NEW ZEALAND: The relationship between iconic Kiwi brand Swanndri and high-end Auckland-based designer Karen Walker has come to an end. According to reports published in Fairfax newspapers over the weekend, the South Island company has cited a desire to get back to the brand's "core business" as the reason for the split.
Swanndri chief executive Gerard Kilpatrick described the company's mainstay as "industrial, rural, outdoor, shooting, fishing, workwear-type" apparel - a far cry from the upmarket womenswear signature styling favoured by Walker.
Kilpatrick said both businesses had come to the conclusion the pairing had run its course.
As part of the agreement Walker designed three collections for the brand under the label Swanndri by Karen Walker, most of which featured the brand's trademark red and black check which Walker then developed into an urban range to give it a more fashionable edge.
The collaboration also resulted in a much needed profile boost for Swanndri whose heritage and history is rooted in industrial workwear.
It is understood the brand would continue to dabble in urban wear through its designer Tony Smith.