New Fashion Label Combines Style and Sustainability

The recently launched Somers is a North Canterbury based fashion brand with a difference.

“I wanted to bring together sustainability and fashion,” says founder Kate McLauchlan of her new collection of ethical, New Zealand designed and made clothing.

Kate grew up on the family farm in West Eyreton and has always been accustomed to the idea of using the resources on hand. It’s an approach that she has brought into her fashion design – seeking out local fabrics and other resources. “There are some exciting opportunities happening in New Zealand and some great natural fabrics,” she says. Her focus is to use those whenever possible. There are even future plans to use wool from their family farm in her designs. Her family now farm at Mt Somers – thus the name of her new label.

The fabrics used in the Somers collection are natural and sustainable with organic cottons, natural linen, merino, hemp and even some innovative polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. And the sustainable focus extends to reducing excess waste, manufacturing in New Zealand and a holistic approach to fashion. Somers offers a take-back programme to take responsibility of their own waste and give the garment another loop in the cycle.

Rather than a dizzying blur of on season trends, Somers is about simple, plain designs that can work for all seasons and will last in your wardrobe.

There are classic t-shirts; practical but stylish dresses; crew neck jumpers and merino basics. With flattering cuts; versatile colours and affordable pricing – these are pieces that will make sure you always have something to wear and can be styled in so many different ways.

And for Kate that’s the aim – to provide positive fashion choices that stand the test of time.

Check out the full Somers collection at www.somers.co.nz