| MEDIA RELEASE |
S. Kidman & Co announces the acquisition of the iconic brand Driza-Bone, marking a milestone in preserving and furthering the legacy of this historic Australian company.
Driza-Bone, originating from the expression “dry as a bone,” boasts a heritage dating back to the 1890s when British mariner Emilius Le Roy was en route to New Zealand.
During the journey, Mr Le Roy envisioned repurposing the ship sails into durable, full-length waterproof coats treated with linseed oil to ensure their non-flammability and resilience against the harsh Australian sunlight.
Today, Driza-Bone sells a range of coats, jackets and vests for men, women, children and pets. It is known for its iconic oilskin products, most of which have been made in Australia for over 120 years.
Executive Chairman of S. Kidman & Co Gina Rinehart said: “Established in 1898, Driza-Bone has been intertwined with pivotal moments in Australian history. From sheltering soldiers at Gallipoli during World War One, to being worn in the magnificent film ‘The Man from Snowy River,’ and by our Olympians for the Sydney Olympics, Driza-Bone has been an emblem of Australian quality and resilience.”
“Driza-Bone’s oilskin coats are iconic. My interest in Australian fashion started when I was quite young as my mother designed and made clothes for herself and me too over my early years. We are honoured to carry forward Driza-Bone’s pioneering legacy while supporting its growth. Our familiys and company’s long association with the outback seems to be a natural fit.”
The acquisition will see S. Kidman & Co expand the Driza-Bone product range and extend its presence globally. The acquisition also marks an exciting chapter for S. Kidman & Co and Hancock as it enters the clothing and apparel industry.
Speaking about Driza-Bone’s plans for the future, S. Kidman & Co CEO Adam Giles stated, “Our investment has ensured Driza-Bone remains in Australian hands and sees two iconic Australian brands unite. We will bolster Driza-Bone’s expansion strategies, enabling the brand to venture into new international markets while staying true to its Australian heritage and commitment to superior quality.”
“The Driza-Bone brand is synonymous with the spirit of the Australian bush. We are committed to upholding and nurturing Driza-Bone’s legacy of Australian craftsmanship while also propelling it to new heights.”
Quotes attributable to Nick Paspaley AC:
www.paspaley.com/our-story
“I am very excited by the announcement that Gina has purchased the Iconic Australian Driza-bone brand.
Driza-bone has established itself as an indispensable part of the Australian rural wardrobe. It will be a perfect match to add to Gina’s iconic Kidman rural brand.
Behind most important international brands is a successful entrepreneur whose vision and passion have led to the brand’s success. Such success and guidance rarely emanate from boardrooms or committees. And there is no better entrepreneur than Gina. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of Driza-bone under her guidance.
I have known Gina personally for a very long time. I know she is very passionate about Australia, and particularly about outback Australia where her family has been early pioneers. And Gina is immediately recognisable when she visits the outback. She makes a striking pose in the way she blends country resilience with style.
The world has a fascination and enchantment with all things related to the Australian outback. I feel confident that this enchantment, together with Gina’s style and business acumen, will be a perfect recipe for taking Driza-bone beyond Australia’s borders.”
Quotes attributable to designer Margot McKinney OAM:
www.margotmckinney.com
“S. Kidman and Co acquiring Driza-Bone is cause for celebration. Kidman, under the chairmanship of Australia’s Gina Rinehart, entering the world of fashion and enhancing Driza-Bone’s rich heritage and expertise in crafting iconic weather-resistant clothing, known almost as our national costume, I know will be extraordinary for these two important Australian companies.
This dynamic fusion of agricultural prowess and fashion finesse will see Driza-Bone elevated to new heights. S. Kidman and Co is sure to creatively deliver this exceptional Australian garment: practical, hard wearing, and long in the domain of the adventurer to new fashion conscious consumers worldwide.
Especially as I know Gina Rinehart is a genuine patriot, and respects Australia’s pioneers and the businesses they established.”
Quotes attributable to Brisbane Fashion Festival Director Lindsay Bennett:
“From its humble beginnings in 1898, Driza-Bone has gone on to become the backbone of rural Australia.”
“Driza-Bone Australia continues to adapt not just in the bush but in the cities as well. This iconic Australian fashion brand is now in a stronger position with backing from Gina Rinehart to reach a global audience.”
“Just as fashion designers produce seasonal collections, Driza-Bone now has the financial support to look at the leisure market in a stronger and more competitive way while also staying true to its deep rural heritage.”
“Through advancements in textile innovations and eco-conscious fabrics combined with new designs that cater to consumer interests, Driza-Bone now can adapt to its urban landscape and the future has never looked brighter for this iconic Australian brand. Gina Rinehart is already a fashion ambassador, and I wish her well in this new and exciting endeavour.”
Quotes attributable to designer Keri Craig-Lee OAM:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keri_Craig-Lee
“Driza-Bone is a legendary brand, an iconic name, quintessential to Australia, known nationally for over 120 years.
Who will ever forget that scene in ‘The Man from Snowy River’ with Tom Burlinson charging down the mountain. It made a marked impact around the world. A movie scene that iconically sums up our fabulous outback. The riders in so many scenes wearing Driza-Bone gave even more credence to this famous brand.
Firstly, from my perspective as a fashion designer and retailer for over 45 years, Driza-Bone has made its mark and has been a very important asset in men’s and women’s wardrobes.
Secondly, from an agricultural perspective my husband Trevor Lee and I, as founders of Australian County Choice, salute Driza-Bone as a company that has made a huge impact on rural Australians – who are often our unsung hero’s. Driza-Bone as part of our bush heritage has achieved major success looking after the country men and women during our harsh winters, but then also allowing them to go into town making a practical, comfortable and stylish impression.
Driza-Bone was originally designed to cater for drovers and musterers on the early cattle and sheep stations to ‘Keep Them Dry,’ hence the purpose and the name.
The combination of Mrs Gina Rinehart, S. Kidman and Co and Driza-Bone will make a huge impact and endorsement world-wide with this venture.
My husband Trevor and I send our heartfelt congratulations on this milestone which is a success story of the highest level. We all love a great success story; it is what history is built upon.”
ABOUT S. KIDMAN AND CO
S. Kidman & Co is an iconic Australian pastoral company with a rich history deeply intertwined with the country’s cattle industry. Established in 1899 by Sir Sidney Kidman, it has grown into one of the largest and most renowned beef producers in Australia. With an extensive network of cattle stations spread across the country, the company plays a pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural landscape. In 2016, S. Kidman & Co was acquired by Hancock Agriculture and joint venture partner Shanghai CRED ensuring it remained majority Australian-owned. S. Kidman & Co’s commitment to sustainable land management, innovation in cattle breeding, and dedication to preserving the heritage of the Australian outback has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of the country’s pastoral legacy.
ABOUT DRIZA-BONE
Driza-Bone, originating from the phrase ‘dry as a bone,’ story began in the 1890s when a sail conjured an image of an indestructible wet-weather jacket made from oil-treated ship sails. From here, the oilskin legend that would become a staple of rural Australian workwear and a household name was born. 120 years on, Driza-Bone continues to offer a range of outerwear for all conditions. Driza-Bone garments are constructed for durability, comfort, and function, an absolute necessity for Australia’s outdoor way of life.
