Arguably the most prolific precious gem to exist, diamonds have long been synonymous with luxury. But recently, this recognisable stone has been given a decidedly more pared-back look. This modern interpretation of the glamour that diamonds are known for is resulting in pieces that are perfect for the contemporary woman and is making a strong case for adorning yourself in these stones everyday.
From Bulgari’s fine Serpenti Viper bracelet to Tiffany & Co.’s T1 ring, these diamond-set pieces will look as good with day-to-day denim as they will with showstopping occasional looks.
Beloved by the lunchtime crowd for its fresh sushi, satiating bowls and tasty sandos and dumplings, Oji is a downtown favourite, with outposts in Commercial Bay and Britomart.
Having set itself apart from Auckland’s other sushi spots for its focus on locally-sourced ingredients, sustainable practices and a straightforward, no-fuss approach, Oji is the perfect place to pop into for an easy, healthy and downright delicious lunch, particularly for those who work in the city.
Now, as more and more workplaces return to office life (after an extended WFH period), Oji is adding some noteworthy new dishes to its offering. From new rice and vegetable bowls like the Sweet Bird (with sweet chilli chicken), the Belly Banger (with pork belly and tomatillo salsa), the Purple Power (with crispy Japanese eggplant) and the Big Don (with Panko-crumbed chicken) to tantalising handmade gyoza and dumplings (think prawn with crispy onion or spicy pork with spicy mayo), and signature sandos now available in two- and four-packs, Oji is making a return to the office look all the more appetising.
And if you’d rather enjoy Oji’s offering from the comfort of the office kitchen, its catering options will see sushi platters, salads and generous packs of sandos sent directly to your workplace.
Temperatures have taken a turn, which in the Denizen office, usually signals the beginning of a recurring conversation around where to find coats and jackets that will keep us warm without sacrificing style. This year, however, we haven’t had to look far.
JH Down, the aptly timed collection of outerwear from the local fashion house Juliette Hogan, is equal parts warm and considered, and has been made in keeping with the kinds of elevated, timeless design this brand is known for.
JH Down Puffer Coat in Olive.
The collection is small but impactful, and comprises two styles of outerwear — a puffer jacket and a puffer coat — made from 100% recycled materials, including a recycled polyester outer (sturdy enough to withstand the elements) and a recycled duck down and feather inner. In a world plagued by textile waste, this sustainable twist is where the collection truly sets itself apart.
JH Down Puffer Jacket in Black.
Alongside classic, monochromatic options, this year the puffer styles have also been rendered in a sleek, olive colourway that promises to add some tonal inspiration to your winter wardrobe. The shape of this outerwear is gorgeous, too. Gone is the Michelin man aesthetic of puffers past, replaced with a sleek and totally wearable structure that is both flattering and functional — where high collared necks are both of-the-moment and practical. Each style also boasts a double zip and button closure to provide warmth against the season’s chilliest days.
Reimagining the puffers of old with an elevated twist, these new styles from JH Down really are the only outerwear you need this winter (and for seasons to come).
Architecturally-inspired furnishings bring a dynamic element to contemporary spaces, and we have had our eyes and hearts set on the re-edition of Arflex’s most coveted sofa since its debut at Milan’s Salone del Mobile Supersalone last year.
Recently landing in New Zealand at Studio Italia, this modular sofa offers a unique, undulating shape that draws you in as much for its look as it does for its comfortable cushioning, and the fact that we can finally get our hands on one here is certainly worth celebrating.
9000 sofa composition NV11
9000 sofa composition NV03
Arflex’s 9000 sofa was originally conceived in 1969, when a wave of creativity met an aesthetic of ‘Californian cool’ — conditions that resulted in design that was laid-back but boundary-pushing and considered in a way that hadn’t been done before. This sofa, in one way, is a reflection of its era and all that it stood for (freedom of expression and individuality), while simultaneously, is the antithesis to the Woodstock culture that emerged in the 60s (thanks to its focus on luxury and the comfort of home). Ultimately, it is timeless, and has remained an icon for 53 years.
9000 sofa composition NV07-B
9000 sofa composition NV07-B
Designed by Tito Agnoli, the 9000 is a compact, rounded seating system, with modules that allow for range of configurations. Traditional seating elements have been married with a character-giving curvature and a solid, boxy frame, destined to elevate any kind of space. Importantly, this sofa is as delightful to sink into as it is to look at, with soft, upholstered panels and curved backrests designed to cocoon the human form.
9000 sofa composition NV08
It is a piece that exemplifies the expertise of Tito Agnoli. Not typical of the architects of his time, he believed in neither straight lines nor following the status quo, and his 9000 collection was the culmination of his unique perspective.
Re-released last year with new finishes and fabrications, the 9000 sofa is cementing its place in the contemporary home. And now, thanks to local design mecca Studio Italia, this versatile seating system is set to be the perfect centrepiece for your living space, a sofa that can grow and change as you and your family does.
Arflex’s 9000 sofa system is available exclusively in New Zealand at Studio Italia.
As far as inner-city haunts go, there is always an appetite for new, all-day options that are as perfect to pop into for breakfast as they are for dinner. Enter Mozzarella & Co. — part of the new wave of inspired hotel dining that makes us want to book a staycation in the city’s centre.
Found in the lobby of the newly-opened Voco Auckland City Centre Hotel (a space that offers contemporary comfort and easy luxury), this trattoria and bar has been designed to cater as much to locals as to those simply passing through.
High ceilings and expansive windows looking out to Wyndham Street lend a decidedly urban air to Mozzarella & Co.’s Mediterranean take on cuisine, while the bar seating boasts power sockets to offer a space from which to work, or host your next lunch meeting.
From left: Gnocchi al gorgonzola, Greenlea Farms Aged Angus Eye Fillet with Creamy Polenta.
Of course, the food is where Mozzarella & Co. leaves a lasting impression. Executive Chef Dhawal Modi offers a fresh take on traditional Italian cuisine — one that doesn’t feel too indulgent or out of character for the weekday dining this part of the city calls for. Keeping the idea of a traditional trattoria at the forefront of the experience, the chef explains that his vision is to offer a space that is easy and rustic but offers good flavours and showcases New Zealand producers. We’re talking about fresh fish from Kiwifish and burrata from local cheesemaker Il Casaro — all divine offerings that make for a menu that feels elevated but still accessible for everyday punters.
Highlights include the gnocchi al gorgonzola, with caramelised walnuts, leeks and prosecco cream, the bread and butter pudding with brandy anglaise and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and of course, the burrata served with truss tomato, basil, pine nuts, balsamic and cold-pressed olive oil.
Burrata.
The all-day eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and boats a considered bar offering for those just after a drink or two with satiating snacks. Think traditional aperitivo like crudo and bruschetta, or pizzas for anyone seeking something more substantial.
Marvellous things are expected for this space, especially with the whisperings of a rooftop bar opening on the 38th floor of the building later this year, offering sweeping views of the city and with the same talents in the kitchen as the outpost downstairs. Watch this space.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — there’s no longer an excuse for hotel dining to be drab. And thankfully, Mozzarella & Co. is anything but.
Mozzarella & Co.
Ground Floor, voco Auckland City Centre Hotel,
Corner of Albert Street & Wyndham Street,
Auckland CBD, Auckland
Self-love can be a lifelong internal debate. Our theory is that there should always be a delicate balance between acceptance and wanting the best for ourselves, with little compromise on either. For decades women have been putting themselves through the wringer, so to speak, for the latest in appearance and aesthetic medicine that doesn’t offer lasting results — instead, a myriad of negative self-talk and poor body image.
With this in mind, we wait with bated breath for Body Catalyst’s Ponsonby opening — the first of its kind in New Zealand after garnering a loyal set of clientele in Australia. While the body shaping treatments on offer aren’t entirely new to the global market, Body Catalyst is renowned for being strides ahead of its competitors, perhaps reflecting the need for a more holistic approach in this arena.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbtygESsJkY/
Body Catalyst believes, “your body is your home and it’s the home you’ll have for your entire life”. That’s a beautiful thing, but for those who stand in the mirror and don’t like the self they see staring back, it can be disempowering. For those who lack confidence as a result of loose skin, or cellulite or stubborn pockets of fat, Body Catalyst’s approach may be a welcome addition to your self care routine.
While thousands can be misspent on gym memberships that become under-utilised and fad diets with results that fade fast, there are times that the body needs more comprehensive support, which is where Body Catalyst’s signature fat cavitation treatments come in. Designed to address common body concerns such as stubborn fat pockets, cellulite, loose skin and double chins, the treatments see a personalised approach using the latest technology in freezing, cavitation and toning & contouring therapies. This high tech take on body shaping has earned Body Catalyst widespread praise, and is one that we’re truly grateful to see arrive in Ponsonby.
Body Catalyst’s experiences are tailor-made too. The experts are not just masters of what they do, but also trained nutritionists, health professionals and aesthetic experts. It’s the rare kind of space where you know that they are invested in helping you reach your body goals and helping you maintain them, with each program personally devised for you.
Also offering a much-desired take on non-surgical facelifts, pelvic floor strengthening (mums out there will understand), abdominal separation and skin rejuvenation, alongside treatments targeted explicitly to male body concerns, there genuinely is something for everyone wanting to enhance their body the healthy way.
With our sights set on next summer already, in all its ocean-licked glory, we couldn’t be more excited to quite literally freeze our asses off when the clinic opens on Saturday the 28th of May.
Whisky drinkers, by nature, are often curious, innovative and always eager for new discoveries. Yet as the sobercurious movement draws a burgeoning number of former drinkers, distillers are finding a way to ensure their drops continue to cater for all. The latest addition to the lineup comes from Lyre’s, a global purveyor of non-alcoholic spirits.
Launched just in time for World Whisky Day (this Saturday for those not in the know), Lyre’s Highland Malt is every bit as innovative and delicious as its more conventional contemporaries but is entirely alcohol free. Crafted with distinct, modern flavours to capture the traditional essence of the finest Scottish Whisky, it’s an addition that will revolutionise the modern bar cart.
Unlike many other offerings on the market, it’s not a blend that was thrown together to appease the growing demand. Since the idea’s inception David Murphy, the brand’s Global Flavour Architect, had the vision to draw upon delicate fruits with light and earthy notes but still ensure a dynamic curiosity to the flavour profile that could only be expected in the real deal.
“We understand the popularity and unique history of whisky, and wanted to deliver the same delicious taste, but with a difference,” he shares.
Whether it’s enjoyed in a highball or on the rocks, the complexities of light honey, stone fruit and almond lend a softness to the lightly charred oak — and the neatest part — there’s no hangover to worry yourself with the morning after.
Lyre’s Highland Malt is available now, with an RRP of $54.99 (700ml bottle) or $24.43 ($200ml bottle). Nationwide stockists can be found on Lyre’s website.
As the weather starts to turn, we turn to our wardrobes for comfort and warmth, with cosy knits and outerwear making a welcome return to daily rotation.
One such piece is a classic overcoat. As timeless as it is universally flattering, the overcoat is perfect for adding a bit of tailored polish to any look, and reigns supreme as the hero of winter dressing.
Neutral colours will prove timeless, while sculptural silhouettes can offer a point of difference, whether you’re drawn to an oversized shape or a belt to cinch. If you are yet to find your own, let this curation from the Denizen editors guide you through the best styles to buy now.
From left: Blue Double-Sided Wool Coat from Christian Dior, White wool and silk coat from Fendi, Nautical Masculine Coat from Louis Vuitton.
From left: Acne Studios Belted Textured Double Coat from Workshop, Anine Bing Dylan Coat in Camel from Muse Boutique, Isabel Marant Giboleen Coat from Workshop.
From left: Carolina Coat from Dadelszen, Gainsbourg coat from Dadelszen.
From left: Single-Breasted Overcoat from Saint Laurent, Asymmetrical draped single-breasted coat from Alexander McQueen, Cashmere Trench Coat from Burberry.
From left: Apres Alpacca Coat from Dadelszen, Alexandre Vauthier Runway Cape Coat from Faradays, Victoria Beckham Double Breasted Coat from Adorno.
From left: The Garment Moscow Robe Coat from Workshop, Max Mara Luana Coat from Adorno, Harris Tapper Harris Oak Coat from Muse Boutique.
The skin is the body’s largest organ, and for a year-round effervescent complexion, we have to remain one step ahead of the seasons to give our skin the love it needs (and deserves). Any temperature changes will stress out the skin’s microbiome, and potentially comprimise the barrier’s integrity, meaning that when winter comes around, summer products should be replaced with those more tailored to the conditions. Generally speaking, colder climates lead to drier complexions, which is why we need to be thinking about products and treatments that nourish and feed our skin.
To make the transition to your winter routine more manageable, we’ve rounded up the best products, treatments and rituals to have in your arsenal for the cold months ahead.
La Mer Cleansing Oil, Eve Lom Cleansing Capsules, Tata Harper Purifying Gel Cleanser.
La Mer The Cleansing Oil While La Mer delivers a certain pedigree that makes it stand out in the highly-saturated world of beauty, the claims that support this cleansing oil make it all worth it. Oils are marvellous for winter skin as they work to nourish the barrier rather than stripping it back.
Eve Lom Oil Cleansing Capsules Eve Lom’s hero formula has had a chic update, designed with the best makeup- and toxin-removing (but still nourishing) properties. Plus, this new innovative capsule form makes for the ultimate travel companion to melt away the winter day.
Tata Harper Purifying Gel Cleanser Created to purify imperfections and fight free radicals with an anti-pollution effect while still allowing the skin to retain its natural moisture, this is the go-to for a little extra boost. For the most potent winter routine, practice double-cleansing in the evening, using one of the aforementioned oils as your first step, followed by Tata Harper.
Biologi Restore Face & Body Serum, Codage Oh My Cold Serum, Sothy’s Intensive Hydrating Serum.
Biologi Restore Face & Body Serum A newfound favourite for the Denizen team, this multi-use serum makes nourishment easy. Using a small list of natural ingredients, this serum is as hydrating in winter as it is soothing in summer.
Codage Oh My Cold Serum Codage’s signature serums are what has drawn the brand such acclaim, and the forward-thinking minds have developed a drop for every season. Oh My Cold acts as the nourishing, protective layer your skin craves.
Sothy’s Intensive Hydrating Serum Sothy’s Paris has the most intensive answer when your skin is craving an extra hit of hydration. For a city that knows cold climates, hyaluronic acid in its most accessible form is always essential.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream The Rich Cream is an ultra-luxurious, intensely nourishing moisturiser perfect for the harsh winter elements. Designed as a further step to the brand’s acclaimed ‘The Cream’, it’s an essential in our beauty cabinets for this time of year and is the perfect thing to add to your night-time routine.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich These coveted German beauty products are truly worth their weight in gold. This intensely moisturising product harnesses the healing power of Purslane (a natural ingredient that contains powerful antioxidants) to smooth and strengthen, making it perfect for the winter months.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré This cult-favourite French beauty product is the ultimate in a low maintenance beauty routine, making it the perfect addition to any beauty duffle for mid-year holidays. Acting as a mask, moisturiser and primer, this 24-hour miracle cream is a must to enhance your winter skin.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ In all its extremities, winter calls for SPF — especially when spending days in the snow. Through these months (with the warm sun no longer beating down upon us) sun protection is often disregarded, but it is actually over this time that our skin (already stressed) is at its most vulnerable. This addition to Ultra Violette’s coveted collection is all about moisturising and provides the skin with all the nourishment it needs.
Mara Algae + Zinc Sea Kale Sunscreen Sérum Found on Inès Store, the go-to for beauty enthusiasts in the know, this sunscreen serum brings together the dualities of intense protection and concentrated hydration, with the beneficially added zinc and marine algae to act as a form of aftercare (for those days we sometimes forget).
Ecostore Peppermint Lip Balm When gliding down the slopes, the lips are often the first place to bear the brunt of the conditions. Chapped lips are abundant throughout the season and need the most intensive moisture treatments. This simple balm from Ecostore is a Denizen favourite, as it’s made without petroleum or any other harsh additives, just pure beeswax.
LED Light Bootcamp at East Day Spa Emerging scientific literature speaks to the benefits of year-round LED light usage. Individually targeted towards your own skin concerns, this treatment is the perfect thing to boost your winter complexion and offer som much-needed strength to your barrier. And if you want to get the most from LED light, you really need to do two-to-three sessions per week over a period of time. Helping us get the perfect LED regime locked in for winter is East Day Spa, who offer a consistent 28-day programme promising astonishing results.
Codage Hydration Facial at Spring Ponsonby Even though you might be adding a raft of moisturising treatments to your skincare at home, sometimes you need an extra (professional) boost. Enter Spring Spa’s Codage Hydration Facial. Including an enzyme peel that gently stimulates cell renewal to restore radiance and enhances vitality, this exquisite facial has become our go-to winter treatment.
The Ultimate Haute Couture Facial at The Spa at Park Hyatt If you’re looking for a facial that offers immediate results and intensive actives, look no further than this exceptional offering from The Spa at Park Hyatt. A highly personalised treatment that uses Linda Meredith products combined with algae-derived V-Tox (the natural alternative to anti-ageing injectables), oxygen is infused to feed the skin and to stimulate its natural metabolic process and production of collagen.
Sothys Bespoke Facial at Sofitel Spa, Wynyard Quarter A considered, individualised philosophy underpins this luxurious one hour and fifteen-minute experience and allows you to get the most effective treatment for your winter skin. Designed to offer precisely the kind of attention your skin needs, both relaxation and effectiveness go hand-in-hand as Sothys’ excellent products work their magic, with no two appointments the same. We recommend seeing therapist Jenny Natividad for this service, as her knowledge and expertise will make it all the more worthwhile.
While much can be said about the products and treatments you harness this winter, daily healthy habits will be what ultimately lend themselves to nourished skin. Hydration, as always, is key, and while the weather doesn’t leave you constantly thirsty, it remains just as important to keep drinking your water. Daily doses of collagen support the skin barrier through this time, too, allowing you a buffer to still enjoy the splendours of this season without sacrificing radiance.
This week, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week has seen Sydney’s most style-savvy set hit the streets in fine form. Showcasing the best in Australian fashion (alongside some recognisable names from New Zealand too) the week has served to show how the industry ‘down under’ is still thriving.
From an innovative use of New Zealand wool to an inspired take on vacation-dressing, here are some of our highlights from the AAFW Resort ’23 runways.
Effortless luxury at Esse A brand built on the idea of timeless styles made with a focus on superior quality, Esse has made effortless luxury its calling card. Taking over the iconic Bennelong Restaurant at Sydney Opera House to showcase its new Edition No.08 collection, Esse served up a masterclass in restraint, where perfectly-proportioned tailoring met a cool oaky palette of contemporary neutrals. Alongside the ready-to-wear, Esse’s presentation highlighted an exciting collaboration the brand has undertaken with New Zealand handbag and leather goods label, Yu Mei — with every model sporting one of the brand’s elegant new bags. A partnership born from shared values (including functional luxury and high quality, regenerative materials), the sleek Yu Mei bags seen on the Esse runway offered the perfect finishing touch, and hinted at further collaborative projects to come. (Apparently the two brands are working on a bespoke colourway to be released later this year.)
Wynn Hamlyn.
Wynn Hamlyn’s Fashion Week debut Another New Zealand name gracing Australian Fashion Week this year was Wynn Hamlyn — presenting a collection that captured the brand’s unique blend of wearable, everyday luxury with a distinctly laid-back edge. Taking us on a journey through bright neon moments, unexpected knitwear silhouettes (fast becoming a Wynn Hamlyn signature), showstopping handmade macramé pieces and grown-up tailoring, the brand offered a collection that was full of fun and finesse. One thing to note, however, was the puffer jackets. Born from Wynn Hamlyn’s relationship with Wisewool, the jackets had been created with insulated padding entirely made from unused wool (instead of the synthetic fibres or down usually used in pieces like this). Thanks to some creative sleight-of-hand, the lining of the jackets was allegedly able to be removed via a series of zips, allowing the wearer to re-fluff if necessary.
Matteau, Oroton.
Vacation vibes at Matteau and Oroton Continuing in its quest to give us the ultimate capsule wardrobe, Matteau certainly didn’t stray from its signature elevated basics in its new collection — a chic, pared-back affair that conjured a sense of beachside vacations. Think relaxed trousers, flowing dresses and loose shirting that walked the line between undone and considered. Over at Oroton, the vacay vibes were slightly more on-the-nose, but no less enticing. From poolside-worthy prints to skin-baring vintage silhouettes and a good dose of colour, the looks at Oroton were sleek, simple and exactly what we will be throwing over a swimsuit when the weather warms up.
Bondi Born, Aje.
Colour, colour and more colour From Bondi Born’s neon greens and lavender looks to Aje’s high-saturation to Karla Špetic’s surfer-girl pinks and blues, colour was applied courageously and generously throughout a number of the brands showing at this year’s Fashion Week. It’s a good indication of fashion’s optimism and the fact that the industry at large is emerging from the last two years ready to dress will aplomb again.
St. Agni.
St. Agni revives 90sminimalism Column dresses, straight-across bodices and loosely-buttoned shirting set the tone at St. Agni, where silhouettes played into the 90s revival currently taking over our closets. Minimalism abounded with more than one look that felt reminiscent of Kate Moss’ iconic 90s era. Simplicity was the name of the game here, with looks that were unfussy but undeniably wearable.
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