Kowtow is sewing the seeds of a sustainable future

It wasn’t just the city’s creative spirit that drew her in. She saw shared values of sustainability, creativity, and innovation in the community. It was the perfect place for Kowtow to grow.

Gosia Piątek’s connection to the capital runs deep. Raised in Wainuiomata before settling in the central city, she credits Wellington with much of Kowtow’s success. “There’s something unique about the culture here that makes it ideal for Kowtow,” she says. “What I love about running a fashion brand from Wellington is that we don’t get the noise from the fashion world, which can lead to you comparing yourself to others. We’re in a cocoon.”

Wellington is the perfect fit for Kowtow and its sustainability ethos. With less noise and pressure from the industry, the team can focus on its core values. Every beautifully designed piece is made from plastic-free, Fairtrade organic cotton and intended to last for years. Kowtow’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s the foundation of the brand. From using organic cotton to following circular design principles, Kowtow has built a business model that aims to leave the planet better than they found it.

The approach applies beyond the product. “Our workroom manager has found a way to recycle nearly everything!” says Gosia. “Our food scraps get collected by Kaicycle each week for them to use as compost at the farm. Our coffee comes from a sustainable supplier, People’s Coffee. We even use pencils instead of pens, very nerdy, but it all adds up, and contributes to our overall goal.”
The city and its people play a big role in making this sustainable vision a reality. With the help of local businesses, Kowtow can put its values into practice. “We are tapping into local experts, scientists, farmers, and composters to learn all we need to make this a reality,” Gosia explains. “The fact that people have a genuine interest in the values we have as a company feels unique to the city.”

When it comes to other local businesses and brands, it’s a two-way conversation. Gosia is quick to point out that while some might be getting tips from their approach, the Kowtow team is also looking around to see what they can learn from other local businesses.

Regeneration is the next area Gosia is concentrating on. “Through our loyalty programme The Collective, customers can return well-loved Kowtow garments that are beyond repair. We reward them with points and put these pieces into our research and development programme, Regenerate,” says Gosia. Kowtow Regenerate explores solutions for clothing at the end of its life cycle. Well-loved and well-worn pieces are sorted and responsibly disposed of. So far, it has diverted 909 kilograms of garments from the landfill.

From the waste-free workroom to collaborating with local artists, Kowtow lives the values of sustainability and creativity. Gosia hopes Wellingtonians feel proud to wear Kowtow. “I want them to feel like they’re wearing a piece of art. To wear it with pride, knowing it comes with passion from a workroom in the middle of our fantastic little city.”