Karen Walker quits runway shows

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
May 9, 2016

New Zealand-based designer Karen Walker is calling it quits on runway shows.

 
Walker has been a regular at New York Fashion Week for 20 consecutive seasons. She announced that she will skip NYFW in September and will no longer adhere to the fashion calendar. Her last runway show was in February.
 
In an interview with Vogue Australia, Walker said that this point in time for her brand is about creating her own rhythm and presenting collections that best speak to the customer even if they vary in size.

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"This is about creating our own rhythm," she said. "Sometimes the collections might be small, other times bigger depending on what we have to say at the time. It’s not about shaving it down — it’s about presenting what’s right for us at the time." 

Walker herself has become more interested in the life cycle and lifespan of a collection, which she feels is too short. She also called the ready-to-wear calendar ruthless.
 
In regards to fashion shows though, Walker feels that there are better ways to engage with the customer. She told Vogue, "Right now for us our own website and Instagram are the most relevant and useful digital campfires. Who knows what’s currently being developed in a garage or a dorm room that’s going to take precedence in the future. But for now, our focus is on these media. 
 
The New Zealand-based designer operates a women's ready-to-wear collection as well as Karen Walker Jewelry, Karen Walker Eyewear, Karen Walker Home Ware, Karen Walker Paints, and handbag and footwear collaborations. Karen Walker is available at over 1,000 stores in over 38 countries and operates 5 stores in New Zealand.