Karen Walker at Urban Couture.
Camera IconKaren Walker at Urban Couture. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Urban Couture WA: NZ designer Walker offers advice to young WA designers

Belinda CiprianoJoondalup Times

PERTH’S fashion clique got an insight into the world of New Zealand fashion designer Karen Walker at the Urban Couture WA Graduate Capsule Showcase in Joondalup on Wednesday night.

The petite designer, who is known for her eccentric and elegant style and has an international following for her eyewear, jewellery, bags and fragrances, is this year’s event ambassador.

Walker said she was excited to be a part of the City of Joondalup event, which included an installation of her latest collection “Babou’s Revenge” and a fashion masterclass at ECU.

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“It’s always amazing to see the young people coming into the industry,” she said.

“Their energy and their enthusiasm and a little bit of fear but a lot of love for what they’re doing – that’s been the highlight so far.”

Walker has been in the industry for more than three decades and has designs in 38 different countries.

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She has also dressed celebrities such as Alexa Chung, Lorde, Rihanna, Yoko Ono, Gigi Hadid, Florence Welch and Lena Dunham.

She said it was important to fit into the global landscape.

“That is with any business now, especially in the fashion industry,” she said.

“You have to think about finding a niche and how that fits into the bigger picture also.

“One of the best pieces of advice I received was don’t stand in a queue – make your own queue.”

Walker said she was hoping to be wowed by the young fashion designers in this year’s event and ended the evening with some sage advice.

“I was struck by the three things:- firstly the number of people in the room; the enthusiasm in the room; and thirdly, the intelligence in the room,” she said.

“All three are as important as creativity in the industry.

“Don’t worry about rules; do it your own way.”

Urban Couture runs until April 2.