Apparel Magazine
Peter Mitchell, founder of NZ Apparel Magazine in 1969, began his career working on the Manawatu Evening Standard as a cadet reporter, later he was to move onto London’s famous Fleet Street, working for the renowned media mogul Lord Roy Thomson, 1st Baron of Fleet. During his time with Thomson, who had recently purchased The Times, Mitchell worked in publishing before being sent to Melbourne, Australia, to manage Butterick Patterns—a key distributor of Vogue and Butterick patterns. He later transferred to New Zealand to lead the company’s local operations.
Finding his niche in the fashion world, Mitchell’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to pursue his own publishing venture. In 1969, with a $300 loan from his mother, he rented an office in the Securities Building on Queen Street, Auckland, and launched NZ Apparel Magazine. His vision expanded when he purchased and merged Clothing & Footwear News into NZ Apparel Magazine, creating a definitive voice for the industry.
Mitchell’s influence extended beyond publishing. In the late 1960s, he played a pivotal role in establishing New Zealand’s National Colour Council, set up by the Fashion Industry Association and the Retailers Association. This council, run from Mitchell’s office with Jillian Ewart as fashion director, provided colour recommendations to the local apparel industry, aligning it with global trends.
This move paralleled the broader international landscape, where the British Colour Council, established in 1931, had been influential until the 1960s, when its codes were largely supplanted by commercial standards such as Pantone. Founded in the 1950s, the Pantone Colour Institute continues to be a key player in standardised colour reproduction systems.
Peter Mitchell’s leadership and vision helped shape both the fashion publishing and colour advisory landscape in New Zealand, leaving a lasting legacy. He passed away in 2022, but his contributions remain significant, marking a key chapter in New Zealand’s publishing history.
Today it remains a New Zealand family owned and operated publication. Peter Mitchell's youngest daughter, Caitlan, is the managing editor and is proud to continue her father's legacy in the industry. Apparel has proudly supported the industry through highs and lows for over 55 years. Growing up in the industry, Caitlan Mitchell quickly learned the ins and outs of the industry first hand.
Apparel also brings New Zealand designers to international stages to showcase their designs. Apparel has also represented New Zealand at multiple international expos, congresses, and fashion weeks. We have many international media and council partnerships where we exchange industry news and updates to keep our industry up to date and in the loop with the latest industry innovations. We are a strong believer in supporting local and promoting New Zealand made. Apparel Magazine is on the board for the Fashion Council of New Zealand and is passionate about helping our industry grow. Membership is FREE, become a member of the Fashion Council of New Zealand here.
Apparel Magazine delivers strong editorial from its team of knowledgeable vibrant writers in a format that is lively, easy to read and informative, always conscious of being a cost-effective media solution for advertisers.
The changing market during COVID-19 has placed the apparel industry in a very challenging position; as retailers, suppliers, distributors and quick service food outlet providers look to pivot their businesses to remain viable in this "new normal". The team at Apparel Magazine are here to support, provide up to date information and the latest news and information about the industry as we all navigate through this fluid and ever-changing business environment.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have news, views or an opinion that you would like to share. Email caitlan@reviewmags.com or call us on +64 9 304 0142.
Apparel Magazine Over The Years
Apparel magazine is one of a stable of magazines published by Review Publishing Co Ltd, one of New Zealand's oldest privately owned publishers (with the food and beverage side of the business established in 1923 as part of the Master Grocers' Association, later being incorporated as Review Publishing Co Ltd in 1944 and purchased by Peter Mitchell in 1973).
The other titles in the stable include: (click to view)
Review Publishing Co History
For almost a century, Review Publishing Co (est 1923), New Zealand’s leading business to business publisher, has been a media and marketing solutions provider to industry sectors offering in-depth, insightful coverage from an experienced team of food writers and editors. The Review team has for the past 30 years been involved in the marketing, event management and social media campaigns of many of its advertising clients and brands.
Under the ownership of Peter Mitchell since 1973, Review Publishing is a wholly New Zealand-owned family business, with four family members working in the business. The stable of business to business magazines includes HOTEL, SupermarketNews, Restaurant & Café, AgedPlus, F&B Tech, Apparel and its b2c digital magazine Fennec & Friends.
The b2b publications are a one-stop resource for each business sector and provide the basis for market insights and a thorough understanding of each sector that the team works in. The company is led by Managing Director, Tania Walters, who has a 35-year career in food marketing, publishing and events, has also been a food and beverage innovation judge across many events spanning her career. Backed by a 14 strong team of professional writers, marketers, photographers, videographers, design and graphics, this pool of talent has worked with blue-chip multinationals as well as emerging brands.
With a wealth of industry knowledge across foodservice, retail and hospitality, the Review Team has been well placed over many years to assist with launching brands, building existing brand extensions, event management, social media and marketing campaigns into new sectors or countries. The team pride themselves on their ongoing relationships with brands that span decades.
Though based in New Zealand the team have run Australian or Australasian campaigns for many brands, they have an excellent network in Australia and have two team members dedicated to that market. All digital campaigns are run out of New Zealand, but we have a strong network for event management in Australia, along with an extensive distribution network and relationships. The entire stable of magazines is distributed into Australia and the Pacific as well as the wider global audience. Review Publishing is proud to partner through marketing and media partnerships for a wide range of digital, social marketing and events, including food exhibitions across the world.
Review Publishing is a longtime partner with industry associations internationally across apparel, fmcg, food service, hotel, aged care, and food & beverage.