Designer DETAIL

Revolutionary dressing as Kate Sylvester looks East

She's always just a little left of centre, but this season Kate Sylvester embraces the East, while her muse looks West. "I have always been fascinated by how young Chinese have embraced Western ideas without ever shedding their own identity", Kate says. Referencing the fashion of Hong Kong and China in the 20's through to the 60's, sophisticated tailoring and neat dresses dominate.

What's hot this summer?

The classic neat Chinese dress is revolutionised for today's western women, made functional in starched bias check cotton, and as shirt-waisters and pinafores. "I love the formality of Chinese dress. Even the asymmetrical wrap shapes worn by peasants and children's school uniforms are crisp and contained", Kate says. Delicate patterns squiggle their way across perfect silhouettes.

What signature pieces should I be buying?

Fashion writers and buyers have been singing the praises of Kate Sylvester's 'wearable' collections season after season. She just seems to get the balance right each time with a perfectly blended collection of style and function, and always with a big dash of humour. From the current seasons sharp suited jackets and tailored shorts, to dresses with just the right proportion of skirts. Buy the pieces you love, they'll survive fleeting fashions and will go the distance.

More about the summer 06/07 collection?

Think China Doll - beautiful Chinese silks, cottons and embroideries dominate. Vibrant highlights of Ming blue, melon, coral rise against the neutral palette of honey, champagne and black bring the prettiest prints to life - check out the Lily dress.

Who is Kate Sylvester?

One of New Zealand's premier fashion designer's, Kate Sylvester made her mark in a big way via Australian Fashion week in 1999. Media and buyers were enamored by the collection. Since then, Kate's celebrated label has become renowned for its quirky sense of humour and refined approach to tailoring.

Give me more!

Kate's second label "Sylvester" is decidedly urban cool. Deliberate flouncing of conventional fashion rules makes it the naughty little sister to the beauty and elegance of Kate Sylvester collections. Rock your Saturday by wearing the Leopard Tee with Taffeta Skirt ensemble. Perfect for good times, being just a little bad.

Where can I buy Kate Sylvester?

Stocked across Australian at Myer department stores and over 60 boutiques around Australia including Orson and Blake (NSW), Incu (NSW), Emporia (WA), Lola (TAS), Lella Smith, Cactus Jam (VIC) and many more.

For a full list of stockists near you visit www.katesylvester.com/