Waina, in every knit

Waina is a deep red-brown from McDonald New Zealand. The colour takes its name from wāina, also written waina, the te reo Māori word for wine, a loanword transliterated from the English.

The Waina range is knitted in New Zealand from McDonald New Zealand's blend of 55% merino wool, 35% possum fur and 10% mulberry silk.

It works particularly well alongside navy, charcoal and denim, while cream and undyed wool bring out its warmer tones. Across the range, differences in stitch and texture give the same colour a different character from one piece to the next.

McDonald New Zealand has carried Waina across the season's collection, from scarves, hats and gloves to textured jumpers, lace knits, cardigans, vests and the full-zip jacket.

Jackets and jumpers

The zip jacket pairs a full-zip possum merino knit with lambskin leather trim. Its substantial knit makes it a useful outer layer over a collared shirt or fine jumper. Wear it with denim for everyday use or tailored trousers for a more structured combination.

The rack stitch crew neck jersey is a plain-knit men's crew, finished at the waistband and cuffs in rack stitch, a rib with a slight zigzag that McDonald use across their menswear.

The patchwork sweater uses variations in stitch to create its pattern, keeping the overall effect tonal. The crew neck jersey with lace detail sets a front panel of openwork between cables, with plain sides and sleeves.

Lace and layers

The herringbone lace vest carries bands of lace across the yoke and just above the hem. The same lace runs the full length of the herringbone lace shawl, which McDonald describe as a travel piece. It is lightweight, long enough to wrap at the neck like a scarf, and wide enough to drape across the shoulders over a shirt.

The shrug takes a looser approach, with a cowl neck and wide, cropped sleeves. The classic cardigan is a V-neck with dropped shoulders and a relaxed, boxy body that finishes at the hip, leaving room for a fine jumper underneath.

Paired with a second colour

The garter stitch cardigan pairs Waina with Red. It has a circular yoke and ridged blocks of stitch, with a contrast colour at the neckline, cuffs and hem. The sheep vest sets Waina with Mocha, which mutes the colour down, and a flock of sheep is knitted across the front in the second tone.

Hats, scarves and gloves

Hats, scarves and gloves are the easiest way into the colour, and the hats and scarves come in matching pairs. The plain tubular hat is knitted as one continuous tube, giving a double layer of fabric and a deep cuff that turns up over the ears. The classic fringed scarf is made the same way. The fine rib hat and scarf have a narrow rib with a little stretch. The plain gloves cover the whole hand. The open finger gloves stop at the middle knuckle, so your fingertips stay free for keys and the phone.

A scarf brings the same shade closer to the face, while a hat works as a simple accent alongside a darker coat.

If you've been looking for burgundy, oxblood or wine-coloured knitwear, Waina is McDonald New Zealand's new-season take on it: a red-brown that sits somewhere between the three. The Waina possum merino range covers menswear, womenswear and accessories.

Shop the Waina collection