The amazing Geelong based artist-designer-maker Kate V M Sylvester and her brand KVMS is a unique mix of art and sustainable fashion. All of her pieces are hand-created from upcycled t-shirts; she painstakingly unravels the threads of the fabric to extend and expand the original garment into something that is a fantasy of delicate, floating ephemeral wearable art. Her work feels like wearing something made of clouds.
Kate describes herself as “conceptual fashion artist”: “My professional background comes from fine art, specialising in conceptual, contemporary textile art. I would say, I am a maker.”
KVMS is named for Kate’s initials, and she makes a point to explain: “I am Kate V M Sylvester, there is another brilliant fashion designer, Kate Sylvester from NZ. We are not related or associated with one another, it is just a crazy coincidence! If you are seeking my work online ensure you include my middle initials.
FROM ART TO FASHION
With a background in textile art, Kate only recently began to enter the world of fashion.
“The first garment I ever made was a dress for entry into the ‘We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize’ with the National Wool Museum 2023. I was walking past the local fish and chip shop where I saw the event poster calling for entries in the window.
We the Makers, Sustainable Fashion Prize, “My Favorite T-shirt” National Wool Museum, Geelong, VIC. 2023
“Turning my de-threaded t-shirts into a high fashion gown was something I had always wanted to do. Like most artists, I needed the deadline and the reason to finally pull this concept out of my head and bring it into the real world. I was selected as a finalist and my fashion conscience began to emerge,” Kate explains.
“My background is art, predominantly conceptual textile art. I began to work with the t-shirt as a readymade art object while studying fine art at VCA (Victorian College of Art). I have a unique process whereby I de-thread the entire garment by hand, then use the material in all manners of practice, from sculpture to large scale installations, performance, video and painting.
Fashion Disrupted, Geelong Design Week, National Wool Museum, Geelong, Vic. 2023
“My love for fashion has been constant. I was once told by a gallery that I should explore [fashion] design, I replied ‘I’m not sure I’m worthy of fashion design’ she gave me a bewildered look that stuck.
I have now, obviously, changed my mind! The more I work with the deconstructed jersey weave the more potential I discover. Any opportunity to explore that potential is enticing, this entry into the world of fashion and creating a brand is the latest most compelling endeavour.”
Kate says that KVMS as a fashion brand was technically launched thanks to Revival Runway!
“The invitation from Revival Runway to bring a collection together is the first time I have truly dedicated myself to fashion design and I am absolutely hooked. The scope and potential of my work as fashion is extremely rewarding and exciting.
“Spending time with other local brilliant designers, especially Lazarus Gordon from Queery This and Lisa Locke from Dusty Pom Pom has given me so much insight and inspiration to truly tap into this new obsession.
“It has shifted the way I consider the work in a new dynamic way, and I am constantly learning as I engage with this new direction,” says Kate.
INFLUENCED BY …
According to Kate, her fashion influences come from some of the industry’s best, most interesting, and longest lasting designers.
“The first fashion exhibition I ever attended was Vivienne Westwood at the National Gallery in Canberra, it was a life-changing moment. I went on to study her work and the history of fashion through my Art History major at La Trobe University.
“From there I fell in love with Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen, both exhibited at the NGV and I was absolutely obsessed. Viktor & Rolf are another major influence in the way art and fashion can fuse, then the inspirational Issey Miyake with his phenomenal innovative use of material.”
TURNING THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY
For Kate, working with an everyday object and transforming it into something magical is at the core of her work for KVMS.
“Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Elevating the simple ordinary t-shirt into the realm of conceptual fashion art. My intention is to reveal the potential and beauty of the everyday items that we take for granted, to honour every thread, ascending fast fashion into couture high fashion art,” Kate explains.
The creator describes her aesthetic as “ethereal, malleable, effervescent”.
“The masses of jersey knit weave I am able to deconstruct from a single t-shirt creates a complex construction of warp and weft creating cascades of webbed weave which are draped, folded and couched in ways that allow the internal life of the garment to breathe,” says Kate.
“Every t-shirt I use is recycled. Op-shops are my art stores, as is my darling husband’s wardrobe! Most of my sundries come from collections that I have gladly acquired from my late grandmother and my mother – I come from a line of tailors, quilters and felters.
“My brand only uses recycled or upcycled materials, bringing new life to items we tend to take for granted.”
As for the future? Kate jokes: “To be rich and famous darling. Global recognition, red carpet pinch me moments, dream big reach for the stars life is short so make the most of it!”
Discover more about Kate, her art and her brand KVMS at www.katevmsylvester.com and follow Kate at @k_v_m_s.
Discover more fabulous fashion brands in our Stories Section
