Wellington label Kowtow occupies this position of maintaining an ethical business model in an industry of fast fashion with its carefully considered and conceived range of fairtrade organic cotton garments…
There’s something reassuring wholesome about the notion of “organic”. Paired with an adventurous spirit, you get a combination that’s contemporary in every aspect of its being – holistic by default, expansive in its vision, stylish in its execution.
Wellington label Kowtow occupies this position with its carefully considered and conceived range of organic cotton garments.
This isn’t the place to dissect the difficulties of maintaining an ethical business model in an industry that is notoriously battling its fast fashion demons; instead, let’s concentrate on the real business at hand. Fashion. Because that’s what Kowtow does. And beautifully, at that.
With a name like “Anywhere But Here”, the Winter 2013 collection suggests an almost petulant penchant for more exciting, or meaningful, locales.
Considering the collection is an exploration of lost youth and rebellion, for nostalgic reverie towards an era when aimlessness was totally acceptable, it’s an appropriate summation. Here you have strong shapes that balance androgyny with sharp, tailored femininity; electric colours partnered with neutrals and the slash of stark, fantastic prints.
The “Such Promise” dress offers an easy solution to colder weather, and could conceivably be worn with tights, boots, or pretty heels. It’s cute but coy, ready for action, happy to kick around.
Like a breath of immaculate Victorian air, the “You Could Be Loved” coat is effortless in its confidence, the cool girl on the block whose sex appeal lies in her ability to keep things hidden.
When wild imagination requires a little steadying, Kowtow’s “Building Blocks” provide luxurious foundations. Camis, briefs, leggings, scarves, tunics, tees, you name it – any of the basics you’d dream up in your wardrobe are right here, all in 100% certified fair trade cotton jersey.
Kowtow doesn’t miss a beat in its pairing of simplicity and humour with ethical considerations. All cotton is sourced from premium sustainable plantations and dyes adhere to the strict criteria outlined by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): no nickel, lead, formaldehyde is found here. The result? Sultry fabrics that are luscious to wear. Just the thing for sending you on a dreamy trip to “anywhere but here”…
Kowtow Northern Hemisphere Summer / Southern Hemisphere Winter 2013 collection ‘Anywhere But Here’ will be available in February 2013 in stores around NZ, Australia and the US as well as online.
Models Lili Sumner and Jordan Barron – Red 11
Photography Boofa – Hippy Parent Productions
Hair Bex Brent – Willis York
Make Up Phoebe Leonard
Styling Emily Jolliffe
Rings Meadowlark
By Willow Sharp, 8 December 2012
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