Kate Sylvester; A Final Swan Song.

After more than three decades of successful business, Kate Sylvester announced the closure of her eponymous brand. We caught up with the designer on her signature sophisticated style, support for the local industry and starting a new chapter.

This interview appears in NEWMARKET. Spring 24 edition. For more, click here.

NEWMARKET. Earlier this year you announced you will be closing Kate Sylvester in 2025 after 31 years of business, with Summer 24 being the final collection. Why did you make this decision?

KATE SYLVESTER. We started this company 31 years ago with nothing more than our belief in each other and a dream to create clothes that people would wear and love. Since the day we opened the doors of our first store in Kitchener Street we have worked incredibly hard for three decades. And now we need to move on to a new chapter in our lives. Fashion is all about change, and we’re here for it. We wanted to go out the way we came into this business, still loving what we do and being truly happy to do it.

N. What has been the hardest part about deciding to close the business?

KS. The fabulous community we have built around us. Our loyal customers who have supported us all these years and our super-amazing team at Kate Sylvester. In the stores, behind the scenes, in everything that we do, it has been the people we have worked with who have kept us on this journey. Having said that, we do believe in the talent of the new generation of NZ designers and it’s their time to shine.

N. As a much-loved and successful brand, the announcement came as a shock to the fashion industry. Was there anything that surprised you about the industry’s response when you announced your closure?

KS. The outpouring of love we have received has been incredibly humbling.

N. In 2019, you founded Mindful Fashion NZ in 2019 alongside Emily Miller-Sharma from RUBY. Will you continue to work in this capacity?

KS. I’m fully committed to MFNZ and the important work we do on behalf of the industry. I am still on the Mindful board and am continuing to advocate and build a strong, sustainable local industry for future generations.

N. You have always been an industry cheerleader and true advocate for New Zealand fashion. What is one piece of advice that you have for New Zealand fashion designers or anyone who wants to break into the industry?

KS. You need total passion and commitment. Be prepared to work really hard and you will have a really exciting, creative career because working in fashion is incredibly rewarding and fun!

N. How can consumers best support the NZ fashion brands that they love?

KS. Buy local! It’s as simple as that. Don’t be sucked in by fast fashion, buy the best quality local brands that you can afford.

N. Kate Sylvester has been worn by many high-profile, incredible women. Have there been any standouts that you will remember?

KS. Jacinda Adern wearing our beautiful Nadia dress at her swearing in as Prime Minister. Melanie Lewinsky in our bright orange Hannah dress. But I get just as much of a thrill meeting our customers on the street or at an event when they are looking and feeling fabulous in a Kate Sylvester dress that they love.

N. Kate Sylvester is a joint venture with your partner Wayne, how has it been working side by side for so many years? Is there a key moment that comes to mind that sums up your partnership in business?

KS. At the end of our 30 year anniversary show Wayne surprised me on the runway with a beautiful bunch of flowers. He is always there to celebrate or support me in the bad times and the good. We make a great team, creatively we push each other and we can always solve any problem way more effectively when we tackle it together.

N. What has been your proudest achievement to date?

KS. Building both a very successful business and 3 beautiful, positive humans. I’m as proud of my sons as I am of my business.

N. You are about to drop your last collection into store, tell us about it?

KS. It’s a collection that’s very true to the brand. Sophisticated suiting alongside feminine party dresses and timeless separates. I think all Kate Sylvester fans will find something in the collection to invest in.

N. You are known for your story telling, what is the theme for your S24 collection?

KS. The collection is called Into the Desert and was inspired by our time in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. The beauty, history and colour of the desert blew my mind. The palette is rich bronze, tobacco and gold with vivid sky blue. We have beautiful military style suiting and billowy shirting to reflect the clothes worn by desert explorers over the centuries.

N. What are some of the highlight pieces?

KS. We have a beautiful bias-cut tweed suit that evolved from the blankets desert farers swath themselves in on cold nights. Our gold textured satin dress with a slashed asymmetric hem is also a stand-out piece, really striking yet wearable at the same time.

N. Do you have a favourite piece from the upcoming collection?

KS. Too many. I can’t wait to wear our beautiful, belted vest in twill suiting, it’s a perfect example of the immaculate tailoring I love so much. I’m equally excited about our white eyelet knit, I love styling t-shirting with suiting, but the eyelet top is a really elevated, luxe version of a white t shirt. I suspect I’m going to end up with one of everything – as it’s my last chance!

N. Is there a piece that surprised you with its success over the years?

KS. Our cardigans! The most undervalued, continuously worn garment in every women’s wardrobe. A cardigan is a discreet layer under suiting, you can throw it in your handbag for cool evenings and when life gets too much, your favourite cardigan is your best friend.

N. And finally, what’s next for you, and Wayne?

KS. More travel and more creativity – it’s incredibly exciting to know anything is possible!

KATE SYLVESTER | 1 Teed Street, Newmarket
@kate_sylvester