A milestone worth celebrating
Since 1995, Untouched World has been quietly but boldly proving that fashion can tread more lightly on the planet.
2025 marks three decades of innovation, community, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. This year, the brand has been honouring not just its garments, but the community that’s grown around them over 30 years of doing things differently.
One of the highlights of the anniversary has been the launch of the Heritage Collection. Earlier this year, Untouched World put out a call: Who still had their oldest Untouched World pieces? The response was huge. Among the standout entries was a Matatua Sweater from 1999, worn into a store by a second-generation wearer. The story behind it inspired the re- release of the Matatua in its original Chocolate colour, along with a fresh Beech Fleck.
The Matatua is joined by two more classics from the archive. The Cross-Neck Sweater from 2002 and the Chunky Half-Zip from 2006. Each style is limited to just 160 pieces per colour, and every garment is hand-numbered on the label, making it a unique collector’s item. The Heritage Collection officially launched in-store and online on 24 July.
Founder Peri Drysdale says these designs are a powerful reminder of the longevity and thoughtfulness that’s always been at the heart of the brand.
“When I look at the pieces we’ve brought back from the archives, what strikes me is the span of time they cover – they’re a reminder of just how considered and enduring that work was. It makes me deeply proud to have worked with designers who created garments that don’t just belong to a moment, they last.”
Sorting through all the submissions gave the team a personal connection to the brand’s legacy. There was a sense of nostalgia for longtime staff who recognised past styles, while newer team members got a sense of how much the brand means to the community. It was a reminder of just how deeply these garments are tied to people’s lives and stories.
But the celebration hasn’t just been about looking back. Untouched World continues to lead with sustainable production practices. While many brands struggle with rigid minimum order requirements that can shut out smaller suppliers, Untouched World works with mills that allow more flexible production runs. When a batch falls just under the threshold, any leftover fabric is cleverly repurposed into linings or interior details, ensuring nothing gets wasted.
Globally, there are glimmers of hope, too. A recent Scientific American article spotlighted the Hudson Valley Textile Project in the US, which just secured funding for a small wool scouring facility, giving independent farmers a better shot at sustainable production. It’s a small shift, but one with significant ripple effects. The increased availability of natural fibres is a welcome win for those championing more mindful fashion.
As Fiona, Head of Sustainability, puts it, “It can feel at times that the industry is working against us; this is the result of the prioritisation of profit over all else. But we know there are others in the supply chain who share our values.”
The benefits of small-batch processing go far beyond efficiency. They empower local producers, bring people closer to the source of what they wear, and pave the way for a slower, more conscious approach to fashion.