Hiild: hand-knitted womenswear, designed by Ally and made at home on the South Island of New Zealand.
Where I started
I studied fashion design for three years in Sydney. After that I interned for free, because that's how you get in, and then I worked my way up from the bottom. I learned every part of how a garment is designed, made, sold and worn. Eventually I landed the job I'd dreamed of, and worked alongside some of Australia's best designers.
I spent fifteen years in the industry. It taught me what makes a garment worth keeping, and what makes one forgettable: proportion, weight, finishing, and the details you only notice after years of wearing it.
Why I left
I became a mum in 2020, and it's still my favourite job. I wanted to be there for the ordinary days with my daughters and still make beautiful things. So I left my design career in Sydney and moved to a small coastal town in New Zealand. Hiild started with no investors, no team and no shortcuts. Just my two hands.
How I make each piece
I don't use a pattern. I use measurements as a guide and let each piece form as it knits, so no two are the same. Every knit is made from natural fibres only: merino, alpaca, mohair, silk and cotton, with no nylon, polyester or acrylic. I work with local yarn dyers for shades you won't find anywhere else. Each piece is washed, dried and blocked before it leaves me, so it arrives soft and ready to wear.
What I hope you'll feel
I'd rather you own one piece you reach for for twenty years than five you forget. If you're not sure which is right for you, message me. I'll tell you honestly what I think, even if the answer is "not this one."
Hiild is growing slowly, one conversation at a time. I'm so glad you're here.
Ally
"I purchased a cardigan for my daughter and was so impressed when it arrived that I ordered a custom jumper for myself as well.
Ally was amazing, she was so helpful through the decision process and made it so easy for me.
I highly recommend Hiild knitwear"
— Kristi B, NSW Australia