30 May 2008
Possum New Zealand's New Blog!
Due to the popularity of the blog we've decided to upgrade to some new blogging software! Our new Wordpress blog went live yesterday, and we've been getting to grips with it ever since.
You can view the new blog by clicking here. All this content will remain on the site, should you wish to refer back to anything.
The new blog will allow you to comment on our posts, be notified of new content and interact with us a bit more! We can't wait.
20 May 2008
Possum's Big Day Out
 Some of our New Zealand-based readers may remember this story from 2006 in the New Zealand Herald, memorable for one of the worst puns ever printed ('furred party insurance').
This intrepid little Possum, made its way into the central city, and wandered up Gore St (with a security guard in tow) blissfully unaware of the fuss he was causing among the latte set!
The full story can be read here, or see the photos of his big adventure here.
AND, just when you thought it couldn't get any better – we've got a follow-up story!
According to our sources, he was last seen disappearing into a paddock in rural Ponsonby!
15 May 2008
Help Us Choose Next Months Prize!
What would you like to win? Help us choose the prize for June's prize draw by voting below.
Click on any of the images below to learn more about your choices!
   
Mandarin Collar Audrey Hepburn Collar Merino T-Cozy Hat Pack of 4 Buttons
14 May 2008
Eye of the Tiger
Following on from what we saw in London a couple of months ago, our friends at ASOS are going ga-ga over animal prints! From Galliano to Kate Moss, animal prints are de rigueur. As you can see below, it's not just tiger-print, but cowskin, zebra and leopard too.
With the weather turning cooler, now is the perfect time to consider a Possum New Zealand Cowskin Vest or our leopard Venetia Possum Merino knitwear.
14 May 2008
The Birds and the Bees − and the Possum
This amorous email came into the Possum NZ office last week and had us all in stitches! We especially liked the onomatopoeia (very '60's Batman adventure). Thanks Frances your possie pressie's in the mail.
 Hi Possums! I've got a small "Possum Tail" to tell, or Possum Tale to be more exact.
I was a young wife, we had been married for about a year, and every weekend we used to think of interesting things to do. When a long weekend loomed, we laid our plans to go hiking in National Park. So on Thursday we packed our gear in the car, and straight after work on Friday we were off like a rocket to Taupo for dinner, then onwards to National Park. We stayed in a Motel on Friday night, then began our long tramp up to the Ketetahi Hut, on the side of Mt Ngauruhoe on the Saturday morning. Ah, bliss!
A lovely fine, sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. Birds calling, the bush was fragrant and lush, and there was hardly another soul on the track. We took our time, paused often, and savoured our climb through the tree-line and on, up to the hut. We arrived in the late afternoon, tired, happy and ready for our evening meal and an early night. As recent newly-weds, this had an extra special meaning for us, as you can imagine. And there were no other hikers staying over − we were alone in the Hut!
Hmmmmm, all good.
Dinner was prepared, eaten by candle-light, we talked together while wrapped in our sleeping bags, and happily finished our mugs of hot chocolate. Meanwhile, the temperature dropped and darkness fell - revealing the splendid, mountain view of the Southern Cross constellation and the starry sky. Very romantic.
Then to bed. We'd put our mattresses side by side on the floor beside the fireplace. Snuggled down together... things were proceeding as they should when SUDDENLY − at a certain critical moment − WHOOSH, WHAM, THUD, and SCREECHES of TERROR from all THREE parties present!
A HORRIBLE experience for us all. The MALE HUMAN who was severely compromised when so rudely interrupted; the FEMALE HUMAN who felt the thud of a heavy, hairy, and smelly live object; and the POSSUM itself.
I dont know if the Possum was a girl or a boy, but it got such a fright at our frightened reactions, it's claws ripped our sleeping bags as it gathered itself up and ran quickly back up the wooden walls of the hut. Back into the rafters, back into whatever dark and inaccessible corner it lurked in, never to be seen again.
We didn't look for it. We were too warm in our sleeping bags, and too tired from our hike. But it took awhile to get to sleep !
That's my Possum story, from 1973. And it's true. But I never would have thought that a Possum would, or could, fall from the rafters. Perhaps it was distracted?
If you’ve got a Possum story, we’d love to hear it. Email it to us and we’ll pop it on the blog and send you a ‘possie-pressie’ to say thanks.
13 May 2008
April Prize Winner
The winner of last months Possum Fur pencil case bag wasTrish Mackenzie from Levin, New Zealand. Congratulations!
5 May 2008
Every dog Possum has its Day
At last, we have the follow-up to 'Rick's story'! It required some digging worthy of an investigative journalist, and some stand-over tactics, but here you go...
 ‘Doomed from the start’ seemed to be the best description. Not only was the cage wedged into the rafters of a 1950’s garage, the ground below was extremely uneven.
Rick hadn’t given that much thought when he put the cage in.
But that was before it was filled with a spitting, hissing, rage-filled Possum. It appears that, contrary to the norm, a spoonful of peanut butter and a warm spot wasn’t enough to placate this Possum ‘guest.’
The end result was worthy of a slow-motion replay. As Rick reached up to collect the cage, the Possum took a swipe at him. Rick’s cat-like reflexes kicked in and he whisked his hand away. However, that set the ladder rocking, and when that ladder’s rocking, Rick’s head is knocking. Against the wooden shed roof, that is.
There was a split second when Rick thought he could regain his balance. Sadly, that was also the moment the Possum had another swipe at him.
It wasn’t so much the fall that hurt Rick. It was actually when the Possum cage fell on him that his rib was broken. That was also the point when Rick’s shirt was ripped to shreds by our little friend’s razor claws.
After 3 hours in A&E, several x-rays and a Tetanus shot in his bum, Rick was a new man. Until the painkillers wore off. He's spent the last couple of months hobbling around – wheezing at the mere mention of Possum.
If you’ve got a Possum story, we’d love to hear it. Email it to us and we’ll pop it on the blog and send you a ‘possie-pressie’ to say thanks.
24 April 2008
Possum New Zealand in NZ House & Garden
Keep an eye out for Possum New Zealand's ad in this months NZ House and Garden magazine. In other exciting House & Garden news - our cushions are being featured in an upcoming interior decor feature! Watch out for some funky red Possum fur cushions in a couple of months.
18 April 2008
Eco-Fur in the USA
The following article appeared in the On Style section of the Wall Street Journal a couple of weeks ago. It is interesting to note the confusion between the North American Opossum and the Brushtail Possum. Click the quote below to read the full article.
Possum has a bad name in the U.S., through no fault of its own. The Australian brushtail possum isn't related to the North American opossum, a less-adorable marsupial with a ratlike tail, but many folks in the U.S. don't know the difference.
The US company quoted in the article - Eco-Luxury Fur, stocks Possum New Zealand's shorn possum fur throws.
4 April 2008
Possum control in the 'City of Sails'
This tale was related to us straight from the possum’s horse’s mouth! Names have been changed to protect the innocent, the not-so innocent, and anyone who ate one of Aunty Ruby’s legendary salads.
Rick works for one of New Zealand’s largest pest control companies. From palm flies to Possums, Rick’s your man! One of his more time-consuming jobs involves locating (and dealing with) Possums that have got stuck in the roofs of houses.
After discovering that peanut butter is too delicious for the average Possum to resist, he arranges dinner reservations at ‘Chez Cage.’ Sadly this is the full extent of Ricks culinary skills – the Possums often eat better than he does! The next day Rick collects his guests (it’s a bit like the Hotel California – “you can check out any time, but you can never leave”) and while I can’t relate what he does next – it is merciful.
I can confirm however, what happens next…
You see, Rick lives with his Aunty Ruby on one of Auckland’s MOST prestigious streets. In fact, tour buses are known to disgorge camera-toting tourists there every day to enjoy panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline. What they DON’T know, is how Aunty Ruby gets her Roses so healthy or her Tomatoes so huge.
Actually, Aunt Ruby doesn’t know either.
Unbeknown to her Rick has been disposing of his ‘guests’ under her veggie patch. At the time of writing there have been at least 70 burials (or ‘deposits’ for the more sensitive), and Aunty Ruby’s Cabbages have won Best Vegetable at the Auckland A&P show! Apparently, Ricks ‘organic’ fertilizer is a miracle worker.
Should any future archaeologists plan a dig around the area, they may be amazed to find an undiscovered civilization. Move over Neanderthal Man, hello Pygmy Trichophorus Vulpeca Homo Sapien (Possum Man).
Rick has a lot to answer for.
If you’ve got a Possum story, we’d love to hear it. Email it to us and we’ll pop it on the blog and send you a ‘possie-pressie’ to say thanks.
3 April 2008
March Prize Winners
The winner of last months Possum Fur detachable cuffs was Karen Darbyshire from Wanganui, New Zealand. We also ran a competition in association with our customer survey. The winner of the Audrey Hepburn collar was Georgina Leigh from Christchurch. Congratulations to you both!
1 April 2008
Calfskin at London Fashion Week
One of Ms Possums favourite fashion houses Mango, sponsored a runway show at London Fashion Week, by designer Osman Yousefzada. One of the highlights of his collection was the beautiful tailored Calfskin skirts. Click here to see the video of his LFW runway show. Or, have a look at Possum New Zealand's MooMoo cowskin collection here.
20 March 2008
New Product Launch
With the success of retro-themed fur at Milan's Fashion week - and the re-emergence of 'flapper-fashion' - we decided to take a look at the '30's for some inspiration. The beautiful result is our Possum Fur Greta Garbo stole! Big enough to double as a wrap, when worn as a stole it dips at the back and plunges dramatically to the waist in the front. Versatile and warm - pair it with your favourite shimmery party dress...
17 March 2008
February Prize Winner
Congratulations to Mark Agger from Tauranga, New Zealand, winner of last months Possum Fur Harlequin Scarf. This months prize is a set of Possum Fur cuffs valued at $116, so tell your friends to get registering!
25 February 2008
It's a jungle out there
One of the real trends that I spotted while in Europe was animal prints, and in particular - leopard. Whether on fur, velvet or faux-fur jackets it was everywhere. Recently, the London Lite newspaper ran a double page spread featuring animal prints. Paired with skinny jeans, it seems to be a real favourite with the under 30's. Any denim will do though, especially with a little flash of colour. Have a look at the images and read the article below.
   
One of our most popular pieces of Possum Merino Knitwear is the Possum fur trimmed Venetia Jacket. The great thing about the Venetia, is that with a 60/40 Merino wool to Possum fur blend, you can look glamourous even when you're rugged up against the winter chill.
PS. A little tip from Ms Possum. If you want to avoid looking like a game reserve at feeding time, Never (and I mean ever) mix your animal prints! Happy hunting.
18 February 2008
Fur at Milan Fashion Week
This article appeared in yesterdays Daily Mail Online Edition. The main theme of the article is wearing fur with a clean conscience. New Zealand Possum Fur even got a mention. Click the quote below to read the full article.
"Whether hemlines drop from midi to maxi or acid colours re-fade to black, one theme is a dead cert: the lavish, ubiquitous and unapologetic use of fur."
Ms Possum regularly updates vintage fur coats for clients. If you've got some vintage fur hiding in the back of your wardrobe, why not pull it out and get it updated. Send us an email with a couple of pics and you could be in your new refurbished fur coat just in time for winter!
12 February 2008
New Product Launch
We've long known the effects of Possum fur on cats - they love it! So we've designed a funky little Possum fur cat toy (we're calling it the Possie Tail), and it's already proving incredibly popular! After a plea from one of our regular clients whose cat Chocolate had gnawed the fur buttons off her jersey, we came up with a heavy-duty Cowskin strap attached to the fluffiest Possum tails we could get our hands on. Turns out it's like catnip!
8 February 2008
January Prize Winner
Congratulations to George Ganley from Alberta, Canada, winner of last months Raw Edge collar. This months prize is a Harlequin scarf valued at $166, so if you know anyone who would like a chance, send them to possumnz.com! Plus all the earlybird registrations in February get a FREE eco-bag!
25 January 2008
The European Fur Scene
Ms Possum has just returned from her European sojourn to Milan, Paris and London to gauge what is happening in the fashion fur scene. Equipped with no less than 6 layers of Possum merino knitted reinforcements and the odd possum fur hat and collar, Ms Possum looked suitably apt to conquer the minus 5 degree temperatures confronting her in the Northern Hemisphere Winter.
She braved the elements to give her fur aficionados the latest in fur goss and is very pleased to report the proliferation of fur fashion everywhere she went… If you would like to see the full-sized images, just click any of the thumbnails below.
Milan and Northern Italy
 On the shores of Lugano in Northern Italy, beautiful women promenaded round the Lake in long flowing fur coats – the sort you see in Vogue but can’t imagine who could afford to buy. Well, they were all here in eye riveting splendour, with well dressed pooches the accessory of choice.
A short walk from the famous Duomo Cathedral – just past Leonardo Da Vinci’s statue – is Milan’s fabulous Designer district. Ms Possum was in near hysteria to discover salon after salon incorporating fur into its Winter Collections. The variations were endless with fur and bling thrown carefully together. Then there were leopard printed furs, fur and chunky knitted bags, puffer coats and jackets with over the top fur trimmed hoods and cuffs. Even the humble denim jacket was lifted to a new level with the addition of monstrous fur collars.
     
  
But wait; in the midst of this mind blowing un-PC mix of mink and fox… Ms Possum was pleased to stumble upon our eco- friendly Possum fur direct from NZ!
     
     
     
The Italian designers are using New Zealand’s possum fur for men’s hooded full length coats and luxurious bed throws. Ms Possum however, was very pleased to note that all of her customers would be decidedly better off contacting her direct with their furry orders than holding their breath with their credit cards at these illustrious houses of haute couture fashion!
Paris
 In Paris, with the Champs Elyseé magically lit up at night, Ms Possum literally stood in the middle of a crossing in this very busy road, mesmerised by millions of lights and miraculously avoiding all traffic as she photographed the moment! There were more and more real and faux fur trimmed garments, until the mind boggles with the sheer profundity of it all. Even kid’s toys are constructed from fur! And what about fur trimmed umbrellas for the person who has everything, as discovered in the St Germain du Près District. Ms Possum really enjoyed being back in Paris and the marchés, fromageries and the boulangerie opposite her central apartment all added to the atmosphere.
Of course Ms Possum delighted in the Rue de Rivoli where she emptied her wallet –but being the cultured creature she is, couldn’t wait to walk on to the Louvre where she was delighted to say hello to Mona and Venus.
     
     
London
Back to London, and what better than the release of flapper 1920’s inspired fashion with beading, tassels and of course the obligatory fur bolero or stole. Even the short walk from Bayswater to the Portobello markets revealed an interior design store with a New Zealand possum fur throw draped nonchalantly in the window.
 
Then just off Portobello Rd, Ms Possum stumbled across a little clump of permanent Italian stores selling chunky knitted beanies topped with huge fur pompoms in myriads of colours (Ms Possum will be throwing a few of these into her hat range!). Then, next door the Italian laser printed fur collar that Ms Possum just had to have to add to her already substantial fur wardrobe!
Back in New Zealand
So that’s it possums, back to reality and Ms Possum is now busy preparing her new ranges in the midst of 28 degree heat in the middle of a brilliant New Zealand summer.
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