Take up space in the most stylish (and snug) way this winter by wrapping up in an international high-fashion must-have — aka what we in the south of New Zealand formerly thought of as the humble puffer jacket, writes Josie Steenhart.
"It feels like a kind of cocoon that protects you from the elements. There’s a feeling of safety that a puffer provides that is different to a coat."
Hewitt’s puffed designs, which come in vest, jacket and hooded coat form, are, as you might expect, an elevated take, crafted from premium recycled fabric and "cloud-like" reclaimed down in sophisticated hues of cream and soft navy (and black, of course), but in overall concept don’t err too dramatically from the marshmallow-esque cuts and quilted finishes of their OG counterparts found at outdoor attire stores.
"I wanted The Beyond Puffer to fit the bill for sports games, early morning walks and weekend hikes, but to also feel elevated when paired with trousers, or worn to dinner with friends," Hewitt says.
"I wear the bone (cream) puffer with our white Freddie jeans and ivory merino turtleneck in spring, and the long black puffer coat with a merino turtleneck and 01 leggings in the height of winter."
New Zealand fashion designer Juliette Hogan, who is celebrating 20 years in the biz this year, recently added a permanent capsule collection of puffer jackets and coats to her eponymously named brand’s offering, under the banner ‘‘JH Down’’, also nodding to sustainability with recycled materials that don’t compromise on quality and in an equally chic palette of shades such as snow and olive (and black, of course).
"Our JH Down offering is a sophisticated take on the classic puffer," Hogan says.
"They’re crafted from 100% recycled materials. I love that we hid the stitching that often runs across the shell, to create these two clean silhouettes — a jacket and a longer-line coat."
Why is the puffer such an enduring wardrobe item?
"I think the practicality of the puffer keeps it relevant, whether you’re in the city or out in nature ," Hogan says.
"Those different environments allow you to wear it differently – it’s definitely a versatile piece.
"I kept this in mind during the design process, and really welcomed the challenge to bring my own sense of luxury to such a purposeful item."
Hogan, who is frequently in the South Island visiting her Christchurch store, checking in with her seasonal uniform designs for Queenstown’s award-winning winery restaurant Amisfield, or just enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends, says she is an increasingly devoted puffer wearer.
"I love wearing mine both around town on those cooler weekend days and also when I’m out and about exploring our beautiful country. They look equally as good with a pair of relaxed denim on the sideline of a sports field as they do with leggings and tramping boots."
"My puffer jacket is a go-to for those morning school drop-offs and evening walks.
"I’ve found myself reaching for it much more in the recent weeks, it’s gotten so cold!
"The beauty of them is that they’re so warm and incredibly light. And at the end of a long day tramping they also make the best pillow."
Reflecting NOM*d’s eternally covetable outside-the-box design but still sticking to the principles of being beautifully warmed via clever padding without compromising on personal style, this season sees the Dunedin label retailing its Serious Parka.
This two-part topper is made up of a fully waterproof nylon jacket with a cleverly removable, really quite heavenly quilted Downtek goose down inner. In black, of course.
Operating out of Dunedin for nearly 40 years, co-founder Margi Robertson is fully versed in staying fashionable despite adverse weather conditions.
"We collaborated with [Christchurch outdoor clothing company] Cactus in making up a completely waterproof coat, constructed to last forever in both cold and/or rainy climates," she says.
"Wearing just the outer layer is great if you want to do a dog walk and it’s raining – you feel like you’re inside an umbrella and the rain just drips off you. The inner layer, when worn on its own, is like wearing a cosy sleeping bag cardigan – comfort plus. Or snap both layers together if you decide to go for a walk in the snow!"
How does the Dunedin "fashion godmother" wear hers?
"See above," she says.
As for me, since moving south a few years back, I’ve been adding to my puffer collection every winter (not great for wardrobe space, though they do squish up), which now runs the gamut from high-tech, function-over-form versions for battling the elements to more fashion-oriented options that don’t feel out of place (and are eyed enviously) on dressier occasions and can be effortlessly paired with pearls, oversized earrings and high-heeled footwear.
And I’ve never been warmer.
