Media Release
World’s First for Fashion From Untouched World™
Leading New Zealand lifestyle fashion brand Untouched World launches KAPUA™, an exclusive new knitwear development that
sets the benchmark for supreme luxury and comfort.
Kapua, being the Maori word for cloud, truly expresses the sensation of this new knitwear. It is another example of
innovation from Snowy Peak Ltd, parent company of Untouched World™.
By blending three of nature’s finest fibres; luxurious cashmere (40%), the new dehaired delicate winter downy undercoat
of the possum (40%), and silk (20%), they have created an ultra-luxurious yarn.
CEO Peri Drysdale is overwhelmed with the response they’ve received since unveiling Kapua. “To hear people describe it
as exquisite, covetable and the most luxurious textile they’ve ever touched, just makes all the development work
worthwhile” she says.
“Kapua exudes qualities and performance characteristics never experienced before” says Drysdale. “It won’t pill or
prickle making it perfect for sensitive skin, and it has a blissfully soft handle”.
Designed for those wanting to invest in a luxurious garment that is also sustainable, Kapua™ provides a fashion
statement that will retain its good looks. The exclusive blend provides comforting warmth from a seemingly weightless
garment.
The Kapua™ range offers an astute selection of seven items. The Cirrus Wrap is a light and flexible body throw with the
freedom to be worn many ways. It is perfect for travelling, cool weather and any time effortless elegance is called for.
A flawlessly cut Cirrus Cardi features wispy cloud inspired stitch detail, while the exquisite Tunic Sweater is luxe
down to the last detail. With a button down turtleneck, dipped hem and textural back panel, it strikes a beautiful
balance of form and function. The coveted Multi-Way Wrap boasts a chic sophistication and begs to be worn a bunch of
ways. It cleverly moves from wrap to coat to cape with style and ease. Beautiful accessories also complement the
collection.
All garments are available in a rich, nature inspired palette of Navy, Ming and Natural. Prices for items range from $99
to $929.
Kapua™ is exclusively available from Untouched World™ stores, online at ww.untouchedworld.com and at a selection of
handpicked outlets.
Kapua™ is another example of innovation from Snowy Peak Ltd, parent company of Untouched World™. It was over 20 years
ago that Snowy Peak Ltd knitted the first ever possum and wool garment. Years of collaborative research followed to work
out how to spin a fibre that was technically too short for textiles. Electron microscopy uncovered some unique
characteristics of possum fur, and subsequent scientific testing uncovered ground-breaking findings on warmth, odour
prevention and pilling performance.
With the recipe perfected, then came the challenge of streamlining the production process to cope with the variances
that are encountered when dealing with a wild animal. Delivering a consistently high quality product to the market was
imperative. The outcome was Merinomink™, fine Merino and possum knitwear. Launched in 1996, this quickly became a
success story, and customers around the world continue to enjoy this luxury New Zealand knitwear today. Since its
inception, Merino and possum knitwear has contributed an estimated 1 to 1.5 billion in foreign exchange, directly and
indirectly, to the New Zealand economy.
The Kapua™ launch comes off the back of what has been a big few weeks for the brand. Named ‘Best sustainable brand 2014’
by Sublime Magazine UK, Untouched World™ more recently made waves in the media for having been the choice of
Thanksgiving Day attire for US President Barack Obama.
ENDS