Acler Founders on Empowering Women Through Fashion and Business

By Ellie Wiseman

Co-Founded by acclaimed creative duo Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto in 2014, Acler is proudly created in South Australia and coveted across the globe. Kathryn and Julia met early in their fashion careers and connected on their similar design sensibilities and hunger to create pieces that felt considered. This year, at Australian Fashion Week, Acler celebrated its 10th year in the industry.

Kathryn and Julia are also the founders and creative directors of Significant Other – a premium ready to wear brand that spans resortwear to occasionwear.

What drives Kathryn and Julia is their belief that, through fashion, women can find their confidence and celebrate their individuality. “Fashion can be a tool for empowerment,” Kathryn tells THE INARRA, “allowing women to present themselves in a way that aligns with their inner strength and beauty.

“Clothing is not just about aesthetics, it’s a form of self-expression and an extension of one’s identity,” she says. “For many women, especially mothers who often put their needs last, wearing something that makes them feel good can have a significant impact on their confidence and overall well-being.”

Kathryn and Julia are both mothers themselves. Julia and her husband Andy have two children, Lewis and Sasha. Kathryn has Jeanie. Motherhood has been an important consideration when designing clothing.

“My approach to designing has evolved significantly since becoming a mum,” says Julia. “One of the key shifts has been a heightened focus on function and practicality. As a busy mother, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of clothing that not only looks good but also fits seamlessly into a demanding lifestyle.

“For instance, I’m a broken record with the team about adding pockets into dresses wherever possible. Pockets are such a simple feature, but they can make a huge difference in day-to-day convenience, allowing women to carry essentials hands-free while managing their busy schedules.”

“We strive to create designs that are both stylish and practical, understanding the diverse needs of women,” says Kathryn. “Our collections always carry an overarching message of strength and authenticity. We create pieces for women who dress for themselves and their own lives, and who live unapologetically.

“By providing clothing that fits well and feels good, we hope to give women the confidence to tackle their day, whether they are heading into a business meeting, managing household tasks, or enjoying a day out with their family.”

Julia inherited her design prowess from her mother, who was a seamstress. “My parents were Italian immigrants who moved to Australia in the 1960s as teenagers,” she says. “They were incredibly hardworking, doing everything they could to give my sister and me a better life.”

Something Julia truly values from her childhood is being raised by “a village” of strong women. “Because my parents were always working…I often spent my afternoons after school at my grandmothers’ and aunties’ houses,” she says.

“I have always been surrounded by strong, independent women who ran the household and, quite literally, ran the show. Their strength, resilience, and unwavering support have been foundational in shaping my values and my identity.

“However, I also witnessed the sacrifices these women made, often playing the role of martyrs for their families and children. This deep sense of self-sacrifice has left a lasting impression on me and is something I continually work to balance as a mother myself. It’s a constant effort to find harmony between giving to my family and nurturing my own needs and aspirations.

“These experiences have instilled in me a profound respect for hard work, the importance of community, and the incredible strength of women. They have taught me the value of perseverance, the beauty of a supportive network, and the critical need for balance in life.”

Julia and Kathryn know first-hand how challenging it can be to juggle motherhood and work. “As a business-owning, full-time working mum, I still encounter looks of confusion and pity when I tell others that I work full time and put in long hours,” Kathryn says. “There’s a lingering expectation that women should be the ones to pull back from the workplace, but I believe in challenging this notion.”

Kathryn and Julia are the change-makers; they have built a business that is, at its core, supportive of women and mothers. “At Acler, we’ve created a family-friendly and flexible workplace, recognising the need for support around providing care through part-time and flexible working arrangements,” says Kath.

“We also foster a culture of open communication where everyone feels comfortable discussing their needs. By providing parental leave and supporting the transition back to work, we ensure our team feels valued and supported in all aspects of their lives.”

Kathryn says that the flexibility at Acler has allowed her to “integrate her professional and personal responsibilities more seamlessly.” However, she still finds it challenging. “It’s all about setting boundaries, prioritising tasks, and ensuring I make time for both my work and my family. This sometimes means working late nights after the kids are in bed or finding pockets of time throughout the day to address urgent matters.

“Communication with my partner and family is key, ensuring that we share the responsibilities and support each other. Ultimately, it’s about being adaptable and understanding that some days will require more focus on work while others will need me more at home.

Julia makes sure to set aside time for herself on challenging days, “even if it’s just a few minutes,” she says. “I thrive in the early hours of the morning, so I’m one of those freaks who might often set my alarm for 4:30 am so I can have a shower in peace, my morning coffee, and a piece of Vegemite toast without interruption—it’s bliss!

“My support systems include my incredible partner, who shares the parenting responsibilities, and my extended family, who have been consistently helping us with the kids on a weekly basis,” she says.

“It’s important to also get creative with ways of integrating support. I have my beautiful niece come and help out with the kids three nights a week, which not only gives her a good introduction to the workforce but has also allowed her to create a very special bond with them.”

Being a mother and an entrepreneur in a leadership role, Julia has some advice for others aspiring to journey down the same path: “My advice is to be kind to yourself and embrace flexibility and chaos,” she says. “Understand that balancing family and career is a dynamic process, and it’s okay – actually, it’s imperative – to seek help and delegate when needed.

“Surround yourself with a strong support network, personally and professionally, and remember that pursuing your dreams while being a dedicated mum is possible, you just have to learn to let a few things go.”