There is something about Casa Aviv, designed and executed by CO-LAB Design Office, that — even without having stepped foot inside — reminds you to breathe. Perhaps it’s the setting, a dense, leafy site near the glistening waters of Tulum beach and just a stone’s throw away from the area’s famed cenotes (natural pools).
Or perhaps, it is more to do with the house itself which, from its calm, stoic architecture to its earthy, textural palette, is a place that promises to connect those residing within to their abundant, natural surroundings.
Really, it is the potent combination of both of these things that has resulted in this exquisitely peaceful villa, where contemporary design has been given an understated twist, cultivating sophisticated spaces that feel unpretentious and refreshingly simple.
Given the long, slender nature of Casa Aviv’s site, the house itself was constructed in two parallel bars, one single-storey, the other spread over two levels. The upper level contains two, intimate bedrooms connected by an elevated walkway that overlooks the more public spaces on the ground floor, which includes an uncomplicated (but beautifully-finished) kitchen and two ensuite bedrooms on one side, and double-height dining and living rooms on the other. The latter is one of the villa’s standout spaces, thanks largely to its direct connection with the swimming pool and garden via tall, pivoting glass doors that seamlessly bring the outside in.
Connection between the house and the garden was clearly an important design aspect for CO-LAB, where the landscaping is brought right up to the exterior windows, and verdant motifs are replicated and repeated inside, the two ideas reaching their pinnacle on the residence’s rooftop terrace, where large furnishings, potted plants and panoramic views create a tranquil, private oasis.
This relationship has been capitalised on elsewhere too, including in the home’s east-to-west aspect, which allowed the designers to take advantage of the prevailing winds and direct a gentle but revitalising breeze through the interior spaces. Spectacular views of nature are offered in abundance, thanks to cleverly-deployed apertures, plenty of glass and north-facing skylights that allow lights and shadows to interact inside and serve to reinforce the idea of celebrating the natural world that lies just beyond the walls.
This idea is continued in Casa Aviv’s grounded, earthy palette and refined finishes. From the striking, black terrazzo flooring (which was custom-made on site) to the walls made from concrete masonry units and finished with hand-polished cement, to the timber accents and charred cedar carpentry, every element of this villa has been assiduously designed to balance opulence with openness and temper luxury with an air of laid-back cool.
More practically, part of the brief given to CO-LAB was a requirement that Casa Aviv’s quality would withstand the comings and goings of guests, to ensure that it could also double as a holiday rental. This idea of durability and low maintenance permeates the villa’s design, from its easy tones to its sturdy materials and the restrained way it has been decorated, and is part of what makes this residence so universally appealing.
At its core, Casa Aviv is not the reflection of one person’s aesthetic, and is certainly not the vanity project of an architect, designer or client with a vision to make an indelible statement. Instead, it is a place that almost anyone might envisage themselves loving, and is the perfect setting for an escape into the wild.
Ensuring our first tracks make a bold first impression, these men’s and women’s pieces have been designed with avid skiers and nonchalant snowboarders in mind. From practical jackets to snow-proof pants to onesies that promise to have people’s heads turning, here is how winter’s favourite sport is manifesting in our wardrobes.
Clockwise from left: Fendi FF monogram ski trousers from Farfetch, Double cashmere scarf from Prada, Knit wool hat from Gucci, Madeline sweater from Muse, Ryder one piece from Perfect Moment, Moncler Black Patty Chelsea Boots from SSENSE, Chlo x Fusalp Hooded Ski Jacket from Net-A-Porter.
Clockwise from left: Clement Triclimate® Jacket from The North Face, Burton [ak] Hover GORE-TEX 3L and Leather Ski Gloves from Mr Porter, Moncler Grenoble Logo-Appliquéd Stretch-Fleece Half-Zip Ski Base Layer from Mr Porter, The North Face Whimzy Tube from Superette, Smith I/O Mag Goggle from Snowcentre, GORE-TEX snowboard jacket from Prada, Unisex Mountain Mission Bear Helmet Black from Perfect Moment.
With the arrival of winter, we all change our wardrobes by subtracting shorts and crop tops and adding jumpers and coats, but many of us are also tempted to mix up our skincare ensembles by editing out sun protection.
While the effects of the sun’s UVB rays are reduced in winter, with less chances of sunburn and redness, UVA rays continue to penetrate the skin. UVA rays are responsible for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface, can penetrate glass and clouds, are responsible for accelerating signs of ageing such as wrinkles and dark spots, along with skin cancers, and continue to cause damage in the colder months. To break it down, your skin is still suffering thanks to the sun in winter.
That’s why dermatologists recommend that you use sunscreen year-round and apply extra protection if you’re planning a trip to the ski slopes, where UV levels are higher and the snow is highly reflective. Don’t forget to reapply sun protection throughout the day and pay attention to lips, hands and other exposed body parts.
Here are our picks of sunscreens to keep your skin safe in winter.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula from Mecca, Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream from Inès, [W.]+ Protective Fluid from Sothys
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum from Sephora, Emma Lewisham Skin Shield from Spring Spa
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ from Smith & Caughey’s, Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen from Inès.
If it’s broken, fix it beautifully. That’s the concept behind kintsugi, the time-honoured Japanese craft that makes an art form out of mending broken ceramics with painted gold.
As a connoisseur of finding beauty everywhere, the House of Ruinart has partnered with Yuka O’Shannessy of Public Record for theRuinart Art of the Glass Kintsugi Workshop on Saturday 31st July.
Hosted at Saxon + Parole’s private mezzanine space, guests will learn the ancient art of making ceramics whole again with lacquer dusted with a warm golden brass powder. A celebration of the Wabi-sabi aesthetic, appreciating perfectly imperfect forms, the finished pieces will be more beautiful than when they were new.
With no previous kintsugi experience required, this is a supportive environment to find your flair for creativity with friends. Yuka will be there for guided support, over two separate workshops on the same day, designed to be intimate and elegant.
While you create beauty anew, delight in the fresh and vibrant notes of Ruinart’s Blanc de Blancs, Rosé or R de Ruinart, with a selection of delicious dishes from Saxon + Parole.
As the first established House of Champagne, in 1729, Ruinart has mastered the art de vivre over three centuries. In 2021, its vision extends to sustainability as they support an emerging generation of creative talents for future success. As such, the Ruinart Art of the Glassprogramme champions local tastemakers over a tulip of Champagne.
The limited tickets are $135 + booking fee per person, which includes a broken ceramic to create your own kintsugi piece, a flute of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs — the signature cuvée of the House, alongside a delectable array of dishes from Saxon + Parole.Click here to find tickets.
Ruinart Art of the Glass Kintsugi Workshops with Yuka O’Shannessy of Public Record Saturday 31st July Two workshop time options: 12pm – 2pm or 3.30pm – 5.30pm
While Wānaka is famously known for luring visitors near and far to its celebrated adventure scene, those seeking an adrenaline rush will be pleased to know post-action appetites will be well and truly satisfied in this breathtaking alpine town. From cosy cafes and tempting bakeries to iconic pubs and impressive restaurants, Wānaka ticks all our boxes for an epicurean escape.
Bistro Gentil Modern French cuisine takes centre stage at this exquisite bistro bringing indulgent gastronomy to Wānaka. Located in town, the restaurant itself is a tranquil space, surrounded by lavender and boasting views out to the lake. From the kitchen, dishes like French onion soup and beef tartare are expertly prepared, while a five-course ‘Trust The Chef’ tasting menu with wine pairings is available for anyone struggling to make up their mind.
Fedeli There is a good reason why lines can be expected at this Wānaka institution. Fedeli is known for serving up some of the best-brewed coffee and tastiest cabinet food in town. Come for your morning cuppa, stay for a warming housemade pie or one of Fedeli’s famous cheese scones.
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery.
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery Enjoy hearty, wholesome fare and delicious coffee at this laid-back Wānaka eatery. With a simple, modern interior inspired by the idea of a backcountry hut and a menu that puts unexpected twists on classic brunch dishes (the Herbed Hash is a highlight) Scroggin is serving pre-ski fuel-ups and laid-back afternoon bites.
Federal Diner The dine-in component of the aforementioned Fedeli, Federal Diner has been serving Wanaka with tasty fare for over a decade and is a sure bet for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a mixture of classic and contemporary dishes on offer. The company has also just opened FuDog, a modern Asian restaurant, right next door.
Wee Tart This recently-opened coffee shop and milkbar is wooing Wānaka locals and visitors alike. Centrally located, and with its own cosy courtyard, this welcoming spot serves a wide variety of coffees, milkshakes (made the old-school way), delectable bites from breakfast until lunch and a line-up of alcoholic beverages for a relaxed afternoon tipple.
Pembroke Patisserie.
Pembroke Patisserie Delicious, artisanal pastries abound at this specialty bakery in Albert Town — a few minutes’ drive from central Wānaka. A classic French patisserie with a modern Kiwi twist, this is the perfect place to pop into for a savoury bite, a freshly-baked baguette or even a cheeky cheese roll-inspired croissant.
Big Fig Committed to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Big Fig has built its reputation on serving slow food, fast, and its modern take on classic Middle-Eastern flavours has made it a hit with both locals and tourists. Tender slow-cooked meats meet tangy dips, spicy meatballs and a raft of vegetarian and vegan dishes in a flavourful menu designed to keep us coming back for more.
Kika.
Kika Owned and operated by award-winning chef, James Stapley, Kika delivers flavours from all around the world, from its charming Wānaka location. With hyper-seasonal sharing dishes like Yucatán roasted half chicken and tea smoked duck waffles, designed as the perfect accompaniments to its carefully-curated wine list, Kika has been touted as a must-visit for all New Zealanders, and rightly so.
Ode At Ode, local organic produce, ethically-caught seafood and wild shot game meats combine on a menu that heroes modern New Zealand cuisine. With a strong emphasis on ingredients, the dishes served at this restaurant are innovative, progressive and undeniably delicious, and promise to provide a memorable culinary experience. After the tumultuous last year, chef and owner Lucas Parkinson has made the brave call to close the doors to his award-winning restaurant, with the final service occurring on the 29th of August. So, if you want to have the chance to dine at this special eatery, make sure you prioritise booking in before then.
Burrito Craft.
Burrito Craft Touted as serving Wānaka’s best tacos, Burrito Craft has grown from its single taco-truck beginnings to now, boasting two trucks on the go and a more permanent location on Brownston Street. Making flavourful Mexican food from the freshest ingredients, it’s no wonder these guys are such a universal hit.
Urban Grind A great place to head to at any time of the day, Urban Grind is open from 8am until late into the night. Whether you go for your morning coffee, a satiating lunch or an evening pizza (with a glass of wine, perhaps) this spot is sure to leave you satisfied.
Francesca’s Italian Kitchen
Francesca’s Italian Kitchen Passionate about providing warm hospitality and classically Italian flavours, this lauded Wānaka restaurant offers a raft of hearty dishes designed to leave you feeling entirely satisfied. From housemade potato gnocchi to quatro formaggi pizza, Francesca’s has become the go-to for a soul-warming meal.
Cardrona Distillery Already lauded for its locally produced, carefully-cultivated spirits, Cardrona Distillery (located around 20 minutes from Wānaka) has recently launched its own food offering. Calling on chef Kim Kuruvilla to create an exceptional menu of small seasonal plates, the distillery’s foray into dining is designed to highlight its tantalising, bespoke cocktails and the bountiful produce of the area.
Candrona Hotel.
Cardrona Hotel What is a day of skiing at Cardrona without an après mulled wine at the Cardrona Hotel? Universally loved for its delightfully cosy interior, expansive outdoor space and historic nature, this wildly popular spot has long been the perfect place for a post-slope debrief.
Cork Located in the heart of Wānaka, this cosy, welcoming wine and spirits bar offers tasty drink options to suit any proclivity. From lauded local drops to a number of international wines, Cork invites everyone to settle in for some live music and a glass or two of the best.
Lipsky & Sons.
Lipsky & Sons Although also a restaurant, Lipsky & Sons boasts a separate bar known for serving local and international wines, crisp beers-on-tap and a wide variety of tasty cocktails. Enjoy your tipple either in the sunny courtyard outside or curled up by the large fireplace, and indulge in a tasty share plate.
Rhyme and Reason Brewery Get amongst Rhyme and Reason’s expertly-brewed craft beers at its purpose-built Wānaka beer garden. Beer enthusiasts can pop in for a pint, a tasting paddle or to pick up a take-home bottle, while the brewery’s family and dog-friendly ‘Hoppy Hour’ offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy beer, wine and cider with some friends and family.
He is the highest point scorer in international test rugby, a three-time International Rugby Player of the Year, and is widely touted as the greatest first five-eighth to ever play the game, but Dan Carter’s stellar career has been defined by more than just his achievements on paper.
His role in cultivating a sense of teamwork (in every team he has played for), his unparalleled resilience under pressure and the culture of winning he has whittled down to a fine art are all integral to Carter’s legacy and — now that the All Black great has officially hung up his boots — are coming to the fore as key parts of his post-rugby life, too.
“I’ve known that I wanted to finish playing rugby for a while now,” Carter tells me, “but being in lockdown in New Zealand with my family put everything into perspective.” He continues, “I just realised that I didn’t want to sign another contract overseas and I didn’t have the drive to play rugby here… so I knew I was done.”
For Carter, the need to explore new challenges coupled with a desire to spend more time with his young family, drove the decision to retire just shy of 39 years old, prompting an outpouring from the international rugby community of congratulatory odes to his historic career and lamentations that he was leaving the sport on which he had such a significant impact.
“To be able to retire on my own terms, with my body feeling fit and healthy so that I can still run around and play with my kids,” Carter says, “I feel very fortunate. Not every rugby player gets that kind of retirement.”
Indeed, life after retirement is looking bright for Carter, even if (by his own admission) he is still figuring it all out.
“For the last 18 years, my purpose has been to be the best rugby player in the world… that’s what would get me out of bed in the morning,” he explains, “so when that finished, I had to look at what my purpose was now, and how I could take what I had learned playing sport at the highest level and put that to use in other areas, like business.”
Surprisingly, the skills Carter honed as a sportsman are not only translatable to other fields, but fields that at first, feel far removed from the rectangular green ones he is used to.
“I’m doing some work with Oxford University,” he tells me, “they have an entrepreneurial centre for their students called The Oxford Foundry, and I’ll be working with them on an ongoing basis, helping to mentor some of their young students and lending my knowledge and learnings around leadership to the programme.”
He was also recently asked to speak to Oxford University’s surgical team, explaining how he addressed the correlation between their internal dynamics and those of the teams on which he had played, like the All Blacks.
“Whether you’re a sportsman or a scientist,” he says, “everyone is trying to succeed, and we all have pressures on us. Given my experience working with teams on the field, I think I can help bring a good perspective and speak to the ideas more broadly…. and it’s exciting,” he continues, “I feel like a whole new world is opening up.”
In a similar vein, Carter was also recently asked to address the scientists working tirelessly on creating the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. “I talked to them about performance under pressure and resilience,” he says, “to try and help them with what they’ve been going through over the last 10-or-so months.”
And while vaccine creation might feel a world away from professional sport, that feeling of having to perform under pressure is universal. In Carter’s case, being able to share his learnings around not only dealing with that feeling but getting to a place now, where he welcomes it, is helpful to anyone, in any situation.
Dan Carter and Virgil Abloh after the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring Summer 2019 Paris Fashion Week show.
“Building resilience is about accepting that things can go wrong, and that it’s okay to take some time to grieve before you establish new goals,” Carter tells me. “Some of my biggest learnings came when I was pulled out of the Rugby World Cup in 2011 because of an injury. So when I speak to people, I’ll tap into what I went through to deal with that disappointment before finally being part of the World Cup-winning side four years later, to offer them tools for when they come up against situations where their resilience is tested.”
More than anything, retirement has put into sharp focus for Carter the ways in which he can take his rugby experiences and all that he misses from playing professional sport, and give them new focus.
He had his first taste of this when a stint living in Paris opened him up to the world of high-end fashion. Having established a relationship with luxury juggernaut LVMH, Carter was asked to conduct a Q&A with a conference of Louis Vuitton’s global GMs, in which he realised just how much his experiences around building a culture, encouraging strong vision, a mindset of growth and the importance of work ethic and humility were as applicable to the work of those in the audience as they had been to him in his career.
In the subsequent years, Carter continued to build on his interest in fashion, collaborating with LVMH on projects (like his monogrammed rugby ball) and sitting front-row at some of the company’s most important fashion shows (like Virgil Abloh’s debut as the menswear designer for Louis Vuitton).
When asked whether he’ll be putting his name to anything in the fashion sphere now, Carter remains equivocal but excited. “It’s still early days, but I have few projects on the go around retail, fashion and design which will be unveiled later this year” he says, not giving too much away, “I really enjoy working in this space.”
Of course, Carter will continue to work alongside a number of entities with which he has longstanding affiliations, and as he tells me, takes his position as someone who can make a real impact, seriously.
“I have an amazing platform to give back, and so will continue to focus on the foundation that I started with Richie McCaw and Ali Williams, iSport, as well as continuing in my role as an ambassador for UNICEF, both here and globally.”
Despite having already had a significant impact on a whole new generation of rugby players, Carter is aspiring to something similar in his post-retirement pursuits. But don’t expect this to be Dan Carter 2.0.
Rather than seeing his new opportunities as some kind of rebrand, Carter is simply seeking to redirect his influence, carrying his cache over from the insular world of sport to an assortment of projects that feel timely and intriguing. It is rare to encounter an ex-sports-star so willing to step outside their comfort zone.
In fact, Carter’s transition presents as a unique study of a sportsman for whom sport certainly won’t be the only defining career point and whose legacy will likely extend well beyond the bounds of rugby alone.
“I feel like I’m right back where I started,” Carter says, “before my first test match, and I need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because that’s where the biggest growth is.” He continues, “if it’s all too easy over the next 10 years, I can tell you I won’t be achieving much, so I’m excited for the challenges that lie ahead.”
They may have been around since 2014, but NFTs exploded recently, as an extension of the Wild West world of cryptocurrencies. So, what exactly are non-fungible tokens and do you need some?
What are they? An NFT is a unique digital asset, bought and sold online and built in a similar way to cryptocurrency. The non-fungible aspect basically means its totally unique, unable to be interchanged with something of its kind — unlike something like bitcoin, which is fungible, and can be traded like money.
NFTs are not currency, however, they are used as the digital answer to collectables, such as digital art, buying unique digital assets such as the first tweet made by Jack Dorsey and exclusive one-off sneaker designs.
Paris Hilton collaborated with digital artist Blake Kathryn to create a range of NFTs.
Here’s the catch… Say you bought an NFT for an artwork, you’re not actually buying a physical piece of art, you’re buying a digital file of the artwork. What you’re paying for is a certificate of exclusive ownership, the “digital bragging rights” as Forbes describes it, and for many collectors, this is just as exciting.
There is a way you could display an NFT like an artwork, however, given that they are largely built around digital art. Infamous heiress Paris Hilton has jumped on the NFT bandwagon with gusto, having sold over $1.11 million of her own, and also has NFT artworks she has purchased displayed on digital screens in her home — just like something out of The Jetsons.
Mason Rothschild and Eric Ramirez’s animated ‘Baby Birkin’NFT.
Big money moves… The phenomenon is no small thing — the NFT for a purely digital artwork by artist ‘Beeple’ sold recently at Christie’s for a record-breaking $69.3 million USD, the third biggest sale of any artwork by a living artist. An NFT for a 3D animation of an Hermès Birkin bag (printed with an image of an unborn baby) also just sold for the equivalent of $23,500, which is more than an actual, physical Birkin bag retails for.
When an out-of-the-way burger joint doesn’t publish its address anywhere publicly and still sells out, you know it’s doing something right. Such is the case with Lucky Gs, the mysterious yet veritably Insta-famous burger purveyor, now slinging bun encased beauties from a new (still secret, sorry) permanent Auckland location.
Founded by Stan Gong almost a year ago, Lucky Gs was initially set up in an old Chinese takeaway shop on Rosebank Road. The tagline “NOT A BURGER JOINT BUT SERVING BURGERS” rings true, in that Gong’s original idea wasn’t going to be just burgers — he had envisioned setting up a luncheonette, serving filter coffee, pastrami sandwiches and cooked meals like hotcakes, kind of like an elevated Denny’s, he says.
This will still be on the cards by the new year, but seeing as the initial outing of burgers proved so popular, that’s the focus for now. Gong’s background is in the coffee industry, however his natural inclination to put 100 percent of himself into any project he undertakes means Lucky Gs has been his full-time gig since it began.
Lucky Gs serves its signature burgers alongside the likes of fries, fried chicken, and pineapple fritters.
While it was just friends and family that were initially across Lucky Gs first iteration, word soon got out about these mysterious, delicious burgers that could be found in West Auckland. The new location is still under wraps and can be ascertained via word of mouth, a tactic intended to keep Lucky Gs manageable with a firm focus on looking after locals first. Mutual respect between customer and purveyor is of utmost importance to everyone at Lucky Gs, and the basic filtering system is a way of trying to manage this as well.
Hype is a funny thing, though, and this evasiveness has had perhaps the opposite effect of what Gong intended — when they opened in their new spot, customers came from as far away as Hamilton, and he has regulars who visit from Takanini and Manurewa.
So, what makes Lucky Gs burgers so good? They’re not the super-stacked, over-the-top style that has been popular in recent years, but their beauty is in their relative simplicity. “We focus on balance, rather than excessiveness,” says Gong. “The perfect burger is in the ratios; you could give different people the same ingredients, but the result would be completely different every time.”
Lucky Gs uses smash patties for its hamburgers and cheeseburgers, a technique whereby the patty is pressed firmly down on the grill to flatten it, the Maillard reaction creating plenty of caramelisation in the craggy edges. They leave them slightly thicker than the usual smashed standard, for a more juicy burger. The Twice As Nice (perhaps an exception to the “not so stacked” rule) comprises two of these perfectly seasoned patties, with cheese, sauce, salad, and a soft, toasted bun – just the right amount of everything to fully satisfy.
While the Cluck n Luck and Thigh Guy chicken burgers are fast becoming Lucky Gs most popular, we have to say the vegetarian burger was one of the best we’ve ever tried. Eschewing faux meat substitutes, which are often of varying quality, it contains a hash brown, melted cheese, salad, jalapenos and Lucky Gs signature sauce.
Sides are also extremely delicious — shoestring fries come with an addictive ‘special seasoning’ that’s tangy, salty and peppery all at once. Pineapple fritters make a feature of the juicy pineapple with a thin tempura coating rather than the typical heavy batter, and a side of spicy fried chicken is an absolute must if you’re in the mood to truly indulge.
Vegetarian Pocket Rocket burger.
Unsurprisingly, given how they like to operate, Gong tells us they also have a secret menu — almost like a reward scheme for regulars, turn up enough and you might just be given the tip. All these aspects make things quite fun, almost like a game that you have to play to keep levelling up.
Ultimately, Gong and his team are trying to spearhead a new type of hospitality business; one that gives the same level of great service to everyone, no matter their background, but also expects the same courtesy in return from its customers. Musing on why he thinks they’re so popular, Gong attributes Lucky Gs success to these good intentions. “We treat everyone equally. It doesn’t matter if you wear a suit or are homeless — everyone’s important.”
Is there a new opening you believe should be on our radar? Let us know at [email protected]
There’s no denying that, in our collective psyche, a reignited passion for the state of our home environment is one of the more positive impacts left by Covid’s lockdowns. Whether it’s our main residential address, or our holiday homes, all have been put under the microscope, after more time at home gave us the opportunity to contemplate whether or not these spaces met our needs, both functionally and aesthetically.
With the demand on housing higher than it’s ever been, and the number of properties on the market at an all time low, the only solution for many is to remodel, redesign and refit their current abodes — elevating them to an ultimate representation of the inhabitants that live within.
After 13 years of publishing this magazine, we are often seeking to share the next big theme. In the past this has been an easier task. But today’s homes, as you’ll see in our extensive Projects section, represent ideas that are more than just a passing idea. Instead what reigns supreme is a beautiful symphony of diversity that goes beyond being designated as a ‘trend’.
Today’s homes are a reflection of the owners that reside within, and in the majority of cases, have involved a symbiotic relationship between architect, designer and homeowner. The result is a truly personal reflection of both the needs and the aesthetic passions of those who ultimately get to call the project home.
The 2021 issue of Denizen Modern Living delivers an utterly inspiring round-up of both international and local interior design ideas, along with direction on how to implement them locally.
Often our most treasured items are those worn with the hands of time. Diamond jeweller Jessica McCormack appreciates this more than most, with her distinct handcrafted designs made to be held close, then passed down from one generation to the next.
Her latest collection, On The Rocks, hones in on this idea — with pieces in refined shapes reminiscent of pebbles smoothed over by waves on the riverbank, before being picked up. Like a prized keepsake, the softly imperfect forms come from materials found in nature, wrought from yellow gold and clouded blue chalcedony.
“I wanted to create a collection that spoke to lovers of landscapes and found objects,” says McCormack. “I have always loved the work of sculptors like Barbara Hepworth, whose forms feel so evocative of British coastal walks, hills and skies.”
Clockwise from left: On The Rocks Diamond and Gold Necklace; On The Rocks 0.40ct Diamond and Chalcedony Drop Earrings; On The Rocks Five Stone Multi-Shape Diamond Ring; On The Rocks 0.20ct Diamond and Gold Gypset Hoop Earrings; On The Rocks East to West 0.85ct Baguette Diamond Ring.
Dame Hepworth was known for her modern sculpture, and one quote in particular inspired McCormack during her design process: “If a pebble or an egg can be enjoyed for the sake of its shape only, it is one step towards a true appreciation of sculpture.’’
For On The Rocks, symmetry has been cast aside for a more natural, tactile collection to be worn against the skin and felt between the fingers. Embedded with baguette, brilliant, or oval-cut white diamonds, the pieces range from sweet swivel clasp pendants to cascading chain necklaces, from subtle studs to a showpiece Five Stone ring with oval, baguette, and carré-cut diamonds all enveloped in pillowy gold surrounds.
McCormack has been blue sky thinking with her use of chalcedony, a combination of quartz and moganite, especially. “Chalcedony appears to me as a sky-hued stone, and marrying it with organic shapes and white diamonds has been in my mind for a long time now,” she says.
A selection of auspicious pieces from the collection is launching at Simon James Stores across Auckland, in two drops from today, at the same time as Jessica McCormack’s London townhouse studio and store.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
