In 2006 Michelle Yvette launched her eponymous fashion label. The next logical step was Air New Zealand Fashion Week '08 where her design nous and flair were noticed by the right people and she bagged a $10,000 Verge Development Grant for 'Best new entrant' to Fashion Week.

A classic approach to fashion

For 25-year-old fashion designer, Michelle Yvette, there was no way she could ever be persuaded to take up a more reliable career path, despite attempts by some to "warn me off".And, in just three years the naysayers have been silenced as this ambitious young woman has already achieved a number of coups.

In fact, before graduating from Massey University's Design degree programme where she majored in fashion, Yvette's work had already registered on the fashion radar thanks to  Lord of the Rings star - Viggo Mortneson - who kindly wore a bespoke shirt by her hand to the film's premiere.

Then, in 2006 Michelle Yvette launched her eponymous fashion label. The next logical step was Air New Zealand Fashion Week '08 where her design nous and flair were noticed by the right people and she bagged a $10,000 Verge Development Grant for 'Best new entrant' to Fashion Week.

Yvette's design principles are simple, using high-luxe fabrics to create structured garments she aims to "bring a sense of beauty, class and femininity back into the conservative woman's wardrobe". It sounds good to us. Watch this space...

By Marion Farrell