Kowtow & Fairtrade: An Eighteen Year Partnership

When Gosia founded Kowtow in 2006, she knew she wanted to make clothing made from organic cotton that was Fairtrade certified. After learning about the Fairtrade Labelling Organisation (FLO) she was certain this was the path Kowtow should take to entirely understand the cotton supply chain and look after the growers who are traditionally the least looked after and taken advantage of in any commodity.

Lucianne Tonti on Regenerative Agriculture and Natural Fibres

Lucianne Tonti is a sustainable fashion journalist who we were happily introduced to last year via her book, Sundressed. We spoke to Lucianne to break down what regenerative agriculture really means, the benefit of wearing natural fibres and her approach to getting dressed.

Kowtow Loves #01

Cafe Freda’s is a neighbourhood eatery in Sydney that believes in culture, community, music, good time fun and kindness. Founded by Dave Abram with wife, Creative Director and artist Carla Uriarte, it’s a hub filled with colour and intrigue. Carla’s art is full of bold colours, a delight to the Kowtow team. We spoke with Carla and Dave about their work, their community and their relationship to getting dressed.

Kowtow & Nature Baby

Introducing Lara with baby Sascha and Ella with baby Marion. Learn from these two 4th trimester Mums about their experiences of this beautiful time.

Kowtow & Our Relationship With Clothes

Fashion Revolution Week asks us to consider what we wear, who makes our clothes and why transparency and accountability are paramount in the fashion industry. This year we wanted to spotlight a member of the Kowtow community who we think is revolutionary in the way they document and see fashion.

Founder Story with Gosia Piątek

Gosia Piątek founded Kowtow in 2006 with a vision where a necessary product, such as clothing, originated from and how it could return back into the earth, without causing harm to people or the environment. Here she tells us the journey before she started her mission and what her vision for the future of Kowtow is.

Plastic Free Clothing

At Kowtow we’ve been working for 17 years to completely eliminate all plastic derived materials in our clothing. A long and winding journey that has challenged industry conventions and led to finding natural alternatives so that now, we can claim completely plastic-free Fairtrade organic cotton clothing.

Why It Matters To Use A Mono-Fibre

The journey to using a mono-fibre was the result of years of experimentation and learning, to find the best circular potential. This piece explains why Fairtrade organic cotton forms the foundation of every garment in every collection we create.

Kowtow Impact Report

With the global fashion industry having a significant impact on both people and the natural world, we believe transparency is key to the solution. Our first Impact Report shares with you a deeper look at how we work and our circular clothing solution.

Creating a culture of care

We proudly partner with Koha Apparel, a registered charity that seeks to uplift our most marginalised, providing clean, quality clothing to those in need at no cost. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, we spoke with founder Charli Cox about this work and how the organisation is addressing textile waste through their community clothing exchange.

Becoming a B Corp

Since our inception in 2006, Kowtow’s purpose has been to put people and planet first. We see positive impact amplified when we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We work with a Fairtrade certified supply chain and like-minded partners to create discernible change within the fashion industry.

Kowtow Sustainability Strategy

Founded in 2006, Kowtow is committed to creating positive change. We believe in preserving the planet and protecting people in everything we do. Our decision making is centred around circular design, ethical manufacturing and sustainable fibres. This strategy outlines our roadmap to creating incremental change across each of these founding values. Our strategy is structured across the pillars of ‘People’, ‘Planet’ and ‘Prosperity’.

Kelmarna: Creating A Food System Kinder To The Planet

Nestled in the heart of Tāmaki Makarau, Kelmarna is an urban farm whose purpose is to rebuild connections between people, food production and the land. 

Sowing The Seeds For A Brighter Future

The benefits of green spaces and access to nature are long documented. As urban populations grow and the sprawl of concrete continues to encroach on the natural world, community gardens and urban farms take on a new importance. With a shared purpose to do better for the planet and our communities, Kowtow seeks to bring attention to and celebrate the Avant Gardeners - the local changemakers behind these vital green spaces.

Urban Farming For a Better Future

At Kowtow, we are inspired by Kaicycle’s small changes that make a big impact. Whether it’s regenerative and organic farming, circularity or composting, we have a shared purpose to do better for the planet. Through our long standing relationship with Kaicycle - and years of using their composting service - we have worked together to divert our waste from landfill to compost.

Community & Urban Garden Directory

The Garden Book Tee is a celebration of Avant Gardeners - the local changemakers behind our community gardens and urban farms. Nestled within our cities, these spaces become a source of education and nourishment, green patches for community amongst the urban landscape.