Katie Perry – Baby, You’re a Firework

In the heart of the artisanal Rocks Market, in the Sydney tourist precinct of Circular Quay, Katie Perry (not THAT Katy Perry), is proudly showing off her all-Australian leisurewear collections at a bustling stall.

The mum of two, whose merino fabrication pays homage to her wool merchant grandfather, is promoting her brand the best way she knows how: hands-on at her stalls she shows her customers the buttery soft feel of her fabrics.

Among those who flock to her stall are tourists from cruise ships moored nearby on Sydney Harbour. To local devotees, they have experienced first-hand her men’s and women’s separates, T-shirts and shorts, the cowl neck tops and Adelaide trousers – perfect for long haul flights.

“It’s an easy, fuss-free approach to fashion, which epitomises the Australian lifestyle,” she says. “Leisurewear will always be key to our lives, no matter how busy we become.”

The designer knows all about this first hand as she juggles her work with motherhood.  She’s at the Rocks Market every Saturday but the payoff is that she is often around for school pickup during the week.

Just like many other Sydney fashion brands, Katie Perry started off in Paddington Markets.

“For any new designer I think this is a great way to begin,” she explains.”  I did that for six years and then I had a shop in Paddington, which was amazing until the COVID lockdowns happened.”

Perry went back online but found that her customers were missing out on the feel of her clothes, which was her great selling point.  It was time to return to where it all began.

“I decided to go back to the markets,” she says `which was a bit of a hit to the ego. After all, I’d had my own store and now my `real estate’ would be a single stand.”

As she had previously sold at the Rocks Market, she decided to try it again – a move that has really paid off.

“It has been fantastic because my brand is all about travel and loungewear, so we were getting people off the cruise ships who would come and buy an outfit. They love the fact that it’s all Australian-made,” she points out.

Perry actually manufacturers her clothes in Sydney’s Marrickville, which is fast becoming a fashion hub and is not far from her home. She’s a proud believer in keeping it local.

“Making our clothes in Australia is more than just a business decision—it’s a commitment to local craftsmanship, supporting our community, and maintaining the highest standards of production. By keeping our manufacturing local, we’re not just creating fashion; we’re supporting Australian jobs, reducing our carbon footprint, and ensuring every piece meets our exacting standards,” she says.

As for her brand’s trajectory, Katie Perry is just taking it day-by-day.  Right now, she can hardly keep up with the demand for white separates this summer with bronze pieces also coming in strongly for autumn.

“It all comes down to giving the consumer what they want,” she remarks, “which all comes down to comfort and Australian-made quality.”