As a petite woman myself I understand the problems and frustration that shorter women experience in dressing. The Karen Gillam brand is my testimony to addressing these issues.

Size and Fit - regular sized labels, as a whole, assume that as a woman increases in size she gets taller, broader in the shoulders and longer in the arms. Where does this leave the size 18, 5’ tall woman? Drowned, as if she were a child wearing her mothers clothes! So, I developed my own sizing block for the Karen Gillam brand which doesn't grow in sleeve length, body length, leg length and shoulder width with size. It also recognises that petites are more shapely as size increases. My focus group (100 petite ladies) prior to launch four years ago, proved this, and so I made adjustments to all my designs and patterns.

Style – many of the latest fashionable styles do not complement petites and making us look even shorter and wider. But, I design to make sure that the Karen Gillam Collection maximises what is fashionable with what is flattering to shorter women.

Modelled by Karen – I felt that modelling my clothes would be more representative of the "real" petite woman. It may not be retouched, glam, perfect, BUT it's real.

Unique Designer Label – all my Karen Gillam designs carry the Karen Gillam label which means that they are Exclusive, Original and Unique. So you get designer garments without designer prices.

A Capsule Collection – I choose fabrics and design styles for new garments that complement previous collections. This gives my customers, the opportunity to build a capsule wardrobe of clothes that mix and match. Growing a wardrobe of quality, rather than disposable garments mean that dressing becomes an economical pleasure.

The Art of Style – a limited choice of clothes to fit petites, over the years, limits our practice in the art of putting a look together. My home “Get the Look” page on this web site can help give customer ideas on what goes with what, how to accessorize and even how to use tricks on the eye, in dressing. Customers can learn how to do this first hand by signing up for a “Petite Indulgence”. This is a unique shopping experience where you can visit me either, in my Newbury studio where my entire collection is on show, or at one of my events nationwide. Learn how to select clothes to suit you, style and mix and match you looks as well as receiving tips on how to dress your petite figure.

Petites have been overlooked when it comes to fashion, so join with me and celebrate being petite!