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A much-loved British fashion designer announced she’s shutting her business after more than two decades. She created show-stopping looks for stars including ITV Coronation Street legend Michelle Keegan and Girls Aloud. Kate Fearnley says she has no other choice but to shut down the business due to the strain of trying to keep it afloat. “This brand has been my absolute world since my early twenties – my career, my passion, my identity and, apart from my wonderful son Bob, is my greatest achievement,” says Kate. READ MORE Thousands of Blue Badge holders issued update over free bus travel "What started as a girl with a passion and a dream grew into something far bigger than I could ever have imagined. The truth is though, the world has changed, and small independent businesses like mine face challenges that weren’t there so much a few years ago. The digital pace has sped up dramatically, mass-produced brands dominate online, and algorithms decide who gets seen. Keeping up requires huge investment and resources, and for a small creative business like mine, it’s just not sustainable anymore. “The reality is that this business has consumed my world and as a business owner, you can never truly switch off. While that feels worth it when things are going well, when it becomes nothing but stress and financial anxiety, the toll is immense. “After a few weeks of utter heartbreak at the thought, I’m now at peace with the reality of the situation.” “The bridal industry reacted really well to the Awaken collection, which remains the collection I am proudest of," said Kate. "I had worked so hard for over 20 years and this felt like it was my time. Lockdown had given me real focus and it had paid off. I had less stress and I could just do what I love best – design.” “Looking back, what an amazing journey it has been,” says Kate, 49. “Winning many awards including the National Winner Wedding Industry Award for Best Wedding Designer not once but twice, the Cosmopolitan Entrepreneur Fashion Designer Award (which even took me to 10 Downing Street), seeing my designs sold in over 80 independent boutiques across the UK and Ireland – including Selfridges and ASOS – dressing celebrities on the red carpet, countless front covers and features in national magazines, and most importantly, watching my gowns bring joy to so many people – those are some of the many moments I will treasure forever. “But the heart of it all has always been my clients. Designing gowns for brides on the most important day of their lives, creating prom dresses that made young women feel confident and beautiful, helping people feel amazing in something we had created, that’s been our mission. To every bride who trusted me, every boutique who believed in me, and everyone who wore one of my designs: thank you. You’ve given my work meaning and I can’t thank you enough for all the special connections I’ve made with you all over the years. “I also cannot say this enough – none of this would have been possible without my incredible staff, past and present, and the invaluable support network around me over the years. All the boutiques who believed in the brand and stocked my collections, your loyalty and support made this business what it is, and I am forever grateful. And of course, my friends and family – you’ve been my absolute rock. You’ve stood by me through so many highs and, more importantly, through so many lows, and every big and small challenge along the way.”
