BECOMING THE QUEEN OF SUSTAINABLE STYLE

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In a landscape where fashion cycles move faster than the seasons, there is something grounding—almost radical—about slowing down. For Christchurch style icon Anissa, sustainability isn’t a trend, a performance, or a branding exercise. It’s heritage. Community. Creativity. And above all, a lifelong practice in self-expression.

Often hailed as the OG of Canterbury sustainable fashion, Anissa’s journey began long before the slow-style movement entered mainstream consciousness. Raised in a family where thrift shopping was not just practical but generational, she grew up seeing clothing not as disposable but as a living archive—of craftsmanship, culture, and identity.

“Christchurch has always had incredible charity shops,” she reflects. “They opened the door for me to explore fashion in a way that felt creative rather than expensive.”

From experimenting with eras in her teens to becoming the recognisable face of responsible style in Waitaha Canterbury, Anissa’s evolution has been anything but accidental—it’s been intentional, intuitive, and deeply connected to her community.

THE RISE OF A SUSTAINABILITY LEADER

What began as a personal love affair with pre-loved fashion quickly transformed into something bigger. As she amassed a wardrobe of beautifully made vintage pieces—hand-beaded gowns, tailored jackets, garments stitched with the kind of attention modern fast fashion often lacks—she realised she had a talent not just for discovering treasures, but for curating them.

“I started distributing my vintage finds because they deserved a second life with someone who could really express themselves through them,” she says. That generosity, paired with her keen eye, evolved naturally into an educator’s role—one where she helps others understand the value, beauty and artistry in older clothing.

Today, she’s not just influencing wardrobes; she’s shaping a movement.


THE ART OF THE PERFECT FIND

Her followers often ask how she always uncovers the extraordinary—the gold-and-sapphire rings tucked unassumingly on a shelf, the Rangiora gown echoing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic beaded dress. According to Anissa, it’s part intuition, part craftsmanship appreciation, and part pure magic.

“Op shops are portals for manifestation,” she laughs. “If you set an intention, the right pieces appear.”

She hunts for items with soul—the hand-stitched hem, the beading done by a stranger decades ago, the silhouette that transcends trends and carries its own energy. It’s why her community trusts her. It’s why her finds have become legend.


THE ANISSA AESTHETIC

When asked what defines her signature look, she doesn’t hesitate: texture, depth, bold colour—and garnet red hair that feels like home.

Her Capricorn sensibilities lean toward earthy, autumnal palettes, but her personality is what anchors everything. “My outfits are usually one extreme or the other,” she admits. “Either rich textures and drama, or simple gym gear. Both are authentically me.”

She never apologises for pushing boundaries, even when her styling choices disrupt Canterbury’s conservative fashion norms. Wearing sheer pieces or vintage lingerie-inspired silhouettes isn’t about provocation—it’s reclamation.

“My approach is about the female gaze. Feminism is in the choice.”


ON HONESTY, HUMOUR & VIRAL MOMENTS

Part of her appeal is her unfiltered, razor-sharp commentary. “In such a curated digital world, honesty is rare,” she says. “People don’t need a polished product—they need something human.”

One of her most viral moments came when she wore her nana’s bondage hobble dress, a family heirloom rooted in powerful, unconventional self-expression. It went viral—but virality isn’t the goal.

“For me, it’s always been about sparking big conversations rather than chasing numbers,” she says. “If I inspire someone to embrace their individuality, that’s the win.”

THE CANTERBURY SUSTAINABILITY SCENE

Over the last decade, sustainable fashion in Christchurch has transformed from necessity to cultural movement. As economic shifts influence spending habits, second-hand clothing has become the smart, expressive and ethical choice.

Her favourite local champions?

Booteek — her father’s shop and a formative influence on her style journey. “He keeps fashion accessible. His eye is incredible.”

Loved by Liv — eclectic, nostalgic, endlessly charismatic.

Vaulted Eternity — handmade, upcycled, Y2K revival with edge.

Nifty Markets — the beating heart of Canterbury’s circular fashion community.


“These spaces allow us to recycle, resell, and reconnect through fashion,” she adds. “It’s community-building in its purest form.”

THE EVERYDAY GUIDE TO CONSCIOUS STYLE

Her advice for Cantabrians wanting to be more sustainable without losing their aesthetic? Start with what you own.

“Your wardrobe holds versions of yourself you’ve forgotten,” she says. “Wear the pieces that scared you. Lean into what makes you feel empowered.”

And if you're ready to build your sustainable staples?

A corset or half-corset — endlessly transformative, flattering, and expressive.

A strong vintage shoe — preferably leather, character-filled, and timeless. “Good shoes anchor a wardrobe.”


THE HEART OF HER COMMUNITY

Markets remain her favourite place to connect—giving style analyses, matching makeup artistry to outfits, helping shoppers step into new versions of themselves.

Her life is a harmony of thrifted living, gardening, creativity, and slow intentionality. “Being self-employed gives me the space to live sustainably,” she says. “It all aligns.”


WHAT’S NEXT FOR ANISSA

The beauty of her trajectory is that it’s not rigidly planned. Modelling, runways, podcasts, philosophy, community building—her work is increasingly about fostering confidence rather than curating product.

“My purpose doesn’t reveal itself all at once,” she explains. “I’m here to collaborate, learn, and inspire creatively. Community drives me.”


HER FINAL MESSAGE TO CANTERBURY

“Don’t be afraid to embrace your individuality. Let go of external judgment and give yourself permission to play. Fashion should reflect your evolution—your growth, your boldness, your willingness to experiment. That’s where true self-expression lives.”

Follow along on her sustainable style journey.