Choosing You: Katie Perry on Designing for the Soul and the Future of Australian Fashion
In a world increasingly dominated by “beige, white, and black” social media trends, standing out with authenticity is a radical act. In a recent episode of Soul Sentred – The Podcast, host Jaynie Morris sat down with a creative force who has spent two decades doing exactly that: Australian fashion designer Katie Perry.
Their conversation goes far beyond the seams of a garment. It explores what it means to be a “Third Culture Kid,” the environmental impact of our wardrobes, and the visceral wisdom of an 80-year-old self.
The "Scary" Reality of Australian Manufacturing
Katie Perry isn’t just a designer; she is a fierce advocate for local craftsmanship. During the episode, she shared a startling statistic that highlights the fragility of the local industry:
“At the moment, 3% of clothes are made here in Australia, so that means 97% of all of our clothes are made offshore… to me, those numbers are really quite scary.”
For Katie, manufacturing in Australia isn’t just an economic choice; it’s about preserving a dying skillset. Despite the challenges of fragmented production hubs—where swing tags, fabric, and cutting are often handled by different entities—she remains committed to keeping her production local.
Natural Fabrics: A Legacy in the DNA
Sustainability is woven into Katie’s history. Her great-grandfather was a wool merchant whose business was eventually devastated by the rise of synthetic, man-made fabrics like polyester.
This family history drives her “DNA-level” commitment to natural fibers. She explains that while a polyester T-shirt may be cheap, it can sit in a landfill for 500 years without biodegrading. Today, her label focuses on:
-
Merino Wool: Knitted and dyed in Melbourne.
-
Bamboo Lyocell: A closed-loop production that uses less water and offers a “buttery soft” feel.
The “Everyone Matters” Philosophy
Having lived in eight different countries by the age of 12, Katie identifies as a “Third Culture Kid”. This upbringing, which included seeing extreme poverty and helping her mother volunteer in orphanages in Bangkok, instilled a core value that defines her brand: Everyone matters.
This philosophy translates into her designs. After years of feeling “less than” in dressing rooms due to her own curves, Katie set out to create clothes that offer freedom rather than restriction. Her goal is to ensure women of all shapes, sizes, and ages feel “good enough” the moment they put on her pieces.
Entrepreneurship, Motherhood, and the 80-Year-Old Woman
As a mother of two, Katie is candid about the “martyrdom” society often expects from women. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: Don’t give up on your dreams.
When faced with “mom guilt” or business adversity, Katie uses a unique mental framework:
“Whenever I’m going through a tough situation, I actually think of myself as an 80 year old woman and think, when I’m 80, what advice would I give myself now?”
This perspective helped her return to her “grassroots” at The Rocks Markets in Sydney after the challenges of the pandemic. Moving past her ego, she realized that the markets provided the community and direct customer connection that an online-only model couldn’t replicate.
What’s Next for Katie Perry?
The next 12 months are about scaling. With a new men’s travel collection launched and plans to research custom fabric creation in Melbourne, Katie Perry continues to prove that fashion can be both successful and “soul-sentred.”
Listen now to the latest episode of Soul Sentred.
Available on:
And wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Stay Connected with Our Soul Sentred Global Community
Read the Magazine
Explore the latest issue of Soul Sentred Magazine
Follow Us
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
@soulsentre
Subscribe to the Podcast
Don’t miss future conversations designed to support your health, wellbeing, and longevity.
Because when we learn together…
When we share knowledge…
When we support each other…
We rise together.
Welcome to the Soul Sentred global community. 
