When you wrap yourself in a luxury mohair throw from The Glamorous Goat, you are not just experiencing the warmth of a premium natural fibre - you are wrapping yourself in over two centuries of family heritage, dedication, and craftsmanship.
Our story is one that spans generations and continents, bridging the semi-arid plains of South Africa with the alpine beauty of Wanaka, New Zealand. It is a story of a family's enduring love for the Angora goat.
A Legacy Born in 1857
The history of mohair in South Africa is a fascinating tale. The very first Angora goats arrived in the region in 1838, a gift from the Ottoman Empire. The goats thrived in the dry, scrubby landscape of the Karoo region, which closely mirrored their native habitat.
Just a few years later, in 1857, the Hobson family began their journey into Angora goat farming. For over 165 years, through generations of farmers, our family has dedicated itself to the ethical rearing of these beautiful, gentle animals. Angora goats require specialized care; they do not have the same layer of lanolin that sheep do, meaning they need careful protection from the cold and rain after shearing. This level of care requires a deep, generational understanding of the land and the animals.
Today, that legacy continues. The family farm in South Africa is still owned and operated by the Hobson family, ensuring that the traditional knowledge passed down through generations remains at the heart of our business.
The Art of the Weave
Farming the finest kid mohair is only the first step in our journey. Transforming that raw, fluffy fleece into a luxurious, heirloom-quality throw requires decades of technical expertise.
Our throws, scarves, are produced in a factory set up by Steven’s father, Denys Hobson. For over 35 years, before his recent passing, Denys refined the delicate art of weaving mohair. Mohair is a unique fibre - its smooth, diamond-like structure makes it incredibly strong but requires specific weaving techniques to ensure the final product is soft, breathable, and durable.
Because we manage both the farm and the factory, we have complete traceability over our supply chain. We know exactly where our mohair comes from, how the goats are treated, and the conditions under which our textiles are woven. In an era of fast fashion and opaque supply chains, this level of transparency is something we are incredibly proud of.
Bringing the Heritage to New Zealand
The latest chapter in our family story takes place in the breathtaking landscape of Wanaka, New Zealand. Steven and his wife Hayley brought the Hobson family legacy across the world, founding The Glamorous Goat to share these exceptional products with New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.
While our roots are in South Africa, our inspiration is now deeply tied to our - New Zealand home. You can see this reflected in our collections - our throws carry names like Wanaka Earth, Otago Spring, Aspiring Forest, and Treble Cone. The vibrant colours of our dyes are inspired by the rich landscapes of the South Island, from the deep blues of the lakes to the rich reds of Central Otago's cherries and Pinot Noir.
A Commitment to the Future
While we are deeply proud of our 200-year history, we are equally focused on the future. The Glamorous Goat is built on a foundation of sustainability. By choosing renewable natural fibres over synthetic plastics, utilizing eco-friendly packaging like hemp carrier bags, and supporting the rural farming communities in South Africa that rely on the mohair industry, we are working to ensure our business serves as a force for good.
When you purchase from The Glamorous Goat, you are supporting a Kiwi-owned family business, a historic South African farm, and a commitment to ethical, sustainable luxury.
Welcome to our family. We are so glad you are here.
