NG is in a historic warehouse building and was originally on the fringe of the fashion district. On the ground floor is a boutique, and as well as avant-garde jewellery and fabulous clothing from Europe, it’s also home to designer Sharon Ng’s quality label. NG is said to be ‘contemporary European with influences from her Chinese heritage while paying homage to the colours of her South Island landscape.’
When I last went to NG , earlier this year, it was funny to enter the space of one of New Zealand’s great designers via an uneven, stone-strewn car park – a car park that was where my home was over 50-years ago, the Christchurch Central Fire Station that ran from Lichfield through to Tuam Street.
We entered that way as the shop front is on Madras Street which has been closed to traffic other than those working on the quake demolition or repairs of buildings in neighboring streets. However once over the stones, it’s great inside the fabulous and historic building that many of we older Cantabrians remember as Bain’s Warehouse. While post-quake strengthening work was carried out in her building, Sharon Ng had a store in Merivale but I’m sure she was happy to return to the wonderful ambience of this building and a front door that’s open.
The gallery upstairs is open with Christchurch Art Gallery using it, and while C4 coffee is across the road in Tuam St, it will not be long before NG has a cafe again . . . with the scene from the huge arched windows very different since the quake.
Once the word is out I’m sure this will soon be a meeting point for all fashion and art lovers once again. Sharon is just one more of the Christchurch heroes who has put her money and heart back into the city she loves. So, if you love edgy fashion, head to NG where you will be sure to find something – something perfect for your next party or occasion.
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