LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I look back on another year at CM and what stands out the most is the success that was our charitable event Hats and High Tea in support of Dress for Success Christchurch in October. A quick mental snapshot has me recalling the lush backdrop created by Ambius that was set up days before onsite in Parkview at The George to welcome our VIP guests that included Hon. Margaret Austin, Chris Korakao and Hannah Mahoney. Our international speaker panel that comprised of stylist Josie Pasane, Gemma Kirk, and NZFW Designer Jacqueline Roper. Parkview at The George is a private location that overlooks Hagley Park and is where we showcased a preloved runway on stunning Portfolio Models while dining on a custom high tea that, as one guest put it, “It’s the best. Very much like the kind we enjoy on our trips to Europe”. 

In these times, offering preloved seems fitting and it’s just smart. It is the essence of the magazine. To enjoy the eco-luxury life. Every purchase and persistence is for something that is good on many levels. Invest in something that is significant so that your return on enjoyment is longstanding. Thank you to all who supported this event and you can have a look here at more from the event here including the gallery and our sponsors.

Speaking of eco-luxury, last month’s feature was none other than Zoey Tomlinson Rout, founder of Goldwalk Aotearoa. She is a designer committed to the utilitarianism of ethical style and you must have a read. Zoey is a friend of CM and here brand is absolutely on point with what we try to promote within our digital pages.

On the style front, we are looking guests to introducing you to Bibi Maber, Founder of Mad Nomad whose designs are hitting the streets of Otautahi in slow fashion style. We also cannot wait to take you into the world of Mya Clement, a recent Ara fashion and design graduate who has big plans for her fashionable future. We saw her designs on stage at this year's annual fashion showcase alongside other students with a very notable display by up and coming designer Will Doak.

The daily digitals are where you will find what I love most about this season at The Cantabrian. Curating our Favourite Things gift list for 2025. We have already started to drop some hints so stay tuned to Instagram to see who made the list this year. Wyld brings back the summer sweater, Molly Woppy has perfected the iconic gingerbread, Huski cooly keeps the party going, monogrammed accessories from Nick Von K. plus many more. We make gift shopping easy.

I also want to honour my industry colleagues who are making incredible headway. Avenues is now led by Liam Stretch as Editor. He used to edit my columns while I was Fashion and Beauty Editor at Avenues and now is the dynamic force behind one of Christchurch’s much-loved print media. I recently caught up with Liam, who remains a colleague and someone in this very competitive business, I still consider a friend. He is changing the content of print media in a way that validates its legitimacy in an ever digital world. 

We are working on some incredible things behind the scenes for 2025 and we cannot wait to share them with you. The Urban Polo is around the corner and Cantabrian Magazine is proud to say that once again we will be a part of the action at Hagley Park. Life BTS is all go with the magazine and what I will say about our super secret cool Cantabrian project is that it is a beautiful take on celebrating the city, the country and all that makes New Zealand and especially Canterbury, uniquely beautiful. After all, aren’t we apparently the coolest city in New Zealand?

Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all, Cantabrians.