EMK Clothing
Erin May Kembel has found her fit.
Kembel, the driving force behind EMK Clothing, began sewing when she was in Grade 5, although her mom’s creativity set the pattern for Kembel’s pursuits well before then. By the time she was in junior high, she was sewing clothes for herself and friends.
Erin May Kembel, Owner
After an underwhelming university experience, Kembel decided to try her hand at sewing professionally. “I decided to go for it. It was an adventure,” said Kembel, of her early days touring around to festivals and selling her handmade halters, dresses and handbags.
When she became a mom, Kembel continued to create, working from home and selling at craft markets when her children, now 11 and 8, were younger. A shop in Osborne Village followed.
The business’ most recent evolution is the current EMK Clothing Studio Boutique at 143 Sherbrook St. in Winnipeg’s West Broadway neighbourhood.
The combination of the studio and store is the right mix, said Kembel, with its light-filled storefront, high ceilings, production and storage space. The neighbourhood selection was also important. “We’ve embraced the neighbourhood and it has embraced us,” said Kembel, who said she is excited to spot women wearing her designs at nearby Stella’s Café.
For the first five years of her business, she did everything herself. Now, instead of being seam-stressed, she has a staff of seamstresses to help with production of EMK’s Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter, and bamboo essential lines. Finding the balance between retail and wholesale is challenging, said Kembel. In addition to sales at the studio shop, her pieces are available through retailers across the country.
It’s important to her that women of all shapes and sizes feel beautiful. Pieces can be custom made and tailored at no extra cost. The philosophy is also a perfect fit with the movement away from fast, disposable fashion. By shopping locally, her customers can connect with the people who make the clothing they wear. Her customers are also able to have her designs custom made and at no extra cost, a part of Kembel’s commitment to inclusivity for women of all shapes and sizes.
The EMK aesthetic is timeless, figure-flattering and comfortable.
“I love designing, coming up with new ideas and putting collections together.”
And her customers are looking well-put together for it.
All photos by Mark Tabaquero
