KATINKA THE LABEL
Katinka the Label by Mathilde
www.katinkathelabel.com.au
From a lockdown project between two friends to a fast-growing slow fashion label adored from Canberra to Copenhagen, Katinka the Label has curated its own niche—playful, intimate, and always handmade. Katinka started in 2022 as a casual side project between co-founders Mathilde and Maisie. In a post-covid world these two friends were craving something hands-on and expressive. Whilst Mathilde now runs Katinka on her own, she told us that it was “Maisie [who] brought up the idea" and it excited her so much—"it was something I’d always wanted to do but didn’t know how to start.” Today Katinka is growing faster than ever and gives the term effortlessly chic a whole new meaning.
The early days of Katinka were slow by necessity—both working full-time, Katinka was a weekend project, a passion that held its momentum through late-night brainstorms and off-cuts of fabric. But in mid-2023 Maisie moved to London and the patterns started to shift. Long-distance collaboration wasn’t as sustainable as the Katinka pieces themselves, while Maisie went on her own journey, Mathilde ran with the label from her childhood bedroom.
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With Katinka in creative flow, Mathilde decided to leave her full-time job in 2024 in order to afford time and focus on her craft, sewing and design. With danish heritage she decided to fly her life to Europe and deepen her sewing skills with an internship for a Copenhagen-based brand (and maybe to escape a Canberra winter). CPH was a turning point not only for Mathilde’s technical growth but for the visual identity of Katinka as a label.
Upon returning to Australia, Mathilde launched a polka dot collection—unapologetically feminine, subtly nostalgic, and comfortably wearable. The response was instant. Demand reached new highs as the Katinka IG DMs flooded in. The Australian fashion girls wanted to embody the effortlessly put together style that is Katinka.
“Since releasing my polka dot tops, the interest and reach of Katinka has grown exponentially.”
The Copenhagen Effect
Copenhagen has played a major role in the evolution of Katinka’s aesthetic and energy. From layering culture to the creative pace of the city, the Danish capital became both a muse and a mirror for Katinka.
“The move definitely sparked a new creative fire in my belly—just walking the streets here, I’m always inspired by everyone around me.”
It was the city that inspired her lace wrap skirts, and where she sourced fabric for the Bubble collection—a hit capsule that paired textural experimentation with wearable shapes. The low-rise pants with a folded jersey waistband from that collection became instant staples and can be seen frequently worn by Canberra’s ‘it girls’.
Katinka is continuing to grow—blending Danish minimalism with playful Australian irreverence, one handmade piece at a time.
Slow Fashion, Fast Growth
Katinka’s handmade approach has always been intentional, anchored in a love for process.
“Working with fun patterned fabrics has influenced my personal style. I’ve become more playful with the way I layer and style my clothes.”
Mathilde finds inspiration digging through fabric stores and op shops, drawn to colour, texture, and the thrill of the unexpected. That curiosity drives her up-cycled line, where organic striped cotton becomes the torso of a new top, and forgotten shirts are reinvented with personality.
The brand's slow-fashion ethos sits in contrast to the fast fashion industry that dominates much of the mainstream market—but Katinka doesn’t exist in opposition. It exists in its own lane.
CBR > CPH > MEL
Mathilde now spends her time between Australia and Denmark. Currently in Copenhagen, Katinka is once again adapting. The distance from her favourite polka-dot fabric (which is only available in Australia) has meant a temporary pause—but not a full stop on production.
“I’ve just moved back to CPH again after 4 months in Australia. I’m having a mini break to settle in and catch up with friends, but I’ll be launching more upcycled shirts soon, and then some new designs after that.”
This time, Mathilde is evolving the production model— “With the demand I have at the moment and sewing on my own, I’m changing the business model from made-to-order to pre-making drops. But when I move to Melbourne, I’ll be looking to expand and employ extra hands.”
She’s currently experimenting with upcycled pieces, planning new drops, and learning how to scale sustainably and internationally.
Rapid Fire with Mathilde
The secret to happiness is
Run your own race and don’t be swayed by outside noise or what others expect of you
My current fashion inspiration is Katarina Krebs
My brand crush is Belle the Label
I’m most creative when I’m in the fabric store or op shopping
My favourite CBR cafe is Gang Gang
My favourite CPH cafe is Lele
One thing no one would guess about me is
I never went to uni, and I’m self-taught in sewing! But this summer, I’m attending a summer fashion school in CPH
