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01

OUR VISION

Deadly Ponies is committed to being transparent, considered, accountable and innovative in every aspect of our business. At our very core is the creation of timeless pieces, designed to be cherished for years to come, and artisanally handcrafted to minimise our impact on the planet.

Deadly Ponies is committed to being transparent, considered, accountable and innovative in every aspect of our business. At our very core is the creation of timeless pieces, designed to be cherished for years to come, and artisanally handcrafted to minimise our impact on the planet. We’re incredibly proud that Deadly Ponies is now B Corp Certified, recognised as a business leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. Achieving a B Corp Certification involves meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance and accountability, reflecting core values that are at the heart of Deadly Ponies. Working closely with select suppliers in Aotearoa and globally, we use the highest quality, sustainably and ethically sourced materials, aiding us in our quest to become zero waste to landfill. In our efforts to reach this, we no longer have commercial waste disposal and only recycle.

We have also attained:

• B-Corp Certification.

• Toitū Net Carbonzero certification.

• Implementation of a product recycling and amnesty programme.

• Partnering with only Leather Working Group certified suppliers for our production.

• Living Wage Certified Employer.

The well-being of our workers - those we employ directly, and those we partner with - are protected and supported by the signing of our publicly available Code of Conduct, and our membership as a Living Wage Certified employer. We have an ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equality, and in 2020 we implemented a policy to ensure those values are upheld and reflected across our business. We put particular focus on matters that affect the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community, using our platform to raise awareness and advocate for our Rainbow family.

At our core, we value family, creativity, and integrity, creating space for the individual to shine, the collective to thrive, and the planet to benefit. We create beautiful accessories, responsibly.

01.1

Responsible Production and Consumption

Our aim is to become zero waste to landfill. In our efforts to reach this, we no longer have commercial waste disposal and only recycle. - this means not only our production waste but also working with high quality, ethical materials that we can rework, repurpose or recycle without leaving a lasting impact on the environment. To ensure we achieve our goal, we have audited all packaging, identifying areas for improvement and the need for more sustainable alternatives. We have developed 100% recyclable packaging, including the use of non-toxic dyes and inks. In line with this, our manufacturing partners ship all products in 100% soft plastic packaging which is recycled through Reclaim NZ.

We uphold ethical and sustainable production values by partnering exclusively with Leather Working Group certified suppliers. This ensures a responsible leather industry with accountable practices, minimal environmental impact, and deforestation-free, transparent supply chains.

01.2

Gender Equality and Inclusive Workplaces

We have established a Family Programme to empower and develop our staff and to ensure that we create a diverse and inclusive workplace. We also extend this to our suppliers through our supplier code of conduct which includes a diversity and inclusion policy. This is signed by all our current suppliers, and we require that all future suppliers sign this ahead of collaborating. This is renewed biennially to ensure that our code of conduct is strictly adhered to.

01.3

Climate Action

Based on current Science Based Targets, we have identified a reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions of 14% and an absolute reduction in Scope 3 emissions (combined) of 23% by 2026.

01.3

OUR PLANET

Climate action is an ever-expanding issue and one that we want to do our part to tackle. Based on current Science Based Targets, we have identified a reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions of 14% and an absolute reduction in Scope 3 emissions (combined) of 23% by 2026. We intend to achieve these reductions by further reducing our air freight by direct sea-freight from our own atelier to global destinations.

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02

OUR MATERIALS

Not willing to compromise on our values, we work closely with select suppliers across the world to craft the highest quality, sustainably-sourced and ethical materials our customers know and love.

02.1

Why leather?

For us, it is about sustainability & longevity of our quality leathers. By sourcing ethical materials - working exclusively with hides that are a by-product of the meat industry, or natural casualties, that have traceability and Leather Working Group or equivalent certification, we can ensure the quality and sustainability of our materials. While we continue to innovate and source alternatives to provide choice, we choose leather for three key reasons:

Longevity

Leather, as a natural hide product, is inherently durable and long-wearing. We primarily use Full-Grain leathers, the highest quality available, preserving the natural texture and integrity of the hide. Our Calf Nappa is dyed and lightly coated to enhance its durability and water resistance, while still showcasing the natural grain variations. Despite their resilience, leathers require proper care to maintain their longevity. We recommend regular cleaning and conditioning with our rejuvenation kit, waterproofing, and storing away from direct sunlight to keep your Mr looking beautiful for years to come.

Biodegradability

Unlike most artificial leather alternatives on the market, which can take centuries to break down and are manufactured using fossil fuels or synthetic, plastic-based materials; quality, tanned leather may only take between 10-50 years to fully biodegrade on its own - leaving behind a far less lasting impact than its synthetic counterparts.
All our leathers are tested and certified free of Chrome VI, meaning our leathers are safe for human life and the environment, and will not release harmful chemicals into the ecosystem in their final stages of life.

Recyclable & repurposed

Due to its longevity and durability, our quality leathers can be recycled and repurposed into new products, helping to close the production loop and deliver a more circular economy. Our Recycle initiative also means customers can return their pre-loved products as part of our buy-back scheme, which we then use to craft our 100% recycled collection.

02.2 Materials we prefer

CALF NAPPA

Handcrafted from Full-grain Calf leather and milled to exude a buttery softness, each hide showcases all of the leather's natural grain and texture, making each Deadly Ponies’ piece a unique work of art. With a semi-aniline protective finish helping to maintain the integrity of the leather over time, our Calf Nappa is sourced from Leather Working Group gold-certified suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Tanned in China using ethically sourced skins from New Zealand and America, Deadly Ponies’ leather is a by-product of the farming industry and free from Chrome VI, reflecting a commitment to responsible production and consumption.

HEAVY GRAINED CALF LEATHER

Handcrafted from Top-grain Calf leather, our Heavy Grained Calf is embossed with a pronounced grain, this increases the strength and durability of the leather, whilst creating a uniform finish for our larger Voyage pieces. With a semi-aniline protective finish helping to maintain the integrity of the leather over time, our Heavy Grained Calf is sourced from Leather Working Group gold-certified suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Tanned in China using ethically sourced skins from New Zealand and America, Deadly Ponies’ leather is a by-product of the farming industry and free from Chrome VI, reflecting a commitment to responsible production and consumption.

NEW ZEALAND MERINO BULLE LAMB

Deadly Ponies’ Bulle Lamb is a Full-grain merino lamb nappa, tanned in the South of France using New Zealand Merino Lamb skins that are ethically sourced from farms in the mountains of the South Island. Like its namesake, the French term for ‘bubble’, each hide is shrunken to accentuate the natural bubbly texture inherent in lambskin. Our NZ Merino Lamb is a by-product of the farming industry and uses the natural process of vegetable tanning, reflecting a commitment to responsible production and consumption. With a semi-aniline protective finish helping to maintain the integrity of the leather over time, our Bulle Lamb is sourced from Leather Working Group gold-certified suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Lambskin is a durable leather, but with any softer leather, the surface can be delicate with regular wear. We recommend regular leather conditioning, and to avoid abrasive surfaces.

LAMB NAPPA

Crafted from grounded seashells, a byproduct of the seafood industry, our eco-neoprene is a natural Rubber, bonded on either side with nylon knit. It is an incredibly durable material, both sunlight and water-resistant.A soft, fine-grained Italian Lamb leather with a semi-aniline finish, tanned in Avellino, Italy. Semi-aniline is defined as leather that has been dyed in a drum and finished with a process that involves a light surface coating of pigment, for enhanced scratch, water and abrasion resistance. Despite this increased durability, with any softer leather the surface can be delicate with regular wear. We recommend regular leather conditioning, and to avoid abrasive surfaces.

CALF SUEDE

Our Calf Suedes offer velvety softness without sacrificing durability. Farmed in the United States, Europe, and Oceania before being tanned with our supplier in Thailand. Our Supplier is certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG) and has achieved 100% physical traceability, meaning each hide can be physically traced back to its point of origin, ensuring a transparent supply chain, and responsible leather sourcing.

EXOTIC EMBOSSED CALF LEATHER

Handcrafted from roller-embossed Calf leather that recreates the natural scale pattern of exotic animal skin, each hide is hand painted and varnished to achieve a depth of colour and shine. In our commitment to sustainable and responsible sourcing, Deadly Ponies’ exotic leather boasts Chrome VI-free production methods and is tanned and finished in Italy by Leather Working Group gold-certified suppliers. Through our dedication to innovation and ethical practices - others may rely on exotic skins, we opt to recreate them, ensuring that luxury never comes at the expense of conscience.

SHEARLING LAMB

Deadly Ponies’ Shearling is tanned in Valencia, Spain with a gold-certified Leather Working Group supplier, produced in a tannery running on self-produced solar and natural gas energy.
We utilise two types of shearling in our products; Spanish Merino Lamb for our short-hair styles, and Spanish Toscana Lamb, a breed originating from Tuscany, Italy, for our long-hair styles.
In our commitment to sustainable and responsible sourcing, our Shearlings are a by-product of the farming industry, free from Chrome VI production, and are manufactured with sustainable and renewable energy.

CAPRA PYTHON

Our Capra Python is tanned and hand-finished in Italy with our supplier who is LWG Silver rated. Utilising goat leather sourced in Mongolia, it has been custom-printed and embossed to be a simulated representation of the exotic texture of Python without the use of exotic or endangered animals. Through our dedication to innovation and ethical practices - others may rely on exotic skins, we opt to recreate them, ensuring that luxury never comes at the expense of conscience.

RAFFIA

Our Raffia is eco-dyed, biodegradable and made from regenerated plant fibre. It is hand-woven by a collective in China, and each piece is completed with leather trimming fashioned by our partner manufacturers in Zhongshan, China. Due to their natural origins, your Deadly Ponies’ Raffia pieces can be lightly steamed, in the same way you would a garment, to refresh their appearance and remove any creases should these occur.

MOHAIR

Working with a small, family-operated business in New Zealand, our mohair is all ethically and locally sourced in New Zealand, with luxurious quality. 

MOHAIR, WOOL AND CASHMERE

Working with a small, family-operated business in New Zealand, our mohair is all ethically and locally sourced in New Zealand, with luxurious quality. Our blankets are woven using wool sourced from Australia, and premium cashmere from Inner Mongolia, home of some of the finest cashmere material. Both materials are certified by Woolmark, ensuring their quality and genuity.

REACH CERTIFIED COTTON

Ensuring the protection of the environment and labour practices, certified REACH cotton does not use toxic chemicals. Our cotton is currently REACH standard and BCI certified, restricting the use of hazardous chemicals in its production.

HARDWARE

We haven’t just chosen brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, for its durability and aesthetic, but also its low environmental impact. With one of the lowest manufacturing carbon footprints for metals, solid brass can also be melted down, time and time again, being truly circular. Our brass is crafted using traditional sand-casting methods - often associated with high-quality jewelry casting, before being hand polished and lacquered to reveal and preserve its natural golden hues.

In select circumstances, we opt to utilise pure Zinc Hardware, one of the two base metals used in Brass alloy. Zinc is inherently recyclable and can be infinitely recycled without losing any of its strength and corrosion-resistant properties. Being naturally light, it affords us the ability to create and adorn our products with sculptural hardware elements that do not add additional excessive weight, as Brass would.

RECYCLED LEATHER

Using leather offcuts and scraps typically from shoes, furniture and garments, recycled leather is mulched into a fibre-like pulp with water, and then bound together, in a process similar to paper making, to achieve a similar look and feel to original leather. We are currently working with a supplier to develop a Deadly Ponies recycled leather, crafted from scraps of our signature, supple leathers, and amnesty products, to bring you the same luxurious quality, in truly circular fashion.

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03

OUR IMPACT

Creating a responsible business is an ever-evolving journey, but we are committed to building a better world.

03.1

Climate Impact (FY24 Data)

Deadly Ponies is Net Carbonzero certified. Our total CO2 emissions for FY23 (01/04/2022 to 31/03/2023) were 168.7 tCO2e. Total for FY24 (01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024) were 99.3, which is 41.14% lower than the previous year. A reduction in emissions intensity of 3.97 tCO2e/$M has been achieved.Through our established processes we monitor, record, and offset our tonne CO2 emissions as a business and prioritise making reductions wherever possible. Based on current Science Based Targets, we have identified a reduction of Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions of 14% and an absolute reduction in Scope 3 emissions (combined) of 23% by 2026. We intend to achieve these reductions by further reducing our air freight by direct sea-freight from our own atelier to global destinations.

03.2

Waste

Our aim is to become zero waste to landfill. In our efforts to reach this, we no longer have commercial waste disposal and only recycle. - this means not only our production waste but also working with high quality, ethical materials that we can rework, repurpose or recycle without leaving a lasting impact on the environment. To ensure we achieve our goal, we have audited all packaging, identifying areas for improvement and the need for more sustainable alternatives. We have developed 100% recyclable packaging, including the use of non-toxic dyes and inks. In line with this, our manufacturing partners ship all products in 100% soft plastic packaging which is recycled through Reclaim NZ.

There was a 69% reduction in waste to landfill in FY24 in comparison to FY23. A 10% reduction was achieved in FY22 in comparison to the previous year.

03.3

Energy

We have set a target to reduce our total energy consumption by 10% by 2026.

To reach this target, annual energy audits will be conducted for all retail spaces and our head office, setting specific targets accordingly. We are continuously working on reducing our consumption across the business, inline with our goal for 2026.

03.4

Packaging

All our packaging has been custom-designed with the utmost quality, and are 100% recyclable. Our online boxes and shopping bags are designed using eco- dyes, FSC certified paper and cardboard, and absolutely no plastic. This degree of care extends to our inward goods, as well as our retail packaging, meaning that product arriving from the factories is packaged in recyclable soft- plastics and packaged in reusable and recyclable cartons. Our cotton dust bags are crafted from AZO free dyes and inks.

03.5

Shipping

Being a global business; shipping and freight play a significant role in our overall carbon footprint, an impact we try to mitigate at every opportunity. We choose sea freight wherever possible, and build this into our seasonal timelines to accommodate longer shipping times from our factories. On average, sea freight uses 97% less carbon for the same journey, so it is a significant contributor in reducing our carbon footprint. We actively choose to engage with third party shipping and delivery partners who have sustainable practices and protocols in place.

03.6

Recycle Programme

Deadly Ponies began with our Creative Director, Liam, sourcing leather scraps from tannery off-cuts to create his very first designs, an ethos ingrained in our recycling practices of today. In our continual mission to be more circular and become zero waste to landfill, in 2020 we launched a recycling programme aimed at taking total ownership of our products for their entire lifecycle. While we encourage customers to nourish, repair and cherish your pieces (introducing specialised repair kits), there comes a time when they are ready for their next journey. For bags that have lived a full life, we decided to repurpose them, rather than being sent to landfill - a poetic nod to our early days. Given all of our products are produced with reusable materials, we have an opportunity to reinvent them as part of our annual recycle programme.
Using quality materials has always been at the heart of what we do. Brass hardware, for example, is one of the few metals that can be melted down and reused without compromising its composition - all while utilising one of the most energy-efficient methods to do so. This means that we can melt down our retired brass hardware and make a sculpture to hold our recycled coaster set... no joke.

To extend the life of your piece, we recommend regularly caring and nourishing your bag. Discover our Rejuvenation Kit and care guide.

Our ethically sourced, high-quality leathers are tanned without harmful chemicals, meaning that they can be refurbished, cut and stitched to form new products. Every usable shred of leather from the cutting room floor at our manufacturers is kept and graded for later use.

And that’s what this project is really about, celebrating the quality of our products, while also acknowledging the history of the brand. It also defines our future, and that of our manufacturers. We are setting a standard for our team to meet. If we can’t recycle it, then we need to look for alternatives. If our team can rise to that challenge then we are also setting the bar for others to follow, and this is what brings us the most joy.

Due to the popularity of our recycle programme, we have permanently built this into our annual calendar. To date we’ve repurposed over 4000 sqft of waste leather, creating something beautifully unique rather than sending it to landfill. We have created pieces like our Nanomese, Marquetry SLGs, Mirror and Key Cloche, AirPod cases, sunglasses holders, coasters and much more. Each piece is unique and unlike the next - a true Deadly Ponies’ collector’s keepsake - made from someone else’s keepsake. We have also utilised this programme to produce gifts for our Pony Club Gold and Black members.

Since our first recycle collection in 2020 we have created over 2000 pieces as part of the recycling programme alone. We also continue to work with our manufacturers to repurpose excess stock materials from past season, upcycling these to bring you unique archive colours and materials in very limited edition current season styles. We have produced pieces from materials on hand that otherwise would sit unused and unloved, but that will now be treasured once again.

Lifecycle Management is a core ethos at Deadly Ponies. This particular initiative is completely circular, because we control every part of the process - from production, to consumer, to Recycle, back into production and eventually, back to the consumer again.

We encourage our customers to nourish, repair and cherish their pieces and we offer ways in which this can be done through our Rejuvenation Kits and also our repair and refurbishment services, but there comes a time when our products are ready for their next journey.

When a Deadly Ponies product is at end-of-life then it can be returned to us for recycling through our in-store amnesty programme. Using leather offcuts in our recycle range also closes the loop on any excess waste in the production process.

ACCREDITED MATERIALS

No matter which bag you choose, all of our leathers are derived from certified Leather Working Group Gold partners or equivalent.

BACK TO LIFE

Whether we biodegrade the old leather, or melt down the brass, we take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of the pieces we make.

CERTIFIED CARBON ZERO

We recognise the global impact of CO2 emissions and are committed to further reductions for the health of our planet.

MADE WITH LOVE

Our mission: Our people, our factory, zero excess, zero waste.

REPURPOSE, RECYCLE, RELOVE

Earn recycle credits + shop pieces crafted from our recycled bags and off-cuts. Nothing goes to waste.

YOURS TO PROTECT

Our pieces are made to last, so help us extend their life with our premium care routine.

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04

OUR MANUFACTURING

Our pieces are timeless, made to be cherished for years to come. Each piece is artisanally handcrafted to minimise our impact on the planet and help build a better world.

04.1

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA FACTORY

Owned by Richard; 250 staff

With over 40 years of experience in luxury leather good manufacturing, our Zhongshan based workroom produces the majority of our bags and accessories to the highest standards of quality. As experts in quality craftsmanship, our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they are crafted to last, with exceptional attention to detail. 

They are specialists in crafting premium leather handbags and manufacture for some of the world’s leading brands. With a team of over 250, our Zhongshan partner can facilitate some of our higher volume products, with the same love and care taken in on-shore production. They have signed our Code of Conduct, ensuring the protection of the environment and their workers, and are regularly audited.

04.2

AVELLINO, ITALY

Owned by Fadi; 6 staff

Fadi and his wife run the day to day operations at our Italian atelier, sole manufacturers of our Pony, Polar and Desert Rider Jackets. His wife manages the handcrafting of our jackets, alongside five tailors and one pattern cutter. We have been working with them since 2018 and they have signed our Code of Conduct.

04.3

PORTO, PORTUGAL

20+ staff

Our Portugal factory is a footwear manufacturing company based in the municipality of Felgueiras in the Porto District of Portugal, producing our handcrafted leather boots. Specialising in quality footwear craftsmanship, each artisan specialises in shoemaking, masterfully combining the most advanced machinery with artisanal expertise. Despite the added value of technology, our factory believes that nothing can replace the philosophy and skill of a human hand. Aligning with our sustainability endeavours and requirements, they have signed our Code of Conduct and are regularly audited.

04.4

DONGGUAN, CHINA

50+ staff

Our footwear manufacturer was founded in 1999 and is located in both Dongguan and Hong Kong, specialising in our seasonal footwear production. With a mission to develop and manufacture superior quality leather shoes and accessories, they operate on a made-to-order basis, helping to reduce overconsumption in the fashion industry. Every component throughout the manufacturing process is intricately handcrafted by their  skilled artisans. The factory is also regularly audited on its ethical trading and corporate responsibility, ensuring the use of only the highest quality and sustainably sourced materials.

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05

OUR COMMUNITY

Not willing to compromise on our values, we work closely with select suppliers across the world to craft the highest quality, sustainably-sourced and ethical materials our customers know and love.

05.1

Living Wage

Deadly Ponies is a Living Wage Certified employer. Our goal is to ensure fair and ethical working conditions, fair pay, and equal rights across our business, including our manufacturers, stores and head office.

05.2

The Leather Working Group

Deadly Ponies prioritises partnering exclusively with LWG certified members, ensuring that our suppliers are dedicated to sustainable and responsible business practices in the leather industry. The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for the world's leading environmental certification in the leather manufacturing industry. They seek to uphold full supply chain transparency, minimal environmental impact, deforestation and conversion free supply chains, and promote industry cross-collaboration, helping to push the development of more conscious developments and practice.

How do they work?

The LWG regularly audits manufacturing facilities based on their environmental compliance, traceability and performance capabilities. They aim to improve the leather manufacturing industry by aligning environmental priorities, promoting best practices, and providing guidelines for continual improvement.

05.3

Charitable Partnerships

We aim to donate a portion of our profits to our chosen charity partners annually, to provide further enrichment to our local community.

Rainbow Youth
It is with pride that we share our support for RainbowYOUTH NZ, a cause that is very close to our hearts. As partners in life and business, Deadly Ponies Founders, Steve and Liam, began working with RainbowYOUTH in 2020 and felt that this partnership was the perfect alignment. Together with RainbowYOUTH, we hope to encourage positive conversation around diversity and inclusion, building a safe space for our young people.

Sustainable Coastlines
Sustainable Coastlines is a New Zealand charity that exists to connect people to nature and inspire change. We’re proud to be a partner, donating 10% of every purchase from our Recycle Collection to the charitable trust, supporting large-scale clean-up events, educational programmes, public awareness campaigns, catchment-based freshwater restoration, and citizen science environmental monitoring activities.

Antarctic Science Foundation
Our final capsule for Fall Winter 22 celebrated intrepid historical photographer and explorer, Frank Hurley. Leading us on an incredible journey throughout the winter season, it felt only fitting to honour him, and the wonderland of Antarctica. We are proud to support the Antarctic Science Foundation, donating 100% of the profits from the sales of our Mr Emperor and Emperor Charm to penguin research, which monitors how penguins will adapt to climate change.

05.4

Local Art

Our collections explore the intersection of art and fashion; drawing inspiration not only internationally, but heavily from our local art community. We work closely with up and coming artists here in New Zealand through commissioning works, our ‘Meet the Maker’ content series, and supporting local artists to create and curate beautiful pieces of work for our stores, which serve not only as a retail space but as an opportunity to showcase these special pieces.

Deadly Ponies’ commitment to our local art community is on the back of a long-held love of art by Liam and Steve over the 19 year history of our company, and continues to be a core focus to foster further.

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06

CONSIDERED EDIT

Deadly Ponies is unwilling to compromise on our transparency values, we work closely with select suppliers across the world to craft the highest quality, sustainably-sourced and ethical materials our customers know and love.

Whether you're in the market for an ethically vegetable tanned leather, or a repurposed work of art, our considered edit continuously innovates, giving you choice.

RECYCLE

Our highly-coveted, annual Recycle Collection repurposes vibrant leather off-cuts into delightful keepsakes and accessories. A piece from our Recycle Collection is the perfect unique gift for a loved one - or your lovely self. Shop Recycle

VEGETABLE TANNED BULLE MERINO LAMB

Handcrafted from Full grain Merino Lamb leather, each hide is milled and exudes a buttery softness. With a semi-aniline protective finish helping to maintain the integrity of the leather over time, our Bulle Merino Lamb is ethically sourced from family-led farms in the mountains of the South Island. Tanned in the South of France, Deadly Ponies’ Bulle Lamb is a by-product of the farming industry and uses the natural process of vegetable tanning, reflecting a commitment to responsible production and consumption. We have expanded our Bulle Merino Lamb offering to give you a wider selection of choice, and the opportunity to take a piece of ethical, local design home with you today.

Shop Bulle