The It kids of local linen and knitwear, Hej Hej are hitting Christchurch with a very special two-day-only pop up this July 22-23. We caught up with co-founders Alice and Kiki to get all the goss… Interview Josie Steenhart
Tell us about the new collection…
We knew we wanted to create a collection of colourful pieces, and ‘Let’s Go Outside’ is just the pop of colour you need for a mid-year mood boost. We’ve used vibrant tones of periwinkle, sage and cobalt and chose these to effortlessly complement each other, and easily work back with your beloved Hej Hej pieces from seasons past.
The first drop features essential knitwear and includes a mohair silk blend, which is a new fabrication for us. The second drop sees a collection of trans-seasonal linen pieces in floral prints, designed to be pared back with your favourite knitwear.
Do you have favourite pieces?
Alice: The Full Monty in floral print – I layer it with our silk cashmere Kidman knit and pair of chunky boots. When visiting Christchurch I will be adding the Bad Nan wool/mohair knit for extra warmth.
Kiki: The RSVP dress in Indigo. I can’t wait to wear this dress layered with my knits throughout winter and into spring.
Tell us about the Christchurch pop-up…
We are being hosted by Vikki at Roccabella in the heart of Cashel Street. We have teamed up with Lou Heller to create a styling event to showcase the new knits and linens and how they layer perfectly together. We have been wanting to pop up in Christchurch for so long and are so excited to meet our supporters down there!
Any connections to the south?
Alice: My dad lives in Queenstown and my family is originally from Christchurch so I have spent lots of time travelling south. I have many fond memories of spending school holidays in Christchurch with my grandmother.
We also met at Otago University! We lived together during our studies and found our joint love of fashion, knits and cheese toasties.
And what are some favourites to do/see/visit while here?
We love walking through the old Arts Centre and always check in at Frances Nation. Christchurch Riverside Market is a go to for coffee and snacks. When we have visited with our kids, they loved the Margaret Mahy playground.
Tickets to the Lou Heller X Hej Hej styling event on July 21, click here.