September 2010

Bag a Bargain

Make your Aussie dollar go further with a shopping spree in burgeoning Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY SHERIDEN RHODES

If you’re after a serious retail fix, Christchurch, the “garden city”, doesn’t typically spring to mind. But a transformation has taken place in this quaint English-style city with its historic laneways and precincts filling up with New Zealand designer boutiques, indie stores and excellent markets. So grab your besties and head over for a long weekend of endless shopping.

A little insider knowledge is always great, so I ask former model and wardrobe stylist Angela Stone of Angela Stone Consulting to lead the way. We make a beeline for the city’s designer hub, High Street, two blocks from Cathedral Square in the heart of the city. A makeover has taken place along High Street’s glorious Victorian and Edwardian streetscape. Today, you’ll find designer boutiques Andrea Moore, Trelise Cooper, World, Victoria Black, Kilt, Ruby, Storm and Annah Stretton. It’s also home to kids’ boutique Cows Go Moo and the oh-so-fashionable Head Over Heels.

Stone says: “Christchurch’s style of dress is defined by a fabulous selection of high-end boutiques. Here, most people dress smart- casual and comfortable.”

Auckland-based designer Andrea Moore, whose eponymous boutique is filled with colourful tailored garments made from imported European fabrics and embroidered Indian silks, says Christchurch has its own style. “Canterburians are discerning consumers who favour a classic, tailored style,” says Moore, although she agrees her clients also like to make a statement.

Moore and Stone both agree High Street is unique. “It has a great mixture of New Zealand clothing designers, one-off shoe stores and a fantastic vibe,” says Moore.

Among it all, you’ll also find the popular Lichfield Lanes (Poplar and Ash streets) while nearby, a group of old abandoned buildings have morphed into SOL Square, one of the city’s most fashionable places to sip and sup.

After visiting the dreamy Trelise Cooper store, we end up at World, on the corner of Lichfield and High streets in a triangular- shaped Edwardian bank building. One of World’s founders and designers, Francis Cooper, is in the store. He’s the first to admit World, known for its eccentric fabrics and clashing colour combinations, is not for everyone, but says: “World has always been about creating something special that makes you feel the same way.”

From there we cross Tuam Street and at the other end of High Street (opposite CPIT fashion design campus) is Filigree — fine jewellery designed and made locally by Vanessa Stower — and the treasure trove that is Where the Fox Lives. This special

store is crammed with exclusive, locally made garments, accessories and children’s wear with a focus on up-and-coming designers — many crafted by students.

High Street will eventually become part of Rugby Road, a 20-minute walking path linking Cathedral Square and Christchurch Stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The Christchurch tram is also being extended.

But for now, our journey is on foot and we make for Victoria Street, on the other side of the city where Truly Scrumptious is located. Real leaf tea is served in fine bone China tea cups accompanied by gorgeous cupcakes. Initially, I think the store owned by Michelle Calderwood, who dresses like designer Alannah Hill, is a little too chintzy, but among the antiques, vintage pieces and new trinkets, I find an exquisite 1940s vintage necklace. It goes perfectly with the black wool dress I bought from Storm on Stone’s advice.

A must on any Christchurch itinerary is a visit to the historic harbourside township of Lyttelton for its Saturday farmers and vintage markets. Gourmet food from brands like She Chocolat, Peninsula Preserves and Le Casa Toscana Olives make great presents to take back home, while the vintage market is where you’ll find handmade children’s clothes, vintage toys, clothing and shoes. It’s here that I find a 1960s leather Australian passport holder which I pick up for the bargain price of NZ$4 (AU$3).

The next day, a new gourmet bike tour run by Christchurch Bike Tours completes our three-day girls’ weekend. I go home with my credit card happily maxed out, a new appreciation for this lovely southern city and a few kilos heavier — thanks to Christchurch’s fabulous hospitality!