Bag success as designer Karina Hesketh overcomes illness

May 9 2009 by Joanne Butcher, The Journal

HANDBAG and fashion designer Karina Hesketh is no stranger to overcoming adversity.

The 54-year-old has battled against illness, gone through a difficult divorce and brought up a family single-handed – and now she hopes to win a national award for her struggle against adversity.

Eighties fashion addicts will remember Karina’s Bigg Market-based fashion label Karin Hesketh, set up in 1982.

The successful design business sold up-market leather clothing to boutiques throughout the British Isles – Karina had her own section in Fenwick’s French Salon, and one of her jackets was worn by Annie Lennox.

She was at the top of her game – but in 1987, everything stopped.

Her marriage broke down and Karina was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, putting an end to her dreams of building up her fashion brand. She was forced to live on sickness benefits to support herself and her young family.

But Karina, who was born in South Shields and now lives in Heaton, Newcastle, maintained her love of design.

In 2007, a friend lent her £1,500 to buy a computer and she set up a website, www.karinasbags.co.uk

After only 18 months she has been invited to show her work at two prestigious galleries, has attracted an international customer base, and appeared in top Italian fashion magazines.