Designer: Sheryl May
Based: Gisborne

When Gisbornite Sheryl May left New Zealand for Spain in 1992, little did she know that when she returned home 16 years later it would be as a hugely successful fashion designer with accounts around the globe and celebrities like Annie Lennox, Nicole Richie and Penny Lancaster as clients. After studying at Wellington Polytechnic (now Massey University), where alumnus include the likes of Kate Sylvester and Helen Cherry, May moved to Barcelona where she worked for a trend forecasting agency before going on to London to pursue her design career. Designer: Sheryl May
Based: Gisborne

When Gisbornite Sheryl May left New Zealand for Spain in 1992, little did she know that when she returned home 16 years later it would be as a hugely successful fashion designer with accounts around the globe and celebrities like Annie Lennox, Nicole Richie and Penny Lancaster as clients. After studying at Wellington Polytechnic (now Massey University), where alumnus include the likes of Kate Sylvester and Helen Cherry, May moved to Barcelona where she worked for a trend forecasting agency before going on to London to pursue her design career."Fashion is understandably very difficult to get into on any level there, because usually work experience positions and jobs go to students from their fashion colleges," says May. "But I was lucky, quickly securing a job." The experience May gained during that time helped her enormously when she launched her own label in 2000. "I got into quite a few groovy London stores and by the end of 2002 had a stand of my own in the exhibition hall at London Fashion Week." Despite her meteoric rise and subsequent success, May began to desperately miss New Zealand. "The industry over there didn't allow me any time for a life," she says. So earlier this year she returned to our fair shores, keen to introduce her label to the country she calls home.

May's collections are always inspired by vintage fabrics and the female style innovators of different eras. Embellished by sequins, beads, embroidery, sash ties and intricate fagotting, the paneled construction and A-line framing offers garments that flatter any shape. "Despite sounding a bit foreign I am at heart a Gisborne girl and really excited at the prospect of at last getting the opportunity to design for New Zealand women, says May. "Naturally I will have to adjust my designs because the UK focuses more on smart day, cocktail and occasion wear, and women over there wear garments that are softer and more feminine," she says. "But I believe New Zealand women want to be more in touch with their feminine side, so I will help them bring sexy back!"

Photo by Michael Ng/Air New Zealand Fashion Week 2008

21/09/08