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World Renowned Designer Opens Exhibition "Enchanted Garden" in Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tea Kiosk

Tuesday 20 December 2016, 8:35AM

By RedPR

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CHRISTCHURCH

Almost 6 years after the 2011 earthquake that closed the Victorian Tea Kiosk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the space has been fully repaired and is once again filled with colour and activity.

Costume designer Jenny Gillies is best known for her stunning fabric flower and plant creations which have wowed people for the last decade, notably in the 2009 Ellerslie Flower Show where “Wearable Weeds” had three sold out performances a day running over a  week and attracted long queues of fans.

“I am thrilled to be able to have such a perfect place to display my creations,” says Gillies. “I will be changing the show around depending on the season and many of the costumes can be seen in the Botanic Gardens as well,” she says.

Jenny says the building is a special place for Christchurch residents and there was a lot of anticipation around its reopening. Her fun, floral costumes are a perfect match for this central spot in the Gardens, she says.

“I see something that inspires me and I just go for it. Nature inspires me and what we have in the Botanic Gardens is amazing. It’s quite nice that the exhibition and what’s outside complement each other.

"It is great to have the kiosk open again and with the Duck, Duck cafe around the corner people can come in and have a look at the exhibition and then have a coffee."

Currently there are 50 designs on display in the Tea Kiosk grouped together by theme. In the Canterbury section a mondo grass outfit is displayed on a mannequin wearing red and black socks and natives such as clematis, kowhai and Mount Cook lily stand together.  There is a cluster of orchids, and a mini-orchard of fruit – including a pear, a cherry, and a kiwifruit bra that won a World of Wearable Arts award in 2005.and a rolling video of a catwalk show for visitors to see.

“The feedback has been wonderful,” says Gillies. “Locals and tourists alike seem to really enjoy seeing the creations and we will also start including live models to bring a bit of “action” to the experience.”

“The council has been very good and I think we are all pleased to once again have this beautiful building open to the public, with such an appropriate theme for the Botanic Gardens,” says Jenny.

ENDS                                               

Enchanted Garden at the Botanic Gardens Kiosk Gallery is open daily,  10am-4pm (Closed Christmas and New Year's Day)

*Admission fee for adults is $10. For seniors, students and children (five and over) $5. Children under five are free and a family concession (two adults, two Children) is $15

Website: http://wwwjennygillies.com