"HI THERE"

The notable fashion designer, Karen Walker, with a new collection inspired by horseracing, has accounted for many great things. Walker has received rave reviews at New York Fashion Week, a baby due in three months, and a new diffusion range of her ready-to-wear clothing line. Critics declare Walker's more affordable line to be the most eagerly anticipated diffusion offering since Stella McCartney's range for Target in February last year. The new line has been named Hi There, simply because it feels like “a monthly hello rather than two large drops a year” she says. With dresses priced from $250 and equally affordable separates such as jackets and trousers, Hi There is likely to provoke scenes of near-riots, similar to those for the McCartney for Target launch, when it goes on sale in February of next year. (Sidebar: My birthday is in February…can you guess what I want as a gift?!?) Unfortunately this new line will only be available in Myers Department Store in Australia…so for the international K.W. fans, we will have to sit on our hands until she takes it international! Walker says that they may make the Hi There collection available in Karen Walker stores and stockists beyond Australia! But if you are a true fashion guru like me…you will find a way to get your hands on the collection. Walker is planning 12 mini-collections a year, with each month's offerings appropriate to the season. “October may be a small collection of race dresses, July may be all winter knitwear, July may be party dresses, December may be everything you need for the beach,” she says.

(Photos are from Karen Walker's RTW Spring '08 Collection...not to be mistaken with "Hi There")