Our favourite New Zealand fashion labels offering made-to-order designs
IMAGE VIA @rachel__mills/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
Just for you.
Is made-to-order production the answer to fashion’s waste problems? While there’s no clear-cut answer, the concept of ‘bespoke’ design – previously reserved for French ateliers and wedding attire – has helped to slow down the accelerating trend cycle, encouraging shoppers to think before they add to cart.
Keep up to date with ethical designers over at our Fashion section.
Emerging local designers are at the forefront of this conscious design movement, preserving slow fashion principles through purposeful pre-orders and seasonless product drops. New Zealand labels are no exception, offering everything from hand-knitted vests to high-quality occasionwear in demand-based quantities. Below, find a growing list of made-to-order New Zealand fashion labels.
Rachel Mills
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Made to order in its Mount Eden-based workroom, Rachel Mills crafts timeless basics and high-quality lingerie, loungewear and swimwear. With a focus on sustainability, the brand houses a small selection of items ready for next-day dispatch, while all other pieces are made to order.
Amélie Knits
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Aotearoa-born label Amélie Knits handcrafts vibrant, playful pieces, like cropped jumpers, balaclavas, cardigans and boleros. Made from a mix of 100 per cent New Zealand-grown and spun mohair, Amélie knitwear is as soft as it is colourful.
Loclaire
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From elevated everyday basics to intricate going out wear and festival pieces, Loclaire really does it all. And their zero waste model works wonders for the planet. Pre-orders are open for a few days every month and limited styles are dropped monthly, making your garments especially unique.
Ellis
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Feminine, purposeful and elegant are the ideal adjectives to describe Auckland womenswear label, Ellis. Offering flattering cuts and simple, well-executed designs, the Ellis team crafts each piece with intention. Garments are released individually instead of in seasons, allowing the label to closely track production and minimise waste.
Molly Perkinsons
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Lulu Jackson started her sustainable womenswear label, Molly Perkinsons, after being taught sewing and patternmaking by her fashion designer grandmother. Based in Mount Maunganui, Molly Perkinsons creates pieces from vintage and deadstock fabrics, focusing on quality design and natural fabrics like silk, wool and cotton. Each garment is cut and handmade individually by Lulu, with custom orders available on request.
Baobei Label
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Wellington-based label Baobei is all about community, collaboration and authenticity. The creation of, Grace Ko, Baobei is currently open to a limited number of special commissions and made-to-order pieces.
Gloria
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Gloria is the most recent project from iconic Auckland artist and designer, Kristine Mary Crabb. Offering made-to-order clothing, perfume and custom pieces, Gloria has a focus on artisanal design techniques and versatile design. Choose from a curated collection of silk capes, lamé midi skirts, polished outerwear and refined denim pieces.
For more sustainable New Zealand fashion, head here.
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