STYLE

Spring has arrived in Canterbury, and with it comes a fresh sense of excitement. The city awakens with daffodils in parks and gardens, and vibrant pink and white blossoms blooming in our streets. As winter fades, the chill in the air is replaced with a crisp, warm breeze, making it the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and savour all that spring has to offer.

It’s the season to transform, and that means swapping out those heavy winter coats, woolly scarves, and boots for lighter, breezier styles. Floral, flowy dresses, big statement hats, and linen shirts can finally make their way out of the back of the closet. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, there's no better time to put away the winter layers and celebrate the warmth of the season. Whether you're dressing up for the spring races or stepping out for brunch with friends, this is the time to embrace fun, fresh fashion and try out those new fashion trends you’ve been keeping your eye on. 

Spring also means reconnecting with nature. Canterbury’s parks and gardens are perfect for walks, with Hagley Park offering gorgeous views of blossoms in full bloom. Weekends call for picnics on the beach, relaxing in the park, or even spontaneous outings to enjoy the beautiful weather. The city is alive with fresh and excited energy, from vibrant markets to outdoor events that celebrate the season’s spirit. Spring is also a time for gatherings, whether it’s an elegant brunch with friends or a family outing.

With exciting events on the horizon, from the races to spring festivals, there’s so much to look forward to. It’s a season filled with light, colour, and joy, an opportunity to live more fully, breathe a little easier, and welcome the brighter, warmer days. Spring is here, and it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and all the beauty that comes with them.

Spring isn’t just about blooming flowers, it's also about the arrival of new life. Baby lambs in fields, ducklings paddling in ponds, and birds building their nests, filling the air with hope and renewal. After the gloom of winter, the fresh start that spring offers marked by these new animals feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a season of hope and rejuvenation, inviting us all to embrace new beginnings and make the most of the following warmer months to come.

Cantabrians love Crocs. Take a walk on The Terrace and took see Cantabrians of every age dining a pair, and the little feet are usually exhibiting a few Jibbitz, no doubt. 

Let's introduce you to something new. The Echo Collection is for those who want comfort without compromising their look. Anything but conformist, the Echo Surge features bold sculpting and sport inspiration that keeps streetwear energy at its core. This new design offers added versatility and style, with a true sneaker shape, traditional lacing system, an exaggerated midsole, and a breathable, stretch knit upper. 

You’ll also enjoy a LiteRide™ footbed for innovative sink-in softness and comfort. With design features that deliver versatility and attitude, you can stay comfortable and stylish while hitting the street in the Echo Surge.

Crocs Echo perks:

• Incredibly light and easy to wear
• Breathable stretch knit upper
• Traditional lacing system
• True sneaker shape
• Exaggerated midsole
• LiteRide™ footbed: Revolutionary. Sink-in softness. 

It was a mild day in May when a group of women came together in the name of fashionable jewelery. It was a mix of mothers, daughters, mentors, stylist with acclaimed photographer Lisa Gane of Lumo Photogrpahy behind the lens to capture what was our best editorial feature to date. It was a proper Cantabrian collaboration with wardrobe from Working Style women’s collection and THAT dress from Caitlin Crisp. 

Many people have no idea what goes on behind the scenes but this was extra special as Electrum Alchemy designer Katie Britten of the renowned New Zealand family and her daughter Cleo were the stars of the show. International Stylist Josie Bongi defined the shoot details and her delicious daughter Harper came along for the ride. This setup is not new to any of us including the second generation in the studio. Cleo has been featured in ads and campaigns for years now and wee Harper has been what we call a style studio child since she was born, tagging along as her mother created looks for the famous and fashionable around the world.

The energy was electric and so was the jewelry. Gold pieces that illuminated the ensembles and elevated the looks to another level. Geometric shapes with 3-dimensional designs are pieces unlike any that most have ever seen. They are new world meets old world with Britten’s traditional family history interlaced into gold forged artistic beauty. Each piece stands on its own, but worked together as layer upon layer were added to build the strength that truly defines Electrum Alchemy designs.

In between style changes, perhaps there was a bit of pizza seemingly inhaled but there was also serious collaboration. You have to envision people wearing the jewerly and think of how each look will make them feel. Creative Director Kia Sullivan had a vision of how to relate to the Cantabrian Magazine readers. Jewelry has the ability to elevate a look and therefore careful attention was paid to how it would be portrayed for the viewer and potential buyer. Multi-generational, stylish, timeless were some of the words that kept running through our brains in order to create the chosen looks for this evocative editorial. You can see yourself in each piece along with a tangible ensemble that is both aspirational and achievable.

Britten says, “I want my pieces to heighten a person’s style in a way that is transformative and timeless.” That is what Electrum Alchemy is-timeless. Pieces that are of heirloom quality that can be passed down through generations and still be worth their weight in actual gold.” 

Electrum Alchemy is unlike any other jeweler in town and drastically raises the bar of what modern style is. Their multi-faceted legacy jewels transcend time and truly become a treasure.

Designer: Katie Britten

Stylist: Josie Pasane

Photographer: Lisa Gane | Lumo

Creative Director + Wardrobe: Kia Sullivan 

Model: Cleo Britten