Seeking locally made fashion may be nothing new for many of us, but as the Buy Local, Shop Local sentiment increases, we challenge ourselves to take a more considered approach when opening our wallets. 

Our consumer dollars are a key factor in the continuing well-being of the local textile and manufacturing industries, sure, but what does the succession plan for the businesses involved look like? In an era when emerging talent yearns more for the chance to produce their own collections than for a career in facets of garment construction, how do we acknowledge the importance of our makers? 

Cue Mindful Fashion, the brainchild of designer Kate Sylvester and Ruby general manager Emily Miller-Sharma. Formed in 2018, this fashion industry collective aims to promote sustainable growth through responsible business practice and industry investment. This week, it launched a crowdfunding campaign, Love Local, via Boosted, with a goal to raise at least $30,000. The money will largely be invested in an apprenticeship programme to ensure a new generation of pattern-cutters, button-holers, pleaters and embroiderers are nurtured. There is something so special about wearing pieces designed, made and sold here in New Zealand. The following are some of my favourites, available to buy now:



Harris Tapper Wallace trouser, $549
Crafted from champagne satin, these wide leg pleat front trousers look equally at home in the boardroom or out of the office, paired with a classic white trainer and soft knit. Shop



Maggie Marilyn I Lead from the Heart blazer, $1400

This was one of New Zealand superstar Maggie Marilyn’s most recognisable early fits. This time, she has used beige linen over wool suiting for a more relaxed feel. Maggie is big on ‘love local’ and lists the mills and makers for each garment. This piece was put together by Avenue Clothing. Team this with the Harris Tapper trouser listed above and a plain white tee for the most glorious locally made relaxed-fit suit. Shop



Standard Issue tulle merino skivvy, $229
An it kid go-to for a while now, the tulle range is available in cotton or merino in a number of colours. Knitted on site at the Standard Issue head office in Mount Wellington, this skivvy explains why heavy hitters like Paris Georgia have repeatedly collaborated with this design house and why pieces from this core range sit in so many of our wardrobes. Shop



Meadowlark Harmony earrings, $1485
Limited-edition showstoppers, these earrings were inspired by freshwater pearls. Each pair is unique and made lovingly on site at the Meadowlark office by an in-house team of jewellers. Meadowlark strives to create pieces to be kept, loved and passed down. Shop

 


Wynn Hamlyn bias maxi, $460
Billowing long sleeves and high necked, this gown is perfect for winter events. Hidden woollen foundation layers, anyone? Cut and made in an Auckland production house, then hand-dyed to finish by Wynn and his team in their central Auckland workroom, no two dresses are the same. Shop

 

Penny Sage Sophy jumpsuit, $490
If you know me personally or follow my Instagram you will have likely heard me harp on about this before. My love affair with the Sophy jumpsuit began a while back and the feelings are still strong. The Sophy would look amazing teamed with the Standard Issue tulle skivvy. Shop

 Mȧhsa bow blouse, $470 in eggshell
The iconic Mȧhsa bow blouse. Dreamy soft cotton silk cut to allow freedom of movement. All Mȧhsa collections are designed and made locally. This blouse is often re-cut in new hues with the change of season, but it’s the eggshell original that has my heart. Shop

 

Crane Brothers Midnight Navy wool-and-mohair double-breasted coat, from $1995
Offered exclusively as part of the made-to-measure service, this piece is cut, constructed and finished by hand locally, and is available with extensive personalisation options. The price may sting at first, but this is the type of item that will stay in your wardrobe for a lifetime. Buy once and buy well. Shop


Doran and Doran jacket, $1350, or $1890 as part of a suit

This double-breasted jacket is proudly manufactured completely in-house, uses New Zealand raw materials where possible, and has a beautiful modern fit featuring no canvas or shoulder pads. Shop


Workshop Denim Chore jacket, $359
Long-time purveyors of understated and masculine cool, Workshop Denim creates simple yet well-executed pieces that are easy to wear. This jacket is a nod to the classic American workwear that looks good on anyone, no matter what your pronouns are. Team with dark denim, pull-on boots and a crew-neck knit for the perfect off-the-clock ensemble. Shop

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