Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio both wear Garrett Leight sunglasses — available from Parker & Co.

Here’s why sunglasses are the most important accessory in a man’s winter wardrobe

It’s time we put a stop to our associations of sunglasses with summer exclusively. Just because the days are colder in the middle of the year, it doesn’t mean that the sun itself goes into hibernation. Its rays are still there, people. Still carrying the potential to wreak havoc on our skin, still strong enough to warrant a strong pair of shades.

But beyond acknowledging why investing in a new pair of sunglasses in winter is practical, for guys in particular, good sunnies will take a winter ensemble from average to great — regardless of where they sit on the style acuity scale. This is especially true in a season where the opportunities to flex fashion acumen in the form of a bright shirt or a cool linen suit are firmly off the table. When dark colours, dense layers and simple, functional pieces mostly dictate what a man can wear in winter, it pays to put a bit of time into finding the right accessories — in other words, pick up a pair of sunglasses that will take you from run-of-the-mill rugby dad to looking like Brad Pitt at a press junket (low-key but untouchably cool).

In a bid to set you in the right direction, we have lined up a selection of our favourite frames of the moment — all of which have the potential to take your winter wardrobe from zero to hero and all of which are from brands that are available at Parker and Co. A pair like the ones below will prove the most important accessory in your arsenal this season, trust us.

Clockwise from top left: Projekt Produkt FN-3 CGLD frames, Garrett Leight Calabar sunglasses, Gucci Navigator sunglasses with double G, Garrett Leight Sanborn sunglasses and Yohji Yamamoto sunglasses all from Parker & Co. — see the full range in store.

Parker & Co.

26 Nuffield Street
Newmarket
Auckland

(09) 524 8828

www.parkerandco.nz

Coveted

Dial up your daily timepiece with one of these exquisite, diamond-lined watches
Our beautiful new autumn issue is here — filled with pages of inspiring people to shift your perspective for the season ahead
Hartfield Jewellers is under fresh ownership, ushering in a new era at the hallowed boutique

This detoxifying, post-Heroes facial is exactly what your skin is calling out for

A night that was filled with fun, frivolity and some expertly crafted Chivas cocktails, this year’s spectacular Denizen Heroes Gala really was one for the books. But as with all great parties, the succeeding days have begun to present evidence of our overindulgences, with our skin bearing most of the brunt. Dry, dull and now prone to a post-event breakout, our faces have never been more in need of a revitalising, hydrating facial — and on our quest to find such, we’ve stumbled across a particularly effective one — the Synergie Suprema C from Forme Spa.

Rejuvenating with a one-two punch, the Synergie Suprema C facial combines products and technology to give the face a serious reawakening. While the specific products used are strictly under wraps, what we can tell you is that the powerful solution is loaded with vitamin C crystals and hyaluronic acid to restore and sustain the skin’s moisture levels. As this works its magic on the skin, a thick, cool algae mask is brushed over the entire face. With this second layer of nourishing mask in place, a Galvanic treatment is then delivered over the top. Completely non-invasive, Galvanic treatments use mild electric currents to penetrate the skin with positive and negative ions, stimulating the skin, promoting blood circulation and increasing cell metabolism in the process.

Once the treatment is complete and the masks are peeled off, the blissful experience rounds off with a velvety, finishing moisturiser to lock in all the goodness. The result? Hydrated, glowing, revived skin that looks as though you never went to the party at all.

Wellbeing

Give your pout a high shine finish with this edit of the best lip oils to shop now
This month-long deal is the only excuse you need to book a tranquil treatment at Sofitel Spa right now
Auckland’s newest reformer studio offers group classes, private sessions, and the perfect place to practice

Driving the sleek new Porsche 911, our editor-in-chief thinks it could be the marque’s best yet

Many years ago, I dated a devout Porsche fanatic whose measure of his life’s success was anchored firmly on his ability to own the latest model of the 911 marque. That’s the thing about the Porsche 911, not only is it a purist’s car, it also carries with it a level of deservedness. While some might throw a lazy $200,000+ at renovating the bathroom, others will dedicate it to the ownership of what is arguably Germany’s most hallowed automotive export. During my time with said ex, I too developed a love and appreciation for the driver’s car.

Fast-forward to today, and my life is not as carefree as it was some 20-odd years ago. With two young children in tow, the prospect of transporting my clan within the tight, yet supremely comfortable confines of the new 911, was met with concern from me, and extreme excitement from my children. My six-year-old son has always loudly proclaimed, “Mum look it’s a Porsche!” since he could barely talk, suggesting that someone in the marketing team at Porsche is doing a good job with product integration into children’s television shows.

This, the eighth generation of the Porsche 911, embraces the philosophy that big is beautiful. The new release is wider, more assertive, and more advanced. Wider wings arch over the large 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. 

Of course, this latest generation is still obviously a 911, with its distinctive roofline and long overhanging tail. Where previous incarnations seemed an exercise in subtlety, the 911 appears far more suited to its new stature. It’s a handsome vehicle, with an exterior refresh that imparts the car with the futuristic aesthetic that will likely age well — an important factor if one considers the high resale value of the 911 marque.

Upon taking delivery of my new weekend whip, the first port of call was skiing lessons at SnowPlanet. Accommodating my family of four within the tightly disciplined leather interior was easier than I imagined. The interior displays some beautiful craftsmanship, and while its enveloping, comfortable seats, complete with the Porsche crest embossed into the headrest are a comfortable place to be, there is no denying that the rear seats should only be the domain of little people or oversized designer handbags.

The interior exhibits a calm and conservative design ethos — the Germans are serious after all. Knowing full well that the majority of owners fall into the driving purist category, the design of the cockpit emphasises the fine art of driving over any newfangled, and unnecessary embellishments. The only analogue instrument is the rev counter, with the rest moving to digital technology, much of which is via a large 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor, that’s supremely easy to operate without distracting from the driving at hand.

Heading north on the motorway, with my excitable entourage on board, I very quickly recalled the joy one gets behind the wheel of a 911. While there is no denying its tarmac-eating credentials, the traction and stability systems make swift manoeuvring through traffic a breeze. Intent on not obtaining a speeding fine, yet wildly encouraged to “put my foot down” by my over eager passengers, even the process of acceleration from 50km/h to 100km/h delivers a thrilling experience for both driver and cargo. With an acceleration speed of 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, the new 911 exudes the sort of playfulness one wants from a car of this calibre, all while remaining a pleasure to drive, fast or slow over short or long distances.

The new model comes with some impressive advancements designed to further improve the vehicle’s handling and performance. There’s a new Wet Mode setting which listens for the splatter of rain water in the wheel arches and in turn, dials in the appropriate settings for the engine and gearbox, as well as alerting the driver. All-around parking sensors that display a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the car are an essential addition too. I was supremely grateful for these when manoeuvring the low riding marque into a parallel carpark, in front of a gathered crowd of onlookers, just waiting for me to stuff it up.

Like many a fine vintage wine, each of the eight incarnations of 911 has their appreciators, and I have no doubt this one will be revered and collected for years to come. But why wait? My guess is that the temptation of the cognoscenti to drive this new jewel in the crown will be too appealing to ignore.

Coveted

Dial up your daily timepiece with one of these exquisite, diamond-lined watches
Our beautiful new autumn issue is here — filled with pages of inspiring people to shift your perspective for the season ahead
Hartfield Jewellers is under fresh ownership, ushering in a new era at the hallowed boutique

Our highly-anticipated 2019 Denizen Heroes winter issue has finally landed

Every year, our winter issue bares, on its covers, the faces of a select group of New Zealanders who have done exceptional things. Whether philanthropic or entrepreneurial, the careers of these individuals are marked, not only by extraordinary success but by the way in which their various pursuits are putting New Zealand on the world stage in some way or other.

This year, the covers feature seven Heroes — Paul Baragwanath (art consultant and cultural custodian), Tim Brown (co-founder of Allbirds and global leader in sustainable footwear), Jessica McCormack (renowned diamond artisan), Alex Magaraggia and James Calver (co-founders of eco-friendly food packaging company, Ecoware), Peter Beck (engineer extraordinaire and founder of Rocketlab) and Emilia Wickstead (fashion designer to some of the biggest names in the world) — each pictured in their own environments, their incredible stories profiled in the Heroes section of the magazine.

Following on from the profiles of the cover Heroes, is a comprehensive line-up of ‘Everyday Heroes’ — those in our community who are changing its urban landscape, supporting its people or working to shift our perspective on things like waste and education. These are the movers and shakers of Auckland and beyond who do not seek recognition but deserve it more than most.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we thought it altogether fitting for our winter issue to turn to Queenstown and its surrounding areas, undertaking a deep dive into the people and places propelling the region’s development into one of New Zealand’s most promising.

Of course, you’ll also find the latest and greatest in food (including a visual feast of Auckland’s most delectable desserts) as well as the new design trends to know about, a sleek Black Tie photoshoot with models dripping in Dior and Tiffany & Co. and the best cultural happenings to put into your calendar over the next few months. In our Navigator section, we take you to Norway for an inside look at the world’s biggest underwater restaurant, before transporting you to some of our favourite winter escape destinations (including one perfect for a family getaway).

Vast and varied, and featuring some of the most inspiring people to ever grace the pages of Denizen, this year’s Heroes issue is one you’ll want to devour cover-to-cover.

Denizen Heroes 2019 has six different covers, one for each Hero. Pick up your copy of the latest Denizen magazine from any good newsagent, or subscribe here.

Coveted

Dial up your daily timepiece with one of these exquisite, diamond-lined watches
Our beautiful new autumn issue is here — filled with pages of inspiring people to shift your perspective for the season ahead
Hartfield Jewellers is under fresh ownership, ushering in a new era at the hallowed boutique

We round up all the cultural goodness to binge on throughout the month of June

Whether you’re looking to get your funny bone tickled or get your groove on to some live music; if you’re craving a cinematic outing or are simply wanting to soak in some artistic talent, the month of June has all cultural bases covered. To shine a guiding light in the right direction, we’ve handpicked some of the best goings-on to take note of in the first month of winter.

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Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman

Best known as stubborn sourpuss Ron Swanson in NBC Sitcom Parks and Recreation, actor Nick Offerman is demonstrating how his comedic knack extends far beyond his fictional character with new show All Rise. Described as an evening of ‘deliberative talking and light dance,’ this is a cackle inducing discussion that’ll be worth carving out time for.
For more information and tickets, click here.
22nd June

The Monkees

The Monkees

The Monkees

The Monkees

The remaining two members of rock collective The Monkees, Michael Nesmith and Micky Dolenz, are joining forces once again to bring the band’s effervescent jingles to Aucklander’s ears. With a musical repertoire that spans over half a century, and classic hits like ‘Hey Hey We’re The Monkees’ and ‘I’m A Believer’ bound to be played, this is a reunion you won’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.  
9th June

Black Swan, White Swan

Black Swan, White Swan

Black Swan, White Swan

Black Swan, White Swan

In a daring nod to a timeless treasure, Mario Radacovsky’s Black Swan, White Swan takes the traditional Swan Lake tale and strips it down to an enigmatic, elemental masterpiece. With Tchaikovsky’s original score combined with the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s modernistic choreography, this is ballet’s enduring classic at its most beguiling.
For more information and tickets, click here.
31st May – 6th July

 

Cabaret Season

Cabaret Season

Cabaret Season

Cabaret Season

Don your sequins and dust off your bustiers, because the roaring razzmatazz that is the Auckland Live Cabaret Season is back at The Civic. Now in its 90th year, the grand dame of cabaret and musical theatre has had a conveyor belt of show-stopping divas ever since Freda Stark first took to the stage in the 1920s — but this is one season really set to leave a lasting impression. This year will see nine eclectic shows delivering cabaret, musical theatre and unprecedented immersive experience, kicking off The Civic’s birthday with a serious, celebratory bang.
For more information on the lineup, and tickets to each show, click here
11th June – 16th June

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

Queenstown Winter Festival

Needless to say, winter isn’t winter without Queenstown’s annual Winter Festival. Taking place between Thursday 20th and Sunday 23rd June, this year’s festivities will see a plethora of live musical entertainment, skiing and snowboarding, food stalls and more set against the snow-capped vistas of our adventure capital.
For more information, click here.
20th June – 23rd June

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville

The Barber of Seville

Brought to life by the talented New Zealand Opera, The Barber Of Seville is an Australian production that’s finally making its way to our shores, after being tremendously well received in both Queensland and Seattle. Directed by Lindy Hume and designed by Tracy Grant Lord, this energetic work of opera comprises captivating voices and incredible acting skills to make a hilarious masterpiece that is vibrant from beginning to end.
For more information and tickets, click here
6th June – 15th June

Rocketman

Rocketman

Rocketman

Rocketman

Another year, another epic cinematic release focusing on one of the world’s most profound musical talents. The latest biopic brimming with rousing medleys and touching scenes, Rocketman, follows Elton John (played by Taron Egerton) as he navigates his tumultuous breakthrough years. Directed by the same mastermind who completed the work on Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, we have no doubts this will be nothing short of a corker.
In cinemas 30th May

Auckland Festival of Photography

Auckland Festival of Photography

Auckland Festival of Photography

Auckland Festival of Photography

Bringing together photographers, curators, students, amateurs and professionals from all walks of life, it’s at the Auckland Festival of Photography that you can expect to find a conglomeration of images that speaks to any and all. This year’s stream of talent sees photo exhibitions displayed at the city’s major galleries, project spaces and public sites, depicting everything from epic portraits in India to climate change focused landscape photos.
For a better look at what to expect, click here
On now until 18th June

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

Michael McIntyre's Big World Tour

One of the UK’s greatest funnymen, BAFTA-awarded Michael McIntyre, will be coming to Auckland late June as part of his all-encompassing Big World Tour. Starting in late 2017, the tour has already won over the crowds in all corners of the globe (he currently holds the record for the biggest selling comedy shows in South Africa and Norway) with New Zealand sure to be equally as bowled over. 
For more information and tickets, click here
20th June – 21st June

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

Everybody’s favourite childhood movie franchise is back with its fourth instalment, rounding up Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang for another delightful adventure. This time sees a road trip lead the group to new toys and unexpected reunions… prepare to be hit with a serious wave of nostalgia. 
In cinemas 27th June 

War Horse

War Horse

War Horse

War Horse

Based on a timeless classic, this National Theatre of Great Britain’s Tony Award-winning performance of War Horse is set to be a landmark theatrical event. There will be stirring music and enthralling songs, but it’s the galloping, life-sized horse puppets crafted by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company that will really bring the powerful drama to life.
For more information and tickets, click here.
From 21st June

The Documentary Edge Festival

The Documentary Edge Festival

The Documentary Edge Festival

The Documentary Edge Festival

The International Film Festival, now returning for its 14th year, will be collating some of the year’s most gripping and groundbreaking documentaries from New Zealand and beyond. No matter what your predilection — whether that be investigations of crime or uplifting tales about dogs — you can rest assured that this year’s captivating line up has something for everybody. 
For more information on what’s on, click here
On now until 9th June

NZSO Winter Daydreams

NZSO Winter Daydreams

NZSO Winter Daydreams

NZSO Winter Daydreams

Conductor Fawzi Haimor returns to the NZSO with talented violinist Carolin Widmann in tow (above) to wow concertgoers with Angel at Ahipara from Northland Panels, Christopher Blake’s award-winning work for string orchestra. Based on New Zealand photographer Robin Morrison’s renowned image of an angel at the head of a grave in a churchyard at Ahipara in Northland, the work is a hauntingly beautiful piece that will leave you moved beyond measure. 
For more information and tickets, click here
21st June

Wild Valley Cinema

Wild Valley Cinema

Wild Valley Cinema

Wild Valley Cinema

Winter and quality cinematic offerings go hand in hand, and no one knows this better than Mission By The Beach. This season the beachside eatery has us throwing Netflix to the curb in favour of a divine $40 package, where the hand-selected movie comes with a glass of Wild Valley on arrival, an expertly crafted dinner box and some classic popcorn. With a range of gripping documentaries and brilliant movies — like Kusama Infinity, The Breaker Upperers, Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Studio 54 —there’s plenty of chance to get in on the action. 
For more information and tickets, click here.  
7th June – 5th July 

Culture

While away the weekend with one of these captivating new TV series to watch now
We speak to New York-based New Zealand artist Natasha Wright for the cover story of our beautiful new autumn issue
World-class dining, convivial bars, luxury hotels, and waterfront views collide at Viaduct Harbour — the only place you need to be this weekend
Soho Eats

Expand your horizons: The dishes you should be ordering when you eat international cuisine

You might think that your tastebuds are particularly sophisticated because you enjoy visiting restaurants that serve international cuisine. And while we applaud you for stepping outside your comfort zone, be wary of getting stuck in a cycle of only ordering the ‘safe’ options. Your newfound love for butter chicken or laksa is fine, but there’s still a whole world of flavour and texture to be discovered beyond the tried and true favourites. Taking a risk by ordering something you might have no idea about will more often than not pay off in a culinary affair to remember. So here is a guide to the dishes you should be ordering, in order to get the full experience.

Indian
The infamous butter chicken, rice, naan and fizzy drink combo is one that goes way back and has remained a staple order since our University days. Too often, when dining at an Indian restaurant, do our eyes go straight to the classic butter chicken and while it’s delicious, it’s time to switch things up. Next time, try the balti paneer curry. With a slightly tangier base than butter chicken and much less sweetness, the curry is thickened with cubes of paneer cheese which melts, creating a rich and slightly tart flavour. Also, consider branching out to South Indian cuisine which tends to focus more on flour, lentils and rice rather than heavy curries and bread. Dishes such as a classic masala dosa is a great gateway to South Indian cuisine as it resembles the familiar French savoury crepe.
Recommended restaurants: Paradise, Bawarchi & Oh Calcutta (North Indian) Satya and Venky’s (South Indian)

Chinese
Chinese cuisine boasts an extremely varied and diverse range of dishes, meaning that life is far too short to just be eating sweet and sour pork every time you eat this cuisine. Next time you go to a Chinese restaurant, perhaps try the mapo tofu, which is perfect when paired with rice. It consists of silky tofu that has been mixed into a spicy Sichuan sauce and minced meat — usually rich and fatty pork. If it’s deep-fried food you’re after, boneless chilli chicken is a dish that is guaranteed to be a winner every time. Containing less than half the sweetness of the renowned sweet and sour pork but double the crispiness and addictiveness, it’s almost impossible to dislike this dish.
Recommended restaurants: New Flavour, Sun World Chinese Restaurant, Spicy House and Jolin Shanghai


New Flavour Restaurant

Malaysian
Ever since Josh Emett brought Madam Woo onto the New Zealand dining scene, Malaysian cuisine has hit the mainstream, particularly the char kuey teow, laksa and of course, the almighty roti. Although Emett created a menu that covered a wide variety of Malaysian dishes, there’s still far more to be discovered. Butter prawns, for instance, is a dish that, while it sounds simple, is anything but. The prawns are doused in a buttery egg floss that adds a heavenly crunch upon the first bite and melts away like cotton candy. Not every restaurant serves this dish as it requires expert culinary skill to execute properly, so if you see it on the menu, don’t think twice before adding it to your order.
Recommended restaurants: Bunga Raya, Selera and Chef Rasa Sayang

Thai
Pad Thai and green curry — been there, done that too many times. Most of us are guilty of repeatedly ordering the same thing when it comes to Thai cuisine (and those two dishes never do us wrong) but there is a panoply of flavoursome options on most Thai menus that you likely have never tried. If you’re a fan of fish, the pla rad prik is an absolute must. It consists of a whole snapper that has been deep-fried to produce a golden, crispy exterior and has been topped with a traditional Thai sauce which finishes the dish with a complex, intriguing flavour. Managing to be hot, spicy, sour, tangy and sweet all at once, this dish takes the tastebuds on a journey and makes for the perfect pairing with fluffy, freshly-steamed jasmine rice.
Recommended restaurants: Red Elephant, Soho and Chom Na

Korean
Korean cuisine has been on the rise as of late, with restaurants such as Han showcasing the hands-on dining experience of traditional Korean BBQ and modern renditions of the classic bibimbap. However, Korean food is comprised of more than just charcoal meats and fermented delicacies like kimchi. Soups are a large component of Korean cuisine and are hearty, homely, filling and soulful. Take the samgyetang, for example, comprising a large stone bowl that contains a whole chicken infused in a ginseng broth. The soup sees the chicken fall apart effortlessly and reveal its stuffing which includes sticky rice, garlic and chestnuts. Although it’s served with a bowl of rice, this soup is just as tasty on its own.
Recommended restaurants: The Place, Totoya and Il Mee

Vietnamese
Although a heart-warming bowl of phở is irreplaceable, Vietnamese cuisine needs to be explored in its entirety. And while summer rolls, vermicelli noodle salads and bánh mì sandwiches have all probably been ticked off the list, it’s time for the bánh xèo to get some recognition. Think of this dish as a crispy Vietnamese omelette, the eggs have been slow-cooked to achieve heightened crispiness around their edges and encase a generous filling of sprouts, pork and shrimp. Bánh xèo is served with a side of lettuce which you use to wrap the omelette and dip into the heavenly nước chấm sauce.
Recommended restaurants: Try it Out, Viet Kitchen and Cafe Hung Viet

Viet Kitcehn

Japanese
Japanese food is arguably the most popular of all the Asian cuisines in Auckland. And while restaurants such as Azabu, Ebisu, ramen joints, yakitoris and countless sushi spots have seen Aucklanders become quite familiar with various Japanese foods, there’s always more to explore. Take Sukiyaki, for example. This delicacy strays from the usual freshness of Japanese sashimi but boasts the same lightness. It consists of a deep hot pot filled with an assortment of vegetables, thinly-shaved beef and a subtly sweet soy broth and is, in our opinion, the perfect winter-warming meal.
Recommended restaurants: Janken, Yuzu and Nishiki

Mexican
Despite our collective penchant for nachos and guacamole, Mexican food is another cuisine with a number of dishes that have yet to go mainstream. Take Cielito Lindo in Henderson, for example. This hidden gem serves a vegetarian taco that is unlike anything we have ever had before. Instead of just using beans and cheese, the folks at Cielito Lindo incorporate sautéed cactus into the tortilla wrap which, while we had never experienced it before, is actually quite common in Mexico. Elsewhere, Nanita’s Cocina Mexicana in Northcote serves authentic corn husk or banana leaf-wrapped tamales which are morsels that pack an immense amount of flavour in their juicy meat and vegetables.
Recommended restaurants: Cielito Lindo, Nanita’s Cocina Mexicana and Mexican Specialties

Gastronomy

Heading south soon? The Barrel Room is Ayrburn’s exquisite new subterranean bar & event space that should be on your radar
Escaping the city for the long weekend? We round up the best eateries up and down the country
The wait is over — we present Denizen’s definitive guide to the best hot cross buns for Easter 2024

Hot under the collar: What does your preferred neckline say about you?

There’s something about a neckline that often speaks to the character of the person wearing it. So whether you’d opt for a high-necked, off-the-shoulder, batteau or sweet-heart, what does your favourite cut say about you?

Shirt collar: She’s a businesswoman and she’s not afraid to don an aggressively pointy collar to prove it. Boyfriends beware — she’ll steal your shirts and wear them better than you ever could.

Ruffled: Her Pinterest board is littered with grainy black and white photos and she revels in Victorian novella. Not afraid of being called ‘extra,’ she pulls off flouncy detail better than a dandy in Louis XIV’s court.

Turtleneck: Sleek, chic and often caught sporting a low bun, she is most likely some kind of designer but dabbles in illustration or maybe, I don’t know, architecture, on the side. She is cultured (but is chill about it).

Off-the-shoulder: Always the most elegant person in the room, she could close her eyes and pick anything out of her wardrobe and still look like she was about to chair a board meeting — and sometimes she does. Her approach is timeless, her décolletage infamous.

High neck: When Tidying Up with Marie Kondo first aired she scoffed because her system was better. With an undying love for Japanese designers and a subscription to Monocle, she’s as meticulous as she is savvy.

Sweetheart: A self-proclaimed girlie girl, she loves a sweetheart neckline as much as she loves the following: novelty cupcakes, KUWTK, tagging people in memes and saying ‘actually me though’, horoscopes, Beiber, mugs that say ‘But first, coffee,’ and Youtube tutorials.

Crew neck: She’s cool, she’s nonchalant, she really does wake up like this. She has mastered the art of throwing on a T-shirt with jeans and looking like she’s backstage at Paris Fashion Week. When she says she’s ‘not high maintenance’ she really means it.

Plunging: She’s daring enough to opt for a neckline that carries a very real risk of wardrobe malfunction. But she doesn’t care. Because she can handle the heat. She does Cross-Fit, she asks guys out and she orders whisky neat just for the hell of it and once, she smoked a cigar and didn’t hate it.

Coveted

Dial up your daily timepiece with one of these exquisite, diamond-lined watches
Our beautiful new autumn issue is here — filled with pages of inspiring people to shift your perspective for the season ahead
Hartfield Jewellers is under fresh ownership, ushering in a new era at the hallowed boutique

From dry to oily and everything in between, this is what your skin-type needs when winter truly hits

From the dry, inclement weather outdoors to the electric heating indoors, winter really wreaks havoc on the skin. But our skin types are as different as our personalities, and while this season doesn’t do any favours for anybody’s face, it affects some far more than it does others. There is no one-size-fits-all manual to winter skincare, and so we’ve comprised a guide that caters to all skin concerns, covering those are rosacea prone to those who suffer from acne, and everybody in between.

Acne
Those who suffer from acne will find that winter only exacerbates the condition. This is because the face will secrete more oil to lubricate the skin and combat winter’s drying effects, which, in turn, results in even more acne. But not all hope is lost — light therapy has been proven to be particularly beneficial for the condition as the blue light used has a specific frequency that kills off the acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acne), all while healing existing breakouts quicker. We think the Light Me Up treatments at Forme Spa are the ultimate acne solution, especially when added to one of their ultra-luxe facials.

Dry Skin
If you already suffer from dry skin then this season is seriously going to wreak havoc. Unsurprisingly, your face is crying out for moisture, so be sure to add it into your skincare regimen wherever possible. Start using a heavy duty moisturiser – Bioelements Crucial Moisture has become our bathroom cupboard mainstay — and be sure to incorporate a facial oil or serum into your daily routine (here is a list of some of our favourites). A few times a week, try to use a very gentle exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells, and every now and then, treat yourself to a really hydrating facial. East Day Spa’s VOTARY Hydration facial is packed to the rafters with natural, super-ingredients to deliver a much-needed boost of moisture to the skin.

Rosacea
A red facial rash that most commonly affects the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, rosacea can often feel like some sort of skin curse. The sudden plunge in temperature will only trigger symptoms further and — given that little is still known about the condition — treatments are still very much in the trial and error process. That being said, there are a few things that you can be doing to minimise the redness, such as limiting alcohol, hot beverages and stress, wearing a scarf to protect the face from harsh winter winds, avoiding hot baths or showers and respecting your particular triggers, whatever they may be. For a specific condition such as this, however, we couldn’t recommend putting your face in the hands of a professional enough.

Oily
Contrary to popular belief, even those that suffer from oily skin still need to amp up the hydration come winter time. Wash your face twice a day to keep excess sebum to a minimum and start incorporating a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser into your daily routine. Water-based moisturisers are what you need to be turning to when the weather goes south — we usually turn to Dr. Dennis Gross’ velvety Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisturiser, its lightweight, detoxifying formula is a saviour come this time of year.

Sensitive Skin
For those with normal skin, the drop in mercury and chilly winds can often bring on dryness, itchiness and flakiness — meaning that those who already suffer from sensitive skin will find this time of year even more sufferable than most. Steer clear of products that contain aggravating ingredients like fragrance, and instead, favour skincare that is clean and natural — everything from eco-friendly brand Ecostore is free from all the nasties and crafted purely from kind-to-skin, natural ingredients. When cleansing, use extra-gentle, sulfate-free cleanser — like KORA Organics Gentle Cleanser — and saturate the skin with ultra-hydrating moisturisers as regularly as possible.

Dull Skin
Come winter, a dull, dehydrated complexion is inescapable for pretty much all of us, but it’s nothing that quality treatments and skincare can’t remedy. Be sure to start using a revitalising cream — Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream is our winter go-to thanks to its ability to deliver a refreshed and dewy, glowing visage even during the most brutal of seasons — and treat yourself to a facial that is specifically catered to lacklustre skin. The Facialist’s The SuperFacial is, undeniably, one of the best for brightening and reviving skin. Combining light therapy, massage, facial and steaming into a blissful one hour 30 minutes, there’s nothing that whips a dull face into shape like this multifaceted treatment.

Wellbeing

Give your pout a high shine finish with this edit of the best lip oils to shop now
This month-long deal is the only excuse you need to book a tranquil treatment at Sofitel Spa right now
Auckland’s newest reformer studio offers group classes, private sessions, and the perfect place to practice
Far left and far right: Noel Sweater | Middle: Lola roll neck and B skirt crepe
Left: Oxford shirt and Python pants | Right: Boy dress
Left: Python pants | Right: GA Man shirt

The new season of Georgia Alice has just landed and it’s making us buy into blue

A label long known for its cool-girl silhouettes, unique prints and pieces that are leading the new wave of elevated everyday wear, Georgia Alice is one of our go-to brands. Offering clothes that handle eye-catching, elegant details with an effortless hand, GA is consistent in its mission of providing women with pieces they can wear for any occasion — and its new High Summer/Pre-Fall season is no exception.

Anchored by tones of sky blue (and fittingly shot against a backdrop of expansive ocean) Georgia Alice’s new collection is perhaps, its best yet. Executed in a way that combines soft colouring and feminine shapes with bold, exciting prints, GA’s new season is set to see us all donning snakeskin pants with simple blue shirts and pleated skirts with perfectly oversized blazers (like the kind you’d borrow from your boyfriend but much, much better). Speaking of which, masculine touches (like long, tailored shorts) are paired with patterned crops, shirts with sculptural sleeves and sheer turtlenecks that are putting a chic spin on typical winter wear.

All in all, it’s a collection that fits beautifully into the arch of the Georgia Alice brand narrative. It’s wearable but unique and undeniably striking without being gratuitously loud. But more than that, it’s a considered collection, rife with pieces that are not only interchangeable with one another, but that also work with GA pieces from the brand’s previous seasons (which is ideal for the loyalists among us whose wardrobes are slowly morphing into a GA look book).

Landing at Simon James Design (pieces will be coming in over the next week), this new collection is one you truly don’t want to miss out on. And considering how in-demand Georgia Alice has become, we suggest getting in there sooner rather than later — lest you miss out.

Coveted

Dial up your daily timepiece with one of these exquisite, diamond-lined watches
Our beautiful new autumn issue is here — filled with pages of inspiring people to shift your perspective for the season ahead
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Can CBD help with weight loss? Dr James Polston of Helius Therapeutics tells us more

When the news of cannabis potentially becoming legal first hit the headlines, minds were filled with a hazy vision of what they believed to be the future. The world was about to be brimming with stereotypical couch potato-type stoners whose only passion would be quenching their insatiable appetites for salty, fatty, carb-heavy snacks. But such rampant spread of misinformation has led to confusion, and tongue-in-cheek comments about the munchies may just be overshadowing a very real and surprising development: the cannabis plant might actually help people lose weight. 

You will no doubt have heard the terms CBD and THC by now and, even if your interest on the subject is modest at best, will know that they are just two of a multitude of chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, that reside within the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the infamous compound now known to be the rascal behind intoxication, delivers the ‘high’ that people synonymise with cannabis, alongside those inevitable stomach rumbles. Cannabidiol (CBD), meanwhile, is another abundant compound, one which is gaining traction of late as the apparent solution to everything in the wellbeing world. The latest revelation? The polar opposite to its hunger-instigating brother, CBD might just be a rather effective appetite suppressant. Or, as described by Dr James Polston, Chief Science Officer at New Zealand’s largest licenced cannabis company, Helius Therapeutics, THC is thought of as more like “the gas pedal for appetite,” while “CBD could potentially be the brake.” In fact, while most evidence is pointing towards how CBD can modulate the normal appetite-stimulating properties of THC, new research is also showcasing how several other cannabinoids may also play a role in weight loss, such as THCV, CBC, and CBG. 

Multiple peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that cannabis users are not only less likely to be obese, but are more likely to have lower cholesterol and body mass index (BMI), too. There are studies, according to Polston, which show that CBD causes increased activity and levels of mitochondrial cells — those of which regulate cellular respiration and energy production. And if that wasn’t enough, the hero compound has also been shown to directly obliterate fat, Polston says, “by decreasing the expression of proteins involved in lipogenesis, the metabolic formation of fat.” 

With the ballooning raft of weight-loss benefits, it’s easy to imagine swarms of physique-unhappy people lining up around the block for a slice of the CBD action. Those in search of such products at this moment in time, however, may find it a difficult task. “Cannabinoid based preparations are very difficult to patent”, explains Polston, “which has stopped traditional pharmaceutical companies from working on cannabis drug formulations.” A spanner in the works, undeniably, but this is something Helius is set to change. “Our team are working on a number of novel cannabinoid-based health products,” he says, divulging that one designed specifically to suppress appetite is expected to be available for weight-conscious New Zealanders in the not-too-distant future. What’s more, Helius will also, according to Polston, have a general range of CBD products specially crafted for health and wellbeing out later this year.

Medical breakthroughs and profound new products aside, it’s important to remember that there will never be a ‘miracle’ pill that lets us gorge on infinite cheat days and still maintain a healthy weight. Nothing will ever replace trusty old healthy eating and exercise, but in a world full of questionable detox teas and dodgy diet pills, it seems that CBD is paving the way for a future with a much safer, and far more effective, supplement to them both. Those at Helius plan to disrupt the world of wellness with the next generation of natural, cannabis-based medicines. While assisting the already-practised solutions, the company’s CBD products are designed to help improve health outcomes. It’s this “blended approach” — traditional methods with a dose of CBD — as far as Polston is concerned, that will serve as the most effective route for a long time to come. 

Wellbeing

Give your pout a high shine finish with this edit of the best lip oils to shop now
This month-long deal is the only excuse you need to book a tranquil treatment at Sofitel Spa right now
Auckland’s newest reformer studio offers group classes, private sessions, and the perfect place to practice