New stores, new style
When Canterbury’s most stylish minds ignite renewed confidence in the local fashion scene with stores, collections and launches, it’s our job to shop local and keep that flame burning.
Canterbury knows one thing: fashion is forever.
New stores from local and international heavyweights prove the city is still hungry for style, even in volatile economic times. The latest to land, New Zealand label Stella + Gemma opened their Christchurch flagship store in the iconic Merivale Mall this May. Modern and inviting, the brand’s autumn winter 2026 collection was hot property, with many pieces selling out during opening week.
In the same month, two other stores opened across the city. Local fashion personality Bianca Hampton introduced her label Harlem Clothing’s bricks-and-mortar space on Rutland Street, St Albans, while major Australian fashion brand KOOKAÏ landed at luxury retail precinct The Crossing in a prime Cashel Street-facing position.
In February, contemporary fashion store Denim Resurrected opened in Cashel Mall’s Guthrey Centre, and March saw lifestyle brand Superdry open its first South Island store within
Hornby’s Dress Smart.
If not new stores, local fashion businesses are redefining their offering with innovative launches and exclusive collections. Christchurch-based and nationally-renowned fashion stylist
Lou Heller teased her collaboration with sustainable clothing brand Untouched World; a capsule-like knitwear collection soaked in Lou’s signature taste. Footwear maven Andrea Bailey of Andrea Biani and Treasure Box by Biani launched Vera + Josie, a premium 100% cashmere range stocked in the Merivale Mall fashion boutique.
While much of the business world’s current state feels like a sign of the times, the local industry’s biggest players are giving the city’s fashion community their stamp of approval. Christchurch isn’t ready to sacrifice great style just yet.
