How it came about
Merinomink was launched in 1996 under the parent brand Snowy Peak Ltd., which was founded by Peri Drysdale in 1981. By 1992, Snowy Peak Ltd produced the first garment ever made from possum fibre and wool, and then over the next four years, pioneered the development of high quality possum merino yarns. Merinomink has been credited by Wools of New Zealand for establishing the possum knitwear industry and continues to be at the forefront of the industry, renowned for their innovative designs and striking colours.
Today, Merinomink is a global brand with products sold in New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and China. Merino Mink garments are entirely manufactured in New Zealand with expertise and specialist knowledge accrued and nurtured.
Designed in New Zealand
Merino Mink garments are entirely manufactured in New Zealand with expertise and specialist knowledge accrued and nurtured. Merinomink is a design led company and thus, designs are perfected before outside influences of trends are acknowledged. Every garment is unique, original and truly timeless – an investment piece rather than on trend for the season. All Merinomink designs are protected by copyright. MerinominkTM garments are knitted individually and are finished by hand. All garments are washed and tumble dried before dispatch, allowing for any dye leakage or shrinkage and ensuring superior shape retention throughout the garments life.
Sustainability
When it comes to sustainability, Snowy Peak Ltd is a world leader, with the ethos to enhance not harm the environment and to consider the impact on the planet, its flora and fauna. The production process is free of pollution and well as the use of Brushtail Possum fibre in New Zealand, which is extremely beneficial to the environment.
Every Merinomink purchase contributes to the creation of a cleaner, greener world where each individual’s full potential is realised. A percentage of all Merinomink sales goes toward funding ‘Leadership for a Sustainable Future’ programs for young people.
Possum Merino Blend
The unique blend used by Merinomink consists of fine Merino wool, Brushtail Possum fibre, and silk are used. Angora is used to create lighter colours naturally. The Brushtail Possum fibre has two rare qualities:
- No scales so the fibre itself resists pilling, there is no friction you see! Merinomink garments stay looking new for ages!
- A hollow structure so the fibre has a very high warmth to weight ratio, air is trapped both within the fibre and in the fabric when blended with high crimp, fine Merino (just like insulation) so that is why Merinomink garments are so warm yet not bulky. For its weight, Merino wool blended with Brushtail Possum fibre is twice as warm as any other wool blend in the world!
The natural fibres of the Merinomink blend resist odour so they stay fresh for longer. When a wash is required, a simple hand wash in cold water using a wool detergent, then spin the excess water out in the washing machine and air dry naturally is the recommended method but they can also be dry cleaned too.
In Summary
Timeless New Zealand knitwear that will make you look and feel fantastic with luxurious quality and authentic heritage that is sustainably produced – all developed through the brain child of Peri Drysdale.
“Every one person, and every one company, can make a difference” Peri Drysdale, Founder /CEO