by Judy Liu, founder of ‘Hardoutkiwi’

Hardout Kiwi Fashion is 100% owned and operated by kiwi husband and wife team Simon & Judy.

When I was a child, I saw my parents using manual sewing machines to make embroideries for bed covers and pillowcases, it was absolutely fascinating. Back then, the handcrafted and manual sewing machine embroidery products were actually luxury items, they were sold as wedding gifts or for some special event.

My dad was a brilliant artist, from Chinese calligraphy, scenic drawing to traditional patterns, he was able to transform them from paper to fabric.

The business was a great success until the computerized embroidery machine was introduced in the early 90’s.

16 years ago, I asked myself, what would I do if I didn't have to work for money.

My answer was to be a fashion designer. I believed that my passion for fashion and traditional cultural art will help me fulfil my dream and is also the path that my parents led me to.

In the last few years, I have been working and collaborating with Māori designers and artists.

Here are a few of our designs to share with you