Which of these Spring 2020 menswear looks will you be emulating next season?

13 Jun 2019

As we speak, catwalks overseas are being stormed by a line-up of lithe male models, swathed in the latest looks from designers like Prada, Zegna, Saint Laurent and Givenchy. The menswear shows regularly serve up some of the most intriguing fashion moments of the season, and considering the trend that’s seeing more and more women adopting looks that err on androgeny (oversize blazers, baggy jeans, boyfriend fits), and even wearing menswear themselves (Gigi Hadid just wore a Louis Vuitton menswear look to the CFDA awards), menswear is a viable trawling ground for fashion-savvy women. That said, we thought we’d bring you a few of our favourite looks from the Spring 2020 runways (so far) in a bid to inspire you for the upcoming season.

70s LA disco cowboy – Saint Laurent
Because of course Anthony Vaccarello would combine these seemingly unlikely tropes into one cohesive (and surprisingly compelling) collection. Throw in a touch of Moroccan drapery and flecks of gold and Saint Laurent’s latest offering is calling for an effortlessly cool approach to Spring.

Mountaineering but make it business – Z Zegna
Technical fabrics meet dapper blazers in the businessman-goes-wild looks that make up this collection. Practical trousers paired with perfect tailoring and finished with the kind of sandals that used to be the exclusive territory of dads on fishing trips (don’t worry, they’re very cool now), Z Zegna’s Spring collection is putting a sophisticated sartorial spin on outdoor pursuits.

White-collar workwear – Joseph
In Joseph’s sleek, signature style, suiting in simple, soft tones is made baggy without losing any of its sophisticated edge. A palette of rust orange, dove grey, beige and vanilla renders the collection perfect for springtime office-wear which calls into question the traditionally-accepted codes of dressing for the 9-to-5 and heralds a move away from stiff collars and stuffy neckties.

High-tech trek – Prada
Where the high road meets the mean streets is where you’ll find Prada’s Spring 2020 collection, residing in the sweet spot between luxury and streetwear — which more often than not results in a kind of haute hiker look. Here, utility details meet soft, fashion-forward shapes and technical textiles to render the wearer prepared for anything.

A new approach to pattern – Salvatore Ferragamo
A deep palette dictated the tone on the Salvatore Ferragamo runway, where plum, khaki, rosy and tan leather pants met shapes that seemed to place laid-back wearability at the forefront. Discarding the idea of florals for spring, the prevailing pattern was instead a nod to the classics and held a vintage presence that spoke to our growing penchant for the loose, patterned shirts of the 70s.

Tactile take – Givenchy
Iridescent touches, futuristic silhouettes and textiles we wanted to reach out and touch, Givenchy’s menswear collection was a glorious display of intriguing fabrics and a fun exploration of colour and pattern. Of course it still carried the signature Givenchy ‘cool’ in its precise tailoring, and brought forth a number of looks that were made timeless by the unique way they combined idiosyncratic, streetwear-esque details with classic, crowd-favourite shapes.

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Denizen’s guide on where to find the best slice of cheesecake in Auckland

Words Albert Cho | 13 Jun 2019

Here at Denizen, we encounter every kind of treat Auckland has to offer. Brownies? We’re there. Slices? You bet. But cheesecake is one delicacy we don’t seem to have covered in the past — a fact we would like to change. Very different from the regular variations of cake, the qualities that any cheesecake has to nail in order to be considered delicious include the base, the creaminess of the filling and achieving the right balance between sweetness and tartness. That said, there are a number of places around Auckland that have perfected their recipes to serve up some of the best variations of cheesecake we’ve ever tried.

Frasers
Despite this all-day cafe serving delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, its peak hours are in the evening, when people flock to try a slice of the cakes it’s so well-known for. Offering a variation of housemade cheesecakes (baked fresh every day) which include NY baked, cookies and cream, Bailey’s and a seasonal fruity flavour, Frasers has proven itself to be the fool-proof place to satisfy any and all cheesecake cravings.

The Fed
The NY baked cheesecake from The Fed prioritises creaminess over anything else. The tall slice boasts a base that is thin and crispy and results in most of the attention being placed on the decadent cheesecake filling. Taking a fork to this cheesecake is like slicing through butter. Indulgently smooth, it melts deliciously as soon as it hits the palate and yet, the creamy texture doesn’t give way to a slice that is overly sweet. Boasting enough cream cheese flavour to make it just as well-suited to those without a sweet tooth, the cheesecake is also served with a side of berries to enhance the tartness while adding a subtle sour note to the dessert.

Coffee Pen
Cheesecake is second nature to the owners of Eden Terrace gem, Coffee Pen. Yasuji and Fumi’s fearless approach to the dessert sees them stray from the traditional graham cracker crust, switching it for smashed Oreo cookies instead. This lends their cheesecakes a richer and more intense flavour along with a crispier texture and perfectly complements every flavour they create, from matcha to original NY to the decadent dark chocolate.

Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake from Coffee Pen

Miann
When it comes to desserts, Miann has it down-pat, from macarons to waffles, to gelato and even petit-gateaux. The cheesecakes from Miann are one of its lesser-known treats, and not because they fall short in quality, but because they sell out every single day. Freshness is the top priority for this artisanal dessert bar which is why the pastry chefs only bake one cheesecake a day — meaning that only 12 slices are available. As such, you should consider yourself lucky if slices of Miann’s glorious cheesecake (like its lemon, strawberry crumble) remains in the cabinet when you stop by.

Camper Coffee
If you’re indecisive on whether you prefer the Japanese-style, fluffy and soft cotton cheesecake or the thick and decadent NY baked, look no further than Camper Coffee. Situated right next to The Candy Shop in Newmarket’s Osborne Lane, this newly opened space is providing some of the lightest yet most flavourful, creamy cheesecakes in town. Coming in two different flavours, original and caramel, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the cheesecake purists to the ultra-sweet tooths.

Hello Bliss Cheesecakes
For those cheesecake connoisseurs who want to trade in the regular spongy celebratory cake for a whole, creamy cheesecake, look no further than Hello Bliss. This Instagram-based business specialises in cheesecakes, offering a range of delicious flavours that go far beyond the norm. Think the likes of dulce de leche, cookie dough and Snickers. Whatever the flavour may be, Hello Bliss’ cheesecakes are some of the best we’ve ever tasted. The signature base is thick, buttery and dense and the filling is sweet, tart and indulgent — the perfect combination.

Snickers Cheesecake and Dark Choc Cheesecake from Hello Bliss

Corelli’s
Although this Devonport gem is renowned for its mega-sized carrot cake, its cheesecake should not go unmentioned. What differentiates this cheesecake from the rest is the topping — a fun, fruity affair that puts a unique spin on the typically beige dessert. The NY baked cheesecake is smothered in a berry coulis which elevates every slice, lending extra sweetness, tartness and sourness. The generous serving sizes at Corelli’s are another draw card and the staff know well enough that a side of whipped cream is mandatory.

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Muse Cashmere’s beautiful new Season Four pieces have landed in store

12 Jun 2019

There can be no denying that cashmere reigns supreme as the textile of winter. Impossibly soft, long-wearing and versatile, it offers the perfect foundation for any wardrobe, especially as we face down the colder months. That said, not all cashmere is created equal. Which is why we have been waiting for Muse’s new collection to drop before stocking up — and finally, it’s arrived.

Designed by Owner Olivia Healy and her Muse team, the new cashmere is building on the reputation it has been steadily earning since the beginning. A reputation for quality, flattering shapes and timeless pieces that will last far beyond a single season. Here, the underlying idea of ‘elevated basics’ rings true, where the finest fibres sourced from a family-owned mill in Nepal have been fashioned into a variety of styles both classic and new, designed to take us effortlessly from day to evening. The double-faced cashmere wrap (a longstanding favourite) is, of course, making its return this season, as well as a line up of luxurious scarves and a two-piece set comprising the Joe pants and Sophie crewneck, landing as the perfect pieces for travel or to simply lounge around in.

Alongside the styles made from 100 per cent cashmere (which makes up the majority of the collection) two silhouettes — the ankle-length Fleur dress (with a sleek leg slit) and the ribbed Milly tee — have been made from a beautiful cashmere/merino blend, which adds a new dimension and heightened wearability to the line-up.

And while on the whole, the palette could be described as deliciously autumnal, where rust tones meet soft grey, ivory, almond and mushroom, pops of lilac, blush and light blue are also present, to counter any misconceptions that winter knits should adhere to some kind of monochromatic mandate.

To celebrate the fact that Muse has released its new season of cashmere just in time for the midyear chill to set in, we are giving one lucky Denizen the chance to win $2,500 to spend in-store at Muse Boutique. To enter and for more details, click here.

*This competition has now closed. Congratulations Sophie Ahern.*

www.museboutique.co.nz

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Meet the neighbourhood smokehouse delivering some of the tastiest salmon we’ve ever tried

Words Albert Cho | PHOTOS Clara-Jane Follas | 12 Jun 2019

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Westmere is a modest and humble smokehouse, serving up some of the most delicious smoked salmon in town. From Wednesday to Sunday, a couple opens the backyard of their Westmere home, which they have transformed into a neighbourhood market of sorts, selling house-smoked salmon, home-baked treats and fresh pasta.

The charming Kōtare Smokehouse uses Big Glory Bay Salmon as its fish of choice, which is renowned for being sustainably-farmed and boasting a mouth-watering, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The salmon is smoked with pōhutukawa and mānuka, lending the fish a unique and subtle sweetness and rich aroma. To ensure consistency and quality, the batches are mostly kept small and are sold straight from the smoker, delicately wrapped in paper instead of plastic packaging. But for those seeking to feed more than one (or if they simply can’t get enough of this delectable fish), whole fillets can also be made to order.

The smokehouse also sells other items to complement the fish, including fresh, un-pasteurised pasta from another neighbourhood artisan, The People’s Pasta (made in small batches), which we encourage you to pair with the salmon and some creamy garlic sauce for the ultimate lunch or dinner dish.

To end things on a sweet note, home-baked treats sit alongside the smokehouse’s more savoury offering. The cookies in a jar and homemade petit cakes strike something of a nostalgic chord, reminiscent of the kind of delicious, wholesome baking grandma would whip up back in the day.

At its heart, the Kōtare Smokehouse is all about delivering good-quality, comforting, hearty food whether that be perfectly smoked salmon, comforting cakes or pasta that will make dinner prep a breeze. But more than that, it’s a place that brings the community together, gathering in the sun-drenched courtyard surrounded by vine-covered walls, all in pursuit of something tasty. Delivering an authentic Kiwiana experience, where fresh produce meets quintessential Kiwi hospitality, whether you’re in the neighbourhood or not, this hidden gem is well worth a stop in.

Opening hours:
Wednesday – Sunday, 8:30am until 3:30pm

Kōtare Smokehouse

12 Kōtare Avenue
Westmere

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This thought-provoking exhibition has us delving into the history of the humble handbag

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 11 Jun 2019

An albatross foot purse, an intricately woven kete, a leather briefcase and even a handbag crafted entirely from gloves: the Auckland War Memorial Museum’s latest exhibition, Carried Away: Bags Unpacked, is showcasing the humble handbag in ways that we’ve never quite seen it before. Kicking off on Thursday, 13th June, the exhibition will display over 150 individual iterations from the museum’s private collection, giving visitors a look at some of the most pivotal fashion, design and cultural turning points in handbag history.

The exhibition serves as both a time machine and a passport, representing over 30 countries and spanning multiple centuries — ranging from the 1750s to today. In doing so, it gives guests the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions, whether that be via an artfully embellished inrō from Japan — a small purse designed to complement pocketless kimonos — a patterned, crocheted Bilum from the Cook Islands or even a leather handbag from England, still containing an 1800’s London Underground map.

Really encouraging guests to get involved, the exhibition will also host a number of films, tours and interactive workshops. DEtour: The Good, the Bag and the Ugly, for example, will investigate the history and hysteria behind the bags via an all-encompassing tour, while The Tote Bag Slogan printing workshop will invite attendees to question how bags, with slogans on them, can operate in the world as an extension of the wearer — after which participants are invited to let their imaginations run wild while creating their own.

For those who want to peruse the collection whenever they please, a book — also entitled Carried Away: Bags Unpacked — is available to purchase, while the exhibition itself carries on from now until December of this year. To celebrate this enthralling exhibition, we’re giving one lucky Denizen a double pass to the opening launch, on Wednesday 12th June, and a copy of the book — for more information and entry, click here.

*This competition has now closed. Congratulations Mary Lornie.*

Carried Away: Bags Unpacked is on from 13th June to 1st December in the Special Exhibition Hall at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, free with museum entry.

Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Auckland Domain
Parnell

www.aucklandmuseum.com

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With its fresh, authentic fare, this Vietnamese spot is the perfect lunchtime drop-in

PHOTOS Clara-Jane Follas | 11 Jun 2019

Although tucked away on Chancery Street, the blue glow of the Luna’s Express signage makes passers-by stop and take note, intrigued by the new opening and drawn in by the warm, yellow walls and cosy fit-out that lie beyond the glass frontage.

Stepping over the threshold we’re greeted by the owner, Malisa, who explains the name of the new opening as a homage to her mum, Luna. “All the recipes are hers,” she says, walking us through the menu which is set up as a smorgasbord of make-your-own Vietnamese phở and Bahn Mi. “We wanted to be able to talk to the customers and help them customise their orders,” Malisa says, “the menu covers traditional dishes from both North and South Vietnam… so diners can choose from a range of flavours and types of Viet food… they could have a different dish every time they came here if they wanted.”

That the popularity of Vietnamese food has been on the rise is undeniable. Phở — a traditional Vietnamese broth soup served with rice noodles and various accoutrements like beef, sprouts, chilli and spring onion — has emerged as a universally-loved dish that manages to be warming without being heavy, and is satisfying in a distinctly light, healthy way. Luna’s Express takes its appeal one step further, by making the rice noodles fresh every day (with Malisa telling me she usually starts around five or six in the morning) and brewing the broths — a traditional and a vegan one — from scratch as well, which usually takes around 12 hours. The vegan broth is, while not necessarily authentic to the cuisine, something Malisa created using root vegetables in order to ensure that Luna’s can cater to anyone. And the fact that this level of care has gone into the creation of the dishes, becomes clear in the quality of the food and its flavours.

The phở is warm and fulfilling, the Bahn Mi perfectly proportioned and bursting with tasty meats and sauces, and when Malisa brings out the egg coffee and egg chocolate at the end of the meal as a “special treat,” it’s an unexpected delight. Egg coffee is a traditional drink in Vietnam that started when the country was suffering from a milk shortage. It is made with egg yolk, condensed milk and cream — so if you can imagine a texture similar to melted ice-cream but far fluffier and with a more complex, sweeter quality, that’s it. And it really is a treat.

Although the ‘Express’ in Luna’s name is an accurate representation of its service (our bowls of pho arrived at the table very quickly), don’t be mistaken in thinking that there have been any corners cut on quality. Malisa is clearly dedicated to making Luna’s Express a business that is as holistic as its food. “All the packaging is compostable,” the owner explains, “and we’re trying to make Luna’s as close to zero waste as we possibly can,” a commendable goal.

While we were slurping our phở, a number of people who clearly worked around the area wandered by, peering inquisitively inside. Luna’s is, after all, the perfect lunchtime spot for the inner-city set. With fresh ingredients, a friendly atmosphere and food that will suit any proclivity and save you from having to suffer through a 3pm slump, it’s setting itself up as the ultimate antidote to office hours and is, without a doubt, some of the freshest Vietnamese we’ve ever tried.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 7am until 4:30pm
Saturday, 11:30am until 5pm
Sunday, closed

Luna's Express

10 Chancery Street
Auckland Central

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We sit down with the Chia Sisters to learn more about their award-winning, solar-powered juicery

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 11 Jun 2019

The Chia Sisters, Florence and Chloe Van Dyke, are certainly paving the way for a greener, more environmentally-friendly future. Already well-known for their nutritious and delicious juices — available locally from Huckleberry — it’s the way in which the juices are made that has projected the duo into the spotlight of late, via a newly crafted, New Zealand first, solar powered juicery in Nelson. We sit down with the pair to learn more.

You’ve had your juicing business for a good few years, why is it now that you’ve decided to run it using a solar-powered juicery?
Last year we faced a difficult situation, the Nelson brewery where we had been bottling our range closed down with little warning. We only had four weeks of stock on hand and were faced with the prospect of going out of business. We had to decide whether to pack up shop or move forward. So over a two week period, and leading into our busiest summer to date, we purchased the brewery, set about lining the roof with solar panels, installed bottling equipment designed in partnership with Massey University and Callaghan Innovation, and employed Bays Brewery staff. We turned the situation into an opportunity, and now our goal is to make the world’s best beverages, with solar energy.

How much energy does the juicery produce per day?
On a sunny day (which is frequent in the sunshine capital) the solar panels produce up to 16,000KW per hour. This is double the factory’s needs. We send the excess energy back to the grid.

Can you ensure that the juicery runs effectively at all times of the year? Weather is notoriously unpredictable! So we are still connected to the grid. This means we use solar power when we can but if we are producing on a rainy day we use energy from the grid. Luckily our product is seasonal. The juicery bottles twice the amount in summer when the sunshine is best utilised.

How does having a solar-powered juicery effect the juice-making process? Are things slower?
Besides the initial installation which took 2-3 days, there has been no impact on the juicery. What it has made an impact on is the team’s mindset around sustainability. Because we know that our production line is more efficient when the sun is shining, sustainability is always on the mind. And this mindset becomes a filter for all of our actions, from how we can make the best environmental decisions around freight to purchasing ingredients and even how we run the office.

Championing sustainability has almost become a prerequisite to opening and running a business, is this something that you’ve felt pressured to do since beginning your own?
We haven’t felt pressured as sustainability has been one of our core values from the outset. Sustainability is something that we’re passionate about and we try to incorporate it into all areas of our lives, so it was a natural progression for us to fold it into our business. In addition to producing in a solar-powered juicery, our bottles are made from recycled glass, we have a near zero-waste manufacturing process, and our range is 100% made from plants — we take care to source the most sustainable ingredients possible. We also try to create the best environment for the Chia Sisters’ team. This includes being Nelson’s first accredited Living Wage employer. For us having happy staff that aren’t under financial stress is non- negotiable and is a part of our broader sustainability story.

How would you encourage other businesses to use solar power?
We think the best way to encourage other businesses to use solar power is to share our story. The transition has been easy for us – solar fits with our personal and company values; it has provided a great marketing story, and has been a financially sound move. While there is an upfront cost, our financial modelling shows that transferring to solar-power will pay for itself within ten years. We will be saving thousands of dollars a year from that point onwards. Often the conversations around climate change follow a fearful doom and gloom narrative. We feel it is important to emphasise what a simple and sound financial move it has been to shift to solar.

What’s been the biggest challenge on your solar-powered journey?
There have only been positives for us.

Tell me about your new juices, Bottled by the Sun.
Bottled by the Sun is a simple all natural juice made from 100% fresh pressed fruit. We have four flavours in the range: orange, apple, feijoa, and boysenberry — all bottled using solar energy. There’s no added sugar, no gluten, dairy, soy, genetically modified ingredients or artificial anything. Using fresh local produce has paid off — in March we won two gold awards for our Bottled by the Sun range at the Outstanding New Zealand Food Producers Awards, the only drinks in the country to win gold.

What’s in the future for the Chia Sisters?
We’re currently developing a hemp protein smoothie which will be the first of its kind worldwide. Hemp has a high nutritional value and is a sustainable crop. Research shows that hemp seeds have more protein than any other plant source available, which makes it a no-brainer ingredient. It’s now grown in New Zealand which gives us a great opportunity to support local growers. We’ll be launching this later this year, so watch this space!

www.huckleberry.co.nz

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Whatever your hair type, this all-encompassing range will help you achieve a sleek, manageable mane

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 10 Jun 2019

Regardless of what the haircare giants claim, there really isn’t a one-fits-all product that is capable of styling every hair type — but there is a one-fits-all brand. Understanding that each individual mane requires its own styling elixir, Haircare brand Evo — available from Haircare New Zealand — has crafted the perfect product for every style, texture, length and condition. Whether you are catering to thin, fine hair or dry and brittle ends, an unruly head of curls or a damaged dye job, these are the best products to suit your particular needs.

For fine and straight
Yearning for a bit of oomph? Say goodbye to limp tresses with Haze Styling Powder: It nails the impossible and adds volume to thin hair without weighing it down.

For thick and straight
Take the dullness out of thick hair with Love Touch Shine Spray. The weightless finishing product will inject a dose of shine and gloss into even the most lacklustre locks.

For frizz-prone
A small dollop of Casual Act Moulding Whip helps tame those pesky flyaways by locking the hair into place, all while giving locks a healthy, light reflecting shine.

For big waves
A spritz of Salty Dog Salt Spray is a sure-fire way to help those waves reach their full potential, all while eliminating fluffy ends.

For tight curls
Liquid Rollers allows each tightly wound curl to really have its moment in the sun, by detangling individual locks and adding shine. Especially brilliant for curls that have been subject to mane drying heat damage.

For brittle hair
If dry, brittle hair is your worst enemy, Happy Campers Wearable Treatment will strengthen and protect while adding moisture and a touch of style support to a frazzled mop.

For colour treated
Evo Fabuloso‘s range of Colour Intensifying Conditioners boosts fading colour treatments while reintroducing moisture and shine, ensuring you can stretch a little bit further between each dye job.

www.haircarenz.com

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Q&A with Florence Cools — the creative mind behind chic womenswear label La Collection

7 Jun 2019

Florence Cools more than lives up to her name. After starting multi-brand fashion store DAMOY (widely-acknowledged as a preeminent destination for the fashion-savvy) in Antwerp a few years ago, she recently launched her own brand, La Collection, to much acclaim. Balancing sleek femininity with practical, wearable shapes, the label has been garnering something of a cult following for the way it imbues the everyday wardrobe with effortless luxury. Now stocked at Muse Boutique, we thought we’d ask Florence about the inspiration behind her lauded collection, and why women in New Zealand will fall in love with it as quickly as the rest of the world has.

Take me back to the beginning… What is your fashion background? I studied fashion technology and then afterwards, I opened my own multi-brand store in Antwerp, followed by a multibrand wholesale agency. But looking back, the fashion industry has always inspired me. When I was a child I would spend time sketching mannequins with my own designs and I always made clothes for my Barbie dolls.

What was your vision for La Collection when you started it? I wanted to create a timeless, high-quality label made up of elevated, staple pieces every woman should own.

What does La Collection stand for now? Pretty much that. All of our pieces are made from premium, luxurious fabrics — most of which have been created especially for La Collection. This way, our simple, refined silhouettes come out the best way possible and the pieces are ones you can keep in your closet forever!

Left: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in La Collection coat | Right: La Collection Amandine blazer and Gabrielle trousers from Muse Boutique

Who do you envisage as the LA Collection customer? It’s very much a label for the powerful woman. Someone who is confident and expresses her feminity with a statement shoulder or a loose-fit dress. A woman who doesn’t need to wear super tight or near-naked clothes to feel sexy. All of our pieces have a no-nonsense feel and that combo of straightforward femininity makes them work so well.

Who or what is most inspiring you at the moment? I get a lot of inspiration from Paris, the streets, the buildings, galleries and museums. But I also love to watch old movies and read vintage magazines, I get so inspired by the classic style icons.

Describe your personal style? I would call it very easy-chic, minimal, and feminine but strong.

Is there any advice or motto you live by when it comes to fashion and dressing? Less really is more! I love a naked neckline, one without too much jewellery. A motto I live by is to not to try too hard. Our La Collection pieces are so easy to combine which I think is what a lot of women want from their everyday wardrobes.

What are three, essential items every woman’s wardrobe should have? A long black silk dress, a tailored suit and a long coat.

Why do you think New Zealand women will love La Collection? I think the fact that our pieces are very transeasonal will make them appeal to New Zealand women. Pretty much everything in the collection can be worn from season to season and each piece has been designed to last a lifetime (both style- and quality-wise).

What does the future hold for La Collection? To be honest, I never plan too far ahead. I live by a ‘life is what happens when you’re making other plans’ kind of mentality, which keeps things more spontaneous and organic. But what I want for La Collection is for it to reach a global audience, to be able to take our timeless fashion around the globe and to be able to dress all the powerful women out there!

www.museboutique.co.nz

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Celebrate World Oceans Day with La Mer’s limited edition Blue Heart Jar

Words Clara Jane | 7 Jun 2019

The ocean has always been at the heart of luxury skincare brand La Mer’s ethos. Referred to as its muse, not only does it feature heavily via the sea kelp used in the formulation of the brand’s key products, but it also prompted La Mer to establish the Blue Heart Oceans Fund, in a bid to encourage action that would protect the ocean and all of its inhabitants.

For well over a decade, La Mer has been an unwavering advocate for this cause through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives and supporting marine conservation projects across the globe, including in the Azores Islands, Grenada and the East China Sea.

Combined with these efforts is the brand’s annual release of its Limited Edition Blue Heart jar, created for its hero product, the Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream. In the months around World Oceans Day — taking place on the 8th June — La Mer presents its special edition jar, swathed in an artwork designed to represent the beauty of the sea. This year’s iteration will be decorated in a shimmering picture of sea kelp and coral.

At a time of year that conjures community beach clean-ups and an increase of support for the cause on social media, La Mer has committed to donating US$25 for every public Instagram posted in the months of May and June (up to US$650,000) that includes the hashtags #LaMerBlueHeart #LaMerDonation.

The money raised for La Mer’s Blue Heart Oceans fund will go toward creating a sustainably focused action plan that positively impacts the future of our seas. So far La Mer has helped to support the protection of over 16 million miles of unique marine habitats around the world, doing its part to safeguard the seas for generations to come. La Mer’s commitment to ocean conservation is commendable, and something we should all get behind.

www.lamer.co.nz

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The 10 compulsively readable books you need to be adding to your nightstand

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 6 Jun 2019

Because nothing that screams winter more than curling up with a stirring, gripping, rousing page-turner. Covering all genres and including everything from cursed gingerbread to riotous rock bands, these are the top 10 books you should be reading right now.

Normal People — Sally Rooney
You’ve likely heard of this Irish author already. Rooney’s debut, Conversations With Friends, grasped the attention of many a book worm in 2017, receiving rave reviews thanks to its distinctly intelligent, natural prose. Her second novel, another story about intense, complicated love, explores themes of social class, power and connection. It follows two teenagers, shy, withdrawn Marianne and popular athlete Connell, who begin an unlikely friendship in their small hometown in Ireland. NB: Normal People has just been snatched up the BBC, with filming for a 12-part series already in motion — we suggest you make time for Rooney’s written word before bingeing on the screen adaptation.

Swan Song — Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott
A skilled debut from writer Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott, Swan Song centres around American novelist Truman Capote, and his rise and tremendous fall in Manhattan’s high society. After two decades of intimate friendships with a gaggle of esteemed, wealthy and powerful NYC socialites, Capote publishes a literary bomb in the autumn of 1975: excerpts from his roman à clef, Answered Prayers, and with it the deepest secrets of the girls he had once so fondly referred to as his ‘swans.’ It was an unprecedented act of social suicide that still has us gripped today, and we guarantee you will gorge on Greenberg-Jephcott’s words in the same, insatiable manner as those who read Truman’s revealing works once did.

Gingerbread — Helen Oyeyemi
One for the lover of fantasy, this captivating modern fairytale is influenced by the mysterious, continuous place gingerbread holds in classic children’s tales. Using finely crafted sentences that are as haunting as they are addictive, Oyeyemi tells the story of a simple gingerbread recipe, and how it has been passed down through generations of British women: from Margot Lee to her daughter, Harriet, and now from Harriet to her daughter, Perdita. It is a simple beginning, but one that blossoms into a profound piece of magical realism laden with faraway lands, dolls that spring to life and enchanted confectionary.

My Sister the Serial Killer — Oyinkan Braithwaite
My Sister the Serial Killer’s first chapter is funny, confronting and murderous, but it’s only a taste of what’s to come over the succeeding pages. The novel follows Nigerian nurse Korede and her younger sister Ayoola — the prettier, more favoured child out of the duo, who just so happens to have a nasty habit of killing her boyfriends. It is a compulsive read laced with dark humour and will keep you up long after bedtime.

You Know You Want This — Kristen Roupenian
Roupenian’s hotly anticipated debut comprises a compelling selection of short stories that are as twisted and as impossible to put down as those of the Grimm’s. The collection touches on a myriad of different themes, delving into sex, terror, punishment and pain, with an unwavering dark wit. While you would be a fool to skip out on any tale, be sure to make time for Cat Woman — this short story became a viral sensation after being published by The New Yorker back in 2017.

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup — John Carreyrou
Those who found themselves drawn to the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos scandal will love this stark piece of nonfiction. Put together by journalist John Carreyrou, this New York Times bestseller delivers the full, inside story of the rise and catastrophic fall of Theranos, the one-time multibillion-dollar biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes. If you think you already know everything about this story, expect to be blown away — it’s even crazier than it seems.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf — Marlon James
The first of a planned trilogy, Black Leopard, Red Wolf is the fantasy novel that will have you waiting with bated breath for the second instalment before you even make it through the first. Described as an ‘African Game of Thrones’ by the author himself, this masterwork combines myth, fantasy and rich African history to deliver a breathtaking adventure, one with a supernaturally gifted mercenary and a missing child at its helm.

Machines Like Me — Ian McEwan
Like a thought-provoking Black Mirror episode but in the form of the written word, Ian McEwan’s latest brainchild offers an uncanny and disturbing look into our growing infatuation with Artificial Intelligence. The work of speculative fiction takes place in an alternate version of 1980s London, where deadbeat, employment-dodger Charlie purchases Adam, a newly crafted, AI-driven robot. Bought in part to impress Miranda, his distant, upstairs neighbor-cum-girlfriend, what follows is a messy love triangle that plunges the trio into an absurd moral dilemma.

Daisy Jones & The Six — Taylor Jenkins Reid
With a storyline based around a fictional 1970s rock group and its beautiful lead singer, Daisy Jones & The Six taps into our longstanding fascination with self-destructive, tortured musicians who succumb to the tumultuous life of rock and roll. A riveting novel, it comes as no surprise that it has already been picked up by Reese Witherspoon, and is soon to be adapted into a 13-episode series.

Queenie — Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie is the smart and decidedly funny debut by unflinchingly honest author, Londoner Candice Carty-Williams. It follows Queenie, a British-Jamaican woman verging on a breakdown, as she tries to navigate her 20s, a breakup, and her job in journalism. Described by The Guardian as “an important political tome of black womanhood and black British life”, this enthralling read navigates the storms of life, love, race and family with unique, adept precision.

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This is why a sculptural table is the easiest way to refresh your living space

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 5 Jun 2019

A quick look at the home interior trends of the past few seasons and it’s clear to see that the design cognoscenti are beginning to embrace a more individual, personality-driven approach to decor. This has led to a noticeable departure from the status quo, and burgeoning interest in trends that make more of a statement. One, in particular, that has captured our attention is the move to include striking furnishings in the home. Or more specifically, divinely sculptural tables.

Uniquely framed pieces that teeter on the line between furniture and art, sculptural tables bring an air of intrigue to any interior. It is a trend that may seem intimidating at first (as much of the statement variety is) but is one that’s easier to employ than most would think. For one, ‘sculptural’ doesn’t have to mean outlandish. This trend can just as easily fit under the umbrella of simplicity, where pieces showcase a pared-back aesthetic offset only by an unexpected curve, or a unique play with dimension.

Sarsfield Brooke, renowned for its selection of distinctive furnishings and for helping its customers find a balance between remarkable and refined in their homes, offers a cornucopia of fine pieces that demonstrates the range the sculptural trend boasts. The 4008 Coffee Table, by Reflex of Italy, is a simplistic piece that blends seamlessly into any interior — but one which is made all the more captivating by its use of glass and smooth, rounded edges. Another modest table crafted by the same, renowned brand, the Mathematique Coffee Table, uses a sleek, clear glass slab atop a modernistic, sharp-edged wooden base.

Mathematique Coffee Table by Reflex of Italy

For those hoping to make a show-stopping first impression, there are many alluring options that reside at the other end of the scale. The beautifully ostentatious Diamante Coffee Table, by Antonello Italia of Italy, sees a large, stark, angular structure crafted from lacquered aluminium offset by a sleek, timber top. While the Aenigma Coffee Table, again by Reflex of Italy, incorporates a remarkable curved base — one crafted from a thick undulating stream of shiny copper — alongside a rectangular, clear glass top.

Diamante Coffee Table by Antonello Italia of Italy

When it comes to landing upon the perfect sculptural piece, there really is no right or wrong. A trend that can be incorporated into any home regardless of the owner’s personality or preference, we think that the sculptural table is the perfect example of how careful, considered design can become like a piece of art in an interior, and how it’s one small change that can make a world of difference.

Sarsfield Brooke

155-165 The Strand
Parnell
Auckland

(09) 377 1502

www.sarsfieldbrooke.co.nz

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Lewis Road Creamery’s delicious new range is making a serious case for Jersey milk

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 5 Jun 2019

Milk, what was once a simple dairy product known primarily for its ability to ameliorate cereal or tea, has since found itself at the centre of a pretty ferocious debate. And now, with several conflicting arguments around the product’s ethics and health benefits, alongside spades of new varieties and brands on the market, most of us are left questioning which milk we should really be using.

Purveyors of all things dairy, Lewis Road Creamery, is making a case for a lesser-known varietal with its delicious new offering: a fresh range of premium, white Jersey Milks. Sourced solely from Jersey cows, the new range champions finer milk that is making a name for itself as a healthier and tastier alternative to the regular, and with a raft of benefits, here’s why you should be making the switch.

It tastes nicer
Jersey cows produce a milk that is higher in butterfat and milk solids than the average, making it much creamier with a deliciously rich, full-bodied taste.

Naturally better
The milk of Jersey cows is naturally higher in calcium and protein than other varietals. Also, Jersey cows are more likely to carry the A2 beta-casein protein, as opposed to the A1 found in more common breeds.

It skips the nasties
Lewis Road Creamery’s Jersey Milk is completely free of permeate — a lactose-rich by-product which is created when milk is processed — and PKE (palm kernel expeller), a by-product of the destructive palm oil industry, which is used by some farmers to supplement feed.

It leaves a smaller carbon footprint
Jersey cows are the most sustainable of the common breeds and are far kinder to the environment. They produce more milk than other types — due in part to them reaching maturity earlier than other breeds — which means fewer cows are needed. In addition to this, the Lewis Road milk range is bottled in the company’s award-winning rPET bottles, which are made entirely from 100 per cent recycled plastic.

www.lewisroadcreamery.co.nz

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Over the next month, Akai Doa 2.0 will play host to a culinary collaboration you don’t want to miss

5 Jun 2019

The theatrical Japanese dining experience, Akai Doa 2.0 has made a real impression since returning to Las Vegas on K’Road. With various light installations by Angus Muir setting a celebratory tone and delectable degustations by Azabu’s Head Chef, Yukio Ozeki, keeping punters impressed, the pop-up has, despite only opening a few months ago, already hosted a number of acclaimed culinary events. But none has been as hotly-anticipated as the one that is set to start this Friday and run throughout the month of June.

Looking to take Akai Doa 2.0 up another notch, Yukio Ozeki is joining forces with acclaimed chefs, Kyle Street and Jordan Macdonald from Culprit and the resulting event is shaping up to be the ultimate culinary collaboration. Beginning this Friday, 6th June, and running until 11th July, Akai Doa x Culprit will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and will see head-to-head culinary battles where the chefs will engage in one-upmanship to tantalise diners’ taste buds. Comprising eight courses in total (Street and Macdonald will create four courses, as will Ozeki), the menu is expected to be an intriguing, experimental Asian-fusion affair, making the event a gastronomic experience you won’t want to miss.

For more information and to book an evening at Akai Doa x Culprit, click here.

www.asahiakaidoa.co.nz

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Meet the reusable, artist-designed bag supporting Bali’s plastic ban and cleaning up its coastline

4 Jun 2019

On a mission to protect the world’s oceans from the widespread scourge of single-use plastic, Corona, Parley for the Oceans and the World Surf League have joined forces with a line-up of pro-surfers and artists to create a reusable bag made from Ocean Plastic. In a bid to support the recent single-use plastic ban in Bali, the parties involved have pledged that for every one of these bags sold, three reusable bags will be donated to the Balinese community and 20 plastic-bottles-worth of plastic will be removed from the area’s oceans and coastlines.

The bags themselves have been designed by Stephanie Gilmore, Gabriel Medina and Rosy Hodge (internationally-renowned surfing legends) in collaboration with artists Nadia Hernandez, Speto and Gemma O’Brien. Offering three distinct designs the unique bags are eye-catching, illustrated representations of vibrant marine environments that Corona, Parley for the Oceans and the World Surf League are determined to protect.

To say plastic is a problem is to seriously understate the issue. It has come to be absolutely vital (if we want to continue enjoying the beauty of our oceans and their inhabitants) that plastic waste is addressed without delay. And considering that around five trillion plastic bags are consumed globally every year — 10 million of which are estimated to be coming into circulation in Indonesia every day — this is not a niche issue by any means.

That said, it’s heartening to hear about the kinds of initiatives that have come from the partnership between Corona and Parley for the Oceans. Initiatives that have seen 537 clean-ups take place across 23 countries, involving around 25,000 volunteers and resulting in more than three million square metres of beaches cleaned. This latest drive is just one example of how Corona and Parley for the Oceans are working tirelessly to not only stop more single-use plastic from entering circulation but to figure out how to direct the plastic already out there into something that is good for the environment. Ultimately, their aim is to provide every local household in Bali with its own reusable bag so that the old, plastic iterations can fade away seamlessly.

To learn more about this initiative and to purchase a bag for yourself, click here.

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Why Theory’s menswear is essential for building the perfect seasonal wardrobe

4 Jun 2019

While it might be true that, generally speaking, men’s fashion is a far more straightforward affair than women’s, it doesn’t mean that men should be exempt from the same kinds of sartorial considerations as the fairer sex. Namely, how to curate a wardrobe that is wearable, fashion-forward and representative of individual style. But in order to do this (and do it well) guys need to ensure that they have a solid foundation in place. This means a series of versatile T-shirts, everyday knitwear, simple shirting and jackets that can be worn over anything — criteria that aren’t as easy to fulfil as one might initially think.

Luckily, there’s one recently-landed collection that covers all the necessary bases. Theory menswear, available locally from Superette International, offers a raft of well-made, easy-to-wear pieces that provide the ultimate building blocks for outfits that are cool (without trying too hard) and masculine (without being overt about it). It’s also a collection with a tonal spectrum that veers away from boring winter black — which is important for breaking bad seasonal habits.

Really, it’s a collection that any man, with any level of style acumen, can get on board with. In a bid to help you build the perfect wardrobe, we have rounded up three essential starting points.

Neutral base

Left to right: Theory Amir jacket, Theory luxe cotton precise tee, Theory Dex crew, Theory Euclid packable blazer all from Superette International

Shades of blue

Left to right: Theory Euclid packable blazer, Theory Willem polo, Theory luxe cotton precise tee, Theory Menlo shirt all from Superette International

Modern monochrome

Left to right: Theory plaid Ripstop Rhys jacket, Theory Colona Davies cardigan, Theory Relay jersey Ace tee, Theory Clinton blazer, Theory Neoprene Nielss L/S tee, Theory Hector paper nylon jacket all from Superette International

Superette International

8 Kent Street
Newmarket
Auckland

(09) 360 2363

www.superette.co.nz

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Montblanc’s divine new fragrance is transporting us to far-flung corners of the globe

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 4 Jun 2019

A perfume or a cologne is far more than just a simple scent. Fragrances can act as a key, one which unlocks treasured memories, or — more often — as an invitation to some of the world’s finest locations. A crisp citrus scent, for example, can transport you to the sun-dappled Mediterranean coast, while a whiff of frangipani serves as a ticket to the warm tropics of the Pacific Islands. Rarely, however, does a scent whisk you off to three corners of the globe simultaneously — at least not in the way that Explorer, the new fragrance from Montblanc, does.

Brought to life by the renowned perfumers from fragrance house Givaudan, Jordi Fernandez, Entoine Maisondeieu and Olivier Perscheux, Explorer is the embodiment of how different tastes can harmonise to create one remarkable finished product. Each a keen traveller, the perfumers have added an ingredient that is specific to their favourite location, creating an overall scent that carries the wearer on a neverending journey. Fernandez’s addition, for example, takes us to the island of Sulawesi, deep into the Indonesian rainforest, where a unique type of patchouli blooms. The scent of the plant, sharp with a distinctive woody allure, is what gives Explorer its subtle sensuality.

A top note of bergamot, an inclusion from Maisondieu, conjures up the citrus fruit’s native Italy. Floral and intensely fresh, the fruity component reveals a bright and energetic side to the fragrance. As the bergamot notes give way to a more earthy, herbaceous smell, Explorer transfers the wearer from the European citrus orchards to the sun-drenched, Carribean country of Haiti — where the most exquisitely refined vetiver grows in abundance. Vetiver, a type of bunchgrass, evokes a gentle, smoky tone of hazelnut, one which transforms the energetic side of the fragrance into a more mature, musky finish.

An entire travel journal wrapped up into one, sublime scent, Montblanc’s Explorer manages to achieve what so few fragrances have done before. And it should come as no surprise, really. Montblanc is synonymous with the art of travel and is a brand that — whether via leather bound passport holders or sleek carry-ons — continuously inspires us to hop on a plane and ship ourselves off to wonderful destinations around the world. Italy, the Pacific Islands and Haiti, thanks to Montblanc, are now top of our travel list.

www.smithandcaugheys.co.nz

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Cinema Italiano is back, bringing masterpieces of Italian film to the fore

Words Mina Kerr-lazenby | 3 Jun 2019

Fans of world cinema rejoice, for the much applauded Cinema Italiano is coming back to Auckland for its fourth edition, bringing with it a sublime collection of inspiring comedies, documentaries, dramas and time-honoured classics. This year sees renowned beer brand Peroni once again taking the role of sponsor, while Studio Italia will this year have the naming rights — both brands that champion Italian innovation like no other.

Combining traditional masterpieces with modern Italian cinema, this year’s lineup sees some of the best films the festival has ever offered. There’s No Place Like Home, with its esteemed ensemble cast, depicts the breakdown of a raucous 50th wedding anniversary into a tangle of tension, when an unexpected turn of bad weather strands the large extended family on an island. For lovers of old movies, renowned Italian classic 8 ½ will retell the beloved story of fictional director Guido Anselmi, while fans of comedy should carve out time for My Big Gay Italian Wedding, a humorous adaptation of the hit off-Broadway play of the same name.

This year also sees the festival branching out further to deliver the cinematic offerings to a much wider audience, with a full list of the participating venues found here. Undertaking an extensive tour of the country, stopping at the likes of Nelson, Hawke’s Bay, Matakana, and Arrowtown, the festival will finally touch down in Auckland on the 17th September.

This year’s Cinema Italiano Festival opens in Christchurch on the 11th June. It will arrive in Auckland on the 17th September and continue through until the 30th at the Bridgeway Cinema. For dates, bookings, tickets and more information, click here.

www.cinemaitalianonz.com

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