One of the first people I went to for the manufacturing overseas topic was bag designer Roanne Jacobson, who I knew had been inspired to start making her collections in Indonesia (Bali) when she was there on honeymoon and was very impressed by the workmanship she saw. Nothing like a busman's holiday. Her new husband was probably less than impressed but ten years on the partnership with the Indonesian manufacturers is strong and something Jacobson is very proud of.
Reading the stories of NZ businesses and their manufacturing partners - they really are pioneers in their fields, bravely just doing it when they really don't know how the relationship will work out. As Jacobson says she communicates in pidgin English and lots of drawings.
Paula Wallace, from Wallace Cotton says fortunately wherever you are from, everyone speaks the language of textiles, which is a good way of putting it.
Another company keen on good cotton, is Wellington designer label KowTow. Gosia Pi?tek has stuck to her guns and will only deal with fair trade manufacturers - she is happy because the staff have work conditions most Western workers take for granted.
Make no mistake, this is hard work. Jo Eddington, of Coastal Design Co, is, as we speak spending her nights talking to her manufacturers in Asia for this season's furniture collection.
