Brand Spotlight: Kowtow

This spotlight feels overdue, but truthfully it's never too late to share about Kowtow and their amazing brand initiatives because they are always pushing the envelope on their own to do better for people and the planet. If you're learning about Kowtow for the first time, the brand was founded in 2007 by Gosia Piatek and is based in New Zealand. Kowtow is a conscious label with a strong design philosophy and an innate sense of comfort. Described as minimalist and effortless, the Kowtow aesthetic is inspired by Gosia’s interests in art, architecture, culture, craftsmanship, landscapes, and her own travels. 

Kowtow collections are entirely made from organic, renewable, biodegradable, and regenerated fibers.

Entirely committed to Fair Trade production, they design with longevity in mind. All Kowtow garments are made entirely from 100% organic cotton. Organic cotton is a natural, biodegradable and renewable resource grown from non-genetically modified seeds and without harmful chemicals. Grown on small lots alongside food crops to feed farmer communities and promote soil fertility. Their organic cotton is also processed using Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) approved inks and dyes which are free from chemicals, toxins, and pesticides. 

 

From Kowtow's inception, they have worked with Fairtrade-certified partners throughout their supply chain, and have retained a close partnership with the same manufacturers in India over this time and visit them regularly. All Kowtow garments are certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) and made in a traceable supply chain, which works with Fairtrade-certified farmers and manufacturers from seed to garment. The brand's commitment to fair wages, no child labour, workers’ rights, gender equality and grower community has been at the heart of Kowtow since day one. 

Kowtow manufacturers are SA8000 certified organizations. The SA8000 Standard encourages clothing manufacturers to develop, maintain, and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. SA8000 organizations are audited by certification bodies accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS). SA8000 helps ensure the workers at Kowtow production facilities receive the following benefits: guaranteed minimum wage, social security funds, pension funds, paid holiday leave, sick pay, medical insurance, subsidised lunches, overtime pay and workplace unions.

 

 

Kowtow strongly believes they are responsible for what they produce, a responsibility that extends to the end of a garment’s life. They consider every detail of a garment and whether it sits within their values, and only use materials and trims that are responsibly sourced and use them mindfully. They design with the entire lifecycle in mind, and are closing the loop to attain full circularity with new repair and take back programs.

Kowtow packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) allowed, and printed with soy-based and petroleum-free inks. FSC ensures forests are managed in a way that takes care of the animals and plants who inhabit it, and the workers and local communities who rely on them for their livelihood. Every aspect of their packaging, from their swing tags, to their retail bags, are 0% plastic and designed to be fully recycled at the end of its use.  

Kowtow is the brand we've carried the longest here at Burke and continues to serve as a staple for conscious wardrobe building. Explore pieces from our first drop of the spring season available now, and keep an eye out for more amazing pieces to come throughout the year! 

 

Shop the current collection available from Kowtow at Burke by clicking HERE.