Landscapes:
Kowtow’s Plastic-Free Vision for Conscious Design
Discover Kowtow’s latest collection, Landscapes, designed by Dayne Johnston, as it marks a new chapter in the brand’s journey of blending sustainable innovation with thoughtful, artistic design.
LUCA / March 6, 2025
Celebrated for their forward-thinking approach to sustainable fashion, Kowtow has long been a beacon of eco-conscious design. Founded in 2006 by Gosia Piatek, the brand began with a bold vision: to craft ethical, plastic-free clothing that leaves no harm behind. Over the years, Kowtow has redefined the notion of responsible fashion, carefully creating each garment from 100% certified Fairtrade organic cotton—fully traceable from seed to final stitch.
For those of us who have followed Kowtow’s journey throughout the years, the brand’s timeless designs never cease to captivate. And their recent milestones serve only to reinforce their commitment. The launch of Landscapes, the third entirely plastic-free collection (now available in-store!), is a testament to their dedication to minimizing waste and environmental impact. But beyond this achievement lies something truly exciting—this marks the debut collection by Dayne Johnston, who joined Kowtow as Head Designer in 2023.
Dayne, a leading designer from Aotearoa, New Zealand, brings a refreshingly unique perspective to the brand. With a rich background in menswear and atelier craftsmanship, his arrival has breathed new life into Kowtow. Under his watch, the in-house design team worked closely with Creative Director Marilou Dadat, resulting in a collection that balances creative vision with the slow, intentional process Kowtow is known for. Eighteen months of careful planning and innovation have gone into Landscapes, a collection that reflects Dayne’s passion for considered design and his artistic reverence for the materials at hand.
Dayne’s philosophy—meticulous yet imaginative—perfectly aligns with Kowtow’s values. His design approach isn’t just about clothing; it’s about creating an experience. The use of Fairtrade organic cotton as the mono fibre for Landscapes reflects a devotion to both sustainability and artistry, while the brand’s recent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification ensures that every piece meets the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
With every collection, Kowtow continues to push the boundaries of what sustainable design can be, and Landscapes is no exception. It’s a collection that not only challenges traditional fashion but redefines it with a perfect balance of purpose and beauty. Let’s take a moment to explore how Kowtow’s innovative approach has replaced conventional materials with eco-friendly alternatives, creating a collection that is as forward-thinking as it is timeless.
A. Fairtrade & GOTS-approved organic cotton – Kowtow uses natural, traceable, and biodegradable Fairtrade organic cotton, grown without harmful chemicals and rainfed for sustainability.
B. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 approved organic cotton labels – Combining size and care instruction labels into one made from certified organic cotton, reducing the use of synthetic materials.
C. Certified organic cotton interlining – Kowtow replaces traditional synthetic interlining with Fairtrade organic cotton, ensuring shape, strength, and durability while maintaining sustainability.
D. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 approved shell buttons – Agoya and mussel shell buttons, plastic-free and responsibly sourced as by-products of the fishing industry in Australia and Japan, offering a natural, biodegradable alternative.
E. GOTS-approved organic cotton thread – Since 2023, Kowtow uses certified organic cotton thread, shifting from synthetic options to ensure their garments can return to the earth without harm.
The first drop from Kowtow's Landscapes collection is now available online and in store. Stay tuned for additional drops throughout May.
To learn more about Kowtow's efforts in sustainability, visit their website and/or download their Plastic-Free Handbook.
