Life as Christchurch’s leading event stylist
From the foothills of Aoraki Mount Cook to the top of China’s Great Wall, Christchurch event stylist Kim Chan is a veteran of many venues. With Metropol editor Nina Tucker, Kim talks about styling, sustainability and who she can’t live without.
“I’m not a minimalist.” Kim Chan darts between tables in Te Pae’s biggest event space, making the final adjustments before guests arrive. Lush florals, natural planting and carefully considered styling transform the room from a convention hall into a welcoming environment. She’s been at it since 6am; from the flower market to the plant nursery, the office and then the venue. The finishing touches at each event are just as important as the months of planning beforehand for this leading Christchurch event stylist, whose reputation is just as impactful as her work.
A creative since childhood, Kim traded a healthy pay packet from her dad’s Chinese restaurant for a future as a florist – and peanuts in comparison. “I did knitting, crocheting and smocking. I loved art. I loved anything that was design-oriented. I just loved creating beautiful spaces and beautiful environments, and then I found flowers. It started with the flowers, and they remained my focus for a long time,” she says. “Then I thought, if you work in a flower shop, you spend a lot of time waiting for people to come to you. I wanted to be out creating opportunities instead.”
A successful first pitch for the Christchurch Casino’s 1994 grand opening blossomed into a life behind the scenes of some of New Zealand’s biggest events. Today, Kim Chan Events designs environments and experiences for conferences and corporate events, using florals, plants and styling to help tell each client’s story visually.
Kim’s business is trusted by many of Christchurch’s leading venues, including Te Pae, and regularly delivers conferences, gala dinners and corporate events across Venues Ōtautahi. The team also creates bespoke floral installations for Partridge Jewellers’ Christchurch showroom and has a full calendar of conferences, gala dinners and boutique events throughout New Zealand. “I always wanted more,” Kim says. “More clients. More impact.”
But don’t mistake impact for excess. “I’m not interested in putting something there just because. It needs to have a purpose. “Styling is about sending a message. It’s not about centrepieces; it’s about creating an environment that changes how people experience an event. Every design choice should help people connect – with each other, with the brand and with the purpose of the event. A lot of thought goes into what we’re creating, why we’re creating it and how we’re going to make it resonate with people.”
And don’t mistake success for luck. Kim built her brand from the ground up while raising her now 19-year-old son, juggling motherhood with building a business and trusting she could succeed at both. Will he follow in her footsteps? “No,” she laughs. “He knows it’s a demanding industry with long hours, and he wants to forge his own path. I’m supportive of that.”
Because glamorous gala dinners aren’t Kim’s reality. Long days and late nights are. Her focus is work and family, leaving little spare time. “This is probably the area I’m still working on.
Work has been such a big part of my life that I haven’t made enough time for hobbies. These days I’m learning that making time outside work is just as important. “I catch up with friends, walk my dog, spend time with my son and enjoy Christchurch’s restaurant scene (noting Hugo, Miro, King of Snake and Brigittes as favourites). It’s a simple life, and life’s pretty good.”
Kim and anti-consumerism
Kim’s aesthetic is lush abundance. Where does that sit on the sustainability scale? Like me, Kim is anti-Temu, anti-Shein and anti almost everything that encourages overconsumption, even though her industry can often revolve around it. “People want Instagrammable moments. They want to go somewhere and take photos. They want it to be attractive.” She’s mastered the art of creating memorable spaces without unnecessary waste.
“I make sure everything we do is sustainable because that’s important to me. I’ve always hated waste, so I’m very conscious of what we use, how we use it and what happens afterwards.”
The team use compostable paper and vegetable inks for signage, repurpose and donate plants and florals, and continually look for ways to reduce waste while maintaining a premium result. “Every decision has an impact,” Kim says. “The challenge is creating something beautiful without creating unnecessary waste.” Each planet-friendly decision adds to the overall message, and the impact every event has to offer.
Sometimes, inspiration arrives instantly. When it doesn’t, Kim draws ideas from almost everywhere. “A shop. A restaurant.
A coffee shop. I’m always looking. That’s why I love travelling so much.
“I take a lot of inspiration from the environment and natural elements of each region, especially in places like Te Pae and Venues Ōtautahi, where the architecture and landscape already tell such a strong Christchurch story.”
I ask how she remembers all her ideas. “I don’t forget,” she smiles. “I can’t remember people’s names, but I don’t forget ideas.”
Around her is a close-knit team of staff and contractors who come together to deliver events across New Zealand. “I can have all the ideas in the world, but we still have to deliver them. It isn’t just me. It takes suppliers, creatives, administrators and installers all working together.
“People remember how an event made them feel. That’s what we’re really designing. We don’t just style events; we create environments that tell a client’s story, help delegates connect and transform corporate venues into memorable experiences.”
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Quick Fire Questions
Who’s your ultimate muse or inspiration?
I love tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Because he’s so dedicated, focused and driven.
What’s your go-to takeaway after a long day?
A packet of chips. The Gochujang ones.
What’s the best event to style and why?
I don’t have a favourite. It’s about the people. But probably not a wedding.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My son and the people who keep me grounded. What would have been your job if you hadn’t become an expert event stylist? I’d be an actress, but I’d be too shy so I’d be useless.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I listen to a lot of Steven Bartlett podcasts, I’m reading Die With Zero. I love watching anything… that’s got a good story.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Don’t give up. My dad always used to say (because I used to cry when I missed out on something) that there’s always another bus that comes along. Don’t worry about it, get out there. There’s always another bus.
What is the best thing in your wardrobe?
I love handbags. I’ve got lots. I love a good handbag.
Your dream venue or event to style?
I don’t have one. It’s more about the people. I’m more interested in creating something where people can really feel.
What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually really shy. I prefer to let my work do the talking.
