Verve catches up with Kate Macdonald, founder and director of wool and knitwear brand, Davaar & Co.
Life on Davaar Station sounds idyllic – please tell us more about Davaar Station and growing up there.
Yes, it is absolutely idyllic! Davaar Station has been in my family for 108 years. My brother, sister and I are the fifth generation here and had an amazing upbringing, living off the land and exploring all corners of the 1100-ha property. The station is a beautiful mix of flat pastoral land and steep, rugged hill country at the base of the Takitimu mountain range. We farm 6,500 sheep and 600 head of cattle who are free to roam the farm. The sheep are a Romney-Perendale crossbreed, which is much different to merino sheep. We’re unable to farm merinos down in Southland, they simply wouldn’t be able to survive, but the Romney-Perendale crossbreed is well suited to the climate and terrain and they thrive here.
Tell us more of the genesis of Davaar & Co, and what motivated you to found your business.
I’ve been passionate about wool from a young age. I was fascinated with the nature of the fibre and its incredible characteristics. I used to work in the shearing sheds during university holidays sorting the wool as a ‘rousie’. I had a lot of time to think about how strong wool could be used. Romney-Perendale crossbreed sheep grow a stronger micron wool and I was determined to find another way to utilise the fibre instead of it just being used for carpets and upholstery.
My late grandmother, Sally was an incredible spinner and knitter and she used to knit us beautiful homespun jerseys using wool from Davaar Station. She would dye the wool with natural organic matter and foraged plants such as lichen, moss, leaves, onions, and beetroot. Really much of my inspiration came from her. Her legacy most definitely lives on in my brand.
What are your unique selling points?
Our knits are so much more than just a jersey off the rack. There’s over a century of blood, sweat and tears that have got us to where we are today. We use only sustainable and ethical farming and manufacturing processes, and the entire production process of our jerseys are completed here in New Zealand. The idea behind Davaar & Co first came to light during the 2020 covid lockdown and supporting New Zealand businesses had never been more important. I wanted our sustainable wool ethos to be matched with minimal shipping miles from farm to fashion. Inspired by the ol’ homespun and reimagined for the modern lifestyle, we’ve taken a nostalgic and much-loved garment for many rural folk, and created a versatile and timeless wardrobe staple.
Wool is an amazing yarn. Tell us more about its properties and your passion for it.
Wool has many natural benefits that make it one of the most amazing fibres to wear. Woollen fibres are naturally insulating and acclimatise to surroundings, retaining heat when you’re in the cold and releasing heat when in a warm place. Wool is naturally soothing and breathable making it a relaxing piece to wear. Its durability and non-allergenic qualities mean money well spent and a timeless piece that’s highly versatile for any occasion. Renewable and biodegradable, wool is shorn from the sheep and naturally regrown. It breaks down far quicker than its synthetic substitutes, is easy care and long lasting. In my opinion you can’t get a more sustainable fibre!
What inspires your designs?
I get my inspiration from my late grandmother, Sally, and the colours of our knits are inspired by our natural surrounding environment. We have a lot of snowfall in the winter, which reflects our white garments. Beautiful tussocks dot the hills on the station, which speaks to our tussock-coloured garments, while bark reflects the natural bush and trees surrounding the property as well as the nearby Fiordland National Park. Lastly, granite is taken from the granite outcrops that lie at the base of the Takitimu mountain range at the back of Davaar Station. Our Limited Edition Rose knit was for breast cancer awareness.
Our knits are so much more than just a jersey off the rack. There’s over a century of blood, sweat and tears that have got us to where we are today.
Tell us more about your process, from manufacture to marketing and sales.
Our sheep are shorn twice a year on Davaar Station. Using technology, we select out the best fleeces from the flock at shearing time. From here, the selected bales of wool are sent to Washdyke, just out of Timaru, where the wool is ‘scoured’ or washed. It’s then transported to Woolyarns in Wellington where it’s dyed, carded and spun into yarn. Following this step, the complete yarn is sent to Otago Knitwear in Dunedin where it’s finally knitted into jerseys. The jerseys are sent back to Davaar Station where they’re distributed from online orders as well as displayed and sold in the farm flagship store. Word of mouth, social media marketing, magazine print and radio have been our main advertising streams.
One learns so much starting and running a business. What are some of the striking things you have learned over the past two years?
Aim for 100% but accept 95%. There is nothing wrong with perfection but accept that nothing will ever be perfect. If I had waited until everything was absolutely perfect, I still wouldn’t have launched my brand. Things can be changed and tweaked as you grow and learn, that’s all part of growing a brand. Stay true to your heritage, beliefs and values. These shine through in a genuine and authentic brand. Don’t let your young age stop you from starting your own business because you don’t think you have enough experience, because you do.
Dreams for the future?
We have many ideas for new products! Wool is such a versatile fibre with so much potential and we can’t wait to push it to its limits. Our long-term vision is for Davaar & Co to become a global fashion brand.
To shop the Davaar & Co range visit davaarwool.co.nz
