Karen Gee: from royals to Canberra

Posted on 16 March, 2019

In October last year, Karen Gee received some of the most priceless publicity any fashion designer could hope for.

Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wore one of her designs on the first day of her Australian tour.

What’s more, it was her first sighting since Buckingham Palace announced the royal pregnancy, and the international media went into overdrive.

So did Karen’s website, after the elegant white shift went viral.

Credit: facebook.com/pg/TheBritishMonarchy

Such was the interest that the website crashed several times that day. But it was a huge step for the label, which has been receiving new orders ever since.

Karen launched her eponymous and ethically made label five years ago. It is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia, which ensures supply chains are transparent and legally compliant and all her pieces are designed and manufactured in Australia.

She opened her flagship store in Chifley Plaza in Sydney in 2016. The mother-of-five has a strong philanthropic streak – having entered and won in 2013 the Mrs Australia Globe competition—a national pageant for women over 25 that helps raise money for charities.

Now it is time for Canberra women to have one-on-one attention from the designer as she includes the capital on her showcase tour. Karen said she has a number of followers from Canberra and the demand for a personal visit had been mounting.

She and her team will be working out of Hotel Realm in Barton on Thursday 21 March for one day only and will take 45-minute consultations in which colour palettes, material choices, and designs are all discussed.

Her figure-flattering and sleek designs are all made-to-measure, with manufacturing taking about 20 days.

“Being able to wear something that is customised to fit exactly takes some of the stress out of ordering online for many women,” she said.

“My designs celebrate women of all shapes and sizes and are in demand from those who want to express a confident and classic corporate image or those who are after something for a special event.

Having presented interstate showcases in Melbourne and Brisbane for several years now, Karen said she was excited to meet Canberra women for the first time.

“I have no set ideas of what Canberra women want from their clothes, but I know all women want to feel beautiful, elegant and confident in what they wear.”

To secure an appointment, email customercare@karengee.com.au