Wellington-born label Kowtow is a designer brand which combines fashion with ethical and sustainable values.
As a brand, Kowtow respects each of the processes needed to bring its creations to life from using only 100% Fairtrade organic cotton and fabric’s dyed using Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) to ensuring all employees are paid a fair and living wage.
FashioNZ caught up with founder and director Gosia Piatek to talk about the upcoming Kowtow summer collection. We asked her what she loves about being a designer and what she would never be caught wearing…
Tell us about Kowtow and the latest collection?
Our Summer 13/14 collection ‘Silent Space’ is inspired by Tadao Ando a Japanse minimalist architect who’s work is characterised by large open areas emphasising nothingness and beauty of simplicity.
Left: Shadow Dress – $239
Right: Vacation Parka – $269, Building Block Cami Top – $59, Building Block Pants – $149
Summer 13/14 Silent Space collection
What do you love most about being a designer?
Freedom to do whatever we want.
What inspires you (in your work or otherwise)?
Architecture, typography, street style and travel.
Describe your personal style?
Relaxed and masculine.
What is your all-time favourite fashion purchase?
I really love my Nga Waiata wooden/crystal rings.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
A Kowtow Building Block Long Sleeve Top (I have one for each day of the week – so much nicer than wool against skin!).
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
We design with the Kowtow brand in mind. Simple, minimalist and clever.
One trend you would never follow?
Chest plate tattoos.
What is this season’s ‘must have’ item?
Winter – a decent coat (I still don’t own one!). Summer – one of our fair trade organic cotton voile dresses.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing….
…… a super girly, frilly dress.