McLean & Co crafters Rod and Sue McLean with the only loom of its kind in New Zealand, built in 1946. PHOTO: JULES CHIN Boutique weaving company McLean & Co are collaborators in a new sustainable fashion brand called Precious Collaborative and led by Wanaka designer Claire O’Connell. New Zealand-made tweed, hand-spun on Hattersley looms by specialist crafters Rod and Sue McLean in Oamaru will be used to manufacture a limited-edition woollen coat worthy of an art collection.
The new sustainable brand is about reinventing wool manufacturing in a bold approach where luxury meets accessibility. New Zealand fashion luminary Liz Mitchell, the first designer to collaborate on the project, is creating a one-of-a-kind coat that blends timeless artistry with the finest sustainable materials. And here’s the twist: proceeds from the coats will fund Precious Collaborative’s everyday sustainable collection, making high-quality fashion more accessible.
The McLeans said to be working on the project was "very exciting". It was the first time they had collaborated with O’Connell, who they have known for many years, and also with "fashion legend" Liz Mitchell, who is known for her passion for wool. The McLeans are about to send the first fabric they have woven in the Donegal tweed tradition to Mitchell.
The tweed has a personal link for Mitchell, whose forebears originate from County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. Mrs McLean said they worked with Mitchell on which colours and yar.