Kate Henry started her career in the Fashion industry 25 years ago. The first seven years was spent developing skills as a sample machinist while studying fashion design.
After graduating she went to London where for the next nine years she learnt the art of tailoring. Specializing in fine evening wear, Kate designed everything from business suits to bridal gowns for a wide range of clients; this formed the base of her business in London.
“Coming back home to New Zealand in 2006 working as a designer, I was constantly being asked for original and special occasion clothing” says Kate. And so in 2013 Kate Henry Designs Ltd was formed.
“I am excited to design highest quality clothing made in stunning quality fabrics and tailored to fit each individual client. I love to create designs using unusual fabrics, giving each garment that point of different.” It’s also really important for me to be as sustainable as possible by using designer dead stock fabrics which are very high quality fabric left over from Donna Karen, Diana Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs to name a few. I also get a buzz out if using off cut as trimmings, which would normally end up in land fill. It’s a win win as it can really give a garment a unique finish.
Kate designs for real women everything from women’s tailored suits, mother of the Bride/Groom, evening wear, and exclusive wedding gowns.
How the design process works, is you go to Kate’s studio and try on some of her samples, or she will illustrate an out-fit for you. Then she will design and source all the fabrics to create the new garments. In a week or two you will return for one or two fittings depending on the design. And then it’s just putting the final finishing touches to your outfit. The entire process takes between two-six weeks depending on the difficulty of the garments. Wedding gowns can take up to 12 weeks it all depends on the difficulty.
So if you just can’t find anything to fit, have a special occasion coming up or just want something a little bit different, call Kate to make and appointment at her Ponsonby/Auckland Studio please fill out contact form on contact and enquiry page or email katehenrydesigns@gmail.com.
Open Tuesday – Friday by appointment only call or email for a appointment to suit busy people.
Closed Saturday – Sunday and Public Holidays.