Designer bows out

Keith Matheson.

A top Kiwi designer is quitting the fashion industry after more than 30 years in the trade.

Keith Matheson made the decision after a fire gutted his head office in Auckland's Parnell, destroying the winter sample range, fabric and decades of designs.

The company shut its Wellington and Christchurch stores in January, but Matheson has now decided to close his two Auckland stores in Newmarket and High St.

The closure will cost about 30 jobs around the country.

Matheson said his decision had nothing to do with the recession, with January takings at the High St outlet up on the same month last year.

"The fire knocked the stuffing out of me. I lost everything that was near or dear to me. I lost the library of the best pieces I've made over the last 30 years."

Sixteen fire trucks were used to fight the blaze, started by an overhead light one afternoon last October.

"It was a life-changing event, and I made the decision to have an honourable closing," said Matheson.

"I've enjoyed it, I've done it well and I've worked with some fantastic people and that's enough. I'm 61, I've done it for 32 years. The sign was there. That's enough."

The business, which sold classic styles for men and women, began as Jeanmakers in 1977 and had stores in Australia for 14 years until they closed in 2004.

The Auckland outlets will remain open until Matheson can find takers for the leases.

Although he will miss designing, Matheson is adamant he won't relaunch the label.

"I'm satisfied with what I have done, what I have achieved and what I've got back from the rag trade. It's been a great ride."