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  • Fashion
    • June 13, 2026

    Style, People & Purpose: Meet Chan from I Love Ugly

    Three Reasons to Visit I Love Ugly at The Crossing:

    • A Brand Built on Bold Vision: Born in Auckland in 2008, I Love Ugly has grown from a bedroom art project into an internationally recognised streetwear label. Known for its sophisticated simplicity and premium quality, ILU has earned a global cult following – all while remaining proudly independent and direct-to-consumer.
    • A Store Led by Genuine Passion: Store Manager Chan brings nearly a decade and a half of retail experience and a deep care for people to her role at ILU Christchurch. Her approach to customer service – meeting people where they are and guiding them to something they didn’t even know they were looking for – makes every visit feel personal.
    • Fashion That Works for Everyone: From the cropped zip hood to the crop box tee, the current ILU collection offers versatile, well-considered pieces that look great on all body types. Chan’s enthusiasm for the range is infectious, and her knowledge of the product makes shopping here a genuinely enjoyable experience.

    Step into I Love Ugly at The Crossing and you’ll find more than just great clothing – you’ll find a team that genuinely cares. At the heart of it is Chan, the store’s Manager, whose warmth and dedication to her customers and team make the Christchurch store a standout destination for streetwear fans and curious newcomers alike.

    I Love Ugly – known to its loyal following as ILU – was founded in 2008 by Auckland-based creative Valentin Ozich as an art project born from late nights spent sketching and designing. What began with no business experience and no fashion background has since grown into an internationally celebrated premium lifestyle brand, with pieces worn by the likes of A$AP Rocky and Justin Bieber, and collaborations with heritage names like Onitsuka Tiger and JanSport. Today, ILU remains independently owned and direct-to-consumer, a deliberate choice that keeps the brand experience exactly as it should be: exclusive, considered, and personal.

    Chan’s own journey into retail began at 16 with Cotton On, where she spent nearly ten years working her way up through the ranks. She later moved to Huffer, where she crossed paths with her current Area Manager, Josh. After a brief stint in an admin role, she quickly realised how much she missed the energy of working with people. When Josh made the move to ILU and offered her an opportunity in Christchurch, she didn’t hesitate – and eight months on, she describes it as the best decision she’s made.

    “The most rewarding part of my role is when someone comes in not quite knowing what they want,” Chan shares. “I love helping them explore what we have and going on that journey with them – then seeing them leave feeling confident and excited with something they didn’t even realise they were looking for.”

    It’s a philosophy that reflects ILU’s own brand mission: to improve and inspire customers’ lives through how they dress, think, and live. Chan embodies that ethos every day, and it’s visible in how she talks about her team and the connections she’s built over her career. “The people, my team is incredible,” she says. “The lifelong friendships I’ve made throughout working retail, inspiring leaders I have had, and the customer interactions – they’re special.”

    When asked what piece from the current collection she’d champion, Chan doesn’t hesitate. The cropped zip hood and the crop box tee are her picks – two perfectly considered pieces she believes give everyone the chance to enjoy ILU’s signature aesthetic. “They are perfect pieces for the girls to still get to enjoy wearing ILU and still look great!”

    Retail has also shaped Chan in ways that go beyond the shop floor. One of the lessons that has stuck with her most is the importance of empathy in every customer interaction. “You never know what someone else is dealing with,” she says. “If I can be one positive interaction in their day, even just through kindness, that’s important to me. And when someone’s grumpy, I try to remember they might just be having a tough day.”

    It’s a perspective that speaks to a deeper passion Chan holds: youth mental health. If she weren’t in retail, she says she’d love to work in that space. Years of leading teams – many of them young people navigating their first jobs and early adult challenges – have given her a firsthand appreciation for the power of the right support at the right time. “I’ve supported team members through a wide range of challenges, and that’s been one of the most meaningful parts of my role. It’s a genuine passion of mine, and while I’m not sure what the pathway looks like yet, I feel lucky that as a Store Manager I already get to mentor and support young people every day.”

    Outside of work, you’ll find Chan with her two dogs Ceazer and Luca and partner Matt – lots of walks, little adventures, and couch cuddles in front of the NRL. A glass of wine or two with family and friends rounds out the picture of someone who brings the same warmth to every part of her life that she brings to the ILU store floor.

    Whether you’re a longtime fan of the brand or stepping inside for the first time, I Love Ugly at The Crossing offers something genuinely special – product you’ll love, and people who’ll make you feel right at home.