She's been shown at fashion weeks both domestically and internationally, and her designs have been worn by big names such as Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama and our very own Lorde.

And later this year, Karen Walker will be spending some time here in the Bay of Plenty to talk about her business.

The Kiwi household name will be attending the upcoming Business Women's Network Speaker Series on Thursday, May 27, at an event hosted by Tauranga Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Craigs Investment Partners and Cooney Lees Morgan.

The theme – The Changing Face of Business – is something that suits the Karen Walker brand down to the ground. With a huge focus on social responsibility, ethical production and diversity, her brand is a frontrunner in ethical business practices.

'Our core values are responsibility, uniqueness, quality and connection,” says Karen.

'Responsibility is about engaging with every stage of our product creation. Uniqueness is about creative authenticity. Quality is about our make, right through to our retail experience and back of house operations. Connection is about strong, open, honest connections with our entire community: customers, staff, brand partners, manufacturing partners and the public.”

Karen says there's a focus on staying current and adapting her business to suit the ever-changing landscape.

'Our business adapts every day and every day we ask ourselves how we should do things differently in the new landscape we're gifted with and all the many changes we create or have thrust upon us. Agility has always been core for us, and it's certainly worked for us in the last 12 months.”

Karen Walker fashion is designed to last, rather than the ‘trendy fast fashion' made to get shoppers through one season, and that's something Karen herself thinks consumers are changing their minds on.

'Fast fashion's moment has definitely passed, and I don't think many people are in that place any more. Most people understand that the real cost of any item, clothing or otherwise, is greater than what's on its price tag and, with regard to very cheap items, there's potentially a different cost behind that that's not desirable.

'With regard to any purchase, the most sustainable version is the one you already have in your wardrobe or cupboard, and I think that people have a very clear understanding of that concept now. If people are choosing to buy something, they know the ways in which they can do that well.”

Karen says she's looking forward to taking to the soapbox to share some of her passions with interested women.

'I do look forward to sharing with all those who want to join me. There will be plenty of information around my motivations and passions as well as what I find works versus doesn't work in life and business.

'I always set myself the brief that anyone attending will learn something they couldn't just by getting on Google.”

For more information on the upcoming Business Women's Network Speaker Series, visit: www.tauranga.org.nz/bwn/bwn-speaker-series-2021