KULE: Classic Stripes with a Playful Twist
Origins
Founded in 2001 by Nikki Kule, KULE began as a luxury childrenswear brand. Nikki, influenced by her parents’ fashion industry background—her father, Gene Kule, was known as the “King of Pants”—launched the brand to create high-quality, stylish clothing for children. In 2015, she shifted focus to womenswear, relaunching KULE with a line of perfect stripe tees. The brand has since expanded to include menswear and accessories, offering classic pieces with a modern twist.
Ownership
KULE is a privately owned company, with Nikki Kule serving as the Founder and Creative Director. Her hands-on approach ensures that the brand’s vision and design ethos remain consistent across all collections.
Aesthetic
KULE’s aesthetic revolves around classic Americana meets Parisian chic, with a particular emphasis on stripes. The designs are characterized by clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and a playful use of color. The brand infuses a sense of humor and joy into its pieces, often incorporating unexpected details that add a “happy wink” to the classics.
Signature Pieces
- The Modern Tee – A perfect striped t-shirt with a straight cut, embodying the brand’s commitment to timeless style and quality.
- Striped Sweaters – Luxurious knitwear featuring KULE’s signature stripes, offering both comfort and style.
- Playful Accessories – Items like socks and totes that incorporate the brand’s iconic stripes and whimsical designs.
- Cashmere Collection – High-quality cashmere pieces that blend classic designs with KULE’s distinctive playful elements.
- Outerwear – Coats and jackets that maintain the brand’s classic aesthetic while providing functional elegance.
Collaborations
KULE has engaged in several notable collaborations that reflect its playful and stylish ethos:
- Bergdorf Goodman – Exclusive collections that blend KULE’s signature stripes with the luxury retailer’s sophisticated style.
- Air Mail – A limited-edition tote bag featuring artwork by Donald Robertson, combining fashion with art and philanthropy.
- prinkshop – Collaborative pieces that merge KULE’s design aesthetic with prinkshop’s activist messaging, creating fashion with a purpose.
- Brooklinen – A partnership that brought KULE’s iconic stripes to home textiles, expanding the brand’s reach into lifestyle products.
Sustainability Initiatives
KULE is committed to responsible manufacturing practices. The brand collaborates with small factories around the world, including family-owned facilities in Portugal and a 100-year-old American tote supplier, to produce pieces that stand the test of time. With initiatives like the Green Capsule, KULE utilizes 100% organic yarns and recycled trims, all washed in recycled water, reflecting an ongoing commitment to incorporating sustainability into the supply chain.
Legacy
KULE has carved out a niche in the fashion industry by redefining the classic striped tee and expanding it into a full lifestyle brand. Its commitment to quality, playful design, and timeless style has garnered a loyal following, establishing KULE as a go-to for those seeking classic pieces with a modern, joyful twist.
The Future
Looking ahead, KULE aims to continue expanding its product offerings while maintaining its core design principles. With a focus on sustainability and playful collaborations, the brand is poised to remain a beloved name in fashion, bringing smiles to customers through its “happy clothes, made with love, made to last.”
