Precious Collaborative, a new sustainable fashion brand led by local designer Claire O’Connell, is shaking up the industry with a bold and innovative approach: luxury meets accessibility. The brand is teaming up with fashion legend Liz Mitchell MNZM to create a limited-edition coat, worthy of an art collection.
And here’s the twist: proceeds from these coats will fund Precious Collaborative’s everyday sustainable collection, making high-quality fashion more accessible.
Liz Mitchell MNZM, New Zealand fashion luminary, is the first designer to collaborate on this groundbreaking project. Known for her passion for New Zealand wool, Mitchell is creating a one-of-a-kind coat that blends timeless artistry with the finest sustainable materials.
Crafted from New Zealand-made tweed, hand-spun on 100-year-old Hattersley looms by boutique weaving company McLean & Co in Oamaru, these coats are not just garments—they’re living pieces of history, combining heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge design.
The coats are destined to be future heirlooms for fashion-forward collectors.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this innovative model,” said Liz. “Sustainable fashion and wool are at the heart of my work, and it’s exciting to create a piece that’s not only bold and artistic but also helps make everyday sustainable fashion more accessible.”
Claire O’Connell, founder of Precious Collaborative, expressed her excitement about working with one of her fashion heroes. “I feel a bit serendipitous having Liz work with us,” said O’Connell. “I’ve admired her designs, passion for wool, and ethics for so long. I have a fabulous design piece of hers that I’ve held onto like a family treasure, so it’s a thrill to have her believe in our vision.”
The limited-edition coat will lead the charge for Precious Collaborative’s ‘one to many’ model, where high-end, collectible pieces fund a staple collection of tailored, wool and hemp streetwear. Claire O’Connell is partnering with top-tier team NZ fabric and garment manufacturers to bring her vision to life, with every piece designed and made in New Zealand.
The launch is set for December in Wānaka, where the Liz Mitchell couture coats will be unveiled—get ready to claim yours before they’re gone.
