The 2019 New Zealand Fashion Week has recently concluded, and as a proud New Zealander, I thought it would be a great idea to post on the “The Best New Zealand Designers & Brands to Love” as we have so many incredible designers and brands. However, given that sustainability was at the heart of New Zealand Fashion Week 2019, I have decided to first acknowledge the “Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know”.
The Fashion Industry
Unfortunately, fashion is one of the world’s most highly polluting industries. Fast fashion appears to be responsible for much of the criticism levied on the fashion industry for its environmental impact. Fast Fashion is tempting and easy, with many big brands like H&M, Zara and Glassons mass producing huge numbers of cheap and poor quality clothing each week.
However, there is an environmental and social backlash undoubtedly starting. Similar to public backlashes drive change in other industries from disposable cups, plastic straws and single-use plastic bags. People are moving away from fast fashion and are beginning to look down on that industry as a whole.
What is Ethical & Sustainable Fashion?
It wasn’t so long ago that ethical fashion was associated with hemp and tie-dyed clothing. However, many incredible companies are now making clothing and accessories that are kind to people and the environment.
Ethical Fashion is an umbrella term for ethical fashion design, production, retail, and purchasing. It covers a range of issues, such as working conditions, exploitation, fair trade, sustainable production, the environment, and animal welfare.
A simple way of describing Ethical Fashion is that it can be one or a combination of factors, including but not limited to the following;
- Made through Fair Trade: Every person at every step of the manufacturing process is given a fair wage and price and is free from exploitation.
- Recycled: Using recycled materials, which reduces production and consumption. Materials made using organic cotton and harmful-chemical-free fibres. Thereby not harming the earth by not contributing to pollution of the air, waterways, and the earth.
- Local: Buying from local brands and makers reduces the impact of a long supply chain and supports the local economy.
- Buying long-term quality: Buying high-quality garments that last a long time and do not need to be replaced reduces consumption and production.
- Buying, on-selling, or donating quality clothing: By buying and recycling high-quality garments, you can reduce clothing that ends up in a landfill, thereby reducing consumption and production.
These principles are a move towards an ethical & sustainable fashion industry. If you try to buy items that fit within these categories, you are doing your bit to support sustainable fashion.
Ethical and Sustainable Fashion in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Fashion industry is exceptionally small, with unique challenges ensuring ethical manufacturing. An example of this is proving that fabric has been ethically sourced. It can be difficult for a small company to place only small orders in China.
Mindful Fashion New Zealand
Kate Sylvester and the designers from the clothing label Ruby developed a seriously cool idea: New Zealand fashion companies needed to unite to strengthen their individual accountability.
As a result, in March 2019, they launched Mindful Fashion, New Zealand. With an Open letter to all New Zealand designers suggesting to join together and work collaboratively to ensure socially ethical and environmentally responsible clothing production industry.
Fashion Revolution
There is also Fashion Revolution.org, which several New Zealand designers have supported. The Fashion Revolution is a global organisation calling to unite people and organisations to work together to radically change how our clothes are sourced, produced and consumed. Therefore, it ensures clothing production safely, fairly, and cleanly. In all honesty, we should all be part of this global movement calling for a fairer fashion industry & cleaner planet.
Fashion Revolution Week (held annually in April) is their #whonademyclothes and #imadeyourclothes campaign. This week, brands and producers are encouraged to respond with the hashtag #whomademyclothes and demonstrate transparency in their supply chain.
Thankfully, with initiatives like this, ethical fashion is on the rise. More new and existing fashion brands are either born with or transitioning to sustainable, ecological, and ethical clothing supply chains and production methods.
Undoubtedly, fast fashion is tempting, and owning beautifully made sustainable and ethical clothing exclusively can be expensive. And I’m not implying that you or I have the budget or lifestyle to own a full wardrobe of the following designer’s collections.
However, it is also vital for us to show the fashion industry what we want and what we expect as standard practices. One of the best ways to do this is by being careful with our choices and purchases.
I hope you have found some inspiration with my acknowledgement and showcase eight of the “Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know” right now!
Paula x
The Edit
Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know
KOWTOW
The Brand: “Kowtow – Collection & Everyday Basics. Certified Organic Cotton. Ethical From Seed To Garment”.
Kowtow is a New Zealand-based label that makes most of its pieces fairly from organic cotton. Ethics are at the heart of Kowtow and of the label’s responsible production processes. Kowtow’s founder and Creative Director, Gosia Piatek, says: “To me, sustainability is being mindful. First and foremost, it is about making and growing something in an ethical and sustainable manner or recycling and reusing if not. I also want to ensure that everyone in the production chain is rewarded fairly for what they do, without being exploited”.
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KOWTOW – ABOUT
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL INFORMATION: Launched in 2007, and almost before its time, there is no doubt that Kowtow is one of the biggest and most clearcut, fully sustainable and ethical New Zealand brands.
All Kowtow garments are certified by non-profit, internationally recognised organisations.
Ethical and sustainable values are at the core of Kowtow. You can click the following links to read more about their sustainable fabrics, environmental philosophy, ethically made statement, and care and circularity programme.
LOCATION: Kowtow was born in 2007; 11 years on, they opened their flagship store in their hometown of Wellington, New Zealand.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: is available via the kowtow.com website. You can “select the region” where your order will be shipped. This will give you the right product, pricing, delivery times and shipping costs for your destination.
STOCKISTS: Kowtow has over 200 worldwide stockists.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: To check out their range and look, you can follow them on Instagram @kowtowclothing
What I love:
I have been a huge fan and follower of Kowtow for many years. I love the simplicity of several of their designs, especially the pieces made from organic cotton. They are exceptional quality and invariably remain my go-to pieces year after year. One of my absolute favourites is this Kowtow – Tank Swing Dress in black; you can dress it up or throw it on with a pair of white sneakers; it’s just perfect!
Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know
MAGGIE MARILYN
The Brand: “Maggie Marilyn: Liveable luxury consciously created in New Zealand.”
In 2016, designer Maggie Hewitt was only 22, and just six months out of her fine arts degree, she launched Maggie Marilyn, a line of luxurious, timeless and sustainable clothing.
Maggie Marilyn was picked up in its very first season by luxury online powerhouse Net-A-Porter. Since then, it has had an unprecedented rise to fame as one of the most recently internationally sought-after designers.
Maggie passionately believes that style and sustainability should co-exist, and she founded Maggie Marilyn with one simple mission; “to make a difference in an industry that was ready for change”.
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MAGGIE MARILYN – ABOUT
PRICE: Dresses above from $495 to $825 NZD and Coat $1,550NZD
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL INFORMATION: Ethical and sustainable values are at the core of Maggie Marilyn.
“I believe it is my responsibility to do better than those before me. I want to produce clothing that enriches the lives of the customer; however, Maggie Marilyn clothing must equally enrich the lives of the people in our supply chain and the life of our home, mother nature.” – MAGGIE HEWITT.
At Maggie Marilyn, they have extensive sustainability policies and have chosen to use the three key pillars of People, Planet and Prosperity. Click the following links to read more about their inspirational mission statement and transparency policy.
Maggie Marilyn has also been awarded the Eco-Age Brandmark in recognition of their commitment to minimising environmental impact and maximising positive social impact throughout their supply chain.
LOCATION: Maggie Marilyn has a showroom in Auckland, New Zealand. The showroom showcases its current collection, available to view and shop on-site.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: is available via the maggiemarilyn.com website. You can select the currency for your destination’s pricing and shipping costs.
STOCKISTS: Maggie Marilyn retails in over 50 stores worldwide, and you can request a retailer for your location here. Since launching in 2016, Maggie has top department stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman as key stockists.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: To keep up to date with the Maggie Marilyn range and look, you can follow on Instagram @maggiemarilyn
What I love:
Maggie Marilyn collections encapture a sense of lightness and timeless elegance, and it’s no wonder they have quickly gained almost cult-brand status. So revered is Maggie Marilyn that the style icon Michelle Obama has recently been spotted wearing her clothing.
However, I am almost more in love with and absolutely in awe of the Maggie Hewitt story. As a teenager, I dreamed of going to fashion school. However, the application papers were as far as it went. Fashion was perceived as a tough world, and I opted for the path of less uncertainty with a Degree in Accountancy.
Maggie’s story is a real modern-day fairy tale; the world has changed so much, and the worldwide internet enables that compared to years gone by. But to do it in an unrelentingly sustainable way is also incredible. Hence, it makes my list of one of the highest-ranked Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know.
Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know
KATE SYLVESTER
The Brand: “Kate Sylvester: an iconic New Zealand designer featuring Kate Sylvester and Sylvester collections, handbags, shoes and accessories.”
New Zealand designer Kate Sylvester’s conceptual collections embody intelligence, witty irreverence, sophistication and modern femininity.
Ever the subtle subversive, Kate Sylvester plays off disparate references, seamlessly stitching sportswear with couture, menswear with womenswear, pop culture with history, and high art with punk rock. Her resulting collections are at once eccentric, beautiful and intelligent. Each collection challenges nostalgic sensibilities with modern use of colour, cut and exclusive in-house prints.
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KATE SYLVESTER – ABOUT
PRICE: Dresses above from $499 to $599 NZD
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL INFORMATION: Kate Sylvester co-founded Mindful Fashion NZ and has long made sustainability a key part of her brand.
Kate Sylvester is committed to supporting their local garment production industry by producing locally made, high-quality garments and products made to last with premium materials. They proudly make at least 85% of their Kate Sylvester collection in New Zealand. When local manufacture is not possible, they work closely with hand-picked factories offshore.
Click on the following links to read more about Kate Sylvester’s extensive environment, social responsibility, people, policies and inspirational transparent progress report.
Furthermore, in my mind, one of Kate Sylvester’s most inspirational initiatives is “Kate Sylvester Reloved”, a place designed to buy and sell preloved Kate Sylvester. This initiative evolved from a determination to keep their garments out of a landfill and from the back of people’s wardrobes and extend garments use beyond first life.
LOCATION: Kate Sylvester has six New Zealand stores that showcase their current collection and are available to view and shop on-site.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: is available via the katesylvester.com website.
STOCKISTS: Kate Sylvester retails in stores in New Zealand and Australia; you can request a retailer for your location here. Kate Sylvester also retails in David Jones, Ballantynes and Smith & Caughey’s department stores.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: To keep up to date with the Kate Sylvester range and look, you can follow on Instagram @kate_sylvester
What I love:
I’m in love with the fact that since 2007, Kate Sylvester has adopted an environmentally sustainable business policy committed to supporting the New Zealand local garment production industry by producing locally made (where possible), high-quality garments and products made to last, with premium materials. Furthermore, being the co-founder of Mindful Fashion New Zealand is to be seriously admired.
Undoubtedly, Kate Sylvester’s designs are modern and timeless, with the most incredibly stunning fabrics.
Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know
JULIETTE HOGAN
The Brand: “Juliette Hogan is one of NZ’s freshest fashion designers. Check out Juliette’s latest collections and shop online at juliettehogan.com.“
“EVERYDAY LUXURY AND SIMPLE SOPHISTICATION – Juliette Hogan creates clothing suffused with elegance and ease. Each season brings a fresh, succinct and cohesive offering full of pieces to fall in love with. This is not a collection driven by trends but more of an ongoing evolution of Juliette’s strong design perspective.“
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JULIETTE HOGAN – ABOUT
PRICE: Dresses above $499 NZD Jumpsuit $649NZD
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL INFORMATION: Juliette Hogan is a member of Mindful Fashion NZ, which strongly indicates sustainability is a key part of her brand.
The Juliette Hogan website contains no specific information on her sustainability policies. However, her process statement includes, “At Juliette Hogan, we design clothing to last. Where possible, we produce our clothing here in New Zealand, working closely with local fabric suppliers, cutters and makers to bring our creations to life”
Furthermore, you can click here for her response to the following question at New Zealand Fashion Week; “How does this year’s Fashion Week theme ‘Sustainability’ resonate with your brand and your collection?”
LOCATION: Juliette Holgan has four New Zealand stores that showcase their current collection and are available to view and shop on-site.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: is available via the Juliette Hogan website.
STOCKISTS: Juliette Hogan also retails at the following stockists in New Zealand:
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: To keep up to date with Juliette Hogan and look, you can follow her on Instagram @juliettehogan
What I love:
I love that since childhood, Juliette has followed her love of sewing, fabric, textiles, colour and creating. Since the inception of her brand in 2004, she has consistently delivered gorgeous collections within her modern, feminine, simple and sophisticated aesthetic.
Furthermore, I absolutely love the Bridal & Bridesman collection, reflecting the simplicity and modern everyday luxe synonymous with the brand. Simply stunning!!
Juliette Hogan’s designs and collections are modern, timeless, and elegantly luxurious. And it’s easy to see how Juliette has such a huge loyal fan base that increases collection upon collection.
Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know
PARIS GEORGIA
The Brand: “Paris Georgia is a contemporary ready-to-wear label for the modern women, producing a range of timeless classics that can easily transition into any season.“
Paris Georgia is a contemporary women’s wear label for the discerning. The Paris Georgia woman is strong, empowered, intelligent and refined. She is diverse | Made in New Zealand, each piece is designed with special attention to fabric and quality. | Paris Georgia is a mindset, not an age. | We praise the female form.
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PARIS GEORGIA – ABOUT
PRICE: Dresses above $378 NZD to $1,400NZD
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL INFORMATION: The Paris Georgia website contains no specific information on its sustainability policies. However, the label is proudly designed and made in New Zealand, combining luxurious natural fabrics with an artisanal, eco-friendly practice. Furthermore, Paris Georgia is dedicated to creating beautiful classic pieces that will last, affirming its ethical values.
LOCATION: Paris Georgia does not have any physical stores. However, it does have a showroom in Auckland, New Zealand.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: is available via the Paris Georgia website.
STOCKISTS: Paris Georgia, currently has around 35-40 stockists across New Zealand, Australia, the US, the UK, and Japan. Apparently, you can also pre-order on collections by the US ‘super luxury’ retailer Moda Operandi.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: To keep up to date with Paris Georgia, you can follow them on Instagram @paris_georgia.
What I love:
The story behind Paris Georgia, is another incredible success story that I’m in awe of. Friends Paris Mitchell and Georgia Cherrie began their label Paris Georgia in 2015 while running their online vintage store, The Mercantile. Initially, the label was created to fill the gap for elevated everyday essentials in their own wardrobes. A contemporary ready-to-wear label producing a range of timeless classics. The brand’s 90s slip dresses quickly earned a cult-like status, and soon, orders from the initial range began taking over.
Fast forward to today; undoubtedly, the New Zealand fashion label has taken the world by storm. Recently, Kendall Jenner wore the label head-to-toe for a New York Fashion Week event. Other celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Katy Perry and Kate Hudson have also been spotted wearing the label.
It’s no wonder this New Zealand-based label has a cult following. The sleek designs reflect 90s nostalgia and a clear appreciation for minimalism, creating essential, easy-to-wear and cool-girl fashion.
Best Ethical & Sustainable New Zealand Fashion Designers to Know
TAYLOR
The Brand: “Taylor: Inspired luxury designer fashion for everyday. Shop Taylor Boutique for women’s clothing that is proudly designed and made in New Zealand.”
“Taylor is a leading New Zealand fashion brand that fosters individual creativity and experimentation while ensuring garments are incredibly wearable.
The boutique brand, established by designer Vicki Taylor in 1999, is perfect for the time-challenged woman. The striking yet practical clothing allows the wearer to easily create individual styles that complement their mood and personality. Elegant and fashionable, Taylor garments are superbly designed and manufactured in New Zealand with incredible skill and dedication.“
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TAYLOR – ABOUT
PRICE: Dresses above from $427 to $535 NZD and Coat $597NZD
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL INFORMATION: Taylor’s passion for local design and manufacture is part of what defines it. Taylor is based in Auckland and is proudly sustainably and ethically designed and made in New Zealand.
Taylor Boutique proudly supports Fashion Revolution Week and the #imadeyourclothes movement.
LOCATION: Taylor’s head office is in Auckland, New Zealand.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: is available via the taylorboutique.com website. Taylor is also available online at theshelteronline.com.
STOCKISTS: Taylor Boutique has five stores in three cities in New Zealand. Additionally, it is available at Vicki Taylor’s multi-brand store, The Shelter, in Ponsonby, Auckland.
Taylor is also now stocked in a range of boutiques throughout New Zealand. To inquire about where you can find Taylor, you can contact brand@taylorboutique.co.nz.
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: To keep up to date with the Taylor range and look, you can follow on Instagram @taylorboutique.
What I love:
I love that this is another New Zealand designer success story; Vicki Taylor, founder and designer, launched the contemporary brand Taylor in 1999. That’s 20 years in business, along with her multi-brand retail store, The Shelter, created in 2014.
Taylor’s mission has always been to foster individual creativity and give amazing personalised styling experiences that empower and inspire. When shopping in-store, Taylor certainly is a “Boutique” shopping experience. Taylor Boutique has exceptional service, with inspirational wardrobe advice and tips.
Taylor’s designs are contemporary, timeless, and unique, with layering as a key focus. The collections are limited edition (not mass-produced), made from the best fabrics and finished with flair. There is a great emphasis on impeccable tailoring, fabrication and attention to detail. It is no wonder that Taylor Boutique has a huge following among the fashionistas of New Zealand.
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