The Spring Edit: An Exclusive High Tea with Lou Heller
Earlier this spring, Volvo Cars Christchurch invited guests to enter The Spring Edit, an exclusive competition offering a luxury styling experience with celebrated New Zealand fashion stylist Lou Heller.
The prize included a styling session with Lou, a piece from the Untouched World x Lou Heller capsule collection, and a luxurious high tea at The George. To make the experience even more special, the winner was invited to bring a friend along for the afternoon.
Read on to discover the whole experience.
Beginning at Untouched World
Stepping into the tranquil surrounds of Untouched World’s Christchurch store, our winner and her guest were warmly welcomed by the Untouched World team, representatives of Volvo Cars Christchurch, Lou Heller, and Lou’s close friend. Anticipation and excitement filled the space as the afternoon began.
While it was tempting to immediately explore Untouched World’s beautiful new Spring/Summer collection, Lou first took the time to get to know her client. Through conversation, she gained an understanding of our winner’s personality, lifestyle, shopping habits, and existing wardrobe, all essential foundations for creating a truly personal styling experience.
Lou’s Philosophy
“My work is about helping people reconnect with their personal style and see their wardrobes with fresh eyes. It’s not about telling someone who to be or what to buy, but helping them understand what works for them, what makes them feel good, and how to make the most of what they already own. Often, the magic isn’t in buying more, but in seeing what you have differently.” – Lou Heller
UW x Lou Heller
Lou recently collaborated with Untouched World to create a capsule collection inspired by pieces she felt were missing from both her own and those of her clients. Crafted in New Zealand from a luxurious blend of mohair, super kid mohair, and silk, the collection combines softness, versatility, and timeless design. The philosophy behind the collection closely reflects Lou’s own approach to dressing: investing in pieces that work effortlessly throughout every stage of life.
First Hand Experience
“As I had never met with a stylist before, Lou made me feel completely comfortable & relaxed to try on her three beautifully designed pieces at Untouched World. I was thrilled to accept the Regatta Wrap which I have found so versatile, whether over a tshirt and jeans or dressing it up over a dress.” – Jo, our winner of the experience.
The Perfect Piece
Lou’s capsule collection provided the perfect starting point. As she guided our winner through each piece, she demonstrated how versatile styling choices can transform a wardrobe and maximise wearability. With styling advice in hand, it was then time to head to the fitting rooms and try on a selection of carefully chosen pieces.
After exploring all three garments from Lou’s collection, our winner selected the Regatta Wrap in Parade to take home.
The Regatta Wrap
“The Regatta Wrap is the most versatile piece in the collaboration, designed with openness in mind. It invites interpretation, wrapped, layered, draped, or reversed, shifting shape and mood depending on how you wear it. It’s a piece that settles easily into different moments. Thrown on for a coffee catch up with friends or layered into more refined evening dressing, it adapts with a sense of ease rather than effort.” – Untouched World.
The Journey Continues
With her selection beautifully wrapped and ribbons neatly tied, the group made their way to The George in their range of Volvo vehicles, where the next chapter of the experience awaited.
Arriving at The George
Arriving at The George, guests were welcomed by Volvo flags framing the hotel’s striking glass exterior. Inside, the concierge escorted the group to the newly renovated 50 Bistro, where the fresh spring ambience was reflected in the light-filled, contemporary interiors. An elegantly dressed table awaited, adorned with stunning spring-inspired floral arrangements by Jenny Burtt Florists that flowed the length of the table, setting the tone for the afternoon ahead.
The High Tea
Soon after taking their seats, drinks were poured and guests were introduced to the afternoon’s menu by their waiter. Accompanied by a carefully curated selection of teas, freshly baked lemonade scones served with whipped cream and jam arrived at the table, followed by impeccably presented tiered stands overflowing with high tea favourites.
Soon after taking their seats, drinks were poured and guests were introduced to the afternoon’s menu by their waiter. Accompanied by a carefully curated selection of teas, freshly baked lemonade scones served with whipped cream and jam arrived at the table, followed by impeccably presented tiered stands overflowing with high tea favourites.
The staff at the George made us very welcome and the high tea was exceptionally presented along with a glass of bubbles to compliment it. – Jo, our winner.
Joie de Vivre
As conversations flowed and guests enjoyed the delicious offerings, a genuine sense of joie de vivre filled the room. Lou shared insights into her personal styling philosophy, discussing how finding one’s individual style can foster confidence and help people better express who they are. It was a sentiment that resonated with Volvo’s own approach to thoughtful design, where individuality, authenticity, and purposeful choices are equally celebrated.
A Day to Remember
The afternoon concluded with wonderful memories, plenty of laughter, and more than a few unsuccessful selfie attempts. Most importantly, everyone left feeling inspired, indulged, and with their cups and hearts beautifully full.
We would like to thank everyone who helped make this afternoon so special. A heartfelt thank you to Untouched World for welcoming us into their beautiful store during one of their busiest weeks. To The George and 50 Bistro, thank you for the exceptional hospitality, elegant presentation, and delicious delicacies that made the high tea a truly memorable experience. And of course, a special thank you to Lou Heller for collaborating and hosting the event with us, sharing insights on dressing authentically, and speaking candidly about her own style journey and self-discovery.
Many thanks to Volvo Cars Christchurch for giving us this opportunity; my friend & I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience with wonderful company and lots of laughs along the way with the Archibalds team, Lou & her friend. – Jo, our winner.

















