About

Carmen Sylver at work

As a young child, just six years old, I became interested in sewing after my first lesson on a Singer sewing machine (which only had the turning wheel!). When I got the hang of it, I started making and designing clothes for my doll – and later started mending my Grandmother’s clothing after she developed arthritis in her hands. My other talent was sketching, and I would sketch all types of designs that I liked.

After completing school, my mother encouraged me to study fashion design at college. During the three years I studied, I was kept busy designing and making clothing for my Mum and sisters. With little experience, I made 21st formal dresses for me and my sisters … and, later, their wedding dresses.

I spent a few years in the fashion industry before getting married and having my first child. Not able to work fulltime, I decided to run a business from home, teaching fashion design to ladies and men from all walks of life. I was also government-funded to teach in less privileged areas, where women had no skill and lacked confidence due to poverty and abuse.

When my children were settled into school, I lectured as a garment constructor at a fashion school in Cape Town. This brought me great pleasure and at the same time gave me new ideas for fashion, being around talented young students with fresh ideas.

By then my husband had planned to immigrate to New Zealand. He arrived in 2004 and the kids and I arrived in Christchurch in January 2005. I thought at the time that I would quickly settle back into fashion, either teaching or working, but it was challenging being in a new country and working for an employer while knowing I could run a business much more efficiently, so I quit my job.

My funds had dried up by then, but knew I had to follow my heart’s desire. So three years ago I decided to follow my vision of becoming a leading designer. This will be my mission for years to come. I completed a business course two years ago while working part-time at home, doing clothing alterations, dressmaking and fashion design. In January 2012, my business became a registered company.

So this is where I am today, starting out fresh again and creating designs for women who can feel beautiful in garments created by Carmen Sylver. In many ways, women share the same desires – though with different fashion ideas. We love our clothing to be tailored either fitted or slightly loose. I aim to meet that mark for my customers with my creations, whether trendy, casual, exquisite or just simple, made for a day out to the supermarket or gym.

I love the colours of the seasons and would like to bring back those colours, blending them with beautiful, feminine designs. My designs suit everyone from 19 years of age – and I also cater to sizes 16+. I aim to design a variety of different dresses, skirts, pants (of different lengths), shorts, tops, blouses, jackets and coats. Because the fashions change every year, I like to design a few items that won’t date. I also seek to design a limited range of maternity clothing that can be adjusted to wear after pregnancy. All my garments are New Zealand-made and the fabric of high standard, ensuring great value for customers.

Garments can be viewed right here on the Carmen Sylver website.