FEATURED: BIBI MABER OF MAD NOMAD

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Mad Nomad is taking eco-luxury to celebrated levels right here in Canterbury. Founder Bibi Maber has an exclusive space at Walk Lightly in the city and is embarking on a journey of being in the forefront of fashion.  

Mad Nomad is a woman-owned, slow fashion brand with roots tracing back to my childhood days in the early 1980s. Bibi, a native of Canada with Hungarian roots was a spirited 9-year-old, faced with frustration with the limited options for ‘cool’ clothing in my size. A pivotal moment unfolded during a visit to a local fabric shop with her grandmother, who gave Bibi the freedom to choose any material and pattern she wanted so that they could create something together. This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong love for self-expression through clothing.

Drawing on her background as a personal stylist, Bibi has a solid understanding of the aesthetic side of things. But she wanted to research more about the processes behind fashion production. The more she learned, the more she became aware of the textile waste, unethical practices, and alarming environmental impact of the fast fashion industry. 

Bibi Maber is determined not to contribute to ths. Instead she has set out on a mission of education and change.Each garment within Mad Nomad's versatile capsule collections is thoughtfully designed, and is a celebration of individuality and a conscious choice to move away from harmful industry practices. My aim is to bring you comfortable clothing pieces that are infused with edge and elegance. It’s all about capturing the nomadic spirit – exploring fearlessly, expressing yourself freely, and making choices that truly align with your values.

The slow fashion brand is embodying courage, and a willingness to push boundaries, with a passion for life, exploration, and self-discovery. Their unique fusion of adventurous spirit and refined designs are for those who seek edge and elegance in their wardrobe. There is a colourful range of styles, all models by Bibi herself that uses upcycled materials to create the collection. 

Her upcoming event next month, Mad Nomad off the rack at Walk Lightl, is the perfect chance to experience the garments in motion, ask questions, and chat about customisations in a no-pressure setting. It is shaping up to be a fun, relaxed evening that will bring the made-to-order collection to life. Bibi will share the inspiration behind each piece. The fabrics, the design details, and some styling / mix & matching tips, so guests can see how they move, fit, and feel up close.

Limited tickets are still available. 

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand expands its midsize SUV lineup with the all new GLC 200 4MATIC, a feature-rich model offering style, comfort, and reliability with all-wheel drive•.

Offering an attractive alternative to the popular GLC 300 4MATIC SUV, the GLC 200 4MATIC SUV is available with all-wheel drive in New Zealand for the first time and comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces up to 150 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque.• 

The GLC 200 4MATIC SUV is equipped with the enticing AVANTGARDE Line styling package, offering design elements in chrome and polished aluminium.• The comprehensive standard specification includes a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, heated front seats with memory function, head-up display, and a parking package with 360° camera. Customers can further personalise their vehicle with a range of optional packages, upholsteries and paint finishes.

Being one of the most popular models in the Mercedes-Benz range, the GLC SUV lineup now gains a new model variant with the introduction of the new GLC 200 4MATIC SUV. A stylish and accessible compact SUV, this vehicle marks the first time this model has been offered with all-wheel drive in New Zealand.The new variant also offers a significant list of standard features similar to the GLC 300 4MATIC SUV.Currently exclusive to the GLC 200 4MATIC SUV are a silver-grey diamond-pattern trim on the interior’s dash and 19-inch, 10-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish.

Elevated exterior style. 

The new GLC 200 4MATIC SUV presents with an inviting array of exterior features. Highlights include the currently model variant-exclusive 19-inch 10-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high- sheen finish, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs and LED high performance headlamps with Adaptive High beam Assist. For a sleeker look, the running boards can be removed.The panoramic sliding sunroof is complemented by heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, set against aluminium roof rails for the weekend adventure seekers. The standard parking package includes 360- degree camera with Active Parking Assist and the unique Transparent Bonnet feature to help the driver discern the terrain ahead. An auto-dimming rear view mirror, electrically folding exterior mirrors and ambient lighting with a projection of the Mercedes-Benz logo are part of the standard mirror package.

Modern luxury interior

Comfort and technology come together in the new GLC 200 4MATIC, creating an inviting interior for both weekday commutes and weekend escapes. The interior is elevated by the silver-grey diamond- pattern trim on dash and high-gloss black on the centre console, complemented by ambient lighting and illuminated door sill panels with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering. The comfort seats in ARTICO upholstery in the front provide four-way lumbar support.From the cockpit, the driver commands the GLC 200 4MATIC SUV via the multifunction sports steering wheel in leather. Convenient smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto is complemented by the wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front. 

In-cabin comfort is also enhanced by THERMATIC two-zone climate control.With a luggage capacity of 620 litres, space is plentiful inside the GLC 200 4MATIC SUV, while safety isn’t compromised on thanks to nine airbags and state-of-the-art driver assistance technology. This includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and the PRE-SAFE System. For added peace of mind, the GLC 200 4MATIC SUV comes with a Tyre Pressure Loss Warning System and an emergency spare wheel.

Electrified engine

The GLC 200 is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, a 48-volt electrical system and a second- generation Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), enhancing engine performance at low RPMs. The 48-volt system enables functions such as gliding, boost, and recuperation, contributing to a tested combined consumption of approximately 7.5L/100km based on the NEDC test cycle.The ISG adds up to 17 kW and 205 Nm to the engine’s standard output, while offering superior recuperation compared to traditional belt-driven starter generators. It also contributes to quicker, quieter engine restarts, making the stop-start system nearly imperceptible.These technologies work together to provide smooth and efficient power from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers up to 150 kW and 320 Nm of torque. 

Paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the GLC 200 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.8 seconds.

Cantabrian Magazine  was amongst the sold-out crowd who attended Couture in the Gardens, presented by Jacqueline-Anne as part of the grand finale of this year's iconic Hamilton Arts Festival, held on Sunday, March 3rd.

As 15 models descended the winding staircase of the Italian Renaissance Garden at The Hamilton Gardens, the audience was awestruck by the extraordinary craftsmanship showcased in a breathtaking collection of high-fashion couture. Each piece served as a vibrant homage to the flowers that bloomed in Jacqueline's grandparents’ expansive garden during her childhood.

The presentation was divided into two distinct segments: ready-to-wear and evening/event wear. Both segments embraced the floral theme, celebrating some of the world's most captivating flowers. Among the stunning pieces were a magnificent Dandelion headpiece, an exquisite Pansy evening gown, a striking ombré Kowhai pantsuit, and many other remarkable creations inspired by Roses, Bird of Paradise, Lilies, and Carnations.

This show marked a groundbreaking first—not only at Hamilton Gardens but also in Aotearoa. With an air of sophistication and grandeur reminiscent of the renowned European fashion houses, it was truly a pioneering moment in Kiwi fashion.

The spectacle would not have reached such levels of excellence without the collaborative Millinery custom made by world renowned Milliner Mel Atherious, the hair team lead by Toni and Guy’s, Bronwyn Kronfeld, recent recipient of  New Zealand Professional Hair Educator of the year, The Make-up team lead by Hannah Vassallo, and finally the most remarkable artistry of the Art of Nails. Each set of nails was painstakingly hand-crafted with hours of precise skill, contributing to the creation of the most perfect and complete collection ever witnessed in New Zealand. Special shout out to the makeup sponsor Max and Louie.

The Women Entrepreneurs Fund is supported by The Christchurch Foundation's generous donor Joy Shivas. And the winners are:

• Jessica Fitzjohn, Post-Doctorate Researcher at UC, awarded $10K + additional $2,500 from Vicki Ledergerber (judge and previous recipient) to support clinical trials and regulatory compliance of a revolutionary breast screening device.

• Alli Kennedy, Founder of Flip the Table Games, awarded $10K to support the development of Sharenanigans, a board game that helps teach financial literacy.

• Emmalee Abbott Joe, Founder Froth, awarded $10K to support refining formulations and building strategic partnerships for a revolutionary line of dissolvable shampoo, conditioner and body wash tablets.

Interim GM Lynne Umbers told us,  "They are all very passionate about their work and what they hope to accomplish in the future and we're delighted to be supporting them at this crucial time."

For those interested in learning more about the Women Entrepreneurs Fund winners or supporting female entrepreneurs in the greater Christchurch region, please reach out to Lynne.

Visit christchurchfoundation.org.nz for more information.