When Gisbornite Sheryl May left New Zealand for Spain in 1992, little did she know that when she returned home 16 years later it would be as a successful fashion designer with accounts around the globe and celebrities including Annie Lennox, Nicole Richie and Penny Lancaster as clients. 

Her designs are inspired by vintage fabrics and the female style innovators of different eras. Embellished by sequins, beads, embroidery, intricate detailing, panelled construction and A-line framing offers garments that flatter any shape. Her work reflects her great love of colour and print so in keeping with the Chocolat aesthetic.

Sheryl leads an intrepid lifestyle – dividing her time between Auckland, Gisborne and the UK, where Sheryl works as a ‘tailor’ for big name clients such as Burberry, The Gap and Marks & Spencer. 

With diverse interests from painting to yoga to salsa dancing, Sheryl has been a welcome addition to the High Society family. Her eagerly awaited first collection for Chocolat Winter 14 is titled, “Moments in Winter”, which brings together all of Sheryl’s loves featuring vintage fabrics, exclusive prints and rich colours.