KILT

www.kilt.co.nz

facebook.com/kilt
twitter.com/kilt

Physical Address:  We have stores in Ponsonby, Palmerston North, Napier, Wellington, New Plymouth, Tauranga, Nelson; and our design room is based in Napier.

Operating Since:  2000

Bryony modelling KILT

What are you all about?  

What kind of clothes do you make?

KILT is proudly NZ-made designer women's clothing. We design all our clothing range ourselves and work closely with NZ manufacturers for the production. Our point of difference?  Well, there's loads...

One of the most important is that rather than designing seasonal ranges ahead of time, we design new styles every week of the year in direct response to the weekly feedback and requests we get from our stores.  These get produced and delivered into store within a few weeks; which is why our range is always fresh and in demand.  In short, we really listen to what our customers want.  We also pride ourselves on excellent customer service.  KILT staff are trained to help you in finding the best possible style for you by listening to you & giving honest advice about what will make you look fabulous and feel great.  We are very lucky to have such wonderful staff who are so passionate and dedicated to KILT.

Who makes your clothes?

We have a design room in Napier where our designers design and sample. We make small runs here too.  We also use Hawke's Bay and Auckland based CMTs.

Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?

Though KILT boutiques listed above or view our online gallery.

What price range are your clothes in?

Our average priced garment is $139.  We try to keep our prices as accessible as possible so that everyone can enjoy NZ-made clothing.  The KILT "Always Collection" starts from $69 and a KILT fully lined coat is $299.

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

We believe that it's because it's so inexpensive to make clothes in some countries and some opt for this over quality.  It definitely isn't an option for KILT.  We LOVE being made in New Zealand & we are so great at making quality garments here.  We are fully passionate about supporting local industry.

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

We would love to see some initiatives introduced to the clothing industry, including more sewing training in schools, etc.  More "Buy NZ Made" campaigns and tax incentives for keeping it NZ-made would surely appeal to local labels.  Clothing industry apprenticeships would be interesting and an exciting way to get more young people into the industry.  

Anything to add?

Checking labels to see where things are made is a great habit to get into.  We are supporting a Buy NZ Made month in March... join us.  The more, the merrier!  We would love you to follow us on Facebook. 

Bubbalino

www.bubbalino.co.nz
facebook.com/bubbalino
twitter.com/bubbalino
Physical Address:  Auckland.  
I work from a home-based office and sell online.
Operating Since:  October 2009

Vanessa and family

What are you all about?
I am a full-time stay-at-home mama of two, who believes in beautiful, quality cotton garments for gorgeous growing children.  Bubbalino began out of necessity.  I started out with the "Bibette" - a stylish but functional dribble bib for my daughter who was a very spilly little Miss.  One thing led to another and I found myself in business making these little Bibettes for friends, coffee group mummies, and then boutiques around the country.  There was nothing I had seen that was as beautiful as I set out to create; and although there were other similarly styled 'bandana' bibs available, they were all made from novelty or kitschy, typically 'baby'-looking fabrics and I didn't want anything that screamed 'infant'.  The expansion into a few select clothing pieces was a natural evolution to complement the Bibette & to keep my daughter dressed in the cuteness I hadn't found elsewhere. Once I had a son, I naturally began to design pieces for him & the expansion continued into a range for Little Lads


What kind of clothes do you make?
Bubbalino is a small boutique label creating a small range of gorgeous clothing for newborns to 3 year olds.  You can find heirloom styled pieces in our range including Ruffle Buns which are gorgeous under-dresses or on their own; the Itty Bitty Playsuit which is perfect for rough'n'tumbling little guys; the Chloe dress which is great for a special occasion; and of course the Bibette which comes in a wide array of fabrics to suit any outfit.


Who makes your clothes?
I have a wonderful woman based in Onehunga who does all my sewing. Her workmanship is impeccable and her sewing skills are immaculate.  I feel very confident with her behind the machine.


Who sells your clothing?  Can we buy them online?
Currently Bubbalino is stocked in about 25 boutiques and gift stores throughout New Zealand and one store in Japan.  And you can, of course, purchase direct through our website.


What price range are your clothes in?  
Prices range from $17.50 to $69.90.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Because from a financial point of view, it seems like an absolute no-brainer.  It's incredibly difficult as a wholesaler to make any real money when making quality garments from beautiful fabrics in NZ.  Yet I continue along this road because I believe in the concept of "Made in New Zealand". I also understand it's not feasible for many people to buy NZ-made for their children, even if they'd like to, when our cost of living is so high & there are so many cheaper labels available that have been made offshore. Children grow out of clothing well before it wears out & to spend a lot on their clothing even for a better quality garment just sometimes may not make financial sense for the consumer.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
I definitely think it would be a great idea to provide support for keeping manufacturing in New Zealand.  I wish there was an incentive for the CMT (Cut, Make & Trim) industry to be bigger and more accessible than it is. In doing my research, I was astounded to find that using a locally based CMT would mean the cost of the labour alone (not including fabric, thread, domes, buttons, swing tags or labels) would be more than the current total wholesale price of any of my garments!  And that's just sad.


Anything to add?
At the end of the day, I do this because I love it.  Bubbalino has become my third child & I believe in my brand, and the beautiful clothing and accessories that I've developed.  I don't know what the future holds but for now, I'm enjoying myself.