deborah sweeney (12)

Deborah places importance on quality materials and workmanship - buying less and buying well. Deborah's work is made from New Zealand clay, hand blended with volcanic sand which creates a lovely random speckle when melted at high temperature. She works out of her home studio in Days Bay, Wellington, New Zealand, where she lives with her artist husband, Niels Meyer-Westfeld, and their two boys Lars and Romeo.

Deborah returned to New Zealand to establish her fashion label in 2002 after working for Jill Stuart in New York and designing for High St stores, such as Top Shop and H&M in London. She completed her Fashion Diploma at Massey University, Wellington in 1991, and also studied accessories at the London Royal College of Fashion in 2000. Her collections were stocked in select boutiques around the globe - including the UK, USA, Japan, Denmark and Australia. Previous collections have received credits from several international fashion publications including: UK Vogue, ID, Nylon, Jane, Lucky and Elle Magazine.

After 15 years of her label and looking for a change of pace, Deborah took a short sabbatical to spend some time with her youngest before he started school. It was during this time that she completed a clay workshop and fell in love with ceramics. Deborah left fashion behind in 2017 and has been making ceramics every spare moment since. 

Biodegradeable

These goods can be composted at the end of their useful life, leaving no trace of their existence.

Ethically Made

These goods are made by suppliers that pay fair wages, guarantee no child labour, and maintain a safe working environment.

Handmade

Handcrafted goods are one of a kind that have been created by skilled artisans often using techniques passed down through generations, rather than by automated, machine-based processes. Small irregularities are celebrated and are what make handcrafted goods unique.

Local

These goods are manufactured in the same country in which they are designed. This sustains the local economy and is more equitable for the workers and their communities. 

Natural

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Organic

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Recycled

In an effort to reduce waste, the design of these goods are either part or wholly made from up-cycled or previously used materials. These can be either salvaged directly in their current form or from recycled materials, such as paper, glass or metal.

Sustainable

Goods made from materials that can be replenished at the rate they are consumed, all with minimal environmental and social impact. Such as FSC wood, bamboo and wool. 

Transparent

These goods are produced by artisans or companies that are open, honest, and straightforward about their business operations. Transparency builds trust, from makers through to customers.

Vegan

These are goods that contain absolutely no animal products or by-products and were not tested on animals at any stage.