Emotions ran high at Kate Sylvester's New Zealand Fashion Week show on Thursday night, a "celebration of female uplifting power" — And a monumental celebration of 30 years of her namesake brand, rounded out with a teary finale.
We chatted with three of the models and muses who walked in show. Read on to find out how Polena, Tarsh and Roxie unwind after Fashion Week, what they loved about the show and what was going through their mind as they walked the runway...
Name: Polena Yi
Star sign: Aries (Libra moon and Sagittarius rising hehe)
What’s your earliest Kate Sylvester memory?
Shooting the 2018 Dancehall Campaign. I got to meet so much of the team that makes up Kate Sylvester. A great first introduction to KS and the people I now work with and see each week.
The thing you loved most about your look for the show:
The tan hot pants!!! Paired with an elevated take on a T-shirt and the Kswan choker — It very much gives off ‘Rockstar Girlfriend’, which I’m all for.
Best thing about the show?
Hard question. Short answer: The show opening to Four Tet’s instrumental remix of 'Money Folder' by Madvillain.
Long answer: The energy. Thirty years of Kate Sylvester is such an incredible milestone! It was a special evening, and we were there to celebrate. So, to participate in such a beautiful event did get me a little emotional.
What was going through your mind as you walked the runway?
Embarrassingly, as an anxious person, what was going through my mind was, “Where’s the mark? Where do I stop?”
How do you relax after Fashion Week?
No relaxing for me. It was straight to my 9-5!
Name: Natarsha Orsman (most people call me Tarsh)
Star sign: Sagittarius
What’s your earliest Kate Sylvester memory?
Walking the TARTT Show in 2014 – I often don’t get put into looks that make me feel like myself, but Kate dressed me in the most beautiful black velvet dress and I felt so confident.
The thing you loved most about your look for this show:
I am a sucker for a monochromatic look and a neutral colour palette. I often find with these style of skirts that they can be quite unflattering and accentuate the wrong places, but this one is so flattering.
Best thing about the show?
My favourite part of the show itself was when Wayne came out with flowers for Kate, couldn’t help but tear up, it was wonderful. The model casting was so good, the kindest, most unique and stronghearted women!
What was going through your mind as you walked the runway?
Kate always does an inspiration board for her shows, the ‘celebration of female uplifting power’ really resonated with me and echoed throughout my head as I walked the runway.
How do you relax after Fashion Week?
I only walked the Kate Sylvester show this year, I was lucky to not have a week with back to back shows! But something I’ve been loving for self-care recently is going to the sauna, I find it very meditative.
Name: Roxie Mohebbi
Star sign: Capricorn - goated soz
What’s your earliest Kate Sylvester memory?
Not that long ago, but just working with her when I was still a freshie in the fashion scene!
The thing you loved most about your look for the show:
It was so comfy and wearable. I felt like a businesswoman and a perfect princess all at the same time.
Best thing about the show?
Honestly, it was seeing Kate in her element. It’s so exciting getting to witness an icon doing her thing… and she was so encouraging & kind. Also, all the work and love that has gone into 30 years of KS.
What was going through your mind as you walked the runway?
My goal was to perfect my smirk, and I hope I achieved that.
How do you relax after Fashion Week?
Dig a warm little hole and crawl in it, only to emerge once I’ve had five days of uninterrupted sleep.
@chloe_chill Curly girls rule the world (well backstage at @Kate Sylvester ♬ apart of me - Takayoshi
Photos & Feature: Chloe Hill
TikTok shot on iPhone
