Atér is a unique fashion brand that arose from one woman’s love for fashion, inspired by her grandmother’s dressmaking, and fuelled by a need to create sustainable, timeless clothing using the wool from her own family farm. International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) is excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind clothing brand from the heart of Otago.
A Passion for Winter Clothing
Born and raised in New Zealand, Georgina Lawson developed an early love for fashion. Her grandmother was a skilled dressmaker, and Georgina spent many hours watching her at work in her sewing room, sketching, cutting and sewing beautiful new creations – some of which Georgina herself designed.
A move to London led to Georgina’s passion for winter clothing being ignited, but when she returned home, she struggled to find the perfect winter coat – especially one made in New Zealand with the country’s beautiful homegrown wool. This was a problem she would ultimately solve herself by combining her love of fashion with her husband’s work as a sheep farmer. And so Atér was born.
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Genuine New Zealand Winter Coats
Created exclusively with the produce of Moana Farm, a third-generation sheep and beef farm in the hills of Otago, Atér coats are made from hogget wool for extra durability, strength and length. Hogget wool is slightly finer that ewe wool (around 31 microns), and this is one of the keys to the longevity of Atér coats. A hogget is a sheep that is between 11 and 24 months old. Moana is home to 3,000 crossbred (Romdale) ewes, which produce approximately 12,000kg of strong wool annually.
Georgina has created a small, unique collection of winter coats that are designed and made to transcend seasons and remain wardrobe staples for many years to come. The emphasis is on timeless elegance, heirloom quality, durability and sustainability. The wool is taken straight from Moana’s sheep and processed using approved manufacturing methods and dyes. Atér also uses only recycled buttons and packaging. Atér is a committed adherent of the slow fashion movement, and supports New Zealand manufacturers at every step of the manufacturing journey.
Atér’s growing product line is proof that fashion of the highest quality can be designed and manufactured entirely within the borders of New Zealand, and stands as a testament, not only Georgina’s design talent and entrepreneurial spirit, but also to the high standards of New Zealand’s wool industry.
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