Karen Gold is the ebullient, creative force behind the clothing label that bears her name. Trading from Greenwich Market since 2021, she’s developed a design style that’s elegant, fun, and entirely her own.

Karen studied at Fashion Enter in Haringey, which is both a fashion academy and a working factory. It was also the workshop that produced her first designs, back in 2015. Sales were initially online. Next came a little shop in Dartford, while Karen waited for the vacancy at Greenwich Market that finally opened up in 2021. The quality and creativity of her work led to immediate success, and a fast track to the permanent shop she occupies today.

Karen immediately fell in love with Greenwich Market’s vibrancy and human variety: ‘It just felt right!’ The combination of her flair for fashion, bespoke tailoring services and warm and welcoming nature allowed her to overcome the pandemic and grow her business quickly. Now, repeat customers are more akin to friends, and amongst the greatest satisfactions of her working life. The good will Karen enjoys from her loyal customers and the community of traders that’s helped her make Greenwich Market home are obvious.

There’s an unspoken yet inspiring aspect to this story. Karen’s business was born during ‘the worst time in her life’, working hard to care for her children as a single mother. She’s adamant she wants no pity, of course, but is nonetheless happy to share her story of persistence, positivity, and ultimate success. ‘All I did was go to a stitching course. That’s where I found freedom. That’s where I found my soul. That’s when I knew this is where I wanted to be. Fashion found a way of pulling me in.’

Creating contemporary clothes for women and men, Karen is unusual amongst designers – she studied not fashion, but law. ‘But once I graduated, I knew I didn’t want to be a lawyer. It just wasn’t me!’ Most of the designs in the store are her own, but she also curates pieces from other creators.

Karen has found that grooms and wedding parties are particularly drawn to her style. ‘Bespoke tailoring for the men, and for the women – styling and designs to perfectly fit their bodies.’ For Karen, what makes her clothing unique is the blend of classic designs with her own contemporary edge. ‘There’s definitely something different about it that makes it fresher. That’s mainly my thing!’

While we chat, this unique appeal is demonstrated before my eyes. A young man comes in to try on a boldly patterned cardigan that caught his attention. It fits, and he’s delighted with his luck: ‘I rarely see anything that I just immediately love, but this is perfect!’. Karen’s pleasure is written clearly on her face.

Where does Karen see her future? ‘I’d love the brand to be a global brand. I’ve done fashion shows in New York and LA, so these are cities I’m definitely excited to bring my designs to. Paris as well!’ Let’s hope Karen’s gold soon pops up in the fashion capitals of the world.