Keri Craig-Lee

Keri Craig-Lee OAM (born 4 March 1958) is an Australian multi-award-winning fashion designer and retailer. She was the first inductee into the National Retail Association (formerly the Retailers Association of Queensland – RAQ) Hall of Fame in 1987 at age 28, and remains a member of the Federal Executive Committee of Fashion Industries of Australia.

Keri Craig-Lee
Born (1958-03-04) 4 March 1958
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
NationalityAustralian
EducationSt Margaret's Anglican Girls School, Waukesha County Technical College
OccupationFashion Designer
Years active1978–present
Parent(s)Peter Craig, Dianne Craig
Websitewww.kericraig.com.au

Family history and early life

Craig-Lee was raised in Brisbane, Queensland. Her parents, Peter and Dianne Craig, founded House of Craig following success managing the Fifth Avenue brand and continue to run the Keri Craig Emporium in the Brisbane Arcade with her brother Jason.

She grew up in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot graduated St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in 1975, and in 1976 obtained a Diploma in Fashion Design and Marketing from Waukesha County Technical College, Wisconsin, United States.

Personal life

Craig-Lee married Trevor Lee, Australian Country Choice chairman and director of the Lee Group Pty Ltd[1] in 1986. The couple have two children, Cartier and Harrisson, and two stepsons, Anthony and Michael.

Career

In 1977 Craig-Lee established the eponymous fashion label, Keri Craig, and opened boutiques in Brisbane and Sydney, with her label becoming available throughout Australia and overseas.[2]

In 1984, she designed and coordinated Sir Elton John’s Sydney wedding to Renate Blauel.

With her husband, Keri established Australian Country Choice in 1995, one of Australia’s largest meat supply chains,[3] as well as Keri Lee Charters and Sutherland Aviation.

Awards

Craig-Lee’s career saw her collecting more than 50 accolades for excellence in her endeavours. Among those were her induction into the RAQ Hall of Fame at the age of 28, following three RAQ ‘supreme’ awards in 1981, 1982 and 1986.[4] She was also the first Queenslander to be nominated for the FIA Australian Fashion Award.[5]

In 2017, Craig-Lee was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the clothing manufacturing sector, business and the community.[6][7]

Publications

In 2017, Craig-Lee released her first book, Keri Craig: the label, the lady, the lifestyle, a pictorial biography chronicling her career spanning almost 40 years and featuring contributions from politicians, personalities and photographers such as Richard De Chazal.

References
  1. Passmore, Daryl. "Trevor lee and keri craig-lee". Courier Mail. Courier Mail. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  2. Davies, Hannah. "Empress of elegance". Brisbane News. Brisbane News. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  3. "Australian country choice expands Australian beef market opportunities". Queensland Country Life. Queensland Country Life. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  4. Scott, Leisa. "Dress for success". Courier Mail. Courier Mail. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  5. "Distinguished past student award: Keri Craig". St. Margaret's Old Girls Association newsletter. St Margarets Anglican Girls School. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  6. General, Governor. "Keri Craig-Lee OAM" (PDF). Governor General of Queensland. Queensland Government. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  7. Khalik, Jennine. "Queens birthday honours 2017". The Australian. the Australian. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
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