Julia Franca, Manager at Rodd & Gunn
Julia Franca is Brazilian born, raised, and educated majoring in English language, literature and spent four years as a teacher in Brazil before moving to Palmerston North five years ago.
Julia found that her skills as an English teacher were not as fulfilling in an English speaking country so she decided to do a post graduate diploma in business and fashion and while studying worked at Rodd & Gunn part time helping fulfill a passion for fashion since a young age.
Interestingly, her postgraduate diploma in fashion included studying Rodd & Gunn’s commitment to producing ethical and environmentally responsible clothes since. Rodd & Gunn partner with world leading mills and garment manufacturers to engineer the most sustainable raw materials into long-lasting, low-impact garments and these ethics are very important to Julia.
Julia loves working in retail, as it is an industry that some with effort can show results straight away. Julia also loves helping people get dressed and building trust with her client base.
We asked Julia a few questions to see what loves to do with her spare time.
What do you like about Christchurch?
Christchurch is almost perfect on a good day; there are defined seasons and amazing restaurants. I think Christchurch is one of the best cities on the planet with Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay coming in at a close second. Christchurch functions like a big town, where everyone knows everyone.
What is your favourite restaurant?
I love the Chi Chi Italian restaurant in Boxed Quarter. They have a Korean chef so the Italian has a fusion twist. I also enjoy the Riverside Cantina as they great beer, the Ilex Café in the Botanical Gardens and the Sweet Soul Patisserie is a jewel in our city. They have this lemon tart, which is just perfect.
What are some of your favourite shops in the Central City?
I am a self-professed shop-a-holic and a hunter of special things. I love second hand clothing and the Recycled Boutique for me is dangerous. Seed is another place I enjoy shopping and love the home décor in Country Road.
What do you think the opportunities for are for our City Centre?
There is a shortage of restaurants east of Colombo Street and think there is an opportunity to provide some balance as everyone goes to Riverside and The Terrace.
CHECK OUT SOME OF JULIA'S FAVOURITES
Parking
With over 10,000 car parks in the city centre, find one where you need it.
Central City
Classics
From the Cathedral Square markets to the Margaret Mahy playground, these beloved central city experiences always draw us back to the CBD.
War Memorial
The Bridge of Remembrance is one of two main war memorials in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings
The Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings were the buildings of the Canterbury Provincial Council.
Tribute to Ernest Rutherford
A tribute to Ernest Rutherford, who studied at the University of Canterbury and is regarded as the father of nuclear...
Antarctic Street Art
This mural is one of two commissioned to celebrate Christchurch's unique status as an Antarctic gateway city.
Central City Classics
From the Cathedral Square markets to the Margaret Mahy playground, these beloved central city experiences always draw us back to the CBD.
Robert Falcon Scott Memorial
The Statue of Robert Falcon Scott commemorates Antarctic explorer Robert Falcon Scott. It is located at the...
Kate Sheppard Memorial
The Kate Sheppard National Memorial, located in the city of Christchurch, is New Zealand's first memorial to the...
Dahlias Artwork
Seven oversized dahlias bloom in the central city.
