About Us
Hey there!
Every day presents us with questions - who to listen to, how to act, what to say, what to think… and so many more… But somewhere in the midst of these we ask, “what does what I wear say about me?”
We are all different, but if I could offer you a glimpse into what fuels my passion and the purpose that drives Stella Claire, maybe in turn you could identify with this and feel inspired to join this journey with me...
The Short Story (so far):
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Our story starts in early 2020 when I began making pants for my friends and family as a side hustle over summer. It was a great opportunity to pursue a hobby and make a little spare cash over this period but once the holidays were over I was back to Wellington and that was that. But then Covid arrived... On my rushed trip back from university in Wellington I ordered some fabric to make more pants and keep myself busy during lockdown. I put the word out over Instagram and by the end of lockdown I had what was beginning to look like a viable business. It was now way more than a hustle as so many supported my story of homegrown sustainable fashion.
The big question now was - “should I go back to university or should I stick to Stella Claire?”
I decided to do both.
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Fast forward three years - I've now graduated while Stella Claire has grown into a brand with 11 different product categories - putting me on a path that surpasses even my wildest dreams.
I have around me a group of like-minded people and organisations. Pattern making is done from home or by Chris in Onehunga and cutting is done by Janine and her team only 2 kms down the road. Robyn does my sampling and everyday Imran from NZ Post collects and delivers to you with his beaming smile. It’s really my happy place.
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And then there’s my immediate support system - my friends and family who I have in front and behind the lens or right next to me packing orders during the wee hours. The ones who help me through the low points and celebrate with me through the high points. I wouldn’t be here without any of them.
Meanwhile I’m just holding on for the ride as I coordinate the actual business of doing the business. But for me, the most important thing is shaping the direction we (as in you and me) want Stella Claire to go in. All I know is that this is a journey that seems to have chosen me and I wake up every day wanting to make it meaningful.
Throughout the years, I always wanted my personal approach to Stella Claire to allow for stronger connections with my customers. I feel it's important to connect with you so you can understand the "why" behind my business and become a part of the Stella Claire story too.
Ever since the beginning our brand has grown organically through the support of our community - whether it be those directly involved with production or those who purchase, share the love and spread the word - or even those who are simply along for the ride. We all have a place here!
It is this connection that has been a guiding force throughout the growth of my brand and is a value I know I will always stand by. Building a circular community, where designs and production are driven by feedback and shared interests - I love sharing this journey with you, so it doesn’t get much better than this!
Due to Stella Claire being a product of 2020 and all the highs and lows that came with that, there was one thing that seemed to remain... local support and kindness. These factors became a huge driving force for us and our brand, as our community grew alongside us with a shared focus.
There are so many things that go into supporting local, but for us it's about cultivating a circular ecosystem, and in doing so we're not only contributing to a more sustainable approach but are also strengthening the local manufacturing industry.
There are many other benefits of local manufacture, such as being able to personally oversee every aspect of the production process - but at the end of the day, it's where we started, and aim to stay - for as long as it is remains sustainable for us and the trajectory of Stella Claire.
Every day I am consumed by how I can deliver to you an honest and interesting product that could leave little or no carbon footprint - a product that you will still enjoy and be wearing in five, ten or even fifteen years time. At my heart is a desire to ‘walk rather than talk’ - especially when it comes to sustainability and contributing to our community. So I ask that you judge what we are doing at Stella Claire by our actions, rather than our words.
Throughout the years, I always wanted my personal approach to Stella Claire to allow for stronger connections with my customers. I feel it's important to connect with you so you can understand the "why" behind my business and become a part of the Stella Claire story too.
Ever since the beginning our brand has grown organically through the support of our community - whether it be those directly involved with production or those who purchase, share the love and spread the word - or even those who are simply along for the ride. We all have a place here!
It is this connection that has been a guiding force throughout the growth of my brand and is a value I know I will always stand by. Building a circular community, where designs and production are driven by feedback and shared interests - I love sharing this journey with you, so it doesn’t get much better than this!
Due to Stella Claire being a product of 2020 and all the highs and lows that came with that, there was one thing that seemed to remain... local support and kindness. These factors became a huge driving force for us and our brand, as our community grew alongside us with a shared focus.
There are so many things that go into supporting local, but for us it's about cultivating a circular ecosystem, and in doing so we're not only contributing to a more sustainable approach but are also strengthening the local manufacturing industry.
There are many other benefits of local manufacture, such as being able to personally oversee every aspect of the production process - but at the end of the day, it's where we started, and aim to stay - for as long as it is remains sustainable for us and the trajectory of Stella Claire.
Every day I am consumed by how I can deliver to you an honest and interesting product that could leave little or no carbon footprint - a product that you will still enjoy and be wearing in five, ten or even fifteen years time. At my heart is a desire to ‘walk rather than talk’ - especially when it comes to sustainability and contributing to our community. So I ask that you judge what we are doing at Stella Claire by our actions, rather than our words.
Our Actions
Fabric sourcing & shipment
Our fabric is delivered to us in New Zealand by sea. Sea freight offers several environmental benefits in comparison to air freight as ships emit significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and have greater fuel efficiency, resulting in lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per unit of transported goods.
Local production
We all know sustainability is much more than just a low carbon footprint, it is about creating a circular ecosystem - and the closer to home it is, the better. Supporting my local community means our garments travel less miles before they reach your door. Local production has additional benefits such as lower energy consumption due to smaller scale operations and enhanced transparency and accountability (enabling better visibility and control over supply chains). Our lovely Cutter Janine is always offering suggestions on how we can limit our waste when cutting our garments. It’s wonderful encouraging responsible practices through the supply chain - and even better being able to do so in person.
Sustainable packaging and use of materials
Our garments are delivered to us grouped in sizes and are never individually wrapped. Our courier packaging is compostable or recyclable from Local NZ company - R3pack. Our orders are sent with few bells and whistles: the product, thank you card, courier bag, brand and courier stickers - all of which are sustainably produced - and that’s it.
Test of time
Our garments are designed to stand the test of time, and we hope to see them as the first thing you reach for, for many years to come. To achieve this, we take a timeless and wearable (with a bit of fun) approach to design, believing that our designs will remain relevant for generations to come. In addition, our fabrics are carefully selected for their durability and longevity, ensuring that you can confidently wear our products regularly and with proper care - consider them wardrobe staples.
Waste limitations
Throughout every step of our supply chain, we prioritize waste reduction. Often our fabric arrives in large bamboo casing rather than plastic. Once in Auckland, our team ensures that waste is limited during the cutting process. In 2020, we utilised excess fabric to create masks, and currently, we are repurposing surplus materials for children's wear. Any remaining unused fabric is set aside for future projects, such as sampling or personal creations, ensuring that we are limiting our waste. This approach aligns with our mission to make the most of every material and lower our environmental impact.
Circular
We have recently opened a new section of our website that showcases our ‘seconds’ products: garments that have small flaws brought about through the production process. These things are bound to happen, and it would be a huge shame to see these products go to waste. So rather than having these products added to our already swamped landfills, we are giving them a second chance through selling them at a discount on our online store. In the future, we would love to open an online selling platform where we can resell Stella Claire items in need of a new home (watch this space).
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Ideation
Being a small and slow fashion community, our process can be lengthy and often we are planning our drops months and months ahead of our release date!
The process starts with the ideation phase. I'm often a bit stumped on what to bring to you next - all I know is it needs to be an enduring, wonderful and quality garment that you will love for years to come!
My ideas usually come from brainstorming, trend research, late nights on Pinterest and a few (maybe not so accurate) sketches. Once I've got a design I love I'll research some fabrics I think may be suitable.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Fabric Sourcing
Our fabric is sourced from Nantong, China through our fabric wholesaler Maggie. We are in conversation with Maggie regularly regarding upcoming drops and fabric availability. Once we have decided what our drops require, we order the fabric through her which is delivered to us by sea freight. Maggie is truly an international woman with strong connections here in NZ and China. What I have learned through Maggie is that despite many perceptions out there about the Chinese industry - there is a modern environmentally aware movement in China that is responding to the new demands of the fashion industry. I am so lucky to have met her and to be able to work with her.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Pattern Making
Pattern making begins in my head and on my screen as I brainstorm and sketch ideas by hand before manually cutting a draft pattern. Once we have a draft sorted we send it through to Chris at her pattern making workshop so it can be graded for sizing.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Sampling
Once our fabric has arrived, we usually cut off a couple of meters for the sampling process which is done through our machinist, Robyn. She is always coming back to me with little ideas to streamline the process and to reduce cutting waste so that we get the most out of each and every metre of fabric. She even comes up with ideas that enhance the practicality of your garments from the production process to the final outcome which is incredibly helpful in ensuring your clothing is perfect.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Cut
Between Robyn and Janine who cuts our fabric we are able to get the final product ‘production ready.’ Janine and her team have really taken on board my underlying principle of sustainability and are always making little tweaks in the way that they cut the final product. It is a long way from those first days when I was cutting out my first pants by hand (see pictured). Just two kms down the road, Janine can lay out and cut in a day what would take me a month.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Make
Due to demand I have increased my manufacturing capacity. I take a great deal of pride in being able to support local industry through contracting out some of the load. All clothes are handmade locally and ethically in Auckland, New Zealand.
I have developed a relationship with two teams of ‘makers.’ Faye and Wayne are regulars at our Grey Lynn home when they are in full manufacturing mode! We supply them with the puzzle pieces and they are returned perfectly put together. They make the magic happen and the quality of the final garments are exceptional.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Courier
And then it’s time for your order to be delivered to you. I have received your order and printed the courier label and packaged the garment so it’s ready to be dispatched.
Imran from NZ Post calls twice a day to collect. He is great the way that he understands how I’m trying to get things to you - so many times he is good enough to wait while I get that last item packaged for dispatch.
I love that he is the last person to handle our product before it gets to you because I know he is getting it to you quickly - and with care!