FEATURE: Atér

---

From the quiet hum of a sewing machine to the sweeping hills of Otago, the story of Atér is stitched together with heritage, passion, and purpose.

For founder and designer Georgina Lawson, fashion has always been more than fabric and thread. Her earliest memories are of sitting beside her grandmother, Reta, a skilled dressmaker, where she first began sketching, cutting, and sewing her own creations. That love of craft only deepened in London, where she fell for the art of winter dressing. Yet, it wasn’t until her return home to New Zealand that her journey truly took shape.

Frustrated by the lack of stylish winter coats designed locally and crafted from New Zealand wool, Georgina saw an opportunity to bring together her background in fashion, her farming roots, and a bold vision—to elevate New Zealand’s coarse wool industry and prove it could be both sustainable and chic.

And so, Atér was born.


---

A Farm to Fashion Philosophy

The heart of Atér lies in Moana, the Lawson family’s third-generation sheep and beef farm in Otago. Running 3,000 crossbred ewes, the farm produces around 12,000kg of coarse wool each year. From this, Atér selects hogget wool—slightly finer than ewe wool at 31 microns—for its unique balance of strength, durability, and timeless appeal.

Every Atér coat is designed to endure. As Georgina notes, wool is one of nature’s most remarkable fibres: breathable, insulating, and biodegradable. By working exclusively with New Zealand processors, dyes, and manufacturers, Atér ensures the journey of each garment supports both local industry and the slow fashion movement. Even the finishing touches—recycled buttons and sustainable packaging—honour the integrity of the material.


---

The Collection

Atér’s designs are an elegant reminder that practicality need not compromise style.

The Elgin Wool Trench Coat in Elgin Green – a contemporary classic that celebrates depth of colour and form.

The Original Wool Coat – available in timeless black and wheat, an ode to understated sophistication.

The Holland Wool Blazer in Navy – crafted for trans-seasonal wear and effortlessly refined, perfect from office to evening.

The Limited Edition Herringbone Holland Blazer – woven in Grey Marle/Navy Herringbone, this exclusive piece redefines the power of New Zealand wool with enduring luxury.


Each design is created with a relaxed fit in mind—sizes run large, encouraging effortless layering.


---

More Than Fashion

Speaking at her recent pop-up event at Selvedge and Stitch, Georgina shared her vision with Editor-in-Chief Kia. What emerged was not only the story of a designer but of a custodian—someone deeply invested in the land, the fibre, and the people who shape it. Her understanding of wool’s potential is matched only by her dedication to presenting it in its most sophisticated form.

Atér is more than a label. It is a statement: that fashion grown, designed, and made in New Zealand has the power to be both beautiful and purposeful.

Discover more at @ater or explore the collection at ater.co.nz.

Winter 2026 from Kathryn Wilson embraces the confident restraint of 90s urban dressing. Clean lines, refined silhouettes and thoughtful details shape a collection designed for women moving seamlessly between work, city life and evening occasions.

Drop One introduces a carefully edited selection of essentials elevated through luxurious textures and finishes. Calf-hair accents, croc-embossed leathers, rich chocolate hues and high-shine metals create a palette that feels both modern and timeless. The collection leans into sleek monochrome moments while allowing texture to take centre stage.

Signature styles return with renewed confidence. Classic stilettos, slingbacks and platform heels reference iconic 90s design language, reinterpreted through the distinctive Kathryn Wilson lens. These are pieces designed to transition effortlessly from morning meetings to late-night dining, offering polish without sacrificing wearability.

Boots arrive as a winter cornerstone. Knee-grazing silhouettes with softly almond-shaped toes sit on stable mid-height heels, creating a versatile style that anchors cold-weather wardrobes while remaining undeniably elegant.

Loafers continue their strong presence this season, arriving in chocolate suede, python textures and supple kid leather. These polished updates build on some of the brand’s most loved classics, delivering everyday sophistication with a contemporary edge.

Winter ’26 also welcomes the return of the ballet flat. Rendered in satin, woven and laser-cut leathers, the silhouette reflects the growing appetite for refined comfort, offering a modern interpretation of a wardrobe favourite.

Off-duty moments are covered too, with trail-inspired trainers incorporating subtle technical touches. The winter sneaker edit proves that comfort and design can coexist effortlessly, delivering elevated casual footwear without compromising on style.

Throughout the collection, texture plays a defining role. Glossy leathers, rich suedes and subtle hardware bring dimension to silhouettes designed to integrate seamlessly into a modern wardrobe.

At the heart of the range is craftsmanship. Each pair is carefully constructed from considered materials selected for comfort, durability and longevity, reinforcing Kathryn Wilson’s commitment to quality across every category, from everyday loafers to statement heels.

For Cantabrian Magazine, the collection holds a special place this season. Kathryn Wilson styles were selected for the first drop of the CM Closet, bringing their polished aesthetic into our editorial wardrobe from the very beginning.
Winter ’26 proves that timeless design never fades — it simply evolves.