Stylish commitment to Christchurch by menswear brand

Working Style is doubly in vogue.

The men’s tailor has not only officially opened the doors to its new flagship store in Christchurch. It has also been recognised with a restoration award nomination.

Working Style’s new Christchurch home is an historic house on Papanui Road in Merivale which has been renovated and re-styled for the established menswear brand.

Now, soon after moving in to the new premises, the property has been nominated for a Christchurch Civic Trust Award. The business’ previous premises were destroyed in the February earthquake.

Working Style southern director Fraser Bremford says the nomination is for the creative store concept and the overall effect achieved by restoring heritage, street presence and creating the right ambience in Merivale.

“The house was designed in the 1940s by legendary Christchurch architect Heathcote Helmore and our team has ensured the original attributes of the property have been developed to good effect,” he says.

“The house is a classic, much like our brand. We pride ourselves on tradition and quality and we feel these new premises represent that perfectly.”

Working Style employed Bridget Thornton from BT Interiors to develop the design concept.

“Working Style has a signature look and feel and Bridget and her team understood that right away; we are thrilled with the result,” says Fraser.

The salvaged fittings from Working Style’s Colombo Street store have been included in the fit out of the new store to create a comfortable and styled space for customers.

“We look forward to the store becoming a destination and social place where customers can come to relax and take time out of their day,” Fraser says.

The exterior of the building is painted in a modern charcoal colour contrasted by stark white window sills and fixtures. A Working Style sign takes pride of place on the north facing wall.

The gardens surrounding the house are brilliantly designed and manicured, adding to the overall effect of the stately property.

The new store stocks the entire current Working Style range and offers customers an in-house alteration service provided by ‘George the tailor’.

Fraser says Working Style always had always intended to remain in Christchurch.

“The investment in a new store acknowledges Working Style’s long term commitment to Canterbury and the significant rebuild that lies ahead for the region,” he says.

“Our new site is well located and we look forward to becoming the destination for men’s tailoring once again. We feel the nomination of a Christchurch Civic Trust Award signifies this step forward for us as business.”

The Christchurch Civic Trust Awards are being announced at a function on November 16 at the Horticulture Hall.

About the Merivale store
The new Working Style store is at 242 Papanui Rd, Merivale. The house is some 258 sq metres (on 600 sq. metres of land), located opposite St Georges private hospital near to Merivale village. The upstairs area will be rented out to a professional company who will benefit from the store and ambience created by the brand.

About Working Style
Working Style has been tailoring suits in the English tradition for 20 years. It specialises in hand-finished suits, tailor-made business shirts, casual wear and accessories for men. Find out more at www.workingstyle.co.nz