Kowtow
Kowtow is a New Zealand clothing brand from Wellington, founded by Gosia Piatek, that makes women's and men's clothing from certified organic cotton. It describes itself as ethical from seed to garment and holds B Corp, GOTS and Fairtrade certifications.
| Founder | Gosia Piatek |
|---|---|
| Home town | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Core material | Certified organic cotton |
| Certifications | B Corp, GOTS, Fairtrade |
| Website | kowtowclothing.com |
What is Kowtow?
Kowtow is a New Zealand clothing label whose home town is Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara). The brand was founded by Gosia Piatek, and its first workroom was in the Trades Hall in Wellington. It describes its approach as ethical from seed to garment.
Products and positioning
Kowtow designs clothing for women and men, including dresses, tops and shirts, trousers and jeans, tees, skirts and shorts, knitwear and outerwear. Accessories include bags, hats and beanies, scarves and footwear, among them a collaborative sandal with Steve Mono.
Materials and standards define the brand:
- Certified organic cotton as the core fibre
- B Corporation certification
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification
- Fairtrade certification
A Relove section resells preloved Kowtow garments, extending the life of its products.
Distribution
Kowtow runs stores in Wellington and Newmarket and sells online with click and collect on selected items. Its stores and site also carry selected other brands, including Veja.
Why it matters
Kowtow is one of the better known examples of a brand building its whole identity on certified organic cotton and third-party certification, and its resale programme shows how circular models can sit within a direct retail business.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Kowtow?
Kowtow was founded by Gosia Piatek, and the brand's first workroom was in the Trades Hall in Wellington.
Where is Kowtow from?
Kowtow is a New Zealand brand from Wellington, with stores in Wellington and Newmarket.