Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Jane Henry

www.janehenry.co.nz
facebook.com/janehenry
Physical Address:  30 Bay View Rd, Redcliffs, Christchurch
Operating Since:  2011 in reality.

Jane Shand
What are you all about?
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.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Standard Issue

www.standardissue.co.nz
facebook.com/standard-issue
Physical Address:  Our office and manufacturing plant is in Eden Terrace, Auckland.
Operating Since:  Early 80's.


Laura Ellery - designer
What are you all about?
What kind of clothes do you make?
We believe in making functional, wearable knitwear - our designs are not overly tricked up but rather beautiful in their simplicity.  The collection is designed with longevity in mind, both in the manufacture and design.  You can pull out a Standard Issue cardigan two or ten years later and it will still look good. Our clothing is also about the yarns we use - artisan quality pieces crafted from some of the most beautiful yarns in the world.  


Who makes your clothing?
We do - it's all done in-house from the design stage to the last button.  We employ about 40 staff to make Standard Issue, another women's knitwear label called Visage & we also do contract knitting for other people.


Who sells your clothing?  Can we buy them online?
We have about 30 retailers throughout New Zealand and a handful in Australia and the U.S.  And you can buy them online.


What price range are your clothes in?
They're not cheap but when you consider the quality and volume of yarn that goes into each piece, they represent great value.  For example, you can pick up a 100% merino dress for under $300 and a jumper for around $200, which is pretty amazing.  We don't just price something for the sake of it - we price as competitively as we can, given the materials and cost of manufacture.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
I think choosing to manufacture offshore is purely a financial decision. Manufacturing locally is more convenient but it's also expensive.  But for us, it's also a creative and quality decision.  We have our own manufacturing plant - so our designer works closely with our technicians to achieve different effects in the garments; which is a luxury you can't afford if you're working with technicians halfway around the world.  We can also closely control the quality of every part of the process.  When you manufacture offshore, you can lose control of little things, even down to the type of thread that gets used to sew pieces together - which might be rotting or the wrong colour.  We enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that every item to leave our warehouse is beautifully constructed.  


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
There are many ways the Government could help make it more financially viable, including raising the tariffs on imported goods.  But we don't believe in limiting the market - at the end of the day, it's up to the consumer to spend their money as they believe best. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Jessica Young

Physical Address:  Wellington
Operating Since:  June 2011

What are you all about?
What kind of clothes do you make?
To me, clothing creates memories and evokes emotion.  I believe clothing has the power to make you feel beautiful or bold, happy or courageous.  My designs are inspired by my childhood, my own views on the world & the belief that clothing should be beautiful yet functional.  Comfort is key.  My clothes are classic and simple but with a twist.  A dash of colour in a draped cape or beaded features on a simple silk tunic.  My pieces are only made in ones or twos, and so are unique pieces which I hope people love.

Who makes your clothes? 
I make all the pieces here in Wellington from locally sourced materials.

Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
I sell through Salisbury Boutique in Dunedin.

What price range are your clothes in?
The price may vary dependent on the item and materials used.  Silk tops start at about $60, while my woollen capes retail at $350.

Friday, July 6, 2012

lhotse

www.lhotseclothing.com
facebook.com/lhotseclothing
twitter.com/lhotseclothing
Physical Address:  Auckland
Operating Since:  2011


Jenine Briggs
What are you all about?
What kind of clothes do you make?
We make yoga, pilates and exercise clothing for both men and women from organic, eco-dyed fabric.  We produce high quality garments which feel great to wear both inside and outside of class; while also being kinder on the environment.  We are also a huge supporter of the New Zealand industry and a key component of our brand is that the clothing is made here in NZ.


Who sells your clothing?  Can we buy them online?
Our clothing is stocked at Herne Bay Yoga School in Auckland.  Some of our range is also stocked at the Iyengar Yoga Centre in Hamilton.  You can also purchase online on our website.


What price range are your clothes in?
Our clothing ranges in price from $65 to $125.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Probably due to the cheaper costs in doing so.

Rosie Miller

www.rosiemiller.co.nz
facebook.com/rosiemillerdesigns
twitter.com/RosieMDesigns
Physical Address:  Christchurch
Operating Since:  July 2011


What are you all about?
What kind of clothes do you make?
Rosie Miller is a women's fashion label based out of Christchurch.  This label has been born out of a love of fashion and textiles.  Having my own clothing label has always been a dream of mine and now I am lucky enough to be living my dream.  What I love most about fashion is understated glamour.  It's the little things like pleats here, tucks there, a surprise patterned lining in a jacket, or the hint of something vintage-inspired coming through in the design.  My latest collection includes coats, capes, jackets, tops, dresses and skirts.


Who makes your clothes?
I design and produce all the garments myself, which I love.  But soon I will look to locally  outsourcing some of the processes that go into making a garment.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
You can buy my clothes from my website or in store at Where The Fox Lives in Christchurch, Made.It in Wellington and soon to be stocked in Dunedin as well.


What price range are your clothes in?
From $70 up to $430 for the Flared Coat.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
It really comes down to the price.  You can get cheaper fabric, labour and production & then even when you factor in shipping from overseas, garments are still working out a lot cheaper.  It's hard to compete with that when you're just starting out.  But just know that when you buy NZ-made, it's unique and was made with a lot of love.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
I think there needs to be more community education and support for why we should be moving away from 'disposable' fashion & more of a focus on the slow fashion movement and buying New Zealand made.  I would love to see a mentoring program set up between new designers and more established designers.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Love Hotel

www.lovehotel.co.nz
facebook.com/lovehotel.co.nz
twitter.com/LoveHotelNZ
Physical Address:  Hawkes Bay/Wellington
Operating Since:  Officially November 2011 but it has been a long time coming.

Harriet & Ella Garland-Levett
What are you all about?
What kind of clothes do you make?
Love Hotel is all about creating garments that you will fall in love with.  Our hand drawn textile details printed on delicate chiffons show the hand of the maker.  It all begins with making something we would want to wear.  The garments are feminine, layered, romantic, dramatic and spotty.  Love Hotel's latest collection includes dresses, kimonos, lacy leggings, fabulous oversized berets and more.

Who makes your clothes?
We design and create garments ourselves, including the design, screen printing and accessories.  Due to recent demand we have been outsourcing some work locally.

Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
In April this year, we were in the Wellington Fashion Week - Young Designer section.  We have gained the support from Buy New Zealand Made Ltd and Kirkcaldie and Stains Ltd & from mid-September, our current collection will be available in Kirkcaldie & Stains.  The collection will also be available online and we are in the process of finding other outlets.

What price range are your clothes in?
Our clothing ranges around $100 - $600.

Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
It is difficult to get ahead on the New Zealand fashion industry which is why many labels go overseas to cut costs.  We would love to be a part of growth within the NZ fashion industry.  Growth means greater opportunities for New Zealanders and products that have a stamp of local NZ love.  We are proud to wear the Buy New Zealand Made Ltd label on our new collection.

What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
The Government could provide support for new businesses and innovative, creative entrepreneurs to encourage growth within the industry.  The Government needs to support Made In New Zealand so we can continue to buy NZ-made.

Anything to add?
Check us out at the BMW Fashion in the Capital this August in Wellington.