emma

www.emmacollections.com
facebook.com/emma
Physical Address:  476 Adelaide Road, Berhampore, Wellington
Operating Since:  2006

What are you all about?  
What kind of clothes do you make?

emma is my label and I'm Emma Wallace, the designer/director.  From my workroom/boutique in Wellington, I design, co-ordinate production, wholesale, retail and run the business side for all emma clothing and accessories.

We have a small dedicated team that create seasonal ranges to meet the demands of busy, creative NZ women for fashionable, well-made, sustainable clothing with a dash of whimsy and vintage detailing.

Who makes your clothes?

Having trained in Fashion Design and Technology, I really enjoy being hands-on creating patterns and samples.  We also work with a select and wonderful number of talented local contractors who are skilled in pattern-making, cutting and construction.  Thank goodness they are here!

Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?

We do!  emma is available at our Wellington boutique.  We also wholesale to some lovely NZ retailers.  You can buy emma online at Foxes.

What price range are your clothes in?

We create new styles every season that range from merino wool tops, silk dresses to tailored winter coats so individual prices vary; but we like to keep them in a mid-price range.  Prices start from around $80.

Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?

I imagine it's primarily for business reasons such as volume requirements and price; also skills  and technical levels which may only be found overseas.  Our local manufacturing base has been eroded over the years so we really need to support the businesses that remain.  They pay fair wages, provide good work environments; and I really like that they are 'just around the corner'.

What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?

Be smarter with their Buy NZ Made campaign - get to the grassroots, highlight & support new labels, publicise what's happening in local communities, target social networks and, most importantly, promote our uniqueness.  Remind Kiwis of what we have, what they value about it, and empower them to make a difference to our future by their buying choices.

Anything to add?

Thank you to everyone who supports NZ-made clothing - you are all stars!

*Sistahood. by freddy chur*

www.freddychur.com

facebook.com/sistahood.by.freddychur

Physical Address:  Raglan, New Zealand

Operating Since:  May 2009

Freddy & Andrew

What are you all about?  
What kind of clothes do you make?
We're about creating funky comfy Street Styles in an Earth Conscious way.  After producing the first range in Bali, *Sistahood* is now back to its roots, and made in Raglan.  Like a lot of Kiwis, we are striving towards self-sufficiency and living in Harmony with Mother Earth;  filling every step with as much Love as we can.  For the business, that meant working with Organic fabrics, toxic-free inks and Fair Trade practices.  The last Collections were very colourful and bright; the one we are currently working on is more earthy & subtle while still playful... Organic Cotton t-shirts, singlets, hoodies, pants and dresses.  Also very excited to announce *Brothahood*, organic Streetwear for Men :)

Who makes your clothes?

I do with my friends.  I design and cut.  My friend Dominique makes the patterns.  Phil & I do the screen printing.  And several friends do the sewing.  It's always been a dream of mine to work with friends & keep the production as local as possible; but as the business is growing, we might have to start doing some manufacturing in Auckland.

Can we buy them online?

Yes, please do :)

What price range are your clothes in?

$70 - $200

Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?

For some, it might be the beaten track.  For others, it might be a lifestyle choice...  For many, I'm sure, it is the fact that productions is cheaper & there are a lot more options than there are in New Zealand.

What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?

A government grant to start up your business would be a great help.

Anything to add?

There's no separation - we're all part of each other & everything we do matters :)  And I would like to invite everyone to our first fashion show in Auckland on the 29th of May, as part of the New Zealand Organic Expo 2011!!