CHIT CHAT

When crinolines, bustles, and ostrich feathers were the height of colonial fashion. This richly illustrated and lively social history explores the creation, consumption, and spectacle of fashionable dress in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Dressmakers were essential contributors to the development of New Zealand, and as a colonial outpost of the British Empire, New Zealand’s 19th-century dress culture was heavily shaped by international trends. Interactions with Māori, the demands of settler lifestyle, and the country’s geography all added another layer. Dressed: Fashionable dress in Aotearoa New Zealand 1840 to 1910 teems with the fascinating, busy lives of early businesswomen, society women, and civic figures. scorpiobooks.co.nz

From original artworks to photographs, certificates to rugby jerseys, cross-stitch to medals, nothing is impossible for Eco Frame and Mirror Company to frame! It offers a vast selection of mat boards and mouldings as well as conservation and museum-grade framing to preserve and protect for future generations. frameandmirror.co.nz

Haunt is a unique gallery showcasing an enthralling collection of antique furniture and objects chosen to complement the modern interior. The Haunt collection is playful and astute – a modernist pendant illuminates a 17th-century Italian table, and 19th-century French gilt nestles comfortably alongside industrial steel, creating a visual harmony that spans the centuries. Haunt is curated by Lisa West and provides discerning clients with an exciting resource from which to create individual interiors that are inimitable, beautiful, and utterly compelling. You can find Haunt on Coleridge Street, in Sydenham. It’s open every Saturday. haunt.co.nz

Citta’s Cecil Wool Throw adds a relaxed layer on winter evenings. It’s woven from a blend of boiled merino wool and cotton, which creates a softly textured finish. Citta designs its throws right here in New Zealand; this cosy blanket is the brainchild of in-house textile designers Imogen Tunnicliffe and Sophie Clapson. cittadesign.com

Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region have been shaped by the pioneering early settlers who arrived to pan for gold. Wander around the historic gold mining settlements in Arrowtown and Macetown; explore old farm homesteads or take a visit to the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown with its globally recognised collection of facts, titbits, and items from the region’s European and Chinese settlers. The region is also home to a vibrant art scene with many artists who are inspired by the unforgettable natural scenery. In many cases, you can buy art directly from the artists themselves in their galleries or studios. queenstownnz.nz

North Canterbury’s Greystone Wines has claimed two top awards at the 2021 Organic Wine Awards, thanks to its 2019 Chardonnay and 2018 Syrah. This puts Greystone among the country’s elite organic wineries. The win follows on from Greystone’s naming as Sustainable Winery of the Year in 2020. Greystone’s winemaker Dom Maxwell says North Canterbury took five of the eight varietal trophies on offer this year with Terrace Edge winning Champion Riesling, Champion Pinot Gris, and Champion Rose. “North Canterbury is still one of the best-kept secrets as far as New Zealand wine goes.” The region’s strong showing should make Cantabrians sit up and take notice. greystonewines.co.nz

Indulge in a high tea at Penny Black Victorian Tearoom, nestled in a cosy nook of The Tannery. The atmosphere, alongside excellent food and service will most certainly take you all the way back to the year 1897, the year of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, with all its accompanying etiquette and style. penny-black.co.nz

Crosley’s mission is to bring analogue music to the masses. The clean, vintage-inspired aesthetic of The Voyager fits into any space, while the lightweight design allows this record player to travel further. Spin 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM records or launch the built-in Bluetooth receiver to transmit your digital music wirelessly through the turntable’s speakers. RCA outputs on the back allow you to plug into your existing music system. Drop the needle on a reissue of the golden record, probe the adjustable pitch control knob to dial in the speed and prepare for blast off! crosleyradio.com

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