In 1977, when Brisbane was ‘just a large ... - Keri Craig · Keri was the first winner of the...

In 1977, when Brisbane was ‘just a large country town’, a courageous 19-year-old designer launched her first fashion collection which grew to become the iconic, internationally recognised label KERI CRAIG. With her innate sense of style, creative talent and sheer hard work, this Brisbane girl played a pivotal role in introducing Queensland fashion to the world stage.The glossy photographs between the covers of this book demonstrate an impressive body of work by a sophisticated designer, a visionary, on par with any international brand. Accolades from well-known fashionistas, politicians, journalists and family members paint the picture of a determined businesswoman, a loving wife and mother, and a generous mentor and friend. Enter the world of high fashion with Keri Craig-Lee in this fabulous celebration of her career, her clothes and her way of life… The Label The Lady The Lifestyle

Forty years in australian Fashion

I mentioned to Keri one afternoon a few years back that it would be a pity for her not to share the history of her iconic label with future generations, and a book would be surely treasured by anyone who cared to know a fashion genius.

I am thrilled that she took my suggestion to heart, but anyone who knows Keri knows that this amazing woman would do just that.

Paul MoskowitzNew York, New York

Keri Craig-Lee OAM

Richard de Chazal

Keri Craig

Steeve Nassima

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Keri Craig Text-A.indd 2 31/08/2017 12:04 PM

An Introduction...In a high profile career spanning 40 years, Keri Craig-Lee, multi award-winning fashion designer and businesswoman, has played a pivotal role in the emergence of Australian fashion as a global industry. Keri is a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur who has created a pathway for other women to follow.

A proud Queenslander, Keri has also been a key influencer in the evolution of Brisbane from a 'big country town' to an international city. Keri's significant contributions to Australian fashion were honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2017 Queen's Birthday Honours List, for service to the clothing manufacturing sector, to business, and to the community.

Building a fashion empire: In 1977, at just 19 years of age, Keri designed and launched her first collection and the Keri Craig label was established. Wholesaling to nationwide retailers from major department stores: Myer, David Jones, Grace Brothers, Georges of Melbourne, Aherns in Perth, and Robinsons in Singapore to exclusive boutiques countrywide, Keri Craig was the first Queensland brand to achieve this. As such, Keri paved the way nationally for Queensland designers, and eventually entered the international market, exporting to New Zealand, the South Pacific, Noumea, Singapore, Hong Kong and America.

The design headquarters comprised of a factory and a showroom in Fortitude Valley. The retail network included three locations in the Brisbane Arcade, the flagship store in Brisbane's Wintergarden and an exclusive boutique in Sydney's prestigious Double Bay. This culminated in the Keri Craig Emporium which continues as a pre-eminent retailer in the iconic Brisbane Arcade.

Keri was actively engaged in building the platform for Queensland's fashion industry – volunteering as a judge for countless events and awards. She wrote a weekly fashion column for 'Flair' in the Daily Sun newspaper. In addition, Keri was the first Queenslander to sit on the Federal Executive Committee for Fashion Industries of Australia (FIA).

Keri's feminine and classic designs became the choice of famed national and international celebrities, political notables, business icons and film and television personalities. A celebrity in her own right, Barry Humphries as Dame Edna aimed her gladioli at Keri whilst mercilessly roasting her as the chosen target during his Brisbane run.

Awards & recognition: In 1979, Keri won the first of many business awards for manufacturing. Over the ensuing years, she won in excess of 50 fashion awards, including Queensland Fashion Awards, Queensland Fashion Logie Awards and the Retailers Association of Queensland (RAQ) Fashion Design Awards.

Keri was the first winner of the RAQ's coveted Supreme Award in 1981, and then again in 1982 and 1986. In 1987, she became the first inductee into the RAQ Hall of Fame. Keri was the first Queensland designer to be a finalist in the FIA Awards in 1989. In 2000, Keri was awarded the first and only RAQ Certificate of Excellence.

Keri presented a garment to Princess Diana and danced with HRH Prince Charles during the royal couple's 1983 Australian tour. Keri Craig certainly put Australian fashion into the international spotlight with the commission to design and coordinate Sir Elton John's first wedding in 1984.

Woman of substance: Keri is widely acknowledged as one of Queensland's most successful businesswomen. At 26 years of age she was honoured with the Zonta Club of Brisbane's Woman of Achievement Award. Two years later, she was featured on a television documentary which profiled Queensland’s top ten successful women.

Keri served as a judge of the Queensland Tourism Awards, an Honorary Ambassador for Brisbane, Brisbane Ambassador for Expo 88 and Brisbane Tourism Ambassador. She was one of the original members of the Queensland division of the Women Chiefs of Enterprise International and, since 2015, has served on the Premier’s Business Advisory Council. In the same year, Keri was awarded the inaugural St Margaret's Distinguished Past Student Award for significant contribution and achievement in her profession, community and volunteer work.

A tireless supporter of numerous charities including community organisations, scholarships for schools and universities, fundraising events and employment incentives, Keri remains benevolent and engaged.

Karen RansomeJournalist

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Keri Craig-Lee is a long-time and much loved friend of the Vogue brand. She has been synonymous with fashion in Australia and Queensland for 40 years, and her longevity in a difficult industry and evolving fashion landscape speaks for itself. Her success has been built on an understanding of her customers' needs, tenacity and good taste. I recall visiting her Emporium in Brisbane as a young fashion assistant at Vogue. It was an induction into the 'hidden world' of Brisbane, as insiders like to say. It is indeed the best of the best –

a mecca for style and elegance.

Vogue and I wish you the very best for the next 40 years Keri, and congratulate you on your success.

Edwina McCannEditor in chief

VOGUE

Foreword

The Label The Lady The Lifestyle 4


Themes &Variations

Model: Selena Wallace. Photographer: Richard de Chazal. As seen in Vogue and Mode: 1997

Richard de Chazal


Themes &Variations An IntroductionKaren Ransome

3

Foreword Edwina McCann

Editor in chief, Vogue magazine4

An Endorsement The Honourable Julie Bishop MP

Minister for Foreign Affairs Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party

6

A Contribution The Governor of Queensland

His Excellency The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC

7

PreludeGirls in White Dresses

Selena Wallace 8

A Signature with StyleThe Sophisticated Charm

of Pastels & Naturals 12

To the Manor BornA Tale of Tartan, Twill & Tweed

76

Come Fly with MeFirst Class Fashion for Faraway Places

116

Pretty in PinkBaubles, Bangles and Beads

134

A Nautical Affair As Good as it Gets

176

A Sentimental JourneyBeautiful Clothes & Glorious Destinations

210

Prairie ChicRustic Charm, Past Meets Present

228

An Elegant AffairShimmering Creams, Golds, Blush & Byzantine Metallics

245

Collezione Villa d’EsteA Story of Love

276

Seduction in BlackSophisticated Dressing from

Martinis to Midnight302

The GlitteratiStatement Dressing in

Sumptuous Colour for the Red Carpet330

The Golden HoursReflections of Dazzling Glamour

348

Les RougesScarlet, Ruby & Flame – The Colours of Passion

376

MystiqueHeavenly Gowns after Twilight

394

It Started with a KissThe Timeless Romance of

Beautiful Brides410

I Wanna Kiss The Bride Elton John’s Storybook Wedding

456

Laurels & Awards A Lifetime in Fashion

462

Jacki MacDonaldA Best Friend

476

City Meets CountryWhen Keri met Trevor

482

A Family AffairGenerations & Celebrations

504

A Family PortraitLove Valour Beauty

512

Early DaysFoundation & Evolution

523

Keri Craig EmporiumAn Exclusive Enclave of Special Things

560

Ol' Blue Eyesand Other Celebrity Friends

570

An Icon of BusinessHonours & Accolades

579

Acknowledgements595

Index 596

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A Signature with Style

I have always loved Keri Craig’s sense of style, her elegant design, and the

beautiful cut of her clothes. I have worn so many of her gorgeous linen slacks superbly

detailed with pockets, belt loops, a little flap, perhaps a subtle decoration of gold

or a clever motif – for years and years. She has always used the best fabric that goes on

forever looking good: little tops, jackets, and classics.There is something special about

much loved treasures in the wardrobe. There have been many other pieces I have enjoyed that were easy to wear and for so many occasions. We have in our family some adorable little girls’ dresses with

tucking and sashes for special celebrations, christenings and parties of note.

They have been passed down with love: silk in cream, palest blue, baby pink.

Behind the glamour of her shops, her presence and generous spirit,

no doubt there has been an enormous amount of hard work and

commitment to excellence.

Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVOGovernor-General of Australia

2008–2014

Richard de Chazal

The Sophisticated Charm of Pastels & Naturals

Model: Fleur

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I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing Keri Craig-Lee for many years.

Keri is the epitome of style, grace and all things feminine – qualities that I myself admire and try to uphold every day.

Keri has always been a shining star in the fashion industry and to be asked to say a few words about her is an honour. She is indeed a wonderful woman and I am so happy for the success which she truly deserves.

June Dally-Watkins OAM

Australia's first supermodel. Founder of the first Model Agency

in the Southern Hemisphere

Queen of Etiquette…

Richard de Chazal

Mariana Jewellery

Dallys Model AgencyM

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Richard de Chazal

Mariana Jewellery

Dally-Watkins, June

Dallys Model Agency

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Working with Keri Craig-Lee on 'Sutherland' was both inspirational and collaborative. The result was a

garden that is sympathetic to Keri's own personal style and the formality of the architecture of the house.

Green and white dominate the garden's colour palette, and a dramatic layering of hedges and lawns created much drama.

Paul Bangay

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Model: Emily Boulter

Richard de Chazal


LONDONDERRY AIR‘Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling’

The first song Harrisson sang, as taught to him by DD, his hero and great-grandfather, Ronald Rex Ford.

Richard de Chazal

Keri

Harrisson

Boo Boo

Londonderry Air


Richard de Chazal

Keri


Well PlaidThe Preppy Look

Ruffled shirts in fine rami linen

Tartans and cordsBeneath signature crests, pockets overflow with

monogrammed Irish lace handkerchiefs.

The winning modern take on McGregor, Stewart and Black Watch tartan brightens the chill of winter.

The swish of broderie anglaise rustles under Elizabethan leadlight print and Prince of Wales check.

Clan leader KERI CRAIG shows the full glory of tartan...

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Richard de Chazal

Anastasia Hastings

Fashion Model

Timeless, elegant and feminine, beautiful and chic everywhere in the world.

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I first met Keri several years ago at an Auction House when she purchased a rare crocodile Hermès Birkin.

Keri has a keen eye for all things beautiful and is an avid collector of Birkins, objets d'art and exquisite jewels.

Keri's style is one that is greatly admired. She is a wonderful role model for the fashion and luxury brand labels that all women desire.

Matthew RubingerInternational Head of Handbags & Accessories

Senior Director

CHRISTIE'SLondon

Richard de Chazal

Anastasia Hastings

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AT FIRST A LUXURY, it soon became a necessity as Keri and Trevor found themselves spending more time in the sky. Criss-crossing continents and flying into countless airports, they longed to find freedom from the tedium of convention. The jet set called with invitations to faraway places. Requests from dignitaries beckoned them abroad, flying in and out of destinations: London, New York, Hong Kong, Tahiti and the Maldives. The itinerary was a string of dots around the globe. A more customised way to travel, one with luxury, convenience and discretion, was called for. Sutherland Aviation came into being, with a fleet in a hangar minutes from home, the world within reach at the drop of a hat. The constant dance around the globe that was their lifestyle at last became a foxtrot, and no longer an endurance en route.

A casual descent over iconic Uluru or taking in the palette of the Kimberley's crown, cabin crew lift the shades precisely, a gentle wing tip nods with nonchalance, syncing her love of the clouds with boundless generosity for a silver-wing-tipped service. During its time, Sutherland One has frequently offered shelter to the precious cargo that is world leaders, heads of state, dignitaries and government officials. Her stairs have boarded and disembarked a constellation of international celebrities from the oldest rock stars, to the latest boy band sensations. Pop princesses have gone gaga for her glamour, and Britain's bad boy of swing had his every whim indulged. This singular jet of star-studded pedigree was traded between icons – previously owned by arguably the world's most famous talk-show hostess and sold to one of the world's highest-grossing rap artists.

'Come fly with me,' sang Sinatra… Keri and Trevor listened, and they did!

One must enjoy the beauty of flight

Keri says, "It's a wrap."

Richard de Chazal

Pilot Anthony Cooke

Keri image


Coco & ChanelKeri at home with

Lo sono qui 'I've been Here' 2006, Bronze Sculpture: Ugo Riva. Italia. Foyer, 'Sutherland'

Richard de Chazal

Coco and Chanel

Keri image

Sutherland


Richard de Chazal

Fleur bothSutherland both

When reflecting on Keri, I am reminded of Keats:

Grace, elegance and style are the essence of beauty – these are ageless and timeless. They are reflected in Keri herself, her garments, her home, her family, and above all her label.

I am privileged to have known her for over 40 years.

The Honourable Donna O'Reilly QC

Endymion 1818

'A thing of beauty is a joy forever.'

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Fleur photographed by Richard de Chazal in the Rose Suite, 'Sutherland'.


In 1977, when Brisbane was ‘just a large ... - Keri Craig · Keri was the first winner of the...

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