MisteR

www.mister.co.nz

facebook.com/mistermenswear

facebook.com/misterwomenswear

twitter.com/mister_clothing

Physical Address:  Due to earthquakes we no longer have a studio/showroom and are working from home.

Operating Since:  We established MisteR in 2006.

Mickey Lin & Ra Thomson

What are you all about?

We started MisteR as a New Zealand designed and made boutique menswear label with a distinctive international outlook.  In 2011, we launched a women's line & established MisteR as a major player in the NZ Fashion scene.

What kind of clothes do you make?

MisteR's style is an artful collision between the heritage of British tailoring and the experimental fun and quirkiness of Asian fashion.  This means we love structured cuts, quality construction and comfortably stylish fit.  At MisteR, details reigns supreme and we embrace exuberant colours, bold patterns and quirky touches.  Alongside our attention to detail is our commitment to quality and comfort; and to the environment, we have strict guidelines on using only natural fibre fabrics, buttons and linings. We believe every little bit helps when looking after our customers and our planet.

We carefully curate each range and produce limited quantities of hand numbered pieces, which adds exclusivity to each garment.  Whilst we are known for our suits, alongside these you'll find shirts, premium denim, knits and tees so you can mix and match to create your own unique look. We believe good fashion is always in style, and our garments are designed to last both stylistically and physically the test of time.  MisteR is a platform for you to express your own personal style and celebrate distinctive, individual clothing created with passion and care; which has always been and will always be 'Made in New Zealand'.

Who makes your clothes?

One of our key aspects is we only make our clothes in New Zealand.

We use a number of manufacturers around the country.

Who sells your clothes?

We have a number of stockists around the country & we like to stock our wares at shops who reflect our own ideals.

Can we buy them online?

Yes!  We sell online and we have a number of international customers who order via our website.

What price range are your clothes in?

MisteR is in the mid to high price range but we are true believers in 'you get what you paid for'.  Our clothing is high-end designer product made from high quality materials & manufactured right here in NZ.  We produce very small quantities of each style so therefore you won't see anyone else with yours.  You may pay more for NZ-made but, by supporting NZ-made, you're supporting your community and ensuring your money stays here and doesn't go overseas.

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

Because it's cheaper.

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

Give more funding to the "Buy NZ Made" campaign.

Put tariffs back on imported products.

Make it easier to trade overseas with grants and subsidies.

Anything to add?

MisteR loves you! XOXO

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.

weebits

www.weebits.co.nz
facebook.com/weebits
Physical Location:  Lower Hutt
Operating Since:  2008

Debbie Green

What are you all about?
Our clothing is personally knitted in 8 ply merino wool, as well as a small range of 2 and 4 ply vests, socks and beanies.  I think of our clothing as simple but stylish.  The garments compliment each other to create a gorgeous ensemble for any little person.


What kind of clothes do you make?
We use the best merino sourced from high country farms in the South Island and then entirely processed at a local wool factory, Woolyarns.  All weebits garments are dyed using eco-friendly low-impact fibre-reactive dyes.  Unlike conventional dyes, these contain no heavy metals or other known toxic substances.  Our natural-colour wool is eco-merino which has no scouring or bleaching in the process.


Who makes your clothes?
We have a great team of knitters from the South Island in Geraldine. They have been knitting for us since 2008.  Once we expanded into the UK, the Netherlands, South Africa and Australia, I advertised from some local knitters & now have a great team close by as well, which works well for those urgent one-off things that sometimes we need today.  Most of my knitters knit every day as there is always a winter somewhere in the world.  They really enjoy it and weebits has become a large part of their lives.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
weebits is sold online through our website as well as top-end stores around the world.  Where we have control, the stores and their locations are carefully selected so that they have some exclusivity in their area.


What price range are your clothes in?
The price of the weebits range is $20 - $150, from our merino knitted socks to knitted basket-weave blanket.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
I think manufacturing overseas obviously has a price factor but also has become very easy for a lot of businesses & there are a lot more options than here in New Zealand.  It's a big shame but, in the end, I think customers still appreciate a well-made NZ product & we don't intend moving from that.


What would the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
It would be great to see the Government help with some funding for new NZ businesses.  The "Buy New Zealand Made" campaign has been a good thing & hopefully made people more aware of the benefits to buying NZ-made.


Anything to add?
All in all, I love my job and am kept very busy.  I talk about "us" and "our" rather than "me" because I feel my husband has been great influence on my business; pushing me along to succeed & developing a great website, database and finding stores around the world.
I am happy to have so many fabulous knitters in New Zealand kept busy doing something they love.  I appreciate and know them all personally & often spend time chatting and having coffee with them, which I think is a very important part of the business.
Happy knitters make great garments!

NYNE

www.nyne.co.nz
facebook.com/thewhiteroom
Physical Address:  135 Ward Street, Hamilton
Operating Since:  2004

Jacob & Miranda Scott-Simmonds
Tina Patrick (centre)

What are you all about?
What kind of clothes do you make?
We design and manufacture 'high street designer wear'.  It is easily understood, simplistic and effortless yet still contemporary and on trend.
We appeal to a broad age range, manufacture all of our collections in New Zealand, and work hard to keep our prices accessible.




Who makes your clothes?
Everything is NZ-made, including our knitwear and accessories.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
We wholesale to various boutiques all around the country (from Kerikeri to Invercargill) as well as around 30 boutiques throughout Australia.  We do not stock to any 'online stores' as such... we do receive online enquiries through our store, The White Room by which people can purchase items through... but yes, online sales is certainly something we are considering.


What price range are your clothes in?
NZ$90 - $550


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?  Cost - always and only.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
I don't think it should be up to the Government to make concessions for one sector of the economy.  Designers at the end of the day have the choice & conscious decision to go NZ-made or not.
  
However, a couple of things the Government could do is:
- push/advertise/encourage the average Kiwi to become aware of/ask/check labels on clothing and to buy NZ-made
- an online national register stating what labels manufacture in New Zealand & how much of their collections are manufactured in NZ.  Updated seasonally
- a national and international campaign showcasing those labels & advertising that register
- bring back the "Buy NZ Made" campaign & tailor that to specific industries.


Anything to add?
We are certainly pro NZ-made.  Sure, our circumstances may change in the future but, for now, it makes sense; not only in a patriotic sense but logistically, cost & time wise.  I think a lot of New Zealanders would be surprised at the number of high fashion, big brand NZ designers who manufacture part, or all, of their collections off-shore and still charge NZ-made prices.  You also then get the opposite - local boutiques making everything in-house or locally & nobody even knows...
Due to the move off-shore, the trade in New Zealand has downsized dramatically.  If it continues this way, possibly in the future we won't have a choice.