I have the privilege of knowing the talented Tamara Hema. She is a wonderful person as well as a very talented women. Koka Mama, Tamara's maternity line is chic as well as practical. I'm so sad I didn't get the opportunity to wear her collection while I was pregnant. Maybe next time.
I had a chat with Tamara about her collection, read below:
9. WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?
I had a chat with Tamara about her collection, read below:
1.WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? HOW DID KOKO MAMA COME
ABOUT?
Having worked in the fashion industry for over 12 years as a
womenswear and childrenswear buyer I felt there was a gap in the market for a
more contemporary maternitywear label; a
label that escapes the tyranny of stretch jersey and has an emphasis on
tailoring.
2. WHAT INSPIRED THIS SEASONS COLLECTION?
Aside from the pleasure of finding new colour palettes and
fabrics, the inspiration behind this collection is the same for every KM
collection: classic designs and fashion forward luxury that’s wearable
throughout pregnancy and into motherhood.
3.
LIVING IN LONDON, DOES THIS INSPIRE YOUR
DESIGNS?
Absolutely. London is a great place for people watching,
there’s such diversity and individuality everywhere you look. I’m also lucky enough to go to Paris for
fashion week so I acquire lots of inspiration just from being in Europe.
4. WHAT
MUSIC ARE LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT? DOES MUSIC INSPIRE YOUR COLLECTIONS?
I’m enjoying listening to the wonderful LA girl group Warpaint and the British act
Kindness, which pretty much soundtracked my summer this year! Also, I’m very
lucky in that my husband’s a DJ and is constantly playing me the latest
underground music, so I’m sure it has some subliminal effect on the way I see
things.
5. IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ANYONE, WHO WOULD
THAT BE?
Collaborating with Dries Van Noten would be a
dream come true. Quite a few of the designs already work well for maternity and I’m in love with Dries
prints!
6. DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE, DOES THIS
INFLUENCE YOUR COLLECTION?
Contemporary, luxurious and comfortable – I would also use
these three words to describe the Koka Mama aesthetic.
7. NOW EXPERIENCING PREGNANCY YOURSELF, HAS THIS
CHANGED THE WAY YOU DESIGN YOUR LINE?
Yes, I found during the summertime that I wanted to wear
longer dresses so there are a couple of new maxi dresses in the SS13
collection.
8. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE SHOP, WEBSITE, CAFÉ THAT
YOU LOVE TO VISIT OR THAT YOU GAIN INSPIRATION FROM?
Having recently moved to West London, my new favourite café
is Pizza East on Golborne road, they do an amazing brunch. I also love the
market vibe on Friday’s. Caravan in Exmouth Market is another fave for Saturday
night dinners with friends. I love going to the Tate Modern and my favourite
place to shop is at Liberty’s, I always find it to be an oasis of calm!
9. WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?
Dries Van Noten, UK designer Studio Nicholson,
Acne and Jil Sander.
10.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR KOKO MAMA, ANY FUTURE PLANS OR EXCITING
NEWS?
I am just in the process of designing a Koka Mama baby bag, so
watch this space!
11.
ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US, ANYTHING THAT HELPS
YOU WITH YOUR EVERYDAY DUTIES?
I drink a large glass of water before I do anything and try
to have some morning meditation time. I
would be lost without my moleskin notebook, I like to write a list and cross
things off as I go, it keeps my mind tidy and that’s essential now that I’m
pregnant!
KOKA MAMA has launched their second maternity wear collection for AW12, tailored for mothers and mothers to-be.
Tamara
Hema, the founder of KOKA MAMA, is a New Zealander based in London with
over 10 years of experience working in the fashion
industry. Tamara understands first hand that women need to accommodate
their bumps while also retaining their own personal style. For that
reason Koka Mama offers classic styles season to season that work
alongside current wardrobe pieces- before, during and after pregnancy.
After a successful first season, with fans including Sienna Miller, Koka Mama is excited to launch the AW12 collection.
The must-have piece for this season is the coveted oatmeal lambswool cape dress. Perfect for layering it is stylish and easy to wear with a matching self-tie belt to give shape.
Key pieces of the collection include:
The knitted tunic dress in navy is
the ultimate piece to be worn for the office, running day to day
errands or a special lunch date. Super flattering for all body shapes it
has an A-line shape with two front pleats, three quarter length rolled
sleeves and hidden side pockets.
The classic tailored shirt is
collarless with cleverly cut panels giving a slight flare to
accommodate the bump. Furthermore, it has side slits and front pleats
for growth.
The ribbed track pant is
super luxe with stretch perfect for everyday wear. Worn over the bump
it has an elasticized waistband and details such as crisp cotton lined
pockets.
The soft lightweight wool blend top is a wardobe
essential. It has a three quarter sleeve and button detail. The front
pleating feature allows plenty of room for growth.
Classics include the perfect skinny jean and the silk shirt dress. Luxury cashmere from Loro Piana including the cardigan, cape and oversiz
Koka Mama can be purchased at:
online at koka-mama.com
9 London
Harrods
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