Meet the Designer: Our Creative Visionary

At Yarra Trail, our designs are more than just garments - they are a reflection of our heritage, our connection to nature and our commitment to creating effortless Australian style.

The creative visionary behind Yarra Trail’s collections is our Head of Design, Kerryn. With a passion for natural fabrics, an eye for detail and a thoughtful approach to design, Kerryn shares her journey, inspirations and the vision that shapes each Yarra Trail piece.

Q: Tell us about your path into the fashion industry?

At high school, Textiles, Art and Graphics were the three subjects that I loved and excelled in. I always wanted to be a fashion designer, however my careers teacher told me how hard it would be, and suggested I try nursing instead. It was my grandfather who encouraged me to listen to my heart and follow my passion for fashion design. I will always remember that he said to me “If you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

Q: Over your journey with Yarra Trail, what has been a constant source of inspiration for you?

My inspiration comes from a desire to make all women look and feel beautiful by creating luxurious, comfortable garments crafted from natural fabrics. There's no greater compliment than being told you look amazing. Outside of fashion, cooking and music inspire me. I learned to cook to bring family and friends together, and I play in an '80s rock band with three of my closest friends – a passion that keeps me inspired and connected.

Q: What does your day-to-day involve as a designer with Yarra Trail?

My design team and I love our jobs because every day brings something different and exciting. Each month, we work on new projects, from creating mood boards and sourcing fabrics to designing coordinated outfits. We then collaborate with our trusted suppliers, approving colours, prints, and styles, and work closely with patternmakers and technicians to bring our designs to life. After fitting the garments on our in-house models, we move on to photoshoots, creating look books, and presenting the final product to stores—then the cycle begins again!

Q: What do you love about Yarra Trail designs and how do you like to style them?

I love creating versatility in our collections, offering mix and match pieces that provide you with endless styling possibilities. Nature-inspired prints and fresh seasonal colours always reinvigorate your wardrobe, and I can’t go past premium natural fabrics. I love layering and pulling several elements together to create a complete outfit. My go-to for special occasions will always be a statement dress in a beautiful print that can be easily dressed up or down with the right accessories and layers.