Karen Walker was born in Auckland. She launched her eponymous fashion label in the late 1980s and showed at New York Fashion Week for twenty consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2016. 

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Karen Walker's designs often celebrate and empower women. Through her collections, she embraces diverse body types and promotes individuality and self-expression. Her brand has been associated with feminist ideals, embracing strength, confidence, and authenticity. She has shown a commitment to sustainability within her brand. She has implemented eco-friendly practices and initiatives, such as using organic materials, supporting ethical manufacturing processes, and minimizing waste. Her efforts in promoting sustainable fashion contribute to the industry's ongoing shift toward more environmentally conscious practices.

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Karen Walker's contributions as a fashion designer, her unique design aesthetic, international recognition, empowerment of women, sustainability efforts, and collaborations have established her as an important figure within the fashion industry.