I was born into a  family of makers and artists, who over many generations have dedicated their lives to creating objects of beauty. A family of goldsmiths, weavers, filmmakers and painters, I found my way to contribute to this heritage through the means of fashion design. 

My interest in clothing as a form of self expression started from a young age with some experimental projects including many cat print fabrics, and sewing fingernail sized beads all over my jeans, only to discover they were incredibly uncomfortable to sit on. 

On leaving school, I did a Bachelors Degree and Honours in Fashion Design at Otago Polytechnic. Throughout my study I focused on sustainability, regenerative design and traditional tailoring. 

I established Clara Bosshard in 2023 as an independent fashion brand creating simple and elegant garments, designed to sit beautifully on the human body and to impact lightly on the earth. The garments will withstand the test of time in their durability and their capacity to delight and satisfy the wearer over many years. I design, pattern make, develop and sew each garment in my Wellington-based studio.