For vintage fashion lovers, Hunters and Collectors is an institution and its flame-haired owner and face is the iconic Christina O. The beloved boutique opened in 1987 on Wellington’s Cuba Street, becoming a haven of designer vintage with personality.

Christina and her team have deep love of and knowledge of fashion, with a penchant for special and rare designer pieces from the archives (they particularly love Moschino, Gaultier, Margiela, Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto, Ann Demulemeester and more). Today the physical store stands strong - with playful and striking window displays, and an upstairs gallery space - alongside an online offering for those not lucky enough to visit in real life.

When not in the store, Christina lives in an iconic 1960s apartment building in Brooklyn, designed by Czechoslovakian modernist architect Frederick Ost. “I have fabulous, creative friends who live in the same building, and epic views of the Wellington Harbour.” The long-time Wellington local knows her city - and shares a few of her favourite local spots.

Favourite place for a drink?‍

I like to bump into Jacinda Ardern at Puffin on Ghuznee Street! It’s a hop, skip and a jump (or a rush) to get there after work as it's so close to my shop. My other favourite is the ‘Penicillin’ cocktail from Hanging Ditch.

‍The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?‍

Loretta on Cuba Street. Erin always looks after us. Champagne and fresh salads... my favourite dinners!‍

For something fancy?‍

Hillside Kitchen, an occasional treat. The menu is entirely vegetarian and changes seasonally. Attention to detail is nothing short of perfection. ‍

Best ‘cheap eat’?‍

Satay Palace on Cuba Street - been getting lunches there for years. Fresh vege and family owned.‍

Favourite place for live music?‍

I love the opulent Opera House, and the Michael Fowler Centre for acoustics. Then San Francisco Bath house for the rowdier gigs! ‍

Favourite gallery or museum?‍

The variety at the City Gallery Wellington has been outstanding. I love being constantly surprised when going there. Robert Leonard, who has been the chief curator there for the past seven years, has breathed new life into the gallery and he will be sadly missed. 

‍Where do you go for some relaxation or a beauty treatment?‍

Monthly facials are a must at my age! Debs at Simply Skin on College Street in Te Aro always takes care of me with divine French products.‍

Favourite clothing store that never lets you down?‍

The majority of my wardrobe comes from Hunters and Collectors. We deal in a large range of international and New Zealand designers so my eclectic tastes are beyond satisfied. And then a special shout out to Zambesi where I have been shopping for over 40 years. I dress up for the theatre of my life, everyday!

‍Where do you go for a workout?‍

A walk around the South Coast, weather permitting! I have a Vetements tracksuit and a Y-3 sunhat (from Hunters and Collectors) as my exercise attire! 

‍Where do you go when you’re after local art or design?‍

Over the past three years I have collected a diverse range of art pieces from our gallery upstairs at Hunters and Collectors. We change exhibits every month and often have group shows, so from photography, ceramics to knitwear I have been able to furnish my apartment, exclusively with emerging New Zealand artists.‍

Anything - or anywhere else - you’d like to add?‍

Another favourite pastime is catching a film at the Lighthouse Cinema, Cuba Street.