Sarah Street Founder of Bronwyn FootwearAuckland, New ZealandSarah wears pieces from SS'24 Into the desert collectionPhotography by Nicole Brannen   Congratulations on your new SS’24 collection. We are thrilled to present a curated edit of the Bronwyn footwear collection available in all Kate Sylvester stores. Thank you, I’m so fortunate to be partnering with you for your last collection, it’s really beautifully bitter sweet. What secured the decision to launch your own label? I’ve been designing Footwear for over 14 years now, and I’ve always had a desire to do something on my own. I was on maternity leave with my second...

Jasmin Sparrow

Jeweller
Auckland, New Zealand
Jasmin wears pieces from SS'24 Into the desert collection
Photography by Nicole Brannen

In May 2023 Kate and Wayne spent time exploring the legendary Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.

After 31 great years Wayne Conway and Kate Sylvester have decided that it is time to bow out. We will sell our final-ever Summer 24 collection, business-as-usual, and will wind our business up in mid 2025. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved. Thank you to our customers for embracing our vision and making us the iconic NZ brand we have become. It has been our honour and privilege to create clothes worn and loved by multiple generations of women both everyday and for the most important moments in their lives. We have created epoch-defining, memorable shows, campaigns and collections...

‘I want to sit in the back of Max’s Kansas City drinking Martinis with Gloria & Gloria. Their best buddies Joyce Carol Oates & Dorothy Pitman Hughes would join us – we’d be so witty and ballsy and brainy – we’d be our very own superstars & Andy would be jealous.’ Drawing inspiration from two iconic Gloria’s, Kate Sylvester’s Autumn Winter 24 collection Gloria Gloria imagines an unlikely friendship between artist, designer and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt and feminist activist and journalist, Gloria Steinem. The collection evokes an independent spirit, bringing together two women who epitomize all the glorious, gritty glamour...

Erny Belle MusicianAuckland, New ZealandAimee wears pieces from Kate Sylvester W24 and Sylvester W24Photography by Finn Bowman   Congratulations on your new album ‘Not Your Cupid’ with Flying Nun. We are currently playing it on repeat in the Kate Sylvester design room. Can you tell us a bit about it? Thank you! I recorded Not Your Cupid in March of 2023 with my band at Round Head Studios. It feels like a collection of songs inspired by past, present and future and the archer archetype. It felt more romanticised and explorative in comparison to the last album. I got to play with new...

Kate Mitchell Glass Artist Auckland, New ZealandKate wears pieces from Resort 23 and Sylvester S'23Photography and styling by Phoebe Holden   Tell us about yourself? I'm a glass artist based in Auckland. I studied fine arts at Elam, which led me to where I am today. I love playing with colour and find inspiration from everyday life, interior design, and fashion. Glass blowing is tough creative process, but I love the challenge.How did you get into glass art and make a career out of it? I began my career in glass art by connecting with Lukeke Design during my studies, and I’ve now been working...

Shop the runway and receive the hero beauty products from our catwalk show to recreate the look.  Spend $500 in store this weekend and receive a full-sized Aleph Beauty Cheek/Lip Tint in Sangha used to create our quintessential poppy red lip, and a full-size Oribe Imperial Blowout styling cream to create our effortless hair knot. A natural glow from within by Aleph Beauty 1. Prep the skin with The One Reset and Restore Moisture Cream. Follow by pressing a few drops of serum/primer into the skin to lock in moisture.2. Lightly buff concealer/foundation into the skin using an Aleph brush for...

Tonight at NZFW Kahuria we honour the journey we’ve travelled and the touchstones to which we have always remained true. Clean, strong design, celebration of female, the positive, uplifting power of colour and the pure joy of beautiful clothes. We thank all of you who have come on this journey with us; our incredibly hard working staff, our loyal lovely customers, the incredibly talented makers of our clothes, our industry comrades, and our family and friends who have supported us along the way. We couldn’t have done it without you. Tonight is our thank you. x Pre-show music is the...

In honour of our Sylvester 'Summer Reader collection, we've compiled a list of the KS team's upcoming summer reads.

Taylah Kereama

Model
London, United Kingdom
Taylah wears

How would you describe your personal style and what influences what you choose to wear?

Because I move to different countries for work, I often can't take a whole lot of clothes with me. This just means that the clothes I do have are usually 'off duty' model looks which is just a lot of black. I'd also say the city i'm in really influences my style. My London style is quite chic and you can get away with being more daring with the outfits you wear. When i'm in Australia and New Zealand, my style is a lot more relaxed but at the end of the day I always wear whatever makes me feel confident.

Our Fair Isle Jumper in Viva 05.05.21, as seen on Gracie Moller from Laiika.

Photographer: Nicole Brannen
Fashion Director: Dan Ahwa
Makeup: Kiekie Stanners using M.A.C Cosmetics
Hair: Shirley Simpson
Lighting: Matt Hurley

At Kate Sylvester we believe the future of fashion is circular, so our Circularity, Upcycling and Repurposing working group are proud to introduce KS Upcycling Capsule One. This has been a completely creative project for Kate and our team, taking past season dead stock or flawed garments that have caught their eye and reimagining them into completely new garments.

The Mindful Fashion X Kate Sylvester full circle t-shirt highlights how through collaboration and collective action, our industry can find shared solutions to sustainability challenges. This circular t-shirt is made from organic cotton, grown and produced in a fully certified supply chain. The t-shirts are manufactured, printed and finished in NZ with a pathway to be recycled back into new fibre at the end of their long and cherished life.

All proceeds from the full – circle t-shirt go towards supporting sustainable fashion development for the NZ clothing and textile industry.

Find out all about the project at mindfulfashion.co.nz

Shop the Kate Sylvester Mindful Fashion T-Shirt here

Roxie Mohebbi
Model & Actor
Auckland, New Zealand
Roxie wears our Bonnie Jumper, Denim Jacket & Woolly Stripe Jumper

 

Hey Roxie, tell us about yourself, what you do and what inspires you? 

I live in Tāmaki & work as a model & actor full time. I think lately, my inspiration has increasingly been coming from my family and the communities that surround them.

Celebrating the spirit of Sisterhood with a playlist of our favourite female artists. Take a listen here.



Hello Friends and Family,

Working on our Progress Report, reviewing the unprecedented year that 2020 was, has been very cathartic and actually very positive.

It was a year that placed challenges on the business unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before, and that we never expected to ever have to face, with locking down all our business sites, wearing masks in our offices, international freight grinding to a halt. Our community; staff, suppliers, customers and colleagues, have all faced difficulties and stress individually and on a collective level.

But out of adversity, so many positives have arisen. We have discovered how brave and resilient we really are, how supporting each other strengthens us and what an amazing country and community we live in. Not only did we manage to survive 2020, but we found time and reward in pushing forward too- we have made progress!

There is so much in 2020 to feel proud of and these achievements belong to our entire community- thank you for all your support over the last year, and we look forward to navigating 2021 with you on our team.

Click here to view the full report.

Cheers,
Kate xx

Sandali Jayasinghe wears our Nan Coat, captured by Chloe Hill for Cool Pretty Cool.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Read the full article here x

Zoe Bell wears our Nan Coat for Ensemble Magazine

View the full shoot here x

Kate's recent speech for Semi Permanent about the creative journey of the brand is now available to watch at semipermanent.live (skip to 55 minutes) and has been published to read by our friends at Ensemble Magazine. Take a look x

Reb Fountain

Musican
Auckland, New Zealand
Reb wears our Carlotta Sundress, Rosa Top & Lou Trouser

 

It has been a strange, unsettling year, how are you feeling and in what ways have you found a sense of calm

It’s always important to support our individual and collective health & wellbeing and even more so at this surreal time. I’ve been finding great solace in music.  For me music is work - work that I love - and the process of writing, recording, rehearsing and performing helps keep me grounded.  I also have to exercise every day … I mix it up - dog walks, dance, hitting the YMCA or yoga at home; a little a day keeps me sane. 

Reb Fountain

Musican
Auckland, New Zealand
Reb wears our Carlotta Sundress, Rosa Top & Lou Trouser

 

It has been a strange, unsettling year, how are you feeling and in what ways have you found a sense of calm

It’s always important to support our individual and collective health & wellbeing and even more so at this surreal time. I’ve been finding great solace in music.  For me music is work - work that I love - and the process of writing, recording, rehearsing and performing helps keep me grounded.  I also have to exercise every day … I mix it up - dog walks, dance, hitting the YMCA or yoga at home; a little a day keeps me sane. 

Seven hours of glorious tunes to celebrate our Exploding Woman collection.

Take a listen here.

Our Simone jacket on the cover of Viva Vol. 1, their first stand alone glossy magazine. 

Photographer: Hohua Ropate Kurene
Fashion Director: Dan Ahwa
Model: Mana McKay at N Management

A weekend road trip by Ngahuia Williams and Holly Rose Emery featuring our Nan coats for Ensemble Magazine. 

View the full shoot here. 

Designer Kate Sylvester and New Zealand poet Hera Lindsay Bird discuss the dualities inherent to modern women’s lives and how Hera’s poem ‘Dulce et Decorum etc’ captures the spirit of Kate’s new collection ‘Exploding Woman.’

Dulce et Decorum etc

By Hera Lindsay Bird

 

I can never have just one of anything
Prizes, sunsets, salted peanuts
Orgasms, ice-cubes, cowboy hats
Crocodile keychains, glasses of champagne.
I sit like a crackpot in my bunker
Stockpiling beauty for the end of the world
Well top me up sweetheart
Who cares if I’m drunk!
And aren’t two moons better than one?

 

I can never have just one of anything
Epiphanies, Agonies, Enemies, Love
Even death in it’s singularity seems miserly
On a day like today, pink & white blossoms ravaging the footpath
Like God were a dog got into the tampon bin
O someone call the make a wish foundation I’m dying
My heart like a Cadillac with the roof down
And the sky flashing past

 

I can never have one of anything
Without wanting everything.
If attachment is the root of all suffering – so what?
I’m attached to my suffering too
Not to mention everyone else's
I run through the graveyard on my way to work
Flipping off headstones
Those great aristocrats of death
Hoarding oblivion

Our beautiful sheer check shot by Chloe Hill for Ensemble Magazine. 

View the full shoot here. 

Photography and styling: Chloe Hill
Makeup: Courtney Taylor
Models: Tarsha Orsman at Red 11 & Gemma Orsman at Kirsty Bunny Management
Shoot assistant: Rhyana McNab

Our pal Sophia Frankish snapped and styled herself in this super cute iso studio shoot using a handheld remote camera trigger.

Your soundtrack for a leisurely afternoon stroll by KS babe Katie Brown.

A dance party for one curated by our Newmarket store dreamboat Polena Yi.

A playlist of dreamy duets from our fave KS due Isabelle Carson & Tom Conway.

Taking you through your week working from home. Chill Tunes made by our National Retail Manager Imogen Seymour.

Kate Sylvester Book Club

In these strange, unsettling times we’re enjoying the escapism of a good book.

We’ve asked our friends to share what they’re been reading during lockdown.

Join the Kate Sylvester Book Club and tell us what are you reading during lockdown?

Darya Bing

Stylist & Textile Designer
Auckland, New Zealand
Darya wears our Dimity Dress

It’s a strange, unsettling time for the world right now, how are you feeling and what are some of the daily rituals that are bringing you a sense of calm?

I have started asking myself “ what part of normal am I letting go today”? I think putting our normal expectations on hold for a little while is wise.

Trying to be everything to everyone in the first few days, didn’t quite work out… Things worked much better when we allowed space and compassion to take over.

This situation is temporary and might have some challenging outcomes, but like many generations before us, we will get through this and must stay optimistic.

As far as daily rituals, Get some sun, work in the garden, dance with kids, make great food, read, paint, plan how to do things differently when this is over.

When we stop being so busy looking out and depending on reactions and feedback, we can discover the beauty and nuances of looking in.

Darya Bing

Stylist & Textile Designer
Auckland, New Zealand
Darya wears our Quilted Vest & Checks Dress

It’s a strange, unsettling time for the world right now, how are you feeling and what are some of the daily rituals that are bringing you a sense of calm?

I have started asking myself “ what part of normal am I letting go today”? I think putting our normal expectations on hold for a little while is wise.

Trying to be everything to everyone in the first few days, didn’t quite work out… Things worked much better when we allowed space and compassion to take over.

This situation is temporary and might have some challenging outcomes, but like many generations before us, we will get through this and must stay optimistic.

As far as daily rituals, Get some sun, work in the garden, dance with kids, make great food, read, paint, plan how to do things differently when this is over.

When we stop being so busy looking out and depending on reactions and feedback, we can discover the beauty and nuances of looking in.

Darya Bing

Stylist & Textile Designer
Auckland, New Zealand
Darya wears our Quilted Vest, Bobby Coat, Arthur Jacket & Minnie Top

It’s a strange, unsettling time for the world right now, how are you feeling and what are some of the daily rituals that are bringing you a sense of calm?

I have started asking myself “ what part of normal am I letting go today”? I think putting our normal expectations on hold for a little while is wise.

Trying to be everything to everyone in the first few days, didn’t quite work out… Things worked much better when we allowed space and compassion to take over.

This situation is temporary and might have some challenging outcomes, but like many generations before us, we will get through this and must stay optimistic.

As far as daily rituals, Get some sun, work in the garden, dance with kids, make great food, read, paint, plan how to do things differently when this is over.

When we stop being so busy looking out and depending on reactions and feedback, we can discover the beauty and nuances of looking in.

Darya Bing

Stylist & Textile Designer
Auckland, New Zealand
Darya wears Hunting Dress

It’s a strange, unsettling time for the world right now, how are you feeling and what are some of the daily rituals that are bringing you a sense of calm?

I have started asking myself “ what part of normal am I letting go today”? I think putting our normal expectations on hold for a little while is wise.

Trying to be everything to everyone in the first few days, didn’t quite work out… Things worked much better when we allowed space and compassion to take over.

This situation is temporary and might have some challenging outcomes, but like many generations before us, we will get through this and must stay optimistic.

As far as daily rituals, Get some sun, work in the garden, dance with kids, make great food, read, paint, plan how to do things differently when this is over.

When we stop being so busy looking out and depending on reactions and feedback, we can discover the beauty and nuances of looking in.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Carnaby Skinny Rib & Regency Skirt

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Hunting Blazer & Hunting Trouser

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Poets Dress

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Collegiate Top & Checks Trouser

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Fairisle Jumper & Checks Skirtdress

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Foxy Dress

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Paisley Dress

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Allison Hampton

Artist & Model
United States of America
Allison wears Lace Work Shirtdress & Quilted Vest

Where are you from and where do you live now?

The question of where I am from is a difficult one for me. Where I am “from” is not a place on a map, I feel I am from nowhere at all with a house of brick ceasing to matter. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Singapore when I was 6. Six years later, my family moved to Texas as the last piece of a puzzle ending my youth. Through years of residences in two countries and three cities, these places are not where I am “from”. I am not “from” a place, I was never fully grown or rooted in the dirt of a city that I have walked through. The grounds where I have lived from childhood to now, remain a part of an idea of origin to that which I cannot connect. There is only the growth of my life roaming and unrelated to a beginning defined so strictly. When I am not traveling, I live in Dallas, Texas with my parents. It is not a place or home to be from, but a place in reach of a suitcase and the hearts of those that truly feel as close to my own start.

Kanoa Lloyd

Presenter     
Auckland, New Zealand          
Kanoa wears Tropo jumpsuit

How do you approach getting dressed for television vs day to day life? And what are your goals in terms of feel and function? 

I often talk about my “real life” clothes versus my “work life clothes”. They’re quite different although I’ve learned so much about what I love in real life through my work wardrobe. My colleague Sarah Stuart, who has styled me for about five years at Three, pushes me to try things I thought I could never wear and she has helped me realise that I have features I should celebrate, like a waist! 
I’ve even learned how to wear heels for special occasions - I used to resemble a newborn foal - but now when I put them on I feel ready to werrrk!  

When it comes to real life, I try to invest in pieces that will bring me joy for many years to come. I have dresses and coats which I associate with a certain person or a special place and I love revisiting that feeling when I put them on again. Overall I’m a bit less polished and maybe slightly more masculine than at work. I love a day old blow wave, a pink suit with sneakers or a dreamy dress with boots - I like to feel special  without being overcooked.

Grace Stratton

Founder of All is for All  
Auckland, New Zealand       
Grace wears Scuba suit and Scuba leggings

You’ve really shaken up the fashion scene in New Zealand! Tell us about All is for All and your ambitions for this project.

That’s very nice of you to say, we’re definitely moving slowly, because we want to be intentional. But we love having the support of people like KS. And are so thrilled that people are listening. So thank you.

Kanoa Lloyd

Presenter     
Auckland, New Zealand          
Kanoa wears Tropo dress

How do you approach getting dressed for television vs day to day life? And what are your goals in terms of feel and function? 

I often talk about my “real life” clothes versus my “work life clothes”. They’re quite different although I’ve learned so much about what I love in real life through my work wardrobe. My colleague Sarah Stuart, who has styled me for about five years at Three, pushes me to try things I thought I could never wear and she has helped me realise that I have features I should celebrate, like a waist! 

I’ve even learned how to wear heels for special occasions - I used to resemble a newborn foal - but now when I put them on I feel ready to werrrk!  

When it comes to real life, I try to invest in pieces that will bring me joy for many years to come. I have dresses and coats which I associate with a certain person or a special place and I love revisiting that feeling when I put them on again. Overall I’m a bit less polished and maybe slightly more masculine than at work. I love a day old blow wave, a pink suit with sneakers or a dreamy dress with boots - I like to feel special  without being overcooked.

Zeenat Wilkinson

Founder of Sauce Mag and Stylist   
Auckland, New Zealand    
Zeenat wears Checked dress

Tell us about your background, how did you come to work in fashion, and develop your own platform?

It’s very hard to pinpoint when I first discovered fashion and my love for working in publishing, I think it might have been something from my subconscious, as no one in my family worked in the creative industry. I was born in Mumbai, I studied in an all-girls school, and I have a degree in Psychology and Political Science. I later studied fashion at Central Saint Martin’s in London focusing my time on Trend Forecasting and Fashion Marketing to get a bigger perspective on the industry. While I was there, thanks to some weird cosmic alignment, I ended meeting some amazing creatives, and I briefly worked with a showroom on London Fashion Week. I think it all kicked off from there.

After years of working in publishing (styling for Grazia magazine and a few European magazines ), I decided to move to New Zealand.

As for SAUCE, I noticed a gap in the market for a digital platform that bridges the gap between traditional and digital media and that’s sort of how the idea for SAUCE was under way. I wanted it to not only be a website/community platform on the forefront of diversity in fashion and beauty but also to really push the envelope and do more culturally important work.

Zeenat Wilkinson

Founder of Sauce Mag and Stylist   
Auckland, New Zealand    
Zeenat wears Tropo shirt and Zig Zag skirt

Tell us about your background, how did you come to work in fashion, and develop your own platform?

It’s very hard to pinpoint when I first discovered fashion and my love for working in publishing, I think it might have been something from my subconscious, as no one in my family worked in the creative industry. I was born in Mumbai, I studied in an all-girls school, and I have a degree in Psychology and Political Science. I later studied fashion at Central Saint Martin’s in London focusing my time on Trend Forecasting and Fashion Marketing to get a bigger perspective on the industry. While I was there, thanks to some weird cosmic alignment, I ended meeting some amazing creatives, and I briefly worked with a showroom on London Fashion Week. I think it all kicked off from there.

After years of working in publishing (styling for Grazia magazine and a few European magazines ), I decided to move to New Zealand.

As for SAUCE, I noticed a gap in the market for a digital platform that bridges the gap between traditional and digital media and that’s sort of how the idea for SAUCE was under way. I wanted it to not only be a website/community platform on the forefront of diversity in fashion and beauty but also to really push the envelope and do more culturally important work.

Grace Stratton

Founder of All is for All  
Auckland, New Zealand       
Grace wears Checked top and Sunray skirt

You’ve really shaken up the fashion scene in New Zealand! Tell us about All is for All and your ambitions for this project.

That’s very nice of you to say, we’re definitely moving slowly, because we want to be intentional. But we love having the support of people like KS. And are so thrilled that people are listening. So thank you.

Kanoa Lloyd

Presenter     
Auckland, New Zealand          
Kanoa wears Angel Dress

How do you approach getting dressed for television vs day to day life? And what are your goals in terms of feel and function? 

I often talk about my “real life” clothes versus my “work life clothes”. They’re quite different although I’ve learned so much about what I love in real life through my work wardrobe. My colleague Sarah Stuart, who has styled me for about five years at Three, pushes me to try things I thought I could never wear and she has helped me realise that I have features I should celebrate, like a waist! 

I’ve even learned how to wear heels for special occasions - I used to resemble a newborn foal - but now when I put them on I feel ready to werrrk!  

When it comes to real life, I try to invest in pieces that will bring me joy for many years to come. I have dresses and coats which I associate with a certain person or a special place and I love revisiting that feeling when I put them on again. Overall I’m a bit less polished and maybe slightly more masculine than at work. I love a day old blow wave, a pink suit with sneakers or a dreamy dress with boots - I like to feel special  without being overcooked.

 

A year ago, Kate Sylvester discovered a box containing hundreds upon hundreds of love letters her parents wrote to each other during their courtship in the 1950s.The letters are beautiful, strong and true. This collection is Kate’s tribute to their love. 

Cool Pretty Cool shoots our NZFW fittings.

We are excited to share with you Kate Sylvester Reloved, our special new home for you to buy and sell preloved Kate Sylvester.

Evolving from a determination to keep our garments out of landfill and out from the back of people's wardrobes, Reloved intends to find new homes for once-loved Kate Sylvester, extending your garments use beyond first life.

Yeshe Dawa

Founder of The Midnight Baker      
Auckland, New Zealand          
Yeshe wears Splash midi dress

 

You’ve recently launched a new menu at Midnight Baker, tell us about collaborating with your new chef and the direction you want to push the cafe.

We’ve been wanting to move towards a more seasonal menu for some time now and with Freya de Beer Smith joining our team as the new chef, this seemed like the perfect time to transition. Freya immediately understood our ethos around sustainability.  She is passionate about the connection we have with our food, knowing where and how our food is grown.  She brought on board local urban organic growers at OMG to supply us with fresh produce which has been great; they’re literally just up the road from our cafe. 

 

Grace Stratton

Founder of All is for All  
Auckland, New Zealand       
Grace wears Edwardian dress

Yeshe Dawa

Founder of The Midnight Baker   
Auckland, New Zealand       
Yeshe wears Splash blouson dress

Yeshe Dawa

Founder of The Midnight Baker   
Auckland, New Zealand       
Yeshe wears Admiral coat and Admiral flares

Zeenat Wilkinson

Founder of Sauce Mag and Stylist   
Auckland, New Zealand    
Zeenat wears Admiral coat and Chambray trousers

Sylvester Dancehall Trench, Dancehall Flares and Dancehall Bucket Hat in Grass Green.

Purple Pilgrims

Musicians    
New Zealand    
Purple Pilgrims wear Dotty Maxi, Sparkley Top & Sparkley Skirt

Katie Brown

Musician/Designer   
New Zealand     
Katie wears Sparkley dress

Ana Scotney

Actress & Artist   
New Zealand      
Ana wears T-Rex sweater and Sparkley skirt

Rosie Herdman

Writer & Fashion Assistant at Viva Magazine   
New Zealand   
Rosie wears Dimity top and Chambray trousers

Ana Scotney

Actress & Artist  
New Zealand     
Ana wears Dotty maxi

Kate Sylvester Madaline Dress in Red

VIVA.

Badlands Journal

Kate Sylvester Wynne Skirt in Mint

https://bit.ly/2FJ3T7k Kate Sylvester Katherine Dress in Pink

Kate Sylvester Blyth Coat in Leopard

Kate Sylvester Scarves Dress

Purple Pilgrims

Musicians  
New Zealand   
Purple Pilgrims wear Dimity dress

Katie Brown

Musician/Designer  
New Zealand    
Katie wears Speedy top and Chambray trousers

Ana Scotney

Actress & Artist 
New Zealand    
Ana wears Stripey tee & Chambray trousers.

Rosie Herdman

Writer & Fashion Assistant at Viva Magazine 
New Zealand  
Rosie wears Cowboy shirt and Chambray trousers 

Katie Brown

Musician/Designer 
New Zealand   
Katie wears Broderie dress.

Purple Pilgrims

Musicians  
New Zealand  
Purple Pilgrims wears Checkers dress & Checkers shirt dress.

Rosie Herdman

Writer & Fashion Assistant at Viva Magazine
New Zealand 
Rosie wears Brodiere dress

Kate Sylvester Striped Scarf in Pink/Orange

Sylvester Sunburst Swimsuit in Black.

Raukura Turei 

Artist & Actress   
New Zealand     
Raukura wears Stripey Tee & Chevron Bathers

Raukura Turei 

Artist & Actress  
New Zealand    
Raukura wears Broderie Dress

Jenny Zhang

Writer    
Brooklyn, New York   
Jenny wears Tropical Shirt and Tropical Shorts

Dana Covit

Writer  
Los Angeles  
Dana wears Broderie Shirt and Chambray Trousers

Kate Sylvester Penrose Trousers in Black Stripe.

Kate Sylvester Meg Dress in Lemon Pink.

Kate Sylvester Baba Midi Dress in Lilac.

Kate Sylvester June Dress in Day Sky.

Kate Sylvester Quilla Jacket and Penrose Trousers in Black Stripe.

Raukura Turei 

Artist & Actress
New Zealand   
Raukura wears Tied Up Dress

Dana Covit

Writer    
Los Angeles  
Dana wears Tied Up Shirt and Tied Up Skirt

Jenny Zhang

Writer   
Brooklyn, New York  
Jenny wears Florette Midi Dress

Niamh Peren

Film Maker & Environmentalist      
New Zealand 
Niamh wears Dancehall Trench

Niamh Peren

Film Maker & Environmentalist     
New Zealand
Niamh wears Chambray Dress

Jenny Zhang

Writer  
Brooklyn, New York 
Jenny wears Dancehall Trench and Dancehall Flares

Dana Covit

Writer   
Los Angeles 
Dana wears Marley Polo Top and Dancehall Skirt

Niamh Peren

Film Maker & Environmentalist    
New Zealand
Niamh wears Chevron Swimsuit & Chevron Skirt. 

Kate Sylvester Avalon Jacket and Josefina Trousers in Red.

Kate Sylvester Sakura Dress in Red Crane.

Kate Sylvester Tyrell Coat in Honey Grey.

Kate Sylvester Bo Jumper, Beta Dress and Sylvester Dress Shoes.

Ophelia Mikkelson

Artist   
Tairua, New Zealand.  
Ophelia wears Snow Lily Top and Snow Lily Trousers 

Chelsea Jade

Singer/Songwriter   
Los Angeles, United States.  
Chelsea wears Snow Lily Trousers

Bonnie Wroe

Illustrator   
Wellington, New Zealand.  
Bonnie wears Confetti Jumper and Dots Mini Dress. 

Eliza Wexelman

Girls at Library   
Los Angeles, United States. 
Eliza wears Snow Lily Dress & Snow Lily Trousers

Ophelia Mikkelson

Artist  
Tairua, New Zealand. 
Ophelia wears Quilted Bomber

Chelsea Jade

Singer/Songwriter  
Los Angeles, United States. 
Chelsea wears Stripey Knit Polo Stripey Knit Polo.

Bonnie Wroe

Illustrator, Welcome to Babeville  
Wellington, New Zealand. 
Bonnie wears Marley Stripe Dress & Confetti Jumper.

Kate Sylvester Clo Top and Koo Trousers in Green Light.

Kate Sylvester Sakura Dress in Red Crane.

Eliza Wexelman

Girls at Library  
Los Angeles, United States. 
Eliza wears Wild Shirt Dress

Ophelia Mikkelson

Artist 
Tairua, New Zealand.
Ophelia wears Pebbles Top and Utility Skirt

Chelsea Jade

Singer/Songwriter 
Los Angeles, United States.
Chelsea wears Marley Stripe Top and Parachute Wide Leg Pant

Bonnie Wroe

Illustrator, Welcome to Babeville 
Wellington, New Zealand.
Bonnie wears Trackie Jacket and Trackies

Your illustrations are so detailed and delicate, tell us about your process.

To get such intricate detail I need to draw from a photo, so my process usually starts with roping my friends into recreating some weirdly specific image in my mind so I can photograph it. I start by laying down the entire outline of the drawing, then gradually fill it in with colour - generally starting with a face and spreading outwards from there. I have a tin of 135 different coloured pencils, and each time I start a different element of the drawing - say, skin - I pick up to 20 different colours to make up the tone I'm after. Skin is composed of so many different colours, and different tones of colours - lilac, cream, rose pink, red, navy blue etc. so to recreate realistic looking skin I need to blend all these colours together seamlessly. My drawings are made up of endless amounts of tiny marks, all layered and blended together to create a smooth surface. It's a slow process, but as it's quite an intuitive thing for me I can kind of zone out and achieve a real sense of peace while doing it - it becomes almost meditative.