Fashion: Q & A with Kate Sylvester

IF YOU COULD DRESS ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Celebrities I admire are Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Coppola, but what I am most proud of is that I have beautiful, smart, very real New Zealand customers who trust me enough to come back again and again.

WHAT IS THE MOST TREASURED ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE?

I have a fur jacket that I have worn in show finales, walked the Routeburn Track in, used as a pillow in hospital with my son and I was wearing it when I met Richie McCaw. That's a lot of precious memories.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM FROM YOUR CURRENT COLLECTION?

I love a good suit and our Maris jacket and Marla trousers are perfect.

WHAT DID YOUR SCHOOL REPORT CARD SAY?

Could do better! I spent most of my time designing new dresses and planning mufti day outfits.

IF YOU WERE ON MASTERMIND, WHAT WOULD YOUR SPECIALIST TOPIC BE?

Twentieth century fashion design. I always look to the past for inspiration for today.