Career
In 1965 she moved to London and became involved in the Swinging London and underground scene, where she sold ethnic and retro clothes, cast-off Dior clothes, and Indian embroideries to a hippy clientele. London changed her life, the fashions were wild, and Jenny loved it. Seven years later she returned to Australia, full of new ideas. Then Jenny decided to design something uniquely Australian. Soon Jenny Kee jumpers were being seen around Australia. Jenny's paintings of opals, tropical fish, exotic parrots, flowers and animals were printed onto exotic silks. They featured in Italian Vogue and were used by Chanel in Paris.
Her fabrics and designs are now part of the history of Australian fashion design. Jenny continues to paint but is also passionate about the conservation of Australia's unique environment.
She has received numerous commissions, including works for Parliament House in Canberra, the Australian Bicentenary and her breathtaking parade of costumes for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
In 2005 Jenny shifted her focus inwards, writing her autobiography from her home in the Blue Mountains wilderness. A Big Life was published by Penguin Australia in October 2006.
In 2008, she launched Target's “Designers for Target” series with an exclusive range of Jenny Kee homewares.
Jenny continues to paint and draw reflective, exuberant works always inspired by the force of nature.
In 2011, Jenny Kee, opened L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival with a 40 year retrospective of her designs—and unveiled her newest venture, Art of the Scarf, a square of silk is the canvas on which she splashes the rich and vibrant colours of her deep love affair with the land. Jenny Kee's timeless design has always been enriched by living close to nature.“I really cherish this earth,” she says.“ It is behind everything I do!”
