Style: July 01, 2019

taking of animal lives is certainly a question
worth pondering and something to find
your comfort zone with, it is imperative to
remember that the creatures I source are
not farmed for their fur. They do not spend
their lives in a cage, instead, they spend
their lives in the wild.
When it’s so blatant to see that these
animals are a threat rather than threatened,
people are much more understanding and
supportive. In addition, I’ve never had a
client request for their bespoke order to
be made with a faux-fur alternative, which
is a win for me because these so called
faux furs are made from petrochemicals
of which the microparticles pollute the
environment and never biodegrade.
Mackenzie Basin. Both of these gentlemen
have developed an eye for rabbits suitable
for Lapin and they select only the best furs
that they can for me. These rabbits aren’t
eradicated for the fashion alone.
My mandate for Lapin is integrity, and the
story of my brand is anchored in making
use of an under-utilised New Zealand pest
resource. While fur from rabbits bred in
cages could be an ‘easier’, more consistent
product to work with, my conscience
simply wouldn’t allow me to do that. Along
with the environmental credentials, New
Zealand wild rabbit fur makes for extremely
warm and practical garments. If well cared
for, Lapin garments will last for many years
and I hope become treasured heirlooms.
Then, at the end of its useful life, the fur will
naturally biodegrade.
How do people react to Lapin’s use of fur?
Within New Zealand I think there is a
general understanding that making use
of wild rabbit fur is acceptable. It is an
unfortunate fact of our history that rabbits
are an introduced species that cause
considerable damage to the high country
environment. Most people acknowledge
they are a pest that must be controlled.
Of course, there are individuals who are
opposed to the use of fur, and while the
Lapin is in good company, with other
brands putting pests to good use too,
correct?
I certainly admire how Peri Drysdale of
Untouched World took New Zealand
possum fur and merino wool and
delivered it to the world in the form of
Merino Mink. It charted new territory and
inspired an industry where pest resources
are concerned.
What does the future hold for Lapin?
My dream is to take my designs to
international audiences. With the
right opportunity I hope to make
a key investment in my future and
grow recognition for Lapin and New
Zealand rabbit fur as a fashion-forward,
responsible product.
Jane has a confident stance on Lapin’s
narrative, supported by an argument
that showcases the use of these furs in
a positive light. So, let’s have one more
question for the road.
Who would you most love to see
wearing a Lapin design?
I’d be very thrilled to see Mr Sam Neill in
my Lapin man’s coat. I think it would suit
him very well indeed. It would take him
effortlessly from his Central Otago vineyard
life to the hardworking yet glamorous
movie world. I believe he would be a
great ambassador for Lapin because he
understands first-hand the devastation
rabbits cause to our land.
style
noun
elegance and sophistication.
synonyms: flair, grace, poise,
polish, suaveness, urbanity,
chic, finesse, taste, class,
comfort, luxury, affluence,
wealth, opulence, lavishness.