Clothes By Portia is a proudly NZ-based brand that designs and creates stylish, sustainable dog clothing and accessories — with a twist. Our unique point of difference? Many of our pieces are upcycled from customers’ clothing, giving cherished garments a second life as one-of-a-kind outfits for their beloved pets. Founded from a love of dogs, fashion, and reducing waste, Clothes By Portia combines creativity with conscious living. We offer two main ranges: our signature CBP-designed collection and our personalised upcycled service. Customers can send in a favourite item of clothing, such as a sentimental jumper, shirt, or even a baby onesie, and we transform it into a wearable piece for their dog. This custom service blends emotion, style, and sustainability into something truly special. Our in-house range features thoughtfully designed dog apparel that’s both functional and fashionable, from cosy hoodies to playful statement pieces, always with comfort and individuality in mind. Every item is handmade in small batches, ensuring our quality remains high. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. By reimagining existing garments and designing for longevity, we help reduce textile waste and offer an eco-friendly alternative to fast pet fashion. It’s a meaningful option for pet parents who want something unique, personal, and more considerate of the planet. We’ve built a loyal customer base through our engaging social media presence, attention to detail, and a fun, feel-good brand personality. Whether we’re sharing styling tips, behind-the-scenes sewing videos, or happy customer pups showing off their new looks, we aim to spark joy and start conversations about sustainable choices in the pet industry. Clothes By Portia is more than just cute dog clothes. It’s a creative, conscious brand making a small but mighty impact, showing that sustainability can be stylish, sentimental, and seriously adorable.
When I started Clothes By Portia, I had no business background, or a big team, and no investors, just a deep love for dogs, a sewing machine, and a big idea: what if dog clothes could be meaningful? Not just cute outfits (though we have plenty of those), but clothing with a story — made from garments you already love, crafted thoughtfully, and designed to last. That’s how the idea of turning customers’ clothing into bespoke pieces for their dogs was born. Since then, I’ve transformed jackets, hoodies, and even a favourite pair of Canterbury shorts into adorable, sentimental dog outfits. The joy this brings to people is real, and it keeps me going. At its core, Clothes By Portia is about celebrating the bond between humans and their pets in the most creatively and sustainably possible. Every order, every custom piece, every social media message reminds me that people want more than fast fashion — they want something personal, something they feel good about. Growing this business hasn’t been easy. I’ve juggled it with life, a chronic pain condition, family, and figuring out everything myself — from designing products and building a website to packing orders and engaging on social media. But I’ve done it all with heart, humour, and a fierce commitment to creating something that matters. Now, I need your vote — not just for me, but for every small business owner doing things differently. When you vote for Clothes By Portia, you’re voting for: A small NZ business with a big dream Sustainable fashion with a playful twist Thoughtful design over mass production Creativity, heart, and a lot of green! If you’ve ever smiled at a dog in a hoodie, felt connected to a sentimental piece of clothing, or supported a local business chasing a big goal, this is your moment to help. Your vote could help bring sustainable pet fashion into the spotlight — and help me take this brand to the next level. Thank you for reading, supporting, and sharing the Clothes By Portia story.