compliments about a look. Fashion and how you dress is powerful. My kids have made me feel more like myself so it makes sense that my style matches that feeling.”
Her kids have their unique interests too. Sarah says, “Soccer is all the rage. With the World Cup in full swing, it is all we talk, watch and think about in this house. That and Eloise from the Plaza and what a terror she is but also how very charming she can be. Basically, if Renaldo and Eloise had a match-off, who would win? It seems unclear.
The Women's Remus Cashmere Cardigan
The Seever Puffer Scarf
The All Over Smiles Dress Sock
The Kid's Mini Moritz Balaclava
The Kid's Rugby
On to the holidays…
Sarah’s tip for getting dressed during the holidays is: “Bigger, fancier, and more sparkly, do this all year round. I have nowhere to go, but I look damn good on my couch and have a great coupe π₯. Get good glassware, even if you only drink water. It makes me feel great when I have a great glass with my look. For years I was told I couldn’t have any more glasses. I buy them all now.”
Her gift of choice to give is: “If I can’t celebrate you, you’re getting a singing telegram or dancing act. Yep, it is a fact. I have sent about 30-plus singing telegrams to people I love that I can’t hug in person. Just ask them. It is one memorable gift. If I can’t do that, I am getting you something I can’t stand to not own myself.”
Last month, Nikki and Natalia traveled to Portugal for five days. There, they met with some of our current production partners, explored new opportunities, and learned more about ways our production can be more sustainable. Below is a quick recap of their factory visits where they saw how the products are made and the exciting new developments for future seasons π.
Nikki wearing the Rox trench, which came quite in handy while in Portugal… it rained every day π§οΈ.
Because of the rain, Nikki’s daily uniform consisted of comfortable pants, sneakers + KULE tee or sweater + KULE Nelson blazer, all under her trench which, coincidentally, Natalia wore too π§₯π.
For those who may not know, 100% of our tees and sweats are made in Portugal. There, we have the most incredible partners that Nikki visits every year. Nikki and Natalia’s daily schedule consisted of driving a rental car to the surrounding cities of Barcelos, Braga, and GuimarΓ£es using GPS and speaking no Portuguese whatsoever π€ͺ. At the factories, they went over current production (Spring 2023), worked on future developments (Fall/Winter 2023), and reviewed our overall sustainability practices. Throughout the trip, they visited dye houses, wash houses, and embroidery houses, as well as knitting facilities, with a few cheese plates in between π§.
Stacks of rolls of KULE striped fabric for Fall 2022 and current Spring 2023 production.
We use leftover fabric from past seasons to make our patch rugbies, a version of which Nikki put together as a stick figure as seen here π.
At the end of every season, Nikki reviews our fabric inventory. She creatively repurposes this fabric into our fun patchwork rugbies, reducing KULE’s fabric waste by giving this leftover fabric a new life.
The Patch Rugby
The Turtleneck
The Rugby
The Modern Long
The Patch Rugby
The Modern Long
The Rugby
Spring waffle knits seen here on the cutting room floor.
Later in the day, they reviewed our current production’s cutting, sewing and lab dips. We are so excited to show you what the factories are making right now π. Stay tuned for Spring 2023!
They go over the color lab dips to make sure the colors all match up to our standards. We take this shade of our KULE “poppy” color very seriously!
We love our tabs! You’ll always know it’s KULE. The factory got this machine special for us to make production more efficient β€οΈπ.
One of the highlights was visiting the knitting factory to check out the production of our Malibu featherweight tee to restock for Oprah’s Favorite Things π (it should be back by the end of November!). Our featherweight tees are truly special, made from a custom fabric by our mill partner for KULE. They are made of the lightest-weight fabric that can be knit into yarn-dyed stripes. Therefore, the fabric is very delicate and must be carefully managed to avoid snags and twists in production. Due to its fine nature, the pattern pieces must be cut by hand so the stripes perfectly match up on your tees.
The machine knitting up the fabric for the Malibu tee.
The Malibu tee must be cut by hand. Do you recognize it? π.
As seen on Oprah! We were so excited when Oprah chose our Malibu tee for Oprah’s Favorite Things 2022 and absolutely thrilled when we saw her wearing it!
The Malibu (back in stock soon!)
The Malibu
The Tissue Turtleneck
The Baja
The Baja
The Tissue Turtlenecck
The Baja
The Malibu
The Tissue Turtleneck
They also visited the dye house where all of the products are washed and put through an intense process of fabric quality testing. Nikki and Natalia went on a tour to learn about the ZDHC certification process. To be certified, the factory must reuse at least 10% of the water and is always trying to reuse more. ZDHC factories limit hazardous waste from their practices. They work with their local community to clean the water so that the water theyβre sending back out is safe. Very few factories are ZDHC certified. This dye house is also partially solar-paneled for as low-impact electricity as possible.
Nikki in front of the dye machines. Each one of those columns has a different color in it.
Our KULE fabric being washed and rinsed. Excess water goes into the drains in the floor of the factory where it is then released into the pools and treated to be cleaned and reused.
One of the cleaning pools at the factory. The water goes through the cleaning process multiple times until it meets ZDHC standards.
A lot of the surrounding factories are on farms that grow vegetables and herbs for themselves, the workers, and to sell. It’s a great use of the beautiful land.
As for new developments… KULE has some really exciting things in the works which you’ll have to wait and see, but here’s a sneak peek…
And it wasn’t all business. Nikki and Natalia made room for lots and lots of great food and sights, too. Portugal is so beautiful.
Nikki and Natalia loved Miss’Opo a great restaurant that changes its menu daily π§.
Azulejos(glazed blue ceramic tiles) are everywhere in Portugal. Here is the side of a building in Porto.
Carolina Ferro, a very talented singer, performed right outside of Nikki and Natalia’s hotel each night. Nikki took so many videos (she really was amazing).
Overall this trip was very successful. They loved looking at the new developments and all the endless possibilities. Stay tuned for the exciting new product they had the pleasure to see made for our upcoming collections π. Until next year, Portugal! Obrigada! π΅πΉβ€οΈ
Nikki truly loves everything she designs. Still, she can’t help but pick favorites. For example, I knew her love for the Nelson Blazer and Bryce Sweater immediately, way back in May when we were photographing the Fall collection. These are pieces that fit seamlessly into her wardrobe and with which she enjoys styling, especially during the colder seasons when it’s time to layer. See below how Nikki styles her favorite pieces from KULE Fall 2022.
“I like to call it aΒ blaziganΒ because itβs like a cardigan mixed with a blazer. It’s very relaxed and not structured or business-like at all.” – Nikki
“The Bryce sweater is a showstopper and, in such a classic pattern, will be your favorite sweater for years to come.” – NikkiΒ
The Bryce Sweater
The Hutton Shirt
TotΓͺme Jacket
Isabel Marant Pants
Hereu Shoes
Outfit 3: She layers the new latte-colored Take Out Hoodie with one of her favorite Michael Kors blazers. Dressing with a smile π.
“It doesn’t get cooler than wearing hoodies under blazers and coats. It’s very comfortable, too.” – Nikki
The Take Out Hoodie
Isabel Marant Blazer
Raey Pants
New Balance Sneakers
Celine Bag
Outfit 4: No jacket is better for fall than a trench, and Nikki’s worked hard on perfecting KULE’s new updated one. She wears it here with the new cotton V-neck Yale sweater layered over the perfect base: a Modern white tee.
“The Rox is new and improved with a drop shoulder to accommodate chunky sweaters for cold days.” – Nikki
“The new stripe tee is one of my favorite of our new colorways because it is a neutral color mix and also super chic with a black, navy, or gray cardigan or jacket.” – Nikki
This week we celebrated the launch of KULE x Bergdorf Goodman’s exclusive limited-edition collection! Bergdorf Goodman (affectionately known as BG to locals) happens to be only five blocks from the KULE office, and the storied retailer holds a special place in Nikki’s heart. As a native New Yorker, BG is a place that has been in her life since she can remember and brings back special memories with her mother as a kid. Two New York City Icons coming together is a match made in… well… NYC π!
The collection consists of 13 pieces: women’s, men’s, kid’s, and accessories. It includes the silhouettes and styles for which KULE is known and loved, each featuring Bergdorf Goodman’s lilac and purple color motifs and iconic logos.
Modern T-Shirt
Rugby
Kap
Oversized Sweatshirt
Sweatpants
Mortiz Balaclava
Dress Sock
Kid's Charley T-shirt
Men's Rugby
Men's Raleigh Sweatshirt
Modern Striped T-Shirt
Striped Onesie
Tote
Nikki’s own mother loved BG so much and often took Nikki there when she was a young girl living in NYC. As Nikki said, “The Kule name alongside the Bergdorf Goodman name would have made my parents really proud, but especially my mom who always saw it as the pinnacle of retail.”
NIkki’s mother, Arlene Kule’s Bergdorf Goodman credit card from the 1970’s.
The collaboration was a no-brainer. Bergdorf’s is one of our retail partners in NYC and also has a very kule customer. Those who love KULE also love BG. That, coupled with Nikki’s NYC upbringing and love for and history with the store, we knew this was perfect.
We love this collection so much because, like all KULE collections, it styles perfectly with KULE staples like our button-up shirts, blazers and jackets, cardigans, and stripes of course.
The Hutton Shirt
The Monica Cardigan
The Nelson Blazer
The Rox Trench
The Russell Cardigan
The Hutton Shirt
The Cosmo Jacket
Twinning behind the scenes walking the 5 blocks from the KULE offie over to Bergdorf Goodman
It was shot by photographer Beth Sacca right outside the iconic Bergdorf Goodman store on 5th Avenue. It was modeled by friends of KULE, Alisha Bandsal, and Fred Castelberry. They both happen to look great in lilac π.
Most of the collection sold out in 36 hours, but we still have some coveted pieces available in-store or online exclusively at KULE and Bergdorf Goodman. And be sure to sign up for restock notifications π
KULE Rockefeller Center 610 5th Avenue New York, NY 10020
Bergdorf Goodman 5th Floor 754 5th Avenue New York, NY 10019
There are many wonderful and talented people we are so proud to see wear KULE. Mei Tao and her husband Darrick Harris, who are longtime friends of the brand, are two of them. Mei has been working with Nikki as our editorial photographer β a visual magician if you will β since the beginning. Her husband Darrick, the Visual Director of Town & Country Magazine, is also incredibly talented. Theyβre a power couple with great style π. Get to know Mei and Darrick a little better and see how they wear their KULE this Fall.
“We’re in Montreal in these photos. I was there for work and D [which is what Mei calls Darrick] came on the weekend to join me for a little fun getaway.” – Mei
Mei and Darrick have been together for 23 years. Darrick is a native New Yorker, born and raised, and Mei was born in China, raised in Brooklyn, and has been in New York since she was 10. The story of how they met? Darrick says, “She stalked me for years,” and Mei says, “He waited for years for me to be single to ask me out.” ππ
As for Mei’s connection to KULE, she’s known Nikki since 2011 and has been with us since. Mei is not only an incredibly talented photographer making magic behind the camera but also somewhat of a brand mascot who styles KULE as her own.
“My go-to outfit is a good pair of pants or jeans, a men’s style shirt, a navy blazer, and a good coat or trench and comfortable shoes.” – Mei
The Nelson Blazer
The Hutton Shirt
The Rox Trench
The Modern Long Tee
The Sinclair Cashmere Cardigan
The Raleigh Sweatshirt
“Iβve been working with KULE since the beginning. Itβs been so much fun realizing the brand’s vision with Nikki through photos. I’ve been a big fan since day 1.” – Mei
Mei and Darrick both say they love to travel together and, as Darrick added, “we love to watch foodie shows together.” Speaking of food, they are two people who definitely know where to eat in NYC. Some standout places they recommend include Omen Azen, Aurora Soho, The Odeon, and Big Wong. You’re welcome!
Mei on Darrick’s style: “Iβve been dressing him for 23 years, but he does accessorize himself”
“[Finding time to be together] can be challenging. But as we are in the same business, we are often able to be in the same cities.” – Darrick
“We find the time — I like him.” – Mei
Follow Mei @taomeitao for some of her entertaining content, great style, and photos, and Darrick @delroyslim for his humor, behind-the-scenes of his job, travel, fabulous hats, and adorable family shots. Shop their outfits hereππ.
