Iconic New Zealand brand Swanndri has released details of a new design partnership with internationally renowned fashion designer, Karen Walker.
The collaboration will be a unique lifestyle collection known as Swanndri by Karen Walker. Products as diverse as luggage and outdoor clothing will form the basis of the new range which brings together Swanndri's heritage and intrinsic durability with Karen Walker's focus on style to create modern timeless pieces that are as at home in Auckland, Tokyo, or New York as they are on the farm.
Having undertaken an intensive strategic review of its business over the past twelve months, Swanndri has identified two key areas for development. The first was the need for investment in product development and innovation in the rural and industrial markets. The second key area was to extend and further develop the Swanndri lifestyle range and the partnership with Karen Walker takes this to the next level.
Swanndri Chief Executive Officer, Julian Bowden sees the partnership as an exciting and unique venture for a brand known and loved by generations of Kiwis.
Both Swanndri and Karen Walker see the amalgamation as capitalising on what each is renowned for. Swanndri is associated with durability, reliability and "doing the work" while Karen Walker is famous for her original design ideas and global outlook.
Swanndri sees the partnership as a way of making the distinctive Swanndri values more relevant for New Zealanders and ultimately, an international audience hungry for the authentic.