facebook.com/janehenry
Physical Address: 30 Bay View Rd, Redcliffs, Christchurch
Operating Since: 2011 in reality.
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| Jane Shand |
What kind do clothes do you make?
We specialise in scarves and shawls made from very rare merino fibre. We have two types, naturally coloured merino which doesn't need dye and from which we make our woven scarves & white ultrafine (15 micron) which we eco-dye to make beautiful knitted shawls and scarves. Both types of fibre are rare and the quality and softness is amazing.
We take the fibre directly from Henry's and Will's farms all the way to fashion and we are proudly made in New Zealand. We try very hard to be sustainable in all that we do, and to create something beautiful and lasting without resorting to chemical treatments. Our designs are classic with a view to them being both trans-seasonal and favourites for years to come. We do not want to perpetuate the throw away culture. It is our belief that NZ deserves this beautiful end product, when it would otherwise be destined for the fashion houses of Italy.
Who makes your clothes?
Two NZ manufacturers weave and knit our products, one in Auckland and one in Otago. We are very fortunate to have found them.
Who sells your clothes? Can we buy them online?
We have our products in many outlets throughout the country, both gift stores and fashion outlets. We have just gone live with our online shop as well.
What price range are your clothes in?
They range from $159 for woven naturally coloured scarves to $249 depending on the size and the complexity of the knit structure so they are at the higher end of the market, but the softest and warmest merino fibre available in New Zealand.
Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Because the manufacturers keep closing their doors here. We have had 4 manufacturing facilities close down since we started, causing huge difficulties and delays. Of course, it is very challenging for NZ manufacturers to compete price-wise, but really sad that some have found it so difficult because it is great to be able to do small batches and talk to the people involved. Small people with a big idea can't get started unless they have this kind of small scale facility.
What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
I think there should be smaller grants available to help businesses get started, rather than the $50,000 you need to match to go to a big trade fair. Most ideas have to start slowly and do a lot of testing along the way, and there is very little help for start-ups. Support to train more young people in the craft of spinning, knitting and weaving would also be helpful.
Anything to add?
Natural fibres are the heroes of the textile world and New Zealand should be doing all it can to promote what we have here.
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