From humble beginnings, Karen Millen OBE is an icon of British fashion, recognised for her significant contributions to the fashion industry. Millen started her career in 1981 during a challenging economic period in Britain, eventually co-founding the renowned fashion brand Karen Millen with her partner Kevin Stanford. With an initial loan of just £100, the duo worked tirelessly to expand their investment, opening their first store in 1983. Under Millen's creative direction, the brand rapidly grew into a global fashion powerhouse, boasting 130 standalone stores worldwide, including major fashion hubs like London, Sydney, New York, LA, Tokyo, and Moscow. Karen Millen's designs gained widespread acclaim and were favoured by numerous celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and members of the British Royal Family. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to British fashion, Karen Millen was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2007. Beyond her fashion success, she has demonstrated a commitment to education, receiving honorary doctorates and actively participating in student selections at The London Graduate Fashion Week. After a brief hiatus, Karen has since established Homemonger England—a homeware brand dedicated to curating decorative pieces, from handcrafted gems to antique finds sourced worldwide.