Let's face it. Umbrellas really just don't hack it in Wellington. So naturally I am a long-time fan of Wellington fashion brand Okewa Rainwear.
(Also apologies for being a bit missing in action this week - after last weekend's Wellington on a Plate bonanza, I have had to lay low to regain my strength and stomach. I'll be back in full blogging swing next week.)
After having lusted after their coats for several years, I've finally got my hands on the Olive Trench coat. Now, I'm not gonna lie, this raincoat has been a serious investment. It costs a lot, but I paid it off on layby over a few months. I knew that an Okewa raincoat was something I would use all the time and probably have until I am 50.
Nick and Nevada, the founders of Okewa Rainwear, were kind enough to share their story about how they started their raincoat company with The Residents blog earlier this year. They not only live and design the coats in Wellington but they are manufactured in New Zealand, which I love because I know all my money is going back to locals.
Briefly, Okewa Rainwear was started using a Kickstarter funding project. From there, these guys have gone from strength to strength.
I got my boyfriend Matt a Charcoal Street Coat in October for his Christmas (I was lucky and managed to nab a sample for him - so it was a little bit cheaper). Since then, I've envied his ability to head out into the Wellington weather and hit the streets no matter how grey the skies looked. So when Nick and Nevada opened a second pop-up store this year, I knew I needed to commit and get myself the coat I'd been wanting.
This trench coat is entirely waterproof and fully lined. The small is a good size if you are a 10-12 NZ sizing so you won't feel uncomfortable if you wear a few sweaters underneath. The coat also has great pockets and comes in a dark Ink colour. The fabric is Japanese waterproof cloth woven to order and each seam is heat-proofed so it doesn't leak.
Yes, at over seven hundred dollars (gasp) this is not a cheap fix. But if you're ready to take the plunge, buy a coat made locally and that will last you a lifetime.
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