Designer
Biography

Katie Battersby is a graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts. Her approach to design is firmly grounded in contemporary art practice – enquiry, experimentation and prototyping. The clothes are concept-based and often influenced by classic films or music; producing collections that are intelligent, witty, and wearable. Her customers are creative individuals who can appreciate the workmanship in a handmade garment, like to look a little different, have a sense of humour and appreciate the irony of fashion. She established bespoke t-shirt company Binkie in 2006, selling products both online and through retailers in Australia, Germany and New Zealand. The launch of her eponymous label in 2010 signaled a new period for her as a designer. The first collection, Steamboat Bill was defined by proprietorial patterns and a unique handmade approach to each garment. It collided the decorative arts with classic iconography and typography. The 2011 collection, From Her to Eternity walks a line between monotone and explosive colour, featuring a collage of contrasting motifs and layers, singular and plural, crisp and frayed, sheer and textured. Katie lives in Auckland with her husband Ben and her children Bruno, Ruby and Noah.