Fashion

New Zealand merino wool is being used in the fashion houses of Yves St Laurent and Ralph Lauren as well as by several leading international fabric manufacturers and knitwear companies including Italian suit manufacturer Loro Piana and American suitmaker Oxford Clothes.

New Zealanders’ love of the outdoor lifestyle and adventure has led to the international success of several fashionable outdoor clothing brands.

New Zealand fashion designer Kate Sylvester has lived in the shadow of Karen Walker, but has become an entity in her own right - wowing them regularly at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week.

New Zealand fashion designer Tanya Carlson is having an impact on the international fashion market.

A possum fur coat with hat and gloves to match? Or a bikini of silky possum skin? In New Zealand the anti-fur protesters have given these garments the thumbs up.

New Zealanders' outdoor lifestyle has created demand for high-quality lifestyle clothing. Line 7 is a leading world label in yachting sportswear. Also Untouched World and Snowy Peak, and uses for Merino.

With the Internet, satellite television and cheaper air travel, many see New Zealand as being a fashion season ahead of the rest of the world.