While the seasons seem to sneak up on us between lockdowns and real-life, one way to mark the passing of time is to splurge on a dress from a new collection drop. The hemline lands this spring at the maxi or midi length, an effortless look that only needs the simplest of accessories. From crisp cream to retro florals, choose your pick of the designer bunch below.
Words Claire Sullivan | PHOTOS Jono Parker | 27 Oct 2021
With the recent arrival of Audi’s highly anticipated Gran Turismo e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT, our Editor-in-chief Claire Sullivan-Kraus, an SUV EV devotee, takes the coupé through its paces.
I challenge you to ignore my exterior appearances and any preconceived notions you may have about me. Despite the fact that I did not vote for our current leader, I am in fact an eco-warrior. The majority of you who see me riding high in my current car (a Range Rover Vogue), will make the usual assumptions that I am a zero f***s given kind of SUV Mum. But oh how very wrong you are. Because despite your opinions, you’ll be shocked to learn that my Vogue is in fact a hybrid that gets me 50kms per day on a full electric charge.
There are several reasons for my conversion to driving an electric vehicle. I am the first to admit, that aside from its environmental rewards, one of the major benefits is the convenience it offers not having to fill up on gas. When you’re a live-life-on-the-edge (or the tank is below 0kms) kind of gal, you’ll appreciate this fact alone.
So while my current mode of transport does the job of getting me from home to office to the school pick-up all on one overnight charge in my garage, the recent arrival of a new fleet of luxury full range electric vehicles has this right-leaning eco-princess excited to experience their offerings.
I spent many years as an avid Audi convert, a relationship that started in the early noughties with my penchant for the A4 Cabriolet… I call it my post-New York, living in a clean-air environment phase, where popping the top (of the car that is) brought about the sort of mental freedom one needed after living for eight years in a concrete jungle.
The interesting thing about a car marque, is that much like mobile phones, once they get you hooked on their functionality and design quirks, you find it very hard to change. It’s almost like learning a new language. So stepping inside the new Audi RS e-tron GT, I am immediately nostalgic for my past love affair with the brand. There’s something about Audi’s ability to make the cockpit feel luxurious, with red topstitched detailing, carbon fibre dashboard, and in my opinion the winner of the interior, red seat belts — you know you’ve arrived in familiar luxurious territory. The new twist however, in keeping with the environmental attributes, is that you have the option of a leather-free interior, superbly crafted from a high percentage of recycled materials.
While many other luxury marques launching EVs are following in the footsteps of Elon Musk, creating hyper technological computers on wheels, that require the sort of stealth understanding and navigation of a tablet that can only be comprehended by my eight-year-old son, Audi has instead opted to keep the majority of the e-tron GT’s interior functionality in keeping with the rest of Audi’s fleet. There are (pleasingly) actual buttons and toggles for climate and sound control, where one might expect to have to swipe through unlimited confusing screens.
Audi is a brand well known for its high performance sports coupés. So the arrival of the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT (as I drove), will no doubt be wildly popular with fans of the Audi R8 supercar, or just those with a penchant for sophistication and speed, delivered in a convenient four-door package. Audi has successfully reinterpreted the much loved Gran Turismo as a fast and dynamic vehicle, that also happens to deliver zero emissions.
The new RS e-tron GT is seriously spicy from the outside — taking some design cues from the R8 supercar, but also undeniably genetically related to its familial marque’s new EV offering the Porsche Taycan. The Audi RS e-tron GT has flared guards, wide rear proportions and dramatic rear lighting that immediately turns heads. Interestingly, the extremely sporty proportions all contribute to the car’s overall efficiency. No one wants to look better from behind, but this certainly is the case here. The RS e-tron GT has quite possibly the best looking rear end (albeit inanimate) that I’ve ever seen.
To the EV naysayers — of which there are still many — the most important factors are not how an EV looks — which is ridiculous when you consider the Mickey Mouse visage of some marques — but how long its range is. The new Audi RS e-tron GT has an impressive 472km range, which for someone who travels to the Bay of Islands on the regular, means I could make it there and back without having to charge it at all. But if I did need to charge it, the onboard fast-charging system offers incredibly short charging times of just five minutes for a distance of roughly 100kms.
And for those times when you just have to ‘get the hell out of dodge’ which, let’s be honest, can happen to us all, the RS e-tron GT will have you hitting the speed limit (100kms) in just 3.3 seconds. All conveniently achieved in the stealth quiet whisper that EVs are renowned for. Though the optional e-tron sport sound that’s available for both exterior and interior noise most certainly has its place when you’re needing to make a point with your swift departure.
So after several days of going about my business in this new dynamic four-door electric vehicle, I’m left with an undeniable urge to ditch the SUV in favour of the GT.
It’s the wellbeing trend that launched a thousand selfies, but the LED face mask has far more to offer than merely upping your social media game. With the masses swearing by its power to work wonders in terms of anti-ageing, skin hydration, wound healing and tone levelling, LED is currently the most cutting edge way to overhaul the visage.
Light Emitting Diode (LED) masks, for those who are still yet to become acquainted, are masks that emit varying wavelengths of light to the face, penetrating the skin and spurring on its natural healing process — and the technology is fascinating. Typically, there are three different wavelengths that are utilised: while the blue light reduces large oil glands and eliminates acne-causing bacteria, the red light can activate collagen production, increase hydration levels and accelerate the process of skin repair — it’s often used as a medically-approved treatment for rosacea. Infra-red light has the deepest penetration of the three and the most absorbed wavelength, which improves the skin’s elasticity, reduces its inflammation, smooths lines, accelerates wound healing and increases the skin’s cell permeability and absorption.
It’s an incredible bunch of benefits for something that requires no effort at all. Like a regular face mask but without the obligatory post-treatment scrub, those of the LED variety can be popped on and left in place while the wearer goes about their business. Thus, it’s possible to annihilate acne while doing nothing but sprawling on the sofa and bingeing on the latest Netflix addition. The entire at-home treatment is non-invasive and has zero side effects. In fact, the feeling on the face is akin in warmth to that of the sun, minus the redness and risk of irritation. That being said, group movie nights could well be out of the question unless there’s an aim to terrify friends — most masks wouldn’t look out of place on the film sets of Friday the 13th or Halloween.
Before these at-home devices hit the beauty shelves, LED light was only available to those willing to make tracks to the nearest dermatologist. These in-clinic LED treatments, can be tailored to each individual skin concern, are longer and more hard-hitting than the DIY masks, but they are expensive and, above all, they require the act of leaving the house. The biggest benefit that the LED masks provide is convenience and, given we’re living in a time where we’re ordering anything from food to chauffeurs to our homes at the touch of a button, convenience has never been met with such open arms.
There’s more to the trend than just masks, handheld devices and in-house treatments, too: the whole wellness industry is delivering when it comes to light therapy. Now the beautifying technology is being harnessed as a full-blown body treatment, with futuristic-looking LED pods and infrared saunas being the beauty treatment of choice for cultivated aesthetes. Overseas, infrared ‘blankets’ are bringing the benefits of the full body treatment into peoples homes, ensuring body-conscious folk can enjoy the full treatment from the comfort of their own homes. It seems the future of LED is a very bright one indeed.
Spectralite Faceware Pro by Dr. Dennis Gross The face mask that kickstarted it all. Dr. Dennis Gross’ Spectralite device harnesses the power of 162 red and blue LED lights, is sleek, practical, not too terrifying to look at and, thanks to the adjustable straps, rests on the face comfortably.
Cellreturn LED Wireless Mask by Angela Caglia Using the same near-infrared technology that NASA and medical institutions use for its profound healing effects, it goes without saying that the Cellreturn mask by Angela Caglia is undeniably powerful. As a bonus, the patented wireless design targets your neck and ears, too.
Light-Therapy Golden Facial Treatment Device by MZ Skin By emitting all five colours of light — red, blue, green, yellow and white — MZ Skin’s gilded LED face mask can be used to treat a miscellany of skincare gripes, from discolouration and pigmentation to blemishes.
We’re tapping into TheRevenant-era DiCaprio to harness this statement item of furniture; trust us when we say your living room will be better off for it. From cocooning occasional chairs to fluffy rocking chairs and more, shake things up using this cosy curation as your guide.
Katrin Armchair by Carlo Colombo for Arflex from Studio Italia, Botolo Armchair by Cini Boeri for Arflex Available from Studio Italia, Sofia Armchair by Marac of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke.
J.J Armchair by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia Available from Matisse, 836 Tre Pezzi wool Armchair by Franco Albini for Cassina Available from Matisse, Shaggy Timothy Oulton from Dawson & Co.
In working with Seidler Architects and Golden interior designers to create this landmark Melbourne home, a couple with teenage children sought something that exceeded expectations. On the one hand, as Golden directors Kylie Dorotic and Alicia McKimm articulate, “[the clients] wanted something very special and stand-out,” while on the other, ensuring that it was still liveable and functional, and didn’t feel intimidating despite its size.
It’s no mean feat to temper spectacle with practicality, or reconcile the idea of an exquisite entertainer’s pad also being a functional family home with spaces that feel simultaneously expansive, connected and intimate. But, via Golden’s meticulous use of texture and perfectly-proportioned furnishings, it would seem the devil is, indeed, in the detail.
B&B Italia’s Tufty Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola and the Mart armchair by Antonio Citterio introduce curvature to contrast with this new build’s straight structural lines, and those of the Alanda coffee tableby Paolo Piva, available from Matisse
Apparatus’ Circuit pendant from ECC hangs in the robust yet welcoming kitchen and Cassina’s Cab bar stools by Mario Bellini from Matisse add textural contrast to the marble island.
The creative process was inherently collaborative — the architects, designers and homeowners working harmoniously — which is obvious in the outcome. The Brighton Residence is a spectacularly bold residence across three levels, and combines intriguing finishes with details that demand a double-take and spaces that are welcoming, but also multi-faceted, robust and sure to stand the test of time.
Being a new build, this home is deeply personal, every inch of it infused with the character of its owners and the dynamics of their family. The inclusion of two bars, for example, one in the kitchen and one at basement level, reflects the owners’ penchant for entertaining.
The harnessing of natural light via an internal courtyard and the clever use of windows, alongside putting the pool in a prime position around which the house wraps, speaks to their desire to create space within the home — and bring the outdoors in. While considered materials work to cultivate a sense of warmth in areas that are sumptuous without ever erring into over-the-top territory, and inherently family-oriented.
Standout features like the stoic kitchen bench and the blue stone fireplace are given centre stage by the neutral palette and elegant furnishings that surround them. Luxurious sofas and chairs introduce curvature to contrast with the confident textural choices and straight structural lines that recur throughout the house — everything executed in accordance with the owners’ focus on superior quality.
The vertical lines of the Dyad sconce by Apparatus from ECC integrate seamlessly with the bedroom
Another case of curvature, Agape’s DR Bath by Studio Mk27 & Marcio Koganfrom Matisse adds sculptural intrigue to a functional room.
The owners’ penchant for entertaining is easily facilitated outdoors with timeless, functional and stylish furniture, including Tribu’s Contour armchairs by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga, a set of Nodi easy chairs and Tao dining table, all from Dawson & Co
Even the joinery has had artificial lighting built into it, enhancing the areas with less access to natural illumination. The lighting is programmed for different times and moods and, with no traditional switches at all in the house, is entirely controlled by the family’s smartphones.
From the master bedroom, a glamorous space designed after a hotel suite with heavy, velvet curtains and a champagne nook in the corner, to the basement, with a translucent onyx bar, a lounge, a dance floor, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a window offering an underwater view of the pool, this home gives the ‘entertainer’s paradise’ a sophisticated reimagining without ever forgetting the essentials of a family home: cosiness, functionality and warmth.
Whether purchased for your own collection or as a gift (remember, Christmas is coming up soon), coffee table books make for a beautiful addition to the home. Spanning photography legends to music royalty, plus a historical hotel that has hosted all manner of famous guests, these coffee table books are bona fide collector’s items.
Helmut Newton, Baby Sumo edition Far more than just a book, this impressive tome is a bona fide collector’s item. When the occasion of what would have been visionary photographer Helmut Newton’s 100th birthday and the 40th anniversary of famed, German art book publisher Taschen collided, only a truly special memento would do to mark it. This is not the first volume of Newton’s groundbreaking work that has been published by Taschen. In 1999, the company published a limited edition, 10,000 copy Sumo version weighing an astounding 35 kilos, copy number one breaking the record at the time for the most expensive book ever sold. The Baby Sumo edition is no less spectacular; also limited to 10,000 numbered copies, it comes with a Philippe Starck-designed, stainless steel bookstand, pedestal and a making-of booklet. Newton may once have said “I hate good taste. It’s the worst thing that can happen to a creative person”, but we’re sure he would approve of this piece of published art history.
The 213 Most Important Men in My Lifeby Jean Pigozzi Art collector and photographer Jean “Johnny” Pigozzi is known for knowing everyone worth knowing, and his new photography book celebrates the male friendships and mentors in his life. From Mick Jagger to Ettore Sottsass, Andy Warhol to Michael Douglas, through the warmth of Pigozzi’s lens he allows us to feel as though we, too, could be friends with these icons and industry titans.
Paul by Harry Benson Two legends that have been making magic for nearly half a century are immortalised in this intimate collection of photographs. Photojournalist Harry Benson has captured some of the most iconic images of Sir Paul McCartney throughout the musician’s unsurpassed career, including within his personal life, and this intimate volume features more than 100 colour and black-and-white images, many never seen before.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: A Timeless Legend on the French Rivieraby Alexandra Campbell With 150 years of storied history to its name, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is ripe for celebration and the inherent beauty of its grounds and surroundings provide plenty of fodder for Campbell’s stunning photo book. See the hotel through the eyes of some of its most legendary guests, including Slim Aarons, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Karl Lagerfeld and more.
Cooking a vegetarian dish from Jervois Steak House may be a culinary paradox but here the gastronomic gamble pays off. Combining the beauty of perfectly garlicky greens with creamy whipped feta and a broccoli purée, served with the golden pan-fried gnocchi, this is a meat-free triumph.
Potato gnocchi 1 kg potatoes (750g of purée required for gnocchi recipe — at Jervois Steak House Agria potatoes are used for this recipe thanks to their starch) 100g parmesan 1 pinch fresh nutmeg 1 Tbsp EVO oil 2 egg yolks 1 tsp salt 200g pasta flour
Garlic greens 8ea spears of broccolini 8ea leaves of cavolo nero 1 garlic clove, crushed Knob of butter 1 cup peas 1 cup broad beans
Broccoli purée 1 head of broccoli 25g butter + more for cooking Salt + pepper for seasoning
200g goat feta 100g parmigiana reggiano Extra virgin olive oil, to serve
Method Potato gnocchi 1. Bake the potatoes on rock salt until soft and cooked through. Remove the flesh of the potato and push through a sieve. Cool the potato on a tray with cling wrap directly on top so it doesn’t sweat. 2. Put a pot of salted water on the stove to simmer and ready a bowl of iced water. 3. Place the cold potato in a bowl and mix in the parmesan, nutmeg, olive oil, egg yolks and salt. Then, add the flour to form a dough. 4. Roll the dough on a floured surface into logs so you can cut pillows. Make the pillows approx. 1 inch long with the diameter of $2 NZ coin. 5. Cook in simmering water until they float to the top. Scoop off and plunge into the iced water. Once the gnocchi is cool remove from the iced water, otherwise they will keep absorbing water. 6. Transfer to tray with a kitchen towel on it, to dry them off.
Whipped feta Allow a block of feta to come to room temperature and place in a food mixer. Beat the cheese until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and keep out of the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Broccoli purée + caramelised stalks 1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. 2. Remove the florets from the head of broccoli but keep the stalks. Over-blanch the florets for approx. 4-5 minutes. 3. Once cooked through, strain and transfer while hot to a blender and puree with 25g of butter. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. 4. Cut the remaining stalks in half and heat a medium-sized pot. Add a spoon of butter and place the stalks cut side down and lightly caramelise for 4-5 minutes on medium heat with the lid on. 5. Add approx. 250ml of water to the pot and replace the lid to steam the broccoli stalks the rest of the way for 3 minutes. Once cooked cut the halves in to two pieces so that you have four pieces. Keep aside before serving.
Garlic greens 1. Put a pot of salted water on to boil. Once boiling, blanch the broccolini and the cavolo nero for 2 minutes, then strain. 2. Place the pot back on the stove with a knob of butter and a crushed garlic clove. 3. Return the greens to the pot and add the peas and broad beans, sauteeing until the whole thing has come together.
To serve 1. Re-heat the broccoli puree in a small pot. 2. Pan-fry the gnocchi in light olive oil to caramelise. 3. Spoon the broccoli stalks on to the plate along with some of the puree. Top that with the greens and pan-fried gnocchi, then pipe some of the whipped feta in the nooks and crannies. 4. To finish, top with Parmigiana Reggiano and, if you like, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Every night, I brush my teeth, wash my face and get into bed with Lottie. As I lay there, completely relaxed, she whispers in my ears, strokes my face and brushes my hair. And I wait. For a warm wave to crash down my neck and spine, the whitewash creeping its way under the follicles of the hair on my head. The feeling is brief, and I drag my finger across my phone, rewinding the ASMR makeup roleplay video I’ve watched at least 20 times to feel that tingling sensation over and over again until I’m asleep.
This has been my routine, on and off, for the past four years, ever since I discovered ASMR or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. The term was coined by cybersecurity professional Jennifer Allen in 2010, who spent hours scrolling the Internet to find out whether anyone else experienced random sensations from, often, the most mundane of tasks. The sound of someone gently tapping on an object or the way a book was being read aloud, and sometimes it would happen for no reason at all. Allen was part of a small online forum that hosted discussions between people who ‘got the feeling’, which then grew into a Facebook page, and eventually resulted in the sharing of links to accidental trigger (the term given to the sound causing the ASMR sensation) videos. But back then, I can’t imagine trying to explain to someone in person that the way they were brushing their hair gave me a pleasant tingling sensation without receiving a rather disturbed look. Fast-forward over 10 years and you’ll find ASMR is one of the fastest-growing wellbeing phenomenons, but it’s one that’s unbelievably hard to explain. And one that most people have no idea exists.
As I was writing this, I was trying to figure out how I would possibly talk about the intriguing world of ASMR in a thousand words and decided upon the five W’s and the H, in no particular order. You’ve got the What: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. But let’s break down the meaning. ‘Autonomous’ because it’s a feeling from within. ‘Sensory’ is self-explanatory. ‘Meridian’ suggests peak and orgasm, but also refers to traditional Chinese medicine and its energy pathways. And ‘Response’ refers to the way that ASMR elicits a trigger reaction. You’ve also got my When; ASMR really kicked off approximately four years ago. Although thinking back, I remember getting a satisfying, shivers-down-my-spine feeling when a teacher would draw on the whiteboard at primary school.
Moving on to the Where. YouTube has become the feeding ground for the weird and wonderful world of ASMR. Type the acronym into the search function and you’ll have millions of videos to choose from. From lo-fi whispering into the camera to high-tech cranial nerve exam role-plays (yes, in full surgical dress-up), to people eating raw honeycomb to fast and aggressive, albeit gentle tapping. Content creators, the Who, are known as ASMRtists and produce videos that can range from a few minutes to a few hours long — with some of the most popular receiving hundreds of millions of views. To become an ASMRtist requires nothing more than a YouTube account and a camera, which is why there has been such a broad range of content created from such a diverse pool of people. Over the last few years, I have come across videos made by adults as old as 80 and children as young as five. Which, as you can imagine, brought a lot of creepy behaviour to the fore (until YouTube introduced the ability to disable comments for young account holders).
ASMR goes mainstream with a Super Bowl commercial featuring Zoe Kravitz
The Why is a little harder to explain. The sounds or triggers that appeal to me (makeup role-plays, whispering, scratching) are euphoric. The metaphor I used earlier about the wave is exactly how it feels. It’s just like the game I used to play as a child, ‘dot, dot, line, line, spider crawling up your spine’. The exact same shivers come from random people on YouTube pretending to wash my hair. ASMR is about as crazy as all of this sounds, but I’m just one in well over one million people who participate. And while it all seems a bit outlandish, and maybe a bit weird, it’s starting to capture the attention of the scientific community in a big way.
Craig Richard is a professor of biopharmaceutical sciences at Shenandoah University in Virginia, the author of Brain Tingles and founder of ASMR University. After hearing about ASMR on a podcast in 2013, he wanted to know “why millions of people were watching someone fold a napkin.” He carried out a study (here’s the How) — ‘an fMRI investigation of the neural correlates underlying the autonomous meridian response’ — on the brain with results that suggested that the reason why ASMR videos generated tingling and relaxing sensations was because they were activating brain regions previously observed during experiences like social bonding and musical frisson. Richard went on to say that he believed triggers were akin to the way humans soothe infants — whispering, grooming and gazing — as well as behaviours similar to intimacy between mates in adulthood. Everyone likes to feel loved and nurtured, which could explain people’s desire to get involved.
There was also another study carried out by the Department of Psychology at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom that showed ASMR as a reliable and physiologically-rooted experience that may have therapeutic benefits for mental and physical health. So it makes sense that the millions of people tuning in to somewhat tune out (it’s an ASMRtists biggest compliment if you fall asleep during their videos) have described the blissful feeling as having helped with stress, anxiety and in some cases, depression.
For me, ASMR aids with sleep, but it also just feels really nice. I’ve played videos to a plethora of people to see if anyone I knew understood ASMR and could appreciate its effects. Two people confirmed my query, others were intrigued, but the majority were completely freaked out. I think that unless you ‘get’ the feeling, it’s probably quite bizarre, which is exactly why the scientists are continuing their search for more answers. Is it possible for everyone to have the effects of ASMR without actually getting the tingles? Who knows. In the meantime, you can sign up to the ASMR University to learn more, or read one of the many books on the subject, or tune into a dedicated ASMR playlist on Spotify. W Magazine even has an ASMR series where they get different celebrities in to try their hand at it (I highly recommend Cardi B’s video), and you can even stay at an ASMR Hotel in New York. But for me, YouTube will always be my go-to.
It’s very late, I’m on deadline, and I need to sleep. I’m getting into bed with ASMR April tonight, to drift off while she whispers me sweet nothings.
Where to start with ASMR: Cardi B on W Magazine’s ASMR Video Series Anything from this series is a great introductory point, but start off with Cardi B. The American rapper listens to it in her own time, so knows exactly what she’s doing.
Gentle Whispering ASMR It’s widely known in the ASMR community that accents foreign to our own have a way of eliciting the best tingles. Maria is an American-based Russian ASMRtist who has amassed a subscriber following of over 2 million since 2009 thanks to living up to her account name.
RaffyTaphy ASMR He’s amassed 843,000-strong following for his videos that focus mostly on various tapping patterns. People love his rhythmic videos for helping them relax as they’re a little bit different from the usual whispering and role-play videos frequently viewed on YouTube.
Latte ASMR Appealing again for the fact that her accent is foreign to English-speakers, Latte is a Korean ASMRtist known for her particularly gentle and comforting sounds.
Step into the new season with a pair of versatile, easy-to-wear slides. Whether sculptural or simple, this sandal style will see you well into summer and beyond. From Gucci to Birkenstock, here are the most stylish slides to shop now.
Clockwise from top left: Birkenstock x Toogood The Forager Felt from Workshop, Box Mule from Balenciaga, Chloé Woody Shearling Slide from Workshop, Dway Slide from Dior.
Clockwise from top left: Double G Sandal from Gucci, Isabel Marant Lennyo Eyelet Studded Slide from Workshop, Bianca Flats from Saint Laurent, Gia Borghini Perni 11 Platform Sandal from Muse.
For those in need of a well-timed sweet treat, Miann has opened its shiny new doors in Ponsonby Central. The beloved dessert shop by Brian and Roselle Campbell will offer all of Miann’s artful favourites, including specialty cakes, macarons, gelato and sorbet, bean to bar chocolate and single origin hot chocolate.
While you’ll likely already be acquainted with Miann’s morsels from their Morningside chocolate factory and Britomart and Fort Street eateries — allow us to provide an indulgent reminder.
Firstly, the celebration cakes are unsurpassable, the hazelnut and caramelised white chocolate mousse cake, known as the ‘ Dulce de Leche’, is a sophisticated crowd pleaser — while the Miann version of a tiramisu cake is so delectable, you may have to fight for the final piece.
For petit gateaux, the lifelike toffee apple, with caramel apple compote and sticky toffee sponge, is so striking, it gives us sympathy for Snow White. The individual-sized lemon meringue tart, in the other hand, is a sweet sculpture to devour in one sitting.
Fancy something cool? The baked Alaska gelato with raspberry sorbet is layered with toasted meringue for one memorable mouthful. Meanwhile, a dark scoop of charcoal coconut sorbet will create some dessert drama.
As one of Auckland’s best pâtisserie chefs, Brian brings a welcome saccharine statement to Ponsonby’s most vibrant micro-hospitality scene. “We are delighted to be in Ponsonby Central surrounded by fantastic restaurants,” he says. “We bring the sweet. Perfect for after a meal, an afternoon treat or even a morning coffee.”
With Silky Otter Cinemas opening in Ponsonby Central soon, the team are also working on some epic cinema packages, so you can munch in style at the movies.
Ready for level 2, the playful Miann space has colourful neon lights and decals of its chocolate-making process to invite passers-by to try their latest creations. At level 3, we can pick-up click and collect orders from the front of the store, which will satiate our curiosity and cravings before we can see all the treats up close.
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