Founders Story- Katie Perry

Fashion was never just a career path for me. It was part of my DNA.

My great-grandfather was a wool merchant, trading textiles long before fast fashion existed. My mother later worked with the Benetton brothers, surrounded by colour, creativity and the energy of global fashion. From an early age I understood that clothing is more than something we wear — it tells a story about who we are and where we come from.

That understanding shaped my life.

Before settling in Sydney, I lived and worked across Asia, Europe and South Africa. These experiences exposed me to different cultures, craftsmanship and approaches to design. Fashion became a language that connected people everywhere I went.

I worked across many parts of the industry — as a stylist, buyer and manager — including roles with Brown’s London, Oroton and David Jones. But eventually I realised something important.

I didn’t just want to work in fashion.
I wanted to create something of my own.

Starting My Label

In 2006, I launched my fashion label with a simple idea: clothing should feel as good as it looks.

I wanted to design pieces that women and men could live in — clothes that travelled easily, felt comfortable and were made to last beyond a single season.

Over the past 18 years I have dressed thousands of customers across Australia and beyond. Many have become loyal supporters who return season after season. That community has been one of the greatest privileges of building this brand.

Choosing the Harder Path

From the beginning, I made a decision that many people advised against.

I chose to keep my production in Australia.

In an industry driven by offshore manufacturing and mass production, it would have been easier — and cheaper — to follow the crowd. But I believed something different.

I believed in quality over quantity.
I believed in knowing the people who make my garments.
And I believed that Australian craftsmanship deserved to be supported.

Today every piece is proudly designed and made locally, allowing me to work closely with cutters, machinists and makers who bring each garment to life.

It’s slower fashion — but it’s fashion with integrity.

Motherhood Changed Everything

Becoming a mother brought an entirely new perspective to my work.

With two children now growing up in a rapidly changing world, sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s a responsibility.

Every fabric choice, every production decision and every design is made with the future in mind. I want the clothes I create to exist in harmony with the world my children will inherit.

Recognition Along the Way

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

Along the way I’ve been honoured to receive industry recognition, including:

• AusMumpreneur Fashion Business Award winner
• Finalist for Sustainable Product (2022)
• Nominated for Women Changing the World in Sustainability (2023)
• Selected as one of ten Australian designers representing Australia in Hong Kong

I’ve also been fortunate to share my story through national media including Sunrise, The Today Show and A Current Affair, as well as speaking on podcasts and writing as a fashion columnist.

The Mission Today

Today my mission remains the same as the day I started.

To create clothing that empowers people to feel confident, comfortable and connected to what they wear.

Fashion should never come at the cost of people or the planet.

Every garment is a reminder that style and purpose can exist together.

And this is only the beginning.

Welcome to the world of Katie Perry.