Challenge your perspective and elevate your surroundings with this selection of refined masterpieces. From the captivating and colourful to the big, bold, and brilliant, these are the most sought-after pieces to add to your collection.
According to Pharrell Williams, “Jewellery is the punctuation mark of a person.” And given the megastar’s storied (and well-documented) history of trend-defining adornment, we’d say punctuation is something he takes very seriously indeed. In his debut collection for Tiffany and Co., dubbed ‘Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams’, the newly-instated men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton has tapped into his unmatched creative prowess to design a body of work that defies the conventions of fine jewellery, and lives up to its mighty moniker.
Williams called on ancient Greek mythology when conceiving the 19-piece collection, looking to Poseidon’s trident for inspiration. The resulting designs are an expression of energy, power and force, centralising the trident motif, juxtaposed by a uniquely shaped link that is curved and soft against the sharpness of the spear. “I’m very inspired by the water, and the name of this collection “Titan” draws inspiration from Poseidon, ruler of the sea, King of Atlantis.” muses Williams, drawing attention to the fact that Atlantis is also the name of the community where he grew up in Virginia Beach.
Across an array of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, the structure of the trident is enlivened with spear-like spikes, almost punkish in design — available in 18k yellow gold or a deep, dark titanium with all metal and diamond iterations. The pavé pieces offer an unexpected twist on traditional settings, featuring reverse-set diamonds that expose the diamond’s pavilion, with many of the designs offering a unique riff on the ever-iconic Tiffany Lock.
The titanium used across several designs sits in stunning contrast to the lustre of gold, making an impactful statement, and a carefully-considered one at that, “The detail in all of the jewellery pieces is very intentional, the use of black titanium…it’s a physical manifestation of beauty in blackness.” Williams reveals. While the technical precision in each piece is intended to move with the wearer, further showcasing the House’s commitment to flawless craftsmanship.
“We are excited to unveil Pharrell’s inaugural collection for Tiffany. The Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection defies the conventions of fine jewellery design. It represents a balance of Pharrell’s creative vision with Tiffany & Co.’s inventive craftsmanship,” said Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President, Product, Communications and Industrial, Tiffany & Co. “Each piece embodies Pharrell’s distinct style and unique point of view.”
Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams is available now in the US (exclusively on tiffany.com and in-person at The Landmark in New York City), with the collection available to shop globally at Tiffany & Co. stores and on tiffany.com from June.
“Our overall goal is to create one of Australasia’s most iconic offerings,” says Callum O’Brien, co-founder of Queens Rooftop & Wineshop (or ‘Queens’), a landmark new restaurant and bar within the Commercial Bay precinct with 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, “A rooftop site on the waterfront in the heart of New Zealand’s biggest city was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”
If the entrance is anything to go by, revellers can expect the unexpected at this future institution, which is accessed via Queens Wine Shop off Te Komititanga (the new public square at the harbour end of Queen Street). Past the towering shelves of hand-selected local and international wines sits a storeroom housing a private elevator, ready to transport guests up to the 21st floor. Doors open into the sprawling eatery and terrace beyond, with its unrivalled vantage point, and warm, elegant dining space that instantly immerses guests in a lively ambience.
Conceived by hospitality veterans Callum O’Brien, Andrew Roborgh, and Kristian Lloydd (the trio who established Saint Alice and Dr Rudi’s at Viaduct Harbour), and new partners Reuben Ruscoe (Queens’ General Manager) and Maia Atvars (Queens’ Head Chef), Queens is starting on strong footing, with the clever cohort pooling their diverse experience to create something truly exceptional that is already proving a hotly-anticipated addition to Auckland’s diverse dining scene.
The thoughtful space was designed by Melbourne’s Techne Architects (the team behind the likes of Tonka, Garden State Hotel, and The Espy) with support from Warren and Mahoney, and it’s clear that the vision — to create something approachable yet worldly and sophisticated, has been realised to stunning effect. Here, unfussy polished wooden flooring meets textured walls, impeccably-crafted shelving, and simple but chic leaners and tables topped with a deep rust marble, complimented by light olive seating with a sculptural edge. The bar area is bedecked in a stunning teal panelling that curves upwards to wrap the ceiling, while a clever mix of materials (from striking marble, to cream tiles and slick panelled wooden shelving) creates a warm, elevated vibe.
When dining on the terrace, the view undoubtedly takes centre stage. “When you walk out on the rooftop, it’s breathtaking,” O’Brien tells us, “The terrace wraps right around the outside of the building, so there are uninterrupted views east to the Coromandel, to the north and the west to the Waitakere Ranges.” But the Queens team want to make clear that, while the outlook is undoubtedly magic, a striking vista isn’t the only thing on offer. “It was important to us to create a concept that was equally as impressive as the view,” O’Brien tells me, “We want Queens to be the best hospitality spot in New Zealand, and instead of relying on the view, we have gone all out to create a venue that is special in its own right.”
Housed within the recently completed high-rise which the InterContinental Auckland also calls home, Queens’ prime position makes it one of Auckland’s most convenient and central spots for every occasion, further adding to its allure. From breakfast meetings to long lunches, celebratory feasts and nightcaps, or simply a place to take in Auckland’s stunning surrounds, the all-day menu makes for a reliable go-to, right in the centre of the city. “We want everyone to feel welcome, relaxed and at home,” says O’Brien, “It’s a place you can book for a special occasion, but also a spot you can pop into for a quick beer and snack,” “We have tried to create an approachable space that can be enjoyed as much for formal occasions as it can for something more casual.” he continues.
When it comes to the food, the menu is approachable yet refined, offering both worldly delights and local fare — often blending the two to stunning effect. Maia Atvars (ex-Depot, Saint Alice, Hotel Ponsonby) heads up the kitchen team, and has crafted a menu that screams contemporary European, and caters to not only every occasion, but every taste and proclivity too. Standouts include the duck breast confit leg with kumara hoisin, cucumber with cherry jus, and butter lettuce, and line-caught snapper schnitzel with peas and a caviar beurre blanc. There’s also calamari and smoked pork belly skewers with a tangy green olive and shallot dressing, Cloudy Bay popcorn clams with spicy salt, and a panko-crumbed pork belly milk bun sando with Japanese gravy (which is a favourite of O’Briens, alongside Maia’s take on pāua croquettes which are “incredible”). In addition, a raw bar will hero the freshest seafood from around Aotearoa, while The Seafood Tower is sure to become an instant cult favourite, featuring an array of freshly caught delicacies from oysters to crayfish, clams, kina, pāua, sashimi, and more.
The drinks at both Queens Rooftop and Queens Wine Shop follow a similar ethos, calling on both local and international flavours to offer something unique. Reuben Ruscoe (ex-Dr. Rudi’s, Saint Alice) has developed an envelope-pushing drinks offering for both the bar and the wine shop. At Queens, creative cocktails draw inspiration from global trends whilst utilising contemporary techniques and fresh, seasonal New Zealand produce, while, when it comes to the beer and wine offering, you’ll find familiar favourites on tap alongside a host of local craft beers, and an extensive list of fine wines (including a selection of premium champagnes). Downstairs in the wine shop, you’ll find a diverse offering from heralded regions globally, O’Brien tells us, “Whether you’re interested in picking up some fine Champagne, floral Italian Fiano, or a robust Australian red, you’ll find it here, not to mention a great range of stalwart NZ producers that continually showcase what an amazing wine-growing region we have.”
Much-loved DJ Jono Bougen (aka Jon Boogie) is in charge of the entertainment, curating a roster of genre-pushing talent promising to set the musical scene throughout the week.
Two years in the making, with a notable team at the helm and one of the best spots in the city, Queens has all the makings of a future icon. In O’Brien’s words, “At Queens Rooftop and Wine Shop, you’ll find what we think is a pretty special venue, serving delicious eats and drinks with 270-degree views, a raw bar featuring the freshest kaimoana, and a rotation of local DJs spinning vinyl — all the ingredients of a place you want to spend hours at.” Watch this space.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11am until late
Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
Level 21
1 Queen St
Auckland CBD
(Enter through Queens Wineshop, Level 1)
Known for holding some of the country’s most coveted bottles in its expansive cellar, Somm Cellar Door has quickly solidified itself as a revered local authority on wine. This month, the chic destination has a new guest in residence — stalwart New Zealand winery, Church Road, and we’re giving away an exclusive dining experience for two.
With a month-long line-up of exclusive offers, there are more reasons than ever to visit Somm, with bespoke Church Road wine flights, a special set menu thoughtfully created around the prestige TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, and an unmissable wine tasting event with Church Road’s Chief Winemaker Chris Scott.
Celebrate the residence with a special set menu, created with Church Road’s lauded TOM wine in mind. Here, a glass of 2019 Church Road TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (from the cellar) is served with a delectable Carrara Wagyu sirloin with Hawke’s Bay jus, chimichurri, shoestring fries, and rosemary salt, which beyond being delicious, presents a unique opportunity to try a wine that is seldom available by the glass. The Guest in Residence set menu is $75pp and is available until Sunday, June 2nd.
Or, if you consider yourself a bit of a wine connoisseur (or you’d like to become one), secure a spot at a wine tasting with Church Road’s Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott. Known as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winemakers, having been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine five times, Scott will be pouring some of his favourite Church Road wines while sharing insight into their nuances. In each tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to experience four of Church Road’s most exceptional vintages while feasting on a delectable spread from Somm’s clever culinary team, with the option to purchase the wines to take home and enjoy further post-event.
And if it’s simply a taste of one of the country’s oldest and most-loved wine regions that appeals, make sure to request one of the curated Church Road wine flights when you’re next visiting.
Somm’s reputation as one of the preeminent and most delicious wining and dining spots in the city is further solidified with this new Guest in Residence, bringing a taste of Hawke’s Bay to central Auckland, offering city-siders more than a few ways to fill their May dining agendas.
For your chance to win an exclusive dining experience for two and sample Somm’s exceptional Guest in Residence set menu, enter below.
Full terms and conditions here.
The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new spring exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, that plays muse. The associated dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’, taking inspiration from a 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard, whose narrative centres on a dwindling garden of flowers with the ability to slow down time. Attendees donned their botanic-inspired and dystopian-esque interpretations, some taking the story’s inspiration more literally than others (we’re looking at you, Zendaya), while others leaned into the Sleepy Beauty motif wholeheartedly.
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.
If, like us, you’ve left planning for Mother’s Day a little late this year, don’t panic. There’s a one-stop shop that offers not only everything you could possibly want when it comes to gifting, but a host of exceptional restaurants to treat Mum to a tasty meal out too.
We’re talking, of course, about Commercial Bay — the vibrant shopping and dining precinct in the heart of the city brimming with exceptional eateries, a number of boutiques and gift stores, a florist, a chocolatier, and everything else you need to pull off a Mother’s Day for the books.
Here, we round up where to dine, shop, and find incredible deals sure to make Mum’s day.
Fashion lore credits Celine’s recognisable Triomphe logo to a minor car accident in Paris in the 1970s. So what is the story behind this sought-after icon? And how has it impacted the house of Celine?
The year was 1973 and Celine Vipiana, founder of the now-iconic fashion house that carries her name, had just been in a minor collision on the Place de l’Etoile when she noticed a motif adorning the chain around the outside of the Arc de Triomphe. It was a moment that would change the visual identity of her brand forever. Fascinated by the subtle inverted ‘C’ link, Vipiana allegedly reached out to the City of Paris to seek permission to adapt the symbol as her house emblem, and soon, it was emblazoned across labels, on pieces of ready-to-wear clothing and on sought-after bags and accessories.
Known then as the ‘Blazon Chaîne’, the symbol quickly gained icon status. Not only did it represent the deep ties between Celine and the city in which it was founded but it also spoke to the maison’s intrinsic spirit of victory and resilience, respect for history and timeless sophistication. It was a subtle marker of status, embodying that simple but undeniable nod to luxury that the French do so well. And it persisted for a number of seasons before eventually (and unfortunately) falling out of Celine’s collections altogether.
In fact, it wasn’t until fairly recently that the Blazon Chaîne was pulled from the archives of Celine to be given a new life as the ‘Triomphe’, gaining fresh meaning in the context of contemporary, 21st Century fashion, and bridging the gap between Celine’s rich history and its hugely impactful role as a forward-thinking player in the industry today.
Back in 2018, when Hedi Slimane took the reins of Celine, the designer meticulously studied the maison and its origins in search of inspiration for his creative direction. There, in the brand’s archive, he realised that he was sitting on a piece of fashion gold; a symbol that hadn’t been utilised in nearly five decades, but that spoke perfectly to the unique vision that Slimane was bringing to this storied brand.
“The Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine… and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
In Celine’s Spring 2019 show, titled ‘Paris La Nuit’, Slimane reintroduced the logo as the ‘Triomphe’ and adorned a series of simple, chic handbags with the icon as a gold clasp, a move that not only reinstated its standing as one of the maison’s central motifs, but that marked the start of what can only be described as the Triomphe era. Truly it was a pivotal, full-circle moment for Celine. The Triomphe exemplified Slimane’s sophisticated eye, as well as his commitment to honouring the brand’s history while anchoring it firmly within the contemporary landscape. With the Triomphe, the designer managed to both reaffirm Celine’s status as a leader in the luxury field, and remind everyone of the richness of its past.
It also, almost immediately, birthed a new ‘It’ bag. Very quickly, Slimane’s Triomphe design became one of the fashion set’s most sought-after styles, and since its introduction in 2019, its cache as a coveted symbol for luxury and refined design has only continued to grow.
According to Constance von Dadelszen, Creative Director of Faradays (the exclusive New Zealand stockist of Celine ready-to-wear) the brand’s Triomphe pieces, particularly accessories like belts, and any clothing that features the logo will sell out as soon as they hit the store, von Dadelszen explaining how the Triomphe speaks to such a wide cross-section of their customers and can look as modern as it can classic, depending on who is wearing it and how it is styled. “I think the Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine (I have a number of early-era Celine vintage pieces in my collection which feature the marque), and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
Chic, timeless and imbued with history, Celine’s Triomphe logo is more than just an undeniably successful selling point for the brand. It is a symbol of Celine’s values, a representation of its Parisian origins and a testament to the ways in which Hedi Slimane’s clever creative strategy continues to drive the brand forward.
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again — Hello Beasty is one of the most delicious fusion eateries in the city, consistently serving up a taste of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese-inspired cuisine with something for everyone. And this month, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour eatery is building on its extensive menu, unveiling a number of satisfying and flavour-packed new dishes and drinks, conceived with the changing seasons in mind.
The Shokupan Japanese Milk Bread with garlic, shiro, dashi and parsley butter (Hello Beasty’s take on the classic Kiwi garlic bread) is an impossibly fluffy morsel as light as air, and a more than perfect place to start. The delectable new potsticker dumpling iteration with NZ Wagyu beef, shiitake and black pepper served with garlic shoots, ginger and spring onion (on a bed of the eatery’s infamous housemade crunchy chilli, of course) is a must-try, ticking all of the soul-warming, craving-satisfying boxes.
Elsewhere on the menu, the new Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork Belly Gua Bao with pickled cucumber, chilli, and tamarind and lime sauce is an intriguing combination of flavours, conjuring the crisp, savoury tastes of salt and pepper squid combined with subtly sweet and juicy pork belly, paired perfectly with a hit of fresh pickled cucumber and a tasty sauce, all housed in a springy bao bun. Sublime. And the umami Crispy-Fried Brussel Sprouts with soubise, white miso and furikake is an essential addition to any table.
From the Hibachi, a Double Lamb Cutlet is served with tare, moromi miso eggplant, and spicy broad bean romesco, while a Spicy BBQ Chicken is served atop a chickpea, black garlic and sesame purée, finished with pickled cucumber and fresh turmeric.
On the drinks front, the Seoul Cocktail and the Beasty Martini have our attention. The martini, a heady mix of either Roku gin or Haku vodka, tomato and black pepper vermouth and lemon oil offers a unique take on the drink of the moment (and a delicious one at that), while the Heart and Seoul Cocktail pairs Hwayo Soju with Grey Goose vodka, rhubarb liqueur, rhubarb and raspberry shrub, lemon, and egg white, resulting in a libation that’s as stunning to imbibe as it is to behold.
Offering inventive fare sure to satisfy, in a vibrant spot that always promises a delightful dining experience, Hello Beasty is an eatery worthy of your attention. And with a number of exceptional new menu items to choose from, there’s only one thing for it — round up a group and book a table for the weekend ahead.
Image credit: Luke Foley-Martin
While children’s rooms are often more colourful and chaotic than calm and considered, when it comes to creativity, there’s a place for both. Cultivate a sense of discovery in a space that invites its inhabitants to explore and create in a pared-back setting — providing the canvas for endless imagination.
Since its inception, MoVida has delighted discerning Auckland diners with its mouthwatering menu, bringing a touch of exquisite, Spanish cuisine (with a decidedly Kiwi slant) to the city. Now, the destination’s acclaimed founder, Frank Camorra, is over from Melbourne to host an exquisite evening of food and wine this May in collaboration with Alkina Wines.
Set to take place on Thursday May 16th, the evening will comprise four delectable courses curated by Frank himself, matched with a selection of world-class wines from Alkina — including the Polygon Grenache, a limited-release, allocation-only wine.
Wine expert Dan Coward from award-winning Alkina Vineyard in the Barossa Valley will lead the charge on the wine front, joining forces with Frank — the duo guiding lucky attendees through a night of exciting Spanish food and incredible Australian Grenache.
Set to be an unmissable event for wine and food enthusiasts alike, tickets include a four-course menu curated by Frank with matched wines, including a taster of the Polygon Grenache, for $125 per person. Spots are filling fast, so we suggest you secure yours sooner rather than later.
Secure your spot here.
This competition is now closed.
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