07/10/2025
THE END OF AN ERA //
KATE FEARNLEY IS CLOSING
This is, without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say. After 24 incredible years, unfortunately I have no choice but to close the doors on my business, Kate Fearnley.
It honestly still feels surreal to say this out loud. This brand has been my absolute world since my early twenties-my career, my passion, my identity and apart from my wonderful son Bob, is my greatest achievement. What started as a girl with a passion and a dream grew into something far bigger than I could ever have imagined.
The truth is though, the world has changed, and small independent businesses like mine face challenges that weren’t there so much a few years ago. The digital pace has sped up dramatically, mass-produced brands dominate online, and algorithms decide who gets seen. Keeping up requires huge investment and resources, and for a small creative business like mine, it’s just not sustainable anymore.
The reality is that this business has consumed my world and as a business owner, you can never truly switch off- while that feels worth it when things are going well, when it becomes nothing but stress and financial anxiety, the toll is immense.
After a few weeks of utter heartbreak at the thought of having to close, I am now at peace with the reality of the situation. Nobody can ever say I didn’t give it a bloody good go!
On a positive note, and there are SO MANY: Looking back, what an amazing journey it has been. Winning many awards including NATIONAL WINNER at The Wedding Industry Awards for Best Wedding Designer-not once but twice! Cosmopolitan Entrepreneur Fashion Designer Award (which even took me to 10 Downing Street), seeing my designs sold in over 80 independent boutiques across the UK and Ireland — including Selfridges and ASOS — dressing celebrities on the red carpet, countless front covers and features in national magazines, and most importantly, watching my gowns bring joy to so many people… those are some of the many moments I will treasure forever.
But the heart of it all has always been my clients. Designing gowns for brides on the most important day of their lives, creating prom dresses that made young women feel confident and beautiful, helping people feel amazing in something we had created, that’s been our mission. To every bride who trusted me, every boutique who believed in me, and everyone who wore one of my designs: thank you. You’ve given my work meaning and I can’t thank you enough for all the special connections I’ve made with you all over the years.
I also cannot say this enough — none of this would have been possible without my incredible, patient and talented staff, past and present, and the invaluable business support network I’ve been so lucky to have had around me over the years.
All the boutiques who believed in the brand and stocked my collections, your loyalty and support made this business what it is, and I am forever grateful.
And of course, my family and friends — you’ve been my absolute rock. You’ve stood by me through so many highs and, more importantly, through so many lows, and every big and small challenge along the way…countless years of support.
Over the next few weeks, myself and Lucy will be completing all existing orders before we close. Lucy’s support and talent right until the very end is testament to what a wonderful, loyal, and amazing friend and colleague she has been. Quite simply, I couldn’t have done this without her. She deserves all the future success that I am sure she will have.
So while Kate Fearnley is closing, I’m sure this isn’t the end for me as a designer. It’s the closing of one extraordinary chapter, one I am so proud to have achieved. What this brand has represented is creativity, passion, individuality, and joy and will always be a part of me. HOPEFULLY there will be lots of new opportunities ahead out there for me.
So to end this very long (but had to be said) post….We have shared the MOST incredible times — the laughter, the tears, the chaos, and the magic. The belly laughs, the long nights, and the unforgettable memories have made every moment of this journey worthwhile, even through the toughest days. I’ll forever be grateful for everyone who has been part of it.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for wearing my designs, and for making these last 24 years the most incredible journey that I am so very proud of.
It’s the end of an era 🤍
With much love
Kate x
• Details of an exclusive sale will be announced over the next couple of days where all remaining bridal, prom and occasion wear samples (in a range of sizes 8-12)and accessories will be sold at very special prices. Furniture and sewing machines, mannequins, fabrics and haberdashery will also be available for purchase.
• Private sale sample appointments in Kate Fearnley’s Stokesley studio will also be available for the next few weeks only. All dresses must be sold and go to new homes by the end of October.
Please email [email protected] or message to arrange this
For media enquiries, please contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582 or email: [email protected]
