Ms Kate Sylvester, ONZM, of Auckland, for services to the fashion industry
Kate Sylvester is a New Zealand fashion designer who co-founded the label ‘Kate Sylvester’ in 1993. Her brands have been stocked across Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia and the United States. Her diffusion lines include Sylvester, Kate Sylvester Eyewear, Accessories and Lingerie. She has seven retail stores and a strong wholesale presence throughout Australasia. She has used New Zealand influence in her design, including a collection built around Frances Hodgkins’ textile designs. She has been a guest speaker at seminars, festivals and events. She co-founded Mindful Fashion, a not-for-profit collective that unites the industry to create a sustainable, circular and thriving future. Mindful Fashion is developing education programmes to address skill shortages and create jobs. In 2024 Ms Sylvester announced the closure of her fashion label in mid-2025.