About Us
Karen's passion for turning humble scraps of fabric and thread into things of beauty was first awakened by her great aunt, who taught Karen to knit when she was three, and by Karen's mother, who nurtured her five year old daughter's budding talents as a means of keeping her from running wild on the school holidays. What began as a love affair with a baby singer grew into a talent for dressmaking and a taste for fashion, when the frustration of never finding clothing that she liked led Karen to start designing for herself.
The Berserk label was established in 1996. While her early range was largely street wear, the Berserk label has expanded and evolved along with Karen's own tastes, and continues to reflect its maker's love of natural fibres, vintage prints and flattering design for real women. Always reinventing and updating her collection, Karen's eclectic range draws inspiration from sources as diverse as seventies craft magazines, folk art and often the fabric itself.
Karen was founder in Melbourne's iconic 'The Cats Meow' boutique, moving on from this 12 year partnership to explore a new direction, and open the flagship Berserk store in Ascot Vale in 2015.
Being close to the family home of three generations in Ascot Vale enabled Karen to run a business (albeit not very well at times!), and to care for her parents. After both parents were gone, the decision was made to move on from Ascot Vale and Melbourne, to new beginnings in Geelong.
Our current store is located in Pakington St, Geelong West. It houses a work room at the rear of the shop space. It is not unusual to hear the humm of the industrial machines, or whoosh of the steam irons on the premises. We are happy to take up basic hems on pants, skirts and sleeves at no additional charge (garments purchased instore, we do not offer an alterations service outside of this). Or to make a new garment in a longer length (subject to fabric availablility).
This new larger space houses a variety of clothing, accessories, gifts and home wares all ethically made by independent Australian makers.