Managing director of Zoo Group and chief executive and co-founder of Fashfest Clint Hutchinson tells us his Canberra favourites.
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Hidden gem? The Ori Building in Braddon. I love the designer shops in there that are locally owned like Rebel Muse, Assemblage Project and Braddon Tailors. Some of the designers that retail in the Ori Building have launched new collections at Fashfest. After shopping, it's off to Barrio, another local operation, for a bite to eat and a coffee.
Weekend haunt? It's not so much a weekend haunt for me, but a weekend activity. That's breakfast on Saturday morning with the family, hanging out with loved ones – my family, parents, brother Leighton and his partner. It can be any family-friendly cafe where there's great food and enough room for all of us. We're pretty religious about gathering every weekend to catch up.
Place to take visitors? Easy. Double Shot in Deakin. Relaxed vibe, excellent coffee, great operators who treat us well, nice aspect. Supporting independently owned, local business is super important to me. After Double Shot, we more often than not take visitors to the National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery. I'm fiercely proud of Canberra's cultural institutions.
People-watching spot? Who can beat the buzz of both the City and Lonsdale Street? Such a variety of fashion and personality types. But the best people-watching is at Fashfest. The guests are so diverse, in age and fashion sense. Anything goes. I love watching the guests have their photos taken at the media wall on the red carpet.
Place to unwind? Here in Australia, it's home with the kids or anywhere on a beach with surf, sun and salty air. Overseas, it's our annual trip to Switzerland, to visit the family of my wife Andrea. It's hectic getting there, especially now with two little ones, and it's a long trip, but once we're there we take a deep breath and enjoy.
Treat? Fashion retail therapy. No joke. And the biggest treat of all is picking up amazing stuff for Andrea and the kids, especially stuff they don't need.
