Lapin
/Show Day
DAY3, OCT24
/Social Media
Extraordinary and exceptional bespoke coats and jackets.
Combining responsibly sourced New Zealand wild rabbit eco-fur with beautiful textiles, each handcrafted Lapin piece is a harmonious fusion of inspiring fabric and a fur resource from New Zealand’s South Island high country.
Designer/furrier Jane Avery’s motivation is born of her love for the beautiful land of Aotearoa/New Zealand and the desire to transform rabbits, an overly-abundant environmentally destructive introduced species, into a conscious choice for those wishing for the warmth and luxury of fur.
Woven with stories, each Lapin coat and jacket tends to natural materials such as exquisite New Zealand merino wool, textiles from family troves and hand-embroidered Indian fabrics and vintage saris. Fur, wool and silk are preferred mediums, with garment interiors all luxuriously finished.
The Lapin Collection speaks to a love of couture, the creation of family heirlooms and the presentation of New Zealand wild rabbit fur as an environmentally conscious, luxury product.
Jane Avery’s work both holds a flame for and reimagines the tradition of the New Zealand furrier. Founded in 2016 and mentored by the now retired Mooneys Furs, the last of New Zealand’s esteemed fur houses, Jane’s slow fashion commitment is dedicated to beauty, quality and taking responsibility for a resource carelessly released by Colonial ancestors into a delicate eco-system.
In a reshaped fashion landscape where luxury is redefined, mindful use of materials and an emphasis on quality denotes integrity. The Lapin ethos evokes meaningful connections between maker and wearer and the garment’s stories are enriched.
With a selection of one of a kind creations, limited edition and bespoke pieces Lapin embodies artisan fashion at it’s best.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
A long standing interest in fashion and garment making eventually led to the creation of Lapin. After working in television journalism and production, Jane Avery developed her sewing and tailoring skills and later trained as a furrier before launching the label in 2016.
How would you describe your design style?
The designs combine couture quality garment making with practical winter wear. Fur is paired with fabrics such as wool, silk, and vintage textiles to create tailored coats and jackets, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and longevity.
What can people expect from your collection?
The collection focuses on handcrafted winter coats and jackets that combine New Zealand wild rabbit or possum eco fur with carefully selected textiles. Some pieces incorporate vintage fabrics, while others are available as bespoke or made to measure garments.
How does sustainability influence your approach to fashion?
Sustainability is reflected in the use of New Zealand wild rabbit fur, vintage textiles, and repurposed materials. The approach aims to give existing materials a new life while creating durable garments intended to be treasured for many years.
How do you incorporate New Zealand materials into your designs?
New Zealand wild rabbit and possum fur are combined with locally sourced wool and other textiles to create practical luxury garments. Materials are selected for their warmth, durability, and connection to the New Zealand environment.