Jakob Carter's journey into fashion can be described as one crazy ride but one that he was always destined for. His journey began at a young age where his desire for all things fashion began, and over time he decided to try and turn that passion into a career by enrolling in school to study fashion design.
From there, Carter merged his love for both fashion and fragrance to then create his own brand, Jakob Carter, which has grown and flourished over the past six years. His collections can now be found in over three hundred stores around New Zealand and, soon to be, Australia.
“I have been so lucky to dress and work with some incredible people, stylists, magazines and celebrities within New Zealand and all across the world,” Carter explained.
Carter has had the pleasure of getting to collaborate with Australia-born New Zealand singer Stan Walker, who helped him bring to life the latest fragrance, Human, which was made to start a conversation around men's mental health. Reminding all men that it is important to open up and talk to each other without the fear of being judged and reminding each other that we are all human.
The thing that is most important to Carter is that his brand is creating luxury New Zealand-made products that are high-quality and inclusive, along with being sustainable and empowering. He also makes sure to use his growing platform to make a difference in the world.
Carter gets much of his inspiration from New Zealand landscapes as well as from people and personalities. Being completely immersed in nature is what helps to get his creativity flowing the most and where many of his collections begin to see the light of day.
His advice to anyone looking to step into the fashion industry is that life is short, so make a plan, work hard, and reach for the stars. Don’t let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams. Believe in yourself, and the people around you, and amazing things will start to happen.
“It has been a big and scary journey so far, but it is something I could never regret,” he said.
The future is bright for Jakob Carter, with its up-and-coming expansion to Australia as well as another new celebrity fragrance launch in the near future. Later on in the year also shows hope for the launch of the brands first ever handbag, wallet and sunglasses collection. By 2024 there are also hopes to launch three new bold fashion collections, which will be different from anything they have ever done before.
