A graduate of the Perpich Center for Arts High School, Katherine was encouraged to go to Rhode Island School of Design, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Apparel Design. Target corporation immediately whisked her back to Minneapolis for their design department. At the same time, Katherine started creating her own designs for local fashion shows, including Voltage: Fashion Amplified and DIVA. Most notably, Bravo's Project Runway recognized her talent where she was featured in the third season. She now spends her time designing her own line of draped jersey dresses, well-known and loved for their mix of casual comfort and elegant silhouettes. In spring '08, she took her collection into the green by using organic and sustainable cotton and bamboo fabrics. Her collection "Katherine Gerdes" can be found at The Design Collective in Minneapolis and on her website.