“Ripe” for Picking - The Maternity Fashion Lanel that is making the Splash around the World - Ripe label was established by Lisa Balakas and Kate Beaconsfield in 1996. The label has greatly contributed to the maternity fashion industry in the recent years where it is almost unthought of not to have decent maternity clothes.

When women were struggling to get decent maternity wear, Kate and Lisa turned to making their own and have now turned the Ripe label into a thriving business with their designs now stocked around the world.

Ripe Maternity wear was established in February 1996 by friends Kate Beaconsfield and Lisa Balakas, both then aged 27.

After having three children Lisa was frustrated by the lack of fashionable maternity wear that was available to pregnant women and thought it was time things changed. Coming from a background in interior design, she teamed up with her friend Kate who was running a physiotherapy business and contemplating a career change - the timing was perfect! They teamed up, pooled resources and have never looked back.

Ripe is always evolving and has grown rapidly since its humble beginnings in 1996.  A culture of innovation and enthusiasm is promoted along with a progressive  approach in all areas of operation. Over the years the talented team at Ripe have won the highly coveted Telstra MYOB National Business Award (2006), and the company's export achievements have seen them win several Export Awards including the Governor of Victoria Export Award (2004).  Which they were a National Finalist in the same year.

Ripe has wide distribution channels supplying to many corners of the globe. The brand can be found in boutiques across the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland , Europe and New Zealand along with many other regions around the world.

In recent years Ripe have opened three concept stores throughout Melbourne, Australia to showcase the brand in its entirety.

Above: Lisa Balakas and Kate Beaconsfield. Below: Some of the Ripe label designs. Photo Courtesy of Ripe Maternity

More Information on Ripe Maternity clothing can be obtained from:  www.ripe.com.au