In time for winter, the latest collaboration between Standard Issue and prolific artist Tracey Tawhiao (Ngāi Te Rangi, Tuwharetoa and Whakatōhea) is already warming our hearts.
Entitled ORA, the partnership is marked by a limited-edition blanket/cape made from low-impact, ethical merino wool. Working closely with Standard Issue owner Emma Ensor, the resulting piece speaks to Tracey’s creativity and strength, and also expresses Standard Issue’s vision and craftsmanship.
"I could feel we were on the same page, from the concept of the garment to the artwork that would best be represented in a knit structure, through to the earthy tones of our autumn/winter 2022 yarns being so complementary to Tracey’s art," says Emma.
In the collaborative process, Tracey also found a genuine connection with Emma, who took Viva through the factory floor in 2021, highlighting the brand's made-in-Aotearoa ethos with the support of knitwear machinery that allows them to create some of the country's beloved knitwear designs.
"Emma is such a patient and lovely woman. She’s a South Islander and this is noted in her total lack of a big Auckland ego. It was an easy and fluid process and took no time at all. I hope to do more with Standard Issue based on this experience."
"Collaborations offer a really positive energy, working alongside others to unravel the thoughts of each involved, fusing together the strengths and skills each brings to the table and ultimately creating something worth celebrating," adds Emma.
"In addition, I love how it offers a new challenge to our talented team and the rewarding impact it has, allowing them to showcase their technical prowess in a new way."
Soft to the touch, Emma also shares the technical aspects of this piece that make it an ideal and long-lasting blanket choice.
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Advertise with NZME."The ORA blanket is knitted as one panel on a 12-gauge knitting machine using a four-colour jacquard knit structure. Knitted in one panel with a centre-linked neck opening, it offers a varying colour palette from front to back."
"Each blanket takes over two hours to knit and is made with a zero-waste output."
The term ORA (verb) means to be alive, well, safe, cured, recovered, healthy, fit, healed, and was chosen by Tracey for this collaboration to reflect our transition into a newly heightened awareness around wellbeing
When asked about her favourite blanket memories, Tracey says while not personally, she does have fond memories of those close to her.
"I wasn’t a blankie baby. Though I have a daughter who was obsessed with her blanket that she named Bob. It fell to pieces eventually but my mum saved a little corner of it."
"I sometimes feel like I failed her in some important way, why she needed Bob. I forgive myself incrementally. It is a big job, motherhood, and it's kind of a miracle to get healthy adults out of the trial and error parenting package."
"Our Ora blanket could be part of the magical blankets kids have that they name and love. We put love into this blanket that much I know. On a lighter note, I have one of my grandmother's tartan heavy wool blankets and it gives me joy to think of her in it."
The Tracey Tawhiao x Standard Issue ORA blanket is available now. Standardissue.co.nz
