After a three-year absence from Air New Zealand Fashion Week, Kylee Davis has returned with her new label Stitch Ministry.

Earlier this year Kylee travelled through Asia's fashionable cities and a new dress code emerged. The inspirations were incorporated to develop a collection influenced by international trends - both past and present. Stitch Ministry's 'civilisation of savage worlds' explores two opposing cultures, and the new fashion aesthetic that emerges. Classic silhouettes, fringe detailing and structural shawls dominate the look and feel of the winter collection.

Kylee's tip for designers aspiring to show at Fashion Week is "To prepare as much as possible. Surround yourself with a good supportive team to help cover certain aspects. Leaving yourself to concentrate on what you do best."After a three-year absence from Air New Zealand Fashion Week, Kylee Davis has returned with her new label Stitch Ministry.

Earlier this year Kylee travelled through Asia's fashionable cities and a new dress code emerged. The inspirations were incorporated to develop a collection influenced by international trends - both past and present. Stitch Ministry's 'civilisation of savage worlds' explores two opposing cultures, and the new fashion aesthetic that emerges. Classic silhouettes, fringe detailing and structural shawls dominate the look and feel of the winter collection.

Kylee's tip for designers aspiring to show at Fashion Week is "To prepare as much as possible. Surround yourself with a good supportive team to help cover certain aspects. Leaving yourself to concentrate on what you do best."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Anytime of the day is a good time for me.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Sexy, Sophisticated and Understated. These aspects are at the forefront of any Stitch Ministry collection.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Collaborating with a creative team is a big thrill for me. Their ideas and inspirations help make the collection what it is.

How does your environment affect your work?
I try and surround myself with like minded people who want to give it everything they've got to take Stitch Ministry to an international level.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Definitely a bit of both.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Having a good business partner and a great team around me is immensely important. Their support and encouragement makes all this possible.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Launching the Stitch Ministry perfume was an exciting time for the label, making us one of the first NZ designers to develop a fragrance that complements the collection.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Definitely Iceberg. Their full collection consists of exaggerated knitwear and this look was extremely inspirational for my own collection.

How did you get started in fashion?
I was inspired at a young age by my mother, Gloria, who worked in the design industry for years alongside the likes of Patrick Steele and Annie Bonza. Gloria owned a bridal boutique in Newmarket, and later Parnell, so I spent much of my youth in the store just hanging out and learning some of the 'tricks of the trade'.

Describe your collection and what inspired it.
Stitch Ministry's 'civilisation of savage worlds' explores two opposing cultures, and the new fashion aesthetic that emerges. Classic silhouettes, fringe detailing and structural shawls dominate the look and feel of the winter collection.
Earlier this year I travelled through Asia's fashionable cities and a new dress code emerged. The inspirations were incorporated to develop a collection influenced by international trends - both past and present.

How much work goes into showing at fashion week?
There is quite a long lead time, a couple of months are solely dedicated to preparation. But no matter how much you plan there are always things that pop up at the last minute

What tips do you have for designers aspiring to show at fashion week?
To prepare as much as possible. Surround yourself with a good supportive team to help cover certain aspects. Leaving yourself to concentrate on what you do best.

What are your plans for the future? What do you see yourself and your label doing five years from now?
We have a long term plan. Jason (Gitmans) and I have set our sights on consistently creating strong collections and developing a powerful and connected brand throughout Australasia. We also want to explore other international markets in Europe & Asia.

What are your hopes for the future of the New Zealand fashion industry?
I hope the industry continues to grow and we continue to create innovative designs that capture the world.

What challenges does the industry face?
Finding the right staff to compliment and complete the core team.

Why is fashion week an important event for the New Zealand fashion industry?
It is a fantastic platform to capture all retailers and media at one time; it is a great way to showcase your brand aesthetic.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Whatever path I would have chosen I would try and be the best I can be at it.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
I always have thoughts of my son wherever I am.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
I enjoy listening to my ipod as I run to work; it motivates me to run faster.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
I would make a flag

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Don't sweat the small stuff, try focus on the big picture.

What's great about today?
There is so much opportunity; the world really is your oyster

What's your big idea for 2008?
The launch of the Stitch Ministry Vitals Collection

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18/09/08