Untouched World to open in Christchurch

November 25, 2004

Leading lifestyle designer Untouched World to open in Christchurch’s historic Registry building

Leading lifestyle designer Untouched World opens its latest store in Christchurch tomorrow night.

Prime Minister Helen Clark will officially open the store in the historic 1916 former Canterbury University Registry building in the Arts Centre.

World Cup All Black rugby hooker Mark Hammett, model Kirsteen Britten and cricketer Chris Cairns will be among those modelling the Untouched World clothing at the gala opening.

The new store will also include the national headquarters for the Untouched World Foundation.

The foundation is helping convert Blumine Island in the Marlborough Sounds to a native wildlife sanctuary, providing young people with a learning experience. Conservation minister Chris Carter will visit the island on December 1.

Untouched World has stores in Auckland, Queenstown and nearer Christchurch airport, on Roydvale Ave.

The company exports to Japan, Australia, USA, Canada, Switzerland, German and Sweden.

Untouched World was named best fashion retailer at the recent Canterbury fashion awards. Ms Drysdale’s daughter Emily is the company’s award winning top designer. Untouched World built their sustainable clothing brand reputation initially from the Roydvale Avenue store which has virtually no foot traffic in a low key street.

Ms Drysdale, a former South Island businesswoman of the year, said they always wanted a downtown presence for Untouched World.

``It is a brand that sells in NZ about 60 percent to locals and 40 percent to overseas people. We wanted to be somewhere impressive where it was convenient for both.

``Being in the heart of cultural Christchurch fitted the brand values and places it among its core NZ customer market who are mobile, globally aware, sophisticated, appreciate design, style and quality.’’ Snowy Peak board member Wally Stone said the design concept behind Untouched World was world class.

``It captures the essence of New Zealand lifestyle as shaped by our amazing landscape.

``It is fantastic we have yet another Kiwi designer inspired by our country producing world class fashion,’’ Mr Stone said.

ENDS

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