PROFESSIONAL MODEL. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY.

Could this be the new benchmark for anti-wrinkle treatments?

Anti-wrinkle treatment loyalists have long been hooked on its skin smoothing and line-reducing properties, scheduling regular, rolling appointments to maintain a youthful visage. However, as time goes on, it seems that more frequent treatments are required, or higher doses are needed, and the efficacy is perhaps not as strong as it once was. This is often due to a phenomenon colloquially called ‘Botulinum Resistance’ — a developed resistance to the effects of botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in anti-wrinkle injections, which can (unfortunately) develop over time.

With this in mind, brands have begun seeking alternate injectable solutions that may reduce the risk of resistance, and one such treatment, now available in New Zealand, is XEOMIN®. This burgeoning anti-wrinkle treatment is a type of botulinum toxin that is free of complexing proteins and has a lower risk of triggering an immune response (1,4), meaning it’s more likely to go the distance.

So, what makes XEOMIN different to other botulinum toxins when it comes to botulinum toxin resistance?

There are different types and brands of botulinum toxin products, which all act in the same way, however, may vary in their potency and their level of non-essential proteins such as complexing proteins and other bacterial components.4

The ‘father’ of XEOMIN® Dr Jürgen Frevert, a biochemist with over 30 years of toxin research, had a desire to create a pure neurotoxin so that patients need only receive the pure active ingredient to achieve desired results.5

Over a decade of research produced the first purified botulinum toxin free from complexing proteins. XEOMIN® is the first anti- wrinkle toxin injectable that undergoes an additional purification step in the manufacturing process, eliminating complexing proteins leaving only pure active botulinum toxin.5

Being free of complexing proteins and other bacterial components is the reason why XEOMIN® has a low risk of an immune response leading to botulinum toxin neutralising antibodies, with no known case reports of resistance attributed to XEOMIN® when used for aesthetic purposes.1

And what is the difference between botulinum toxin and dermal fillers?

Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are both cosmetic injectables that can improve the appearance of the face, but they work in different ways.2,6

Botulinum toxin works by relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles which occur from muscle movement, such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.4,7

Dermal fillers add volume and plumpness to the skin, filling in static wrinkles which occur for many reasons such as thinning skin or loss of elasticity. These wrinkles include nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lip lines.7

Both botulinum toxin and dermal fillers can be used together or separately, depending on the individual needs of a person.6

Learn more about XEOMIN®, where to find it, and its efficacy here.

References:
1. Ho WWS, Albrecht P, Calderon PE, et al. Emerging Trends in Botulinum Neurotoxin A Resistance: An International Multidisciplinary Review and Consensus. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Jun 20;10(6):e4407.
2. XEOMIN. Consumer Medicine Information. 11 July 2023
3. Ho WWS, Chan L, Corduff N, et al. Addressing the Real-World Challenges of Immunoresistance to Botulinum Neurotoxin A in Aesthetic Practice: Insights and Recommendations from a Panel Discussion in Hong Kong. Toxins (Basel). 2023 Jul 12;15(7):456.
4. XEOMIN. Healthcare Logistics. Data Sheet. 21 May 2021
5. Kerscher M, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Trindade de Almeida A, Maas C, Frevert J. IncobotulinumtoxinA: A Highly Purified and Precisely Manufactured Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):52-57.
6. Sundaram H, Liew S, Signorini M, et al. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Type A-Recommendations for Combined Treatment and Optimizing Outcomes in Diverse Patient Populations. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 May;137(5):1410-1423.
7. Peng JH, Peng HP. Cheek wrinkles revisited: Etiological classifications and nonsurgical treatment options. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Jun;22(6):1733-1738.

Xeomin® (Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults, for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet), horizontal forehead lines. Xeomin® has both risks and benefits, consult your doctor if Xeomin® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of Xeomin® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling of eyelid/eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical, dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. Xeomin is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply. Copyright© 2023. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Health Care Logistics (HCL) 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. All rights reserved. Xeomin ® and Merz Aesthetics are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GMbH & Co. KGaA.. Date of preparation: June 2024. TAPS number MR10650

For information about how Merz handles personal data, please see Merz General Data Protection Information Notice at www.merz.com/fin

Wellbeing

Take your beauty sleep to the next level with our edit of hard-working nighttime treatments
A new, innovative facial treatment has our Editor-in-chief feeling revitalised with a positively youthful glow
With summer just around the corner and SPF high on the agenda, we’ve uncovered a natural yet efficacious new sunscreen
BBQ fish

One of the city’s top chefs has just opened a delicious new eatery in Mount Eden — meet Parro

With a wealth of experience, including a stint at one of the world’s best restaurants and time spent in the kitchens of some of the city’s most-loved eateries (including Amano, Lillian, and Depot) Gleber Chaparro is one of the city’s top culinary talents, and his new spot, Parro, is set to bring something exceptional to Auckland’s dining scene.

Croqueta

A Mediterranean-inspired eatery on Dominion Road in the space that once housed Omni, Parro is Chaparro’s first solo venture, and according to the chef, a concept that has been brewing in the back of his mind for some time, “The idea of ​​Parro, like me, has evolved over the years — in the kitchens I’ve worked in, and the places I’ve visited,” he tells me, “but I can say that on my last trip to Europe, spending time in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France, the clarity of what this restaurant would be finally came to me.” The mark of a true chef, Chaparro’s passion is worn on his sleeve — evident in how he describes the idea behind Parro’s offering, “Mediterranean flavours, which are of an immeasurable variety, have always enchanted me,” he muses, “Parro has a Mediterranean influence; fire, embers, smoke, and a little poetry.”

And from what we’ve seen, poetry quite aptly describes what is happening in the kitchen at Parro. Given Chaparro’s incredible, diverse experience, the Brazilian chef who got his start as an Engineer in Brazil before eventually pursuing his passion for cooking as a career, marries incredible skill with an innate creativity to craft dishes that draw from various cuisines to offer something unique. “I’ve always liked the idea that ​​less is more,” Chaparro tells me, “[At Parro] I will use many modern techniques that I’ve learned over the years, as well as French, Spanish, and Italian bases, and a lot of smoke.” he continues, “I like to use acidity to bring balance to dishes, as well as fermentation, and like any good Brazilian, lots of barbecuing!”

Tortellini
Left: Chef, Gleber Chaparro. Right: Lamb shoulder

As such, on the concise menu, you’ll find the likes of BBQ Fish with pil pil, gambas, chicken jus, and charred carrots; Chargrilled Steak with salsa de pimiento rojo, calçot, and beetroots; Arroz Bomba with grilled prawn, mussels escabeche, capers sofrito, and saffron aioli (Parro’s elevated taken on a Spanish paella), and a chicken brodo and pangritata tortellini. There are also a number of exceptional sides and starters to accompany larger dishes, with Chaparro telling us that the Cured Raw Fish with white gazpacho, grapefruit orange dressing, and mandarin is a standout, and the handmade BBQ Flatbreads are a must-order.

Cured raw fish
Right: Arroz bomba

When it came time to curate a drinks list that perfectly compliments the exceptional fare on offer, Chaparro looked to Dan Gillet from Everyday Wines for support, “I set out to create a small but diverse list of delicious drinks and wines from all around the world, inspired by my travels and time spent working in some of the world’s best restaurants,” says Chaparro, “Dan is a master in the world of wine — I couldn’t imagine anyone better to help me with our drinks list.” Gillet is of course incredibly adept at curating a perfect drinks offering, no matter the venue, and when it came to Parro he looked both near and far, ”For the wine list, I have taken on wines and styles we all know and love and supplemented that with wines from small, unique producers from around the globe that work with Gleber’s food and style of cooking.” Gillet tells us, “The result is a concise, thoughtful, and universally delicious wine list with something for everyone.” You’ll also find your favourite cocktails on the menu alongside tap beer and a selection of bottled beer and cider.

Left: Charred beef carpaccio
Chargrilled steak

When I ask Chaparro what kind of vibe he’s aiming to create at Parro given that he has worked at both formal and more casual, bistro-style eateries, he assures me it will be casual, “I’ve worked in fine dining restaurants, but this won’t be the Parro vibe — the atmosphere will be casual; a place where you want to go for a chat with friends, a date, or a spot to take the family out for dinner.” Setting out to create a space that was “minimalist but well thought-out”, Chaparro employed the expertise of Aisha Ajaani to bring Parro’s interiors to life. The result is a pared-back, light, and casual eatery with a clear Mediterranean influence. With polished concrete floors, simple wooden tables, and bench seating lining the entirety of the right-hand wall, the open kitchen becomes the focal point — inviting diners to witness the clever chef at work.

Right: Tiramisu
Pear and red wine

Parro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a tantalising fusion of cultures, flavours, and experiences. From its laid-back interiors to its inventive fare to its exquisite drinks list, this new eatery promises a truly enchanting and unmissable dining experience.

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm until late

parro.co.nz

Parro

359 Dominion Road
Mount Eden
Auckland

Gastronomy

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Looking to celebrate? Metita’s Private Dining Room is perfect for creating a night to remember, and we have an exclusive offer up for grabs

Sitting pretty within the SkyCity precinct, Michael Meredith’s Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that the elevated eatery is living up to the iconic nature of its address. A more than perfect spot for convivial meals and elevated gatherings alike, Metita has become known for its exceptional hospitality, and nowhere is this more evident than in the eatery’s Private Dining Room — the perfect backdrop for an intimate get-together. If you have an event on the cards, we have an exclusive offer for Denizen readers, with Metita offering a generous $200 off all bookings (for a limited time only).

Metita was named after Meredith’s mother and was inspired by his upbringing in Samoa. As such, the eatery is a comment on the richness of Polynesian culture, brought to life through the chef’s inventive take on Pasifika cuisine. Here, Meredith elevates traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to his native Samoa.

The space itself acts as a vessel for storytelling, taking its inhabitants on a journey through the sights and sounds of the South Pacific. Meredith’s culture is honoured with clever but subtle nods that speak of daily life on the Islands. The lighting subtly resembles fishing baskets and tropical flowers, while the palette reflects the ever-changing colours of the ocean and sky. Elsewhere, the link continues with woven elements and lush, verdant greenery. The culmination of all of these carefully considered elements is a restaurant that feels homely but elevated, striking a beautiful balance between modernity and informality.

Left: So’e (squid)

The pinnacle of Metita’s dining experience, though, is the venue’s exquisite Private Dining Room. The exceptionally well-appointed space is enveloped in dark wooden panels, with an enclosed cellar housing an incredible collection of fine wines lining one wall and a striking, Pasifika-inspired artwork adorning another. A long central table anchors the room, with soft lighting overhead setting a relaxed yet refined tone. With an innate elegance and sophisticated yet homely feel, the private room makes for a perfect place to enjoy anything from an intimate formal meal to a more revelrous evening with friends, family, or colleagues.

Cooked Oyster

The food offering, as you’d expect given Meredith’s reputation as one of the city’s best chefs, is exceptional — the inventive yet approachable menu crafted with discerning diners in mind. Bringing together a plethora of textures, flavours and techniques, calling on a unique ingredients list to deliver something truly unique, the offering spans more traditional fare such as Charred Fe’e (octopus), and Fried Manoika (cassava), served alongside simpler dishes, with Natural Oysters with hibiscus vinegar, Fried Pork Belly with spiced caramel, and Braised Lamb Shanks with a coconut gravy all featuring on the set menu.

Left: Panipopo. Right: Wood fired duck breast

Metita’s private dining space can seat 26 but just as easily caters to smaller groups, with a minimum of eight guests and no required minimum spend. Bringing the very best of Metita’s offering into focus to create a night that’s sure to be remembered, Metita’s Private Dining Room is perfect for any special occasion on the horizon, or just as appropriate for a long overdue chance to celebrate life with friends.

Fried pork hock
Metita Private Dining
Exclusive Denizen Discount

Metita is offering Denizens an exclusive discount, taking $200 off any Private Dining Room booking with the code ‘Denizen’ at booking (bookings must be made by September 30th). Lock in your private event for the upcoming season at Metita’s Private Dining Room here.

skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/metita

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The interior of TUHIRANGI BLAIR & ANGUS MUIR’S INSTALLATION, PAUNGA

Celebrating Matariki? Here’s where to honour the Māori New Year this weekend

Matariki, the Māori name for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades, signals the start of the Māori New Year. The date changes every year, following the lunar calendar rather than the European calendar. Traditionally, Māori engaged in a week-long Matariki celebration which commenced once the Matariki star cluster had risen during specific lunar phases— an astrological event that will begin this week on Friday 2nd July. Viaduct Harbour honours the event in a number of wonderful ways each year, and 2024 is no different — with a full rota of cultural happenings to partake in. Here, we round up everything happening at the cultural hub this Māori new year.

Matariki Cultural Happenings
Visit Tuhirangi Blair and Angus Muir’s striking sculpture — Paunga
Tuhirangi Blair & Angus Muir’s striking installation, Paunga

As has become tradition, once again, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour is unveiling an immersive lighting installation in acknowledgement of this year’s Matariki ki te Manawa celebrations. Conceived by London-based Kiwi creative director Tuhirangi Blair (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) in collaboration with lauded local installation artist Angus Muir, the immersive display offers a creative exploration of the Māori concept of timekeeping through celestial navigation — to stunning effect. 

Matariki Cultural Happenings
Celebrate the impressive wāhine of Viaduct Harbour with the Whaea campaign
Viaduct Harbour’s ‘WHAEA’ campaign, featuring Soul Bar & Bistro’s Olivia Carter, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s Tarati Blair-Hunt & Hello Beasty’s Emma Rogan

In celebration of Matariki ki te Manawa, Viaduct Harbour presents ‘WHAEA’ – a campaign that shines light on the extraordinary wāhine in the Viaduct Harbour community, developed by London-based Māori Creative Director Tuhirangi Blair (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa).

Captured on 35mm film by photographer Leilani Heather and video by Rob Byrne, WHAEA (Aunty) celebrates the inspiring female leaders who are carrying forward Viaduct Harbour’s legacy and shaping the future of the precinct, featuring Tarati Blair-Hunt (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), Olivia Carter (Soul Bar & Bistro) and Emma Rogan (Hello Beasty).

The three-part series will focus on the following themes: ‘Hope & Aspiration’, ‘New Beginnings’ and ‘Brighter Future’, and can be found on Viaduct Harbour’s YouTube channel, to be shared and enjoyed throughout the Matariki period.

Matariki Dining Experiences
Soul’s Matariki Set Menu
Highlights from Soul Bar & Bistro’s Matariki set menu — Left: Malfy cocktails, watermelon sugar high & chocolate negroni. Right: yellowfin tuna crudo

Viaduct Harbour stalwart Soul has a few things up their sleeves for the long weekend, from convivial cocktail specials to a host of delectable new menu items to a set menu and more, with the lovely team waving the public holiday surcharge for Matariki weekend. On the Matariki set menu, diners will find a bespoke Malfy cocktail and two courses for a modest $65. Here, there are four drinks to choose from, from a Chocolate Negroni to a quenching watermelon and citrus delight, served alongside two courses of Soul’s typically delectable fare. The Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with wasabi, pear, daikon, and ponzu is a great place to start, while the Milk Braised Pork with casarecce, chilli, and sourdough crumb is our pick of mains.

Secure your spot here

Matariki Dining Experiences
Matariki at Bivacco
Carvery station at Bivacco’s Sunday Feast

Open all weekend long, and unveiling a newly upgraded outdoor dining area just in time for Matariki, Bivacco is a more than perfect spot to celebrate the Māori New Year. The eatery’s waterfront outside seating area has been updated with a series of weather-proof drop-downs making the coveted space usable year-round, allowing diners to take in the exquisite view without the chill of winter. The infamous Sunday Feast is also running this weekend, with unlimited plates from the elevated buffet on offer for $85 per person, with new dishes joining the fold, and $15 cocktails specials inspiring discerning diners to make a day of it.

Secure your spot here

Matariki Dining Experiences
The Pantry’s Matariki Dinner
Lamb Shanks at the Park Hyatt’s The Pantry

Marking the Māori New Year and the beginning of a new cycle, Park Hyatt’s The Pantry is encouraging Aucklanders to come together and foster connection and community with a shared feast. On the menu you’ll find delicious, Māori-inspired dishes, from Lamb Shanks with kumara puree, broccolini, and kawakawa gremolata to Kumara Bites, Battered Mussels with lemon and malt vinegar mayo, and a tasty Pear and Rhubarb Trifle with manuka honey crème.

Secure your spot here

viaduct.co.nz

Culture

We sit down with artists Shintaro & Yoshiko Nakahara to discuss collaboration, creativity, and continuous evolution
From internationally touring comedy shows to riveting exhibitions, our November Culture Guide has everything you need to book this month
Dust off your fascinator, the races are back — here’s everything you need to know

Heading to Queenstown? Don’t miss the incredible Winter Wonderland at Ayrburn

If you have plans to head South to Queenstown this winter, you have likely scheduled a visit or two to Ayrburn. The sprawling hospitality precinct on the outskirts of Arrowtown has fast-become the place to be in the area, with something on offer for every age and proclivity, and despite there being an impressive year-round rota of events, and a number of eateries — each worth the visit alone, winter is when Ayrburn really comes into its own.

Adding further to its ever-present allure, this year, founder Chris Meehan and his clever team have stepped things up a notch—with plans to transform Ayrburn into a spectacular winter wonderland. The precinct’s inaugural mid-winter ‘Christmas Wonderland’ experience will see the grounds transformed with light displays, larger-than-life decorations, and even an ice skating rink to fully enliven the white Christmas experience.

Inspired by the iconic light displays of London’s Oxford Street, the charm and revelry of European après-ski culture, and the iconic ice skating at St Moritz, the month of July will see a fusion of festive winter traditions from around the globe come together at Ayrburn, with a full schedule of activities catering to all ages to factor into your seasonal plans.

ayrburn.com

Culture

We sit down with artists Shintaro & Yoshiko Nakahara to discuss collaboration, creativity, and continuous evolution
From internationally touring comedy shows to riveting exhibitions, our November Culture Guide has everything you need to book this month
Dust off your fascinator, the races are back — here’s everything you need to know
Soho Home Lawrence bed. Brand available locally at Design Central

Turn your boudoir into a refined retreat with our edit of calm-inducing furnishings and objet d’art

When imagining the design of our bedrooms, the devil is in the detail when it comes to turning a room into a sanctuary. Luxurious illumination, considered tactility, and personal touches combine to calming effect in a thoughtful boudoir, resulting in a sumptuous spot for rest and relaxation.

Get the Look
Devil in the Detail
linteloo Gilbert bed from ECC
Articolo Domi wall sconce from ECC
Polspotten Clover bouclé stool from Farfetch
Soho Home Ina chandelier from Design Central
Timothy Oulton Valais swivel chair from Dawson & Co.
Cassina Torrecotta vase for from Matisse
Fourth Street candlesticks from Net-A-Porter
Soho Home Margeaux cushion from Design Central
Sākuru plinth table from Powersurge
Olsen Mirror from Tim Webber
Left: Resene Alpaca. Right: Resene Athena
Alonpi Cashmere Melrose blanket from Farfetch
Soho Home Rivas Bed, Cooper Mirror and Kea Table lamp from Design Central
Overlock linen from Ligne Roset
Soho Home Cooper mirror from Design Central
Chateaux vintage velvet cushion from Trenzseater
Poliform Onda sideboard from Studio Italia

Design

Elevate your interiors with this curvaceous curation of furnishings — sure to soften any space
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Cali Mykonos

Europe bound? We round up six luxurious hotels you simply must visit, with a destination-specific packing edit for each locale

Somehow it’s almost July, and the Northern Hemisphere summer has officially kicked off, calling us to leave our dreary winter behind in search of greener (and warmer) pastures. As such, we thought it an opportune time to round up some of the newer luxury hotels in Europe in six of our favourite destinations, from France and Italy to The Netherlands, with concise packing edits to accompany each spot. If you’ve been considering adding a luxurious stay to your vacation hit list this year, consider this a sign.

Cali

Cali, Mykonos

In Kalafati, Mykonos, lies the Cali Mykonos Hotel, a luxurious resort that pays homage to nature and hospitality. The resort’s suites and villas are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. Guests can bask in the ancient stream beds, take in the breathtaking sea views, and unwind on the beach, lost in the tranquil beauty of the ocean. The resort provides an exclusive hideaway where luxury feels innate and inescapable, and acts as a gateway to the beauty of the Greek Islands with exclusive access to yacht cruises and wellness experiences.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks
What to Pack
MISSONI Mare striped metallic crochet-knit kaftan from Net-a-Porter
REGIME DES FLEURS TÓOR-TÓOR EAU DE PARFUM from Simon James
Interlocking G slide sandal from Gucci
HAIGHT Monica ribbed swimsuit from Net-a-Porter
Bottega Veneta Aviator-Frame Metal Sunglasses from Moda Operandi
Zimmermann White Halliday Bikini from Ssense
STAUD Large Moon Raffia Tote Bag from Muse
iS Clinical ECLIPSE SPF 50+ sunscreen from INÈS

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel, Amsterdam

The grandeur of this hotel is evident from the moment you step into its luxurious lobby. The interiors exude elegance and sophistication, with the designer’s respect for the former owners apparent in every nook and cranny of the 5-star hotel in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark. Rooms are a harmonious blend of contemporary and opulence, and the exclusive living area is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the surrounds. Here, culinary delights are aplenty, with fine dining at VanOost Restaurant, contemporary dishes inspired by French and Italian cuisine at Spring Cafe Brasserie, and a mixology experience at Fitz’s Bar. A luxurious haven in Amsterdam, offering an otherwise serene stay in this sometimes sordid city.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks
What to Pack
ST. AGNI Soft Crescent Bag from Superette
TIBI Spring Denim Tuck Jean from Muse
9060 trainers from New Balance
Nora Rib Tank from Camilla and Marc
Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm Tube from Aesop
Umber Corset Tee from Camilla and Marc
Paris Georgia Valentina Wedge from Simon James
LOEWE Anagram frayed denim shorts from Net-a-Porter

Potrait Milano

Portrait Milano, Milan

Purporting to help guests ‘experience Milan at its most authentic’, Portrait Milano exemplifies everything we adore about this chic Italian city. In Milan’s fashion district, the luxurious hotel stands out for its quintessential Italian hospitality, meticulous attention to detail and personalised service for each guest. Housed in one of Europe’s oldest seminaries, the hotel offers an intimate and tranquil oasis with exclusive boutiques and gourmet experiences. The 73 suites and rooms feature classic Italian design with sumptuous materials. Overlooking the city’s largest public square in the fashion district, the former seminary’s wellness area offers a spa, gym, and swimming pool, making this historic structure a hub of hospitality, entertainment and culture.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks
What to Pack
Engraved limited edition Rouge Amazone Lipstick from Smith & Caugheys
HORSEBIT PRINT SILK SHIRT from Gucci
ALAÏA Leather mules from Net-a-Porter
HORSEBIT PRINT SILK TWILL SKIRT from Gucci
TRAPEZE MINI DRESS from Celine
Heeled leather sandals from Prada
DiorSignature B1U sunglasses from Christian Dior
Low Key Hobo MM bag from Louis Vuitton

COMO Le Montrachet

COMO Le Montrachet, Burgundy

Nestled in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet, Como Le Montrachet boasts inimitable hospitality, elegant dining and excellent service. The 19th-century inn, situated in the prestigious Côte-d’Or wine region of Burgundy, features restful and luxurious suites named after various traditional French village homes. At the hotel restaurant, the esteemed chef creates authentic French cuisine from the finest local produce, while the sommeliers recommend wine pairings from an extensive list befitting of the region.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks
What to Pack
ALEMAIS Checkmate Silk Shirtdress from Muse
Anti-Ageing Complete Set from Antipodes
ALAÏA Embellished leather-trimmed straw sunhat from Net-a-Porter
SQUARE FRAME SUNGLASSES from Gucci
Large perforated leather tote bag from Prada
LV Journey Bandeau from Louis Vuitton
Del Core Gathered Jacquard Midi Dress from Moda Operandi
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Rockstud espadrille wedge sandals from Net-A-Porter

The OWO Raffles

The OWO Raffles, London

Home to Britain’s grand Old War Office, the Whitehall building has hosted some of the great leaders and espionage missions in the country’s history. Yet with a new lease of life, Raffles London is a destination that is worthy of the building’s history. Sporting 120 new rooms and suites, alongside nine world-class dining destinations, Raffles offers the ultimate authentic London experience.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks
What to Pack
ANINE BING Soto Pants from Muse
ALAÏA Le Coeur shoulder bag from Net-a-Porter
COTTON POPLIN SHIRT WITH EMBROIDERY from Gucci
Flat velvet slides from Prada
Mid-Length Shirt Dress from Christian Dior
AUGUSTINUS BADER The AB Essentials from Net-a-Porter
LOEWE Gathered cotton-poplin mini shirt dress from Net-a-Porter
Romy Flat Ballerina from Louis Vuitton

Son Net

Son Net, Mallorca

In the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, the newly restored 5-star hotel, Son Net, awaits. Its private Majorcan estate dates back to 1672 and is just a 15-minute drive from Palma. The creators of the award-winning Andalusian hideaway, Finca Cortesin, are behind this project. With only 31 suites, Son Net offers elegant, palatial architecture paired with tastefully transformed interiors. Preserving many original features, including rustic beams, stone floors, and antique fireplaces, the property spans 57,000m2 and includes multiple pools, an ecological vegetable and herb garden, small farm, private vineyard and curated private art collection. The dramatic backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains is perfect for walkers and hikers, and the food here is all locally sourced.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks
What to Pack
NOBLE PANACEA The Energist Multi-Defence Cream SPF 50 from Net-a-Porter
Idyllia stud earrings from Swarovski
Zimmermann Ottie shirt from Moda Operandi
Zimmermann Ottie Skirt from Moda Operandi
Crochet tote bag from Prada
OSÉREE Lumière Colorè embellished metallic bikini from Net-a-Porter
STRAW WIDE-BRIM HAT from Gucci
ANINE BING Eliza Sarong from Muse

Escape

Denizen’s Insider Guide to Hawke’s Bay: All the best wineries
On a trip to Tokyo with her family, our Editor-in-chief discovers a new hotel proving that there is beauty to be found in the melding of two very different cultures
Take your European vacation to a luxurious new level, and charter a superyacht
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Becoming Karl Lagerfeld
Hit Man
Land of Women
The Bikeriders

From captivating series to thrilling new movies, we round up what to watch this winter

With a wintery long weekend on the horizon, we are faced with the question of what to watch. From captivating and comedic series to thrilling new movies, these are the latest releases that should be on your radar.

New Movies


The Bikeriders

The Bikeriders

In cinemas July 4th

This rebellious but romantic, slow burning film fuelled by a charismatic cast (including Austin Butler) captures the raw energy and gritty reality of motorcycle culture in 1960s America. As a cadre of rugged bike riders descend to the darkside, writer-director Jeff Nichols explores themes of masculinity, identity, and the beauty of brotherhood, with sharply drawn characters portraying the highs and lows of life on the road.

The Crow

The Crow

Coming soon to cinemas

Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs star in this gritty, supernatural fantasy based on James O’Barr’s 1989 cult comic series of the same name. The film is the fifth in The Crow franchise, but is a marked departure from its predecessors, both in style and subject. Lauded director Rupert Sanders is at the helm, reimagining the story of Eric Draven for a new audience, tackling mortality, grief, and love with beauty and heart.

Twisters

Twisters

Coming soon to cinemas

This action-packed sequel to the 1996 disaster epic promises a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, as a stellar ensemble cast (starting Daisy Edgar-Jones, Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos, and Glen Powell), each with disparate objectives, find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma, in the fight of their lives.

Hit Man

Hit Man

Watch now on Netflix

The Hit Man tale gets a reimaging in this new noir comedy take from director Richard Linklater, co-written by and starring Glen Powell (Set It Up, Top Gun: Maverick). Loosely inspired by an unbelievable true story, Hit Man sees a straight-laced professor adopting a killer alter ego (and alternate life) as a fake hit man, leading him down a murky path. He meets his match in a client who steals his heart and weaves a tangled web of deception and delight.

New TV Series


Becoming Karl Lagerfeld

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld

Watch now on Disney+

A captivating exploration of the iconic fashion designer’s legacy, from his childhood in Germany to becoming one of fashion’s most iconic names. Starring Daniel Brühl as Lagerfeld, this six-part series promises an intimate look into arguably fashion’s biggest name, his life, creative vision, and enduring legacy. With unprecedented access to archival footage and personal interviews, audiences are invited into the fascinating world of this utterly enigmatic figure.

Presumed Innocent

Presumed Innocent

Watch now on Apple TV+

With a star-studded ensemble cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal (who also executive produces), Presumed Innocent is based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Scott Turow. Gyllenhaal dazzles in the lead role of chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, as the eight-part series takes viewers on a suspenseful journey as a horrific murder upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s office, with one of its own suspected of the crime. Exploring themes of obsession, sex and politics with gripping intensity, Presumed Innocent calls into questions the power and limits of love.

Eric

Eric

Watch now on Netflix

Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Eric, a propulsive thriller set against the intoxicating backdrop of 1980s New York. Vincent (Cumberbatch), a renowned puppeteer, faces his worst nightmare when his son disappears on the way to school and, blinded by grief, is driven to the depths of despair and darkness. As he battles inconceivable demons, his only hope lies in his son’s drawings of Eric the puppet. Created by Abi Morgan, this six-part series promises a gripping journey of desperation and determination.

Queenie

Queenie

Watch now on Disney+

The long-awaited TV adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’s bestselling book of the same name, Queenie brings the furiously funny, moving, and at times devastating tale to life, set against the vibrant backdrop of south London. Queenie’s central character, a 25-year-old Jamaican-British woman whose life starts to unravel when she takes a break from her long-term boyfriend, navigates life as an under-represented millennial in the present day, explored through themes of identity and politics, love and friendship, family and community, and, at its heart, how our values shape our lives.

Sunny

Sunny

Watch now on Apple TV+

A mystery thriller with a darkly comic undercurrent, Sunny (based on the book Dark Manual by award-winning writer Colin O’Sullivan) stars Rashida Jones as Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto, Japan, whose life is upended when her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash. As she grapples with the aftermath, an unconventional partnership forms with Sunny, a domestic robot, as the unlikely pair unravel the dark secrets surrounding the disappearance of Suzie’s family, leading to stark revelations and a twisting, turning journey of discovery and suspense.

Land of Women

Land of Women

Watch now on Apple TV+

This riveting new drama/comedy stars Eva Longroria as Gala — a New Yorker whose world is thrown into chaos when her husband implicates the family in financial improprieties. Fleeing to a picturesque Spanish wine town with her mother and daughter, Gala seeks to start anew, but as they settle in, buried secrets resurface, unravelling the family’s carefully guarded past.

Bridgerton

Bridgerton, Season 3 Part 2

Watch now on Netflix

Fear not, loyal watchers, the second part of Bridgerton‘s third season continues this winter, as Penelope’s growing presence in the ‘ton’ (a result of Colin’s lessons) makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.

House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon, Season 2

Watch now on Neon

Set to dominate screens and cultural chatter for a second year running, Game of Thrones’ successor, House of Dragon is back with the shocking intensity we’ve come to know and love. As the Targaryen civil war rages on, the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons takes on new life, with old and new cast members (and dragons) ushering in the gripping second chapter of this atmospheric thrill-ride. 

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Render of Puanga in situ, by Angus Muir

Viaduct Harbour’s annual Matariki celebrations are kicking off with a striking, immersive installation — here’s what you need to know

The rising of the Pleiades (or Matariki) star cluster above Aotearoa’s winter sky marks the beginning of the Māori lunar new year — a time to gather with community to celebrate new beginnings while honouring the past. Matariki is an opportunity for fresh inspiration, creativity, a shift in perspective, and a chance to start anew.

Karakia Matariki honouring the unveiling of Puanga

As has become tradition, once again, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour has unveiled an immersive lighting installation in acknowledgement of this year’s Matariki ki te Manawa celebrations. Conceived by London-based Kiwi creative director Tuhirangi Blair (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) in collaboration with lauded local installation artist Angus Muir, the immersive display offers a creative exploration of the Māori concept of timekeeping through celestial navigation.

Dubbed Puanga, the installation sits as a simple but captivating cube structure within Viaduct Harbour’s Market Square, catching refractions of light as it bounces directly off a dichroic render in a stunning interplay of movement and colour. Once inside, viewers are taken on a kaleidoscopic journey of sight and sound, transported to the depths of the cosmos as internal mirrors distort time and space while multitudes of light reflect off every surface — the experience heightened by a luscious soundscape to evoke the essence of Puanga’s narrative.

‘Puanga’ installation, conceived by creative director Tuhirangi Blair in collaboration with installation artist Angus Muir in Viaduct Harbour

The story behind the creative work is one of magnitude and meaning, delving into the nuances of celestial storytelling in a captivating and informative way. “While Matariki (Pleiades) is widely recognised as the signifier of the new year, Puanga (Rigel) held significance for certain iwi (tribes) in the far north, Chatham Islands, parts of the west coast, and much of the South Island,” Blair tells us, “This wasn’t a rejection of Matariki, but rather a nuanced system where stars like Puanga, Tautoru (Orion’s Belt), and Pipiri (Canopus) worked together. For Ngāti Whātua (mana whenua of the Tāmaki Makaurau and Kaipara area), Puanga held particular importance.”

“Known as Puanga Kakaho (Puanga the Fair Haired), this star embodies a captivating yet contentious narrative,” Blair continues, “She desires to be the sole herald of the new year, constantly adorning herself to attract Tama-nui-te-rā (the Sun) and rise beside him in the month of Pipiri.”

Captured to striking effect within the cube’s four walls, the tale is given life via the shell which mimics the star’s colourful spectrum, the mirrored walls evoking themes of vanity, and the expansive LED light illuminating the narrative as it sits as a dazzling display vying for attention, mirroring Puanga’s efforts to outshine Matariki. 

Viaduct Harbour stands as a beacon of creativity at the heart of Auckland’s urban landscape — the unveiling of Puanga only further solidifying the precinct as one of the city’s most important hubs of cultural connection.

viaduct.co.nz

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Swarovski celebrates the launch of ‘Masters of Light: From Vienna to Milan’ with a star-studded event — these are the most jaw-dropping looks from the night

Swarovski celebrated the opening of its travelling exhibition, Swarovski — Masters of Light: From Vienna to Milan, with an exclusive launch party at Palazzo Citterio. The star-studded event was attended by Swarovski figureheads, including the brand’s CEO Alexis Nasard and Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, amongst an impressive cohort of impeccably adored celebrities.

Swarovski CEO, Alexis Nasard

Masters of Light, on show from now until July 14th, is the first multi-faceted exploration of the rich story and innovative spirit of Swarovski, one of the world’s oldest and most recognisable heritage brands. Arriving in Milan, the heart of Italian fashion, the exhibition is presented across the internal salons of Palazzo Citterio, the magnificent extension of Pinacoteca di Brera — a more than perfect location to reveal the evolution of Swarovski’s artistry and savoir-faire.

Masters of Light

Divided into a series of zones, or ‘chambers’ dedicated to disparate facets of the brand, the exhibition showcases Swarovski’s incredible history and evolution, delving into the impeccable craftsmanship that defines the legacy brand. From Swarovski’s impressive standing in the fashion world to an exploration of Swarovski crystal’s inherent luminescence, to a space dedicated to the brand’s lab-grown offering, the entire history of the iconic Maison is laid out in stunning detail for all to see.

Masters of Light Jewellery Box

In celebration of its launch, celebrities turned up in full force, adorned in all manner of striking ensembles. Gwyneth Paltrow shone in a fully crystallised slip dress created from clear crystals embroidered on light tulle, paired with a one-of-a-kind showpiece necklace from the Swarovski Created Diamonds Galaxy Collection, with matching earrings, bracelet and ring, while Daphne Guinness looked striking in a sculptural silver dress with jewellery couture top, inspired by the Mesmera collection, and teamed with Millenia body jewellery and a Hyperbola choker.

Gwyneth Paltrow
Daphne Guinness
Elisabetta Dessy
Kasia Smutniak
Giveon
Jessica Alba
Laura Harrier
Bianca Balti

For those heading to Europe this winter, a visit to Swarovski’s Masters of Light showcase should be high on the agenda.

swarovski.com

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