Our Story

At Mr Peacock there are no limits to the bright colours and wild prints you can find yourself wearing. We encourage you to explore your Inner Peacock, have fun and strut your stuff!

In June 2017 Nelson-based fashion designer Emma Manhart and husband Mark Kolff made the move to the historic village of Akaroa on beautiful Banks Peninsula in the South Island of New Zealand. This was the first step towards turning a slowly simmering vision into a reality. On finding suitable premises they began to create their own unique world of colour, style and fashion to share with the world. They are inspired by vivid colour and interesting prints, and they love encouraging people to dress with fun and boldness. 

Emma and Mark design their unique clothing in Akaroa from a purpose-built studio, and the beautifully handcrafted and colourful ‘Mr Peacock’ and ‘Emma Manhart’ labels are manufactured by talented small-scale makers in New Zealand.  We do limited production runs so you know you will own one of only a few. New Zealand wool, and organic and fair-trade cotton are used where available, along with a quality selection of vibrant imported fabrics. A small exclusive range of textiles are printed with designs by Nelson based textile artist Mark Taylor.

Ethics

Emma and Mark’s goal is to make every step in the garment production process environmentally and socially sustainable. Mr Peacock is one of the first NZ fashion labels to be accredited New Zealand Living Wage Employer status. We are dedicated to being a sustainable and ethical NZ Fashion business.  Customers appreciate that the clothing will last well and they love the quality of the design and making.

 

Emma Manhart

Emma is a previous World of WearableArt (WOW) award winner. She has shown at NZ Fashion Week and proudly produced her NZ-made Emma Manhart label in Nelson for 8 years before moving to Akaroa with Mark to create Mr Peacock. 

Mark Kolff

Mark has a love of clothing, and a business history in food and landscaping. Mark is now excited to be sharing the exciting world of Mr Peacock with you all.

Alethea Laredo

Alethea smiling between two clothes racks of colourful dresses in the Mr Peacock store

Alethea along with Mark is front of house. She has a background in the design and print industry and enjoys looking after our social media and marketing, spreading the word about all things Mr Peacock.