Green Fashion: 10 New Zealand Sustainable Designers You Need to Know

5. chalkydigits

chalkydigits (so named for the chalk that covers rock climber's hands aka digits to get a better grip) blends bohemian with outdoorsy and aims to make pieces that are universal and don't fall into the "fast fashion and disposable society." Pieces are easy to mix and match, yet have a durable look and feel. If you like Of the Earth, then chalkydigits is right up your alley.

6. Tika Merino

Tika Merino, producing mens and womens casual wear from merino grown exclusively on the south island, is independently audited to certify that sheep are free range and happy. All of the emissions for Tika Merino are also offset through Landcare Research's CarboNZero Program. If you're looking for bright colors, flashy designs, and screaming new styles, this isn't it. These are basic, simple pieces, wearable from year to year, to accent and provide the staples for any wardrobe.

7. Kowtow

Kowtow, maker of certified organic fair trade shirts offers funny, edgy, urban designs on brightly colored tees. From Einstein wearing 3D shades to the face of a cat, these shirts let you make a statement. Made with low-impact reactive dyes, all shirts are extra soft (and possibly pill-resistant) thanks to an enzyme added during the pre-wash process. For those of you who can't get enough of logo tees, here's a new source of inspiration. And what would fashion be without a little bit of rock-and-roll? Kowtow throws in a free compilation CD with every purchase. Nice!

8. Kate Sylvester

The Kate Sylvester label encourages a blending of competing interests. Past collections celebrated a blending of nature and fashion--highlighting folks that used to hunt lions wearing couture gowns--by creating pieces that are both couture and sportwear for both men and women. Part prepster, part day-hiker, the clothing is a mash of opposites with short shorts, long leggings, and flowing tops. You can also find eye wear including sunglasses. All items are produced locally in New Zealand, using blends of organic cotton, eco merino, and other sustainable fabrics, and have been since the label first launched. Plus, the company has a 3rd party audit conducted annually to find ways to reduce carbon emissions, hosts a worm farm, and uses alternative fuel vehicles.

9. Standard Issue

Making clothing in New Zealand (and predominantly selling clothing in New Zealand) ranks high in importance to Standard Issue, a knitwear line for men, women, and children. Most of the Merino is grown and sourced right on the island, and clothing is manufactured in plants right on the island--so Standard Issue can keep close tabs on how things are handled. All dyes used are metal-free, and, like all of the clothing we have seen on this list, this Kiwi company makes clothes that look fashionable and are made to take a beating. When the store goes live by the end of 2009, a portion of each sale will go towards protecting New Zealand native birds, particularly the kokako. By 2010, the company hopes to move to an organic line.

10. Icebreaker

Last but not least, how could we leave out Icebreaker and their cleverly creative Baacode, which allows you to trace your item from the farm to manufacture to where it is now in your hot little hands. Each Icebreaker item is made with New Zealand merino wool and the company as a whole promotes sustainability from the top down. If you are looking to get out into the environment, Icebreaker clothing for men and women will keep you the perfect temperature--no matter what the elements are doing outside. Base layers, socks, coats, accessories, and sportswear can all be found on their Web site.

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