An Outstanding New Zealand Business Model... With Mother of Pearl Buttons!

Natural products in fashion are often chosen to enhance uniqueness and add popularity to a new collection. It provides a compelling story, getting away from the use of synthetics, with careful attention to sustainable sourcing, etc... But here's the thing: how do you go deeper than just a 'feel good' factor? How can you go above and beyond, tackling issues inherent to your industry, with an approach that is both groundbreaking and generous? Today, we introduce you to our client 'Precious Collaborative Ltd' and their fascinating story of commitment to affordable fashion made essentially from natural components.

New Zealand Made, Yet Accessible

In fashion, outsourcing production to low labor cost countries is mostly accepted as a necessary evil, keeping prices acceptable for the wider public. But what if this very concept could be challenged? New Zealand Based 'Precious Collaborative' choose to redirect profit from the high end to support affordable quality in every day 'ready-to-wear'.

In Claire O'Connell's words "It's a rather unusual business model where the sale of a high-end coat subsidises an Everyday Collection in wool and hemp, the focus being to supplant fast fashion items in the consumer's wardrobe with better bought items. The Coat is designed by a famous New Zealand designer, our first is Liz Mitchell MNZM. We have already sold one coat for $10,000." "We're focused on production and supply within NZ, using natural materials, hence the shell buttons instead of zippers. We launched the Coat last December at an auction in Wanaka and the Everyday Collection was launched here in Wanaka at the end of March."

More Than Just a One-off Experimental Process

The model is made to be ongoing, and the benefits are quantified. Extracts below are from the Collaborative's website The Coat – Precious Collaborative

'The Coat: Designed Just For You:

Each coat will be handmade for you, by Liz Mitchell from bespoke wool, reflected in the $10,000 price tag. This is your opportunity to help others take a stand against fast fashion. Simply fill in the details, and we’ll get in touch to schedule your personalised consultation. We have two beautiful Coats, one for men and one for women'

Democratising High Quality Ready-To-Wear Is Getting Away From Fossil Fuel Based, High Throw Away, Fast Fashion:

'An investment in this piece of fashion art is not only a bespoke, designer piece for you to wear but your purchase will help us to fund a new fashion imperative. So please do join us. The profits from your purchase will go directly towards funding the Precious Collaborative ready-to-wear collection so that many others can experience the beauty of tailor-made garments.

Priced at $10,000, your coat is not only an investment in a work of art, but it will also help to subsidize up to 30 people to buy a garment from our ready-to-wear collection.'

Lindsey Schofield again:
'We inspire people who can afford the $10,000 price tag whilst also being interested in our business model and the philanthropic aspect of their purchase. It is quite a unique combination and probably not found in many people in NZ. But our aim is to make sustainable quality woolen garments affordable. And if we can even just get a few people to be able to buy tailored, sustainable garments that they will keep for years then we will feel that we have succeeded.'

The Start of Something Bigger?

The concept has the potential to grow, as an increasing number of wealthy clients could use their-high end purchases to support this model of environmental consciousness, social responsibility and economic viability helping make our place more livable.

Would Precious Collaborative mind if any of the big fashion brands took a leaf off their book? Hear their answer:

'We would be fine if any big brands learned from our business model and implemented something similar! That would be fabulous, we’re all about the big picture and getting everyone/anyone to appreciate how difficult it can actually be to support more sustainable, slower fashion is my whole purpose with Precious.' - Claire O'Connell- CEO

Collaborative's Choice of Shell Buttons

Oceanshell has been the go-to supplier for Pacific Shells like Paua, Black Pearl Oyster and White Pearl Oyster for over 35years. It was only natural that the choice of buttons for Precious Collaborative came from our range. The featured buttons are from Pacific Black Mother of Pearl .

Happening right now!

The "the ready-to-wear Celtic Collection" is live by the 25th of April, only a few days away. Most of the sales will be done online. Should you wish to support a well-thought-out business model with tangible social benefits, click here and browse their website.

Environmental Benefits?

Fast fashion is known as one of the largest sources of microplastics polluting not just our Oceans, but also rivers and lakes. Pristine Lake Wanaka is not exempt. Last year’s Mountain Film Festival, based in Wanaka, featured a short film that exposed the full extent of microplastic fibers released by each laundry wash and affecting the lake. It is incredibly fitting that ‘Precious Collaborative’ have such a strong connection with Wanaka, as they do all they can to raise awareness of this huge environmental challenge.