Lambskin
Superlight Merino lambskin is sourced from 100% purebred Merino lambs that naturally pass away within 24 hours of birth. This ethically collected, sustainable material is incredibly soft, lightweight, and breathable—ideal for high-end fashion. BONZ uses this premium Slinkskin extensively in its luxurious jacket range. Toscana lambskin is celebrated for its long, silky, fur-like wool, offering excellent warmth and a refined appearance. It is often used by BONZ as a trim for collars and sleeves, though some garments are made entirely from this exquisite material. Broadtail lambskin is admired for its velvet-like swirling texture, revealed after the natural curls are shorn. Only around 10% of Slinkskins in New Zealand meet the standard required for this exclusive leather.
Possum Fur
Possums were introduced to New Zealand in 1837, and in the absence of natural predators, their population has grown rapidly. Today, it’s estimated that over 50 million possums inhabit both the North and South Islands. These invasive animals pose a serious threat to New Zealand’s native wildlife, competing for food and shelter while consuming around 70 million tons of vegetation annually. Possum fur is exceptionally plush, featuring a dense, cushioned undercoat and a unique hollow hair structure, which makes it one of the warmest and softest natural fibres available. At BONZ, our possum skins are ethically sourced through controlled population management, and we select only the highest-grade, thick winter pelts to ensure superior quality in all our products.
Merino
Merino wool is sourced from the Merino breed of sheep, renowned for producing some of the finest, softest, and most versatile wool in the world. Although Merino sheep are not native to New Zealand, the country has emerged as a global leader in Merino farming and the production of high-quality wool and leather products. Today, New Zealand contributes over 40% of the world’s total Merino wool supply—an extraordinary figure considering its size and population. Merino fleece ranks among the finest natural fibres globally, alongside Cashmere and Alpaca. While not completely waterproof, Merino wool effectively repels moisture. Its natural lanolin content forms a protective barrier within each fibre, helping to prevent odours, resist stains, and block the absorption of unwanted substances.
Alpaca
Alpacas have been farmed across South America for thousands of years, with Peru as the origin and still the world’s largest exporter of alpaca fleece. New Zealand, supported by advanced farming practices and a favourable climate, is emerging as a notable player in alpaca fibre production. Alpaca fleece shares similarities with sheep’s wool but has a smoother fibre surface, giving it exceptional softness and a natural sheen. This glossy finish is a prized characteristic. Alpaca fibres also have greater tensile strength than wool, making them both durable and luxurious. Naturally lightweight, alpaca fleece does not retain moisture, offers excellent thermal insulation even when wet, and protects against UV radiation. When worn, it provides warmth, comfort, and all-weather protection.
Cashmere
Cashmere is made from the undercoat of the Capra Hircus goat, a breed native to the Tibetan highlands, the Himalayas, and primarily Mongolia. The name "Cashmere" comes from the Kashmir region, where processing techniques for the fibre were first developed. The fine fibres used for Cashmere grow only near the roots of the goat’s coat, measuring just 14–16 micrometres in diameter, making them exceptionally soft and delicate. Extraction is typically done by shearing, followed by careful manual separation to ensure only the highest quality fibres are selected. Naturally, Cashmere occurs in three colours—cream, beige, and brown—with cream being the rarest and most desirable. Cashmere is prized for being stronger, lighter, softer, and warmer than standard sheep’s wool.
Deerskin
Deerskin leather is made from the hide of deer and has a long-standing history, particularly among Native American and early frontier cultures, who used it for garments and moccasins. Today, it is crafted into shoes, coats, gloves, and luxury handbags. Deerskin is often regarded as a ‘wonder’ leather for its unique qualities. Unlike many other leathers, it can be repeatedly wet and dried while maintaining its original shape and suppleness. It also adapts to temperature, feeling cooler in heat and warmer in cold. Its dense fibre structure provides excellent abrasion resistance and high shear strength. Not mass-produced, deerskin leather is considered rare, and New Zealand is a leading supplier. Its exclusivity makes it a favourite among luxury designers worldwide.
