Things have been rather intense over the last few weeks for Pichulik. As Kat explains, the entire operation had to be moved out of the workshop within the space of six weeks because of unexpected construction and difficulties with the landlord. Despite the upheaval, the team kept production going — fulfilling wholesale orders while also showing at a trade show in Johannesburg.

There is a clear international thread to what comes next. Kat spoke about exciting conversations around Italy, including a planned collaboration with a ceramicist from Parma due to launch in October. While nothing has been activated in Europe just yet, the team is “incubating” ideas for a considered market entry timed for the 2027 summer season, and has applied for an Italian trade fair as part of building the strategic partnerships needed to gain momentum early next year.

With the main European buying seasons now passed, the immediate focus is on preparing lookbooks and line sheets for the September window. Reflecting on instability in global shipping and trade, Kat noted that the brand introduced a conservative annual price increase in March to absorb rising landed costs.

A recurring theme was identity. As AI and global distribution accelerate, Kat feels the brand’s handcrafted, woman-led, “made in Cape Town” character matters more than ever. Acting on the consultants’ advice, the team has “doubled down” on what makes it distinctive. This is a decision that led to a limited-edition bag series shown at art-focused events such as the Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

These collections, which carry the brand’s core DNA of domestic craft and meaning, are now attracting global interest on the wholesale side. Kat added that the team often returns to the students’ analysis and presentation, which has been a real source of optimism.

She praised the students for their professionalism, insight and curiosity: qualities expected to serve them well as they graduate and step into the workplace.