As the countdown to summer begins, there’s fresh optimism in the air — and the desire to celebrate has never been more palpable. In the spirit of spring, Commercial Bay’s ‘Solstice’ celebrations are kicking off today — as the downtown shopping and hospitality precinct plays host to an incredible festival of fashion, music, and food.
The celebration now runs across three days (13th — 15th September) and will comprise two fashion shows and a live performance by Ladi6, not to mention the slew of exceptional offers which inspire indulgence.
award-winning vocalist, Ladi6
Saturday 14th September will see the first of two fashion shows taking place, transforming the main ground level laneway. Open to all, the show will commence at 8pm, with models taking to the runway to give attendees an exclusive glimpse of the upcoming trends for summer from the fabulous range of retailers found within Commercial Bay, set to the dulcet tones of renowned, award-winning vocalist, Ladi6.
The second Solstice fashion show takes place on Sunday 15th September, kicking off at 1.30pm, again giving fashion and summer lovers alike a chance to embrace the new season. Across both days, sartorialists can expect to see new season looks from Wynn Hamlyn, Twenty Seven Names, Tommy Hilfiger, Sandro, Superette, Hugo Boss, Rodd and Gunn, and more. Both shows are best viewed from level one, so get in early to nab one of the tops pots.
new season looks from Wynn Hamlyn (left), Sandro (right) and more
And if all that wasn’t enough, participating retailers and hospitality venues housed in the precinct will be unveiling exclusive Solstice offerings for all to enjoy, with these exceptional deals available until Sunday 15th September. Throughout the celebrations, select restaurants, bars, and venues within One Queen Dining and Harbour Eats will also be embracing the prelude to summer with their own tantalisingly delicious deals.
Local fashion brand Wynn Hamlyn is offering 20% off across the festivities, while Superette has teamed up with Liquid Lightening, giving the first 200 shoppers on Saturday September 14th a tasty iced matcha by Matcha Made. Candle purveyors Ecoya has free champagne in-store, and 15% off across the weekend, and Elle & Riley Cashmere are also popping the bubbles, with champagne while you shop and 10% off store-wide.
At Queens Rooftop, you’ll find a glass of Piper-Heidsieck bubbles and a crayfish and kawakawa aioli brioche roll for $40, while, at Origine thirsty punters will discover two cocktails for $30. There are several other tasty happenings taking place, the details of which you’ll find here.
Enjoy a a glass of Piper-Heidsieck bubbles and a crayfish and kawakawa aioli brioche roll from Queens Rooftop
If you’re planning to head down, those who spend over $150 in any participating retailer across the three-day celebrations will be in to win a $5,000 spending spree. Simply present your proof of purchase at the concierge desk, and receive a token for the chance to pluck the voucher from the claw machine.
So, why not mark spring’s long-awaited arrival with a festival of fashion, food, music and more at one of Auckland’s favourite destinations? Solstice is shaping up to be the celebration of the season, so gather your friends, book in a pre-show lunch or dinner and enjoy a front-row seat to all the action.
A good fragrance can offer so much more than an olfactory experience alone. From evoking memories to creating moments of escapism to adding the final flourish to a perfectly conceived outfit, and even imbuing the wearer with an elevated air of confidence, fragrance is ritualistic and individualistic, offering insight into the wearer’s character and enhancing the pleasure of any occasion.
With a new season comes fresh inspiration, and the team at Denizen have embraced spring with relish — switching out our fragrances to mark the shift to warmer, lighter, and more convivial days.
It’s important to spend time selecting a fragrance that perfectly represents your character (or the persona you wish to embody), but, for those in need of a little inspiration, these are the scents we’re wearing.
“I am a signature fragrance girl. Over the years, I’ve adopted one fragrance that seems to have surmised my life at that moment in time. Having moved on from Tom Ford’s Fucking Fabulous (not because I’m not, more because I just am), I’ve more recently been solely devoted to Van Cleef & Arpel’s range of intoxicating fragrances. Given that it’s now spring, I’ve recently switched to this floral fragrance, which feels seasonally appropriate. With sweet notes of lily-of-the-valley and jasmine and a rich and creamy base note of my absolute favourite flower, the gardenia, every day feels like I’m floating among the butterflies and rainbows.”
“I’m a sucker for a great fragrance — usually opting for woody, earthy, and herbaceous scents, but never before has a perfume struck me in the specific way Aēsop’s Virēre Eau de Parfum did. All of Aēsop’s fragrances are decidedly unorthodox, and I’ve been dousing myself in Ouranon since its release, but Virēre takes this uniqueness to new heights, somehow bottling the essence of spring without a fruity floral in sight. Vibrant and incredibly verdant, Virēre was inspired by sipping green tea whilst sitting under an arbour of fig trees — a beautiful image, perfectly enlivened with a single spritz.”
“This fragrance reminds me of the days I spent living in Dubai. It combines all of my favourite spices, and transports me to the bustling souks. At first spritz, the scent blends spicy, warm notes that evoke the sun-kissed sand and cool, crisp morning air. As it settles, a subtle, earthy base of sandalwood and ambroxan comes through, creating a sense of both warmth and calm. Byredo Desert Dawn is like a sensory sunrise — unfolding with the grace of dawn breaking over the desert, blending spice, floral, and earthy elements into a mesmerising harmony that, to me, feels like a personal journey through the essence of Dubai.”
“Woody, spicy and smoky scents are what I’m drawn to, and this new fragrance by Régime des Fleurs ticks all of the boxes — with a spring slant. Combining the heady notes of Turkish rose with the sweetness of red apple and golden pear, and the intoxicating allure of leather, patchouli, and oak moss, to me, this scent is the embodiment of spring.”
“My current go-to fragrance is the elegant and timeless scent of Barénia Eau de Parfum by Hermès — a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy, that feels fresh but not floral and importantly is long-lasting. Sexy and warm, the scent features butterfly lily with the delicacy notes of miracle berry, perfectly paired with oakwood and an intense patchouli. And, unsurprisingly given the name behind the fragrance, the bottle is a stunning addition to any beauty cabinet, featuring the domed pyramid studs synonymous with Hermès.”
“Tom Ford’s Black Lacquer is released at the end of September, but I was lucky enough to get my nose on it pre-launch, and as the name suggests, it’s dark, inky, strong and masculine. It reeks of a playboy whom wears black suits with only two buttons done up on his shirt, and a bachelor pad that is heavy in leather furnishings, filled with expensive whisky and a humidor full of cuban cigars. I can’t wait to add this to my collection. Look out birds.”
The 37th America’s Cup sees the inclusion of both Women’s and Youth events — developed to create new, accelerated, inclusive pathways for the growing global talent pool of female and young sailors. Taking place this month and next, these races are set to be some of the highlights of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, attracting the next generation of foiling superstars who have the perfect platform to showcase their talents to the world.
The 37th America’s Cup
Women’s Race
The Puig Women’s America’s Cup — fittingly sponsored by champions of women in sport, Puig — is the first time women’s teams will compete, and it’s set to be one of the highlights of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona. 12 teams from 12 countries composed entirely of women will race, with six invited teams from Spain, The Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia joining the six established, official participants representing New Zealand, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, the United States and France. The winning team will take ownership of a striking trophy following the final on October 13th, which was designed by architect and designer Patricia Urquiola to aptly commemorate this historic moment in women’s sport.
Puig Women’s America’s Cup 5th — 13th October
Liv Mackay, Skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand’s Women’s crew
The 37th America’s Cup
Youth Race
The third time Youth teams have been invited to participate in the America’s Cup, this year’s race will see teams from all participating countries battle it out for top spot in the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup. Teams from both the Women’s and Youth events will race in one-design AC40 foiling monohulls — with controls, sails, foils and mechanisms standardised, so as to ensure the emphasis is firmly on race-craft, positioning and foiling technique. Promising a fast and furious competition, the AC40 has top speeds of around 45 knots (85km/h), and four fixed positions: two pod-seats on each side of the hull.
Unicredit Youth America’s Cup 17th — 26th September
Shining a light on almost 400 fantastic community businesses, Denizen Everyday Heroes recognises and acknowledges their ongoing commitment to enriching our everyday lives. By honouring the small, independent operators whose services we rely upon, we’re reinvigorating community spirit.
What’s more, everyone who votes will be entered to win one of four $500 vouchers* to be spent at one of the nominated businesses. So there’s no excuse not to show your love for thy neighbour.
The winners of each category will receive $8,000 of promotion** with Denizen as part of our winner’s announcement campaign for Denizen Everyday Heroes. The first and second runners-up will receive $4,000 of promotion** as part of our announcements.
With your support, we can celebrate and honour those who work hard to add value and vibrancy to our local communities.
Voting closes at midnight, Sunday 29th September 2024. Our Everyday Heroes 2024 winners will be announced on denizen.co.nz, across our social channels, and in the Summer Issue of Denizen magazine.
Denizen Everyday Heroes
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*terms and conditions **Winners and runners-up of each category will receive free promotion on Denizen’s channels (magazine, website and social media channels) that relates specifically to Everyday Heroes. The placement and timing of each category winner and runners-up will be at the discretion of Denizen. The promotional prize cannot be combined with any other marketing or paid advertising and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Alla Prossima, a new restaurant specialising in Emiliano-Romagnola cuisine, recently opened its doors within Abstract Hotel on upper Queen Street — quickly making a name for itself with it’s fresh and authentic hand-crafted Italian pasta and delectable Bologna-inspired fare. In Italian, Alla Prossima means ‘until next time’ — nodding to the fact that, once guests experience the exceptional food by notable Italian chef, Gabriele Marangoni, they’ll be back in a flash.
Alla Prossima
The Emilia-Romagna region is the home of many of our most-loved Italian delicacies — from Parmigiano Reggiano to Modena balsamic vinegar and Prosciutto di Parma, and is also where Marangoni was born and raised. Here, working from a young age in his family’s restaurant in Bologna, he acquired a deep passion for the best and most authentic Italian cuisine, something that has proven foundational to his success to date. Marangoni refined his culinary skills in Italian restaurants across Europe — in Vienna, Rotterdam and Strasbourg — then returned to Bologna to work in traditional Italian restaurants before moving to New Zealand in 2016.
Since then, the chef has earned a name for himself amongst Auckland’s diners — best known as the culinary force behind Mt Eden’s Pasta & Cuore, where, over eight years, he developed a reputation for delivering simple, authentic Italian cuisine made with quality ingredients, passion and great artisanal skill. Now he’s bringing this and more to Abstract Hotel’s in-house eatery. “Simplicity is a choice, but authenticity and integrity aren’t negotiable: discerning customers love to know the story behind what they are eating and where it comes from,” says Marangoni. “And [at Alla Prossima] most of our products are sourced from the Emilia-Romagna region, known as the land of slow-food thanks to a perfect microclimate which is difficult to reproduce anywhere else in the world.”
Right: The Beef Cheeks
At Alla Prossima, Marangoni and his team combine these Italian-sourced products with fresh ingredients from local suppliers, selecting the best of New Zealand’s produce and premium cuts. Using techniques passed down through generations, dishes are prepared with traditional flavours to create exceptionally delicious fare that celebrates the rich tradition of Italian cuisine.
As such, on the menu you’ll find hand-crafted pasta in all shapes and sizes — from balanzoni bolognise (homemade spinach-infused ravioli stuffed with mortadella, prosciutto, spinach, massimo’s ricotta, aged parmigiano reggiano, and truffle, served in a creamy truffle sauce) to classic tagliatelle with prosciutto di parma, lemon zest and butter, and a veritable spectrum in between, alongside flavourful mains. The chianti-braised beef cheeks with caramelised cauliflower puree, sweet and sour borettane onion, and pancetta is a dish not to be missed, while the spezzatino di polpo all’ubriaca (octopus cooked in red wine and tomato sauce with potato, kalamata olives, and basil, served with garlic bread) is the perfect dish for lovers of seafood. The twice-cooked panna cotta is also an essential way to finish any meal.
Alla Prossima’s Balanzoni
With a notable chef at the helm and a cosy dining space providing the perfect escape, Alla Prossima is an eatery worthy of your attention.
Fitness has always been foundational for Redroom founder Dominique Francis. When one of her most-loved studios came up for sale, Francis decided to turn her passion into something much more—and Redroom was born.
Combining infrared-heated yoga, pilates, and strength classes with red light therapy recovery sessions (available to add on to all classes), Redroom is a one-stop fitness destination tapping into the combined benefits of revitalising light therapy and innovative movement to bring something novel to Auckland’s fitness landscape.
Redroom’s curated edit of stocked brands
The space itself has been beautifully reimagined by Francis, with a lounge out front for relaxing in pre-or post-workout, a single studio lit by deeply-hued red lights with a pumping soundtrack, and chic changing rooms. Francis has also curated an edit of wellness brands she loves for sale on-site. From SRW Laboratories to Embodyme to Prochaine and more, as well as a fridge well stocked with Liquid Lightening (including Francis’ bespoke creation, the ‘Better Than Botox’ juice) and Breakfast Babes‘ delicious raw treats.
When it comes to the classes on offer, ThermoTone is Redroom’s strength offering — a dynamic 45-minute workout that combines the power of infrared heat with intense strength training, using weights to sculpt and tone. A unique blend of heat and resistance enhances muscle performance, increases flexibility, and accelerates calorie burn, while infrared heat helps to warm up muscles faster, reducing the risk of injury and promoting deeper muscle activation. Each session is crafted to push your limits with targeted exercises, ensuring a full-body workout that builds strength and endurance.
If mat pilates is your go-to, Redroom’s ThermoSculpt classes combine a series of meticulously crafted pilates exercises, incorporating weights to challenge your strength and stability, with the addition of infrared heat to increase flexibility and enhance your practice.
And, where ThermoSculpt focuses on slower and more intentional movements, ThermoHIIT — Redroom’s take on HIIT pilates, combines the best of both worlds — high-intensity interval training and classic pilates — offering a transformative workout. This dynamic class combines a series of heart-pumping, calorie-torching intervals paired with core-strengthening pilates moves. The infrared heat enhances muscle flexibility, promotes detoxification, and helps to get deeper into each stretch and exercise. Expect a blend of powerful cardio bursts and precise, controlled movements that target every muscle group.
Staying true to its predecessor, Redroom also offers several yoga classes, from Red Hot Yoga (a unique blend of all yoga styles, HIIT, pilates, and slow strength) to ThermoSculpt—a high-energy class combining yoga, strength training, and energising music—to ThermoYin and more. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, at Redroom, all levels are brilliantly catered to, and the teachers are some of the best in the city.
Redroom also holds a Breathwork & Meditation class every week. This transformative 60-minute session forgoes movement to deepen your breath and elevate your mind. Powerful breathwork techniques are combined with guided meditation, creating a holistic experience that fosters relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Redroom’s reception
Ultimately, Redroom is a boutique fitness studio set to redefine how we approach working out. By combining scientifically proven red light therapy with innovative workouts, Redroom’s holistic offering collectively targets the body, mind, and soul, transforming our health in the process.
There are a limited number of founding memberships available and myriad options for those looking to try the studio out before committing, from one-off classes to intro packs. The doors officially open this Friday, September 13th, with Redroom open seven days a week thereafter.
Auckland’s cultural calendar has been exceptional this year, with a slew of world-class events captivating audiences across this city, and this September, NZ Opera is putting on a show not to be missed. Verdi’s Rigoletto is showing on the 19th, 21st and 25th of September at Aotea Centre (find tickets here), promising an unforgettable performance.
One of the greatest and most popular operas of all time, Rigoletto, set in 1950s Italy, is a tragic tale of love, power, and revenge — and a cornerstone of the operatic canon. Featuring iconic tunes like ‘La donna è mobile’ and a star-studded Kiwi and international cast, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the NZ Opera chorus, sung in Italian with English surtitles, this production is a bucket-list event.
NZ Opera’s Verdi’s Rigoletto
If you have plans to head along, we’ve compiled a discerning list of where to eat, drink and celebrate around the event, encouraging you not just to make a night of it, but an entire weekend.
Cassia at SkyCity takes modern Indian to new heights, with a delicious selection of contemporary delights perfect for sharing with a group pre-event. In the most central of locations, with a dimly-lit, vibrant dining space, as well as a number of set menus to choose from for those looking to turn lunch or a pre-event bite into a gastronomic delight.
Beloved Auckland institution The Grill is back after a short hiatus, and better than ever — now conveniently located in the new five-star hotel within the SkyCity precinct, Horizon. Here, the emphasis is on steak and seafood, with exceptional, local produce taking centre stage. Book a table and indulge in a very satisfying pre-show bite, and maybe head back after the show for a drink if you’re staying in the area, or if you, like us, simply can’t stay away.
Drawing on refined restaurant culture from around the world, Gilt delivers on all fronts — from the menu, featuring contemporary takes on classic dishes you’d find at a European brasserie, to world-class wines, timeless cocktails and more. There’s no better spot to park up for lunch, dinner, post-show drinks, or anything in between — just make sure to order the baked oysters and a Gilt Gimlet.
Helmed by esteemed chef Wallace Mua, Trivet is an elevated new all-day bistro which honours the vibrancy of New Zealand’s multifaceted dining scene. The menu is influenced by Mua’s diverse experience, and showcases the chef’s world-class culinary repertoire — from vibrant trevally oka, to indulgent slow-cooked beef cheek cromesquis. Pre-show, nab a table and settle in for a few hours of culinary bliss.
Paname Social is a chic, Parisian-inspired restaurant and wine bar serving decidedly European fare all day. The menu has a strong French influence, with many dishes grounded in authentic recipes with ingredients sourced from local French suppliers. Food is served from dusk until dawn, the wine list is extensive, the cocktails are inventive and coffee is served around the clock, bringing a true taste of the European mode de vie to Auckland’s dining scene.
While Auckland has no shortage of exceptional eateries, few venues in the city boast cuisine as delicious and satisfying as contemporary Chinese eatery Huami. We find ourselves turning to this SkyCity favourite time and time again; so consistent is its delivery of excellent dining experiences — from exceptional Yum Cha to a very well-stocked bar, lively vibe, and the most central of locations, plus free parking for diners and a menu that caters to kids, there are very few boxes Huami doesn’t tick.
Newly opened, Goat is a delicious, modern-Indian eatery in the heart of the city — and a perfect place to settle in for a pre-show bite and cocktail. Here, you’ll find a selection of inventive dishes made for sharing, bringing the rich, authentic, and often unexplored flavours of India to the table. The eatery is relaxed and inviting, set in a heritage building on Wyndham Street with exposed brick walls and lofty high ceilings — a space as perfectly suited to an intimate meal as it is a convivial dinner with friends.
Where To Celebrate
Post-Show
Bar Magda’s Espresso Magdatini and Signature lamb ribs
Pre- or post-show, either way, a trip to Bar Magda is always an enjoyable and satiating affair. The cocktails are certainly some of the best in the city, with both inventive takes and elevated classics on offer, and the new-wave Filipino fare always surprises and delights. There’s also a bespoke ‘Espresso Martini Nights’ menu come Friday and Saturday, which features a number of delightful renditions of everyone’s favourite party starter, for a modest price, that are sure to set the tone for a great night.
In a subterranean spot beneath Commercial Bay sits Kemuri Hi-Fi, a bespoke basement lounge bringing the essence of Tokyo’s jazz kissas to the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find an intimate, vibrant hub where high-quality drinks and curated music take centre stage (with a few Japanese bites thrown in for good measure) — a perfect spot to head to post-show for a nightcap. The focus is on whisky, with an unmatched selection on offer, but the cocktails are world-class, and the champagne list is one of the best in the city.
While Culprit’s innovative culinary concept is perfect for a pre- or post-show bite, with an ever-changing menu comprising trolleys of snacks to share, the eatery’s ‘mischievous younger brother’, Little Culprit, is a fantastic spot to keep the party going. Quaint and chic, this cocktail bar and wine lounge boats an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, and is perfect for those seeking a nightcap.
The laid-back wine bar Tappo in St. Kevin’s Arcade
Set in an atmospheric spot within St. Kevin’s Arcade on K’Rd (Karangahape Road for out-of-towners), Tappo is a laid-back wine bar with an exceptional menu of snacks and an even better drinks list. Here, the focus is on showcasing wines from small, biodynamic, and organic producers from around New Zealand and Italy, and the always knowledgeable staff are on hand to recommend something perfect for every taste, proclivity, and mood.
A newly-opened Korean tapas bar that reimagines traditional Korean dining with a modern twist, Hazy Tiger is a vibrant spot in the heart of the city serving tasty bites and great drinks. Forgoing the usual, larger format shareable portions that many eateries now favour, Hazy Tiger has leaned into the Spanish style of eating, with a variety of Korean-inspired dishes, served tapas-style (at affordable prices) making up the menu, accompanied by inventive cocktails and a diverse wine list. There are also DJs come the weekend, setting the tone for a convivial night ahead.
It seems that everywhere I turn at the moment, I’m being reminded of the fact that kids are growing up too fast. Since becoming a mother, my awareness of just how much childhood has changed has kicked into overdrive, and honestly I’m shocked, saddened, and a little horrified at how swiftly these pivotal years have been hijacked by cyberculture. When did kids stop dancing around living rooms in their mum’s high heels performing for their parents with hairbrushes as microphones, and start donning mom jeans and crop tops, filming dance routines for their TikTok fanbase? And, speaking of TikTok, and routines, when did kids start filming their morning routines? When did kids start having morning routines?
Driving to work today, a billboard caught my attention at a set of traffic lights. It was for a major beauty brand, and the advert very much looked to be targeting children. It was all bright colours and poppy text, boasting skincare ‘from $10’, and the models — one male, one female, looked far too young to need said skincare. It reminded me of an article I read recently that reported on the fact that Gen Alpha is driving 49 percent of drugstore skincare sales in America. Gen Alpha, for those unaware, encompasses those born between 2010 and 2023 — spanning just over a decade. A pretty small cohort to be responsible for such a substantial fraction.
Girls as young as eight are part of a new crop of skincare obsessives turning beauty retailers upside down to seek out whatever North West has been plugging on TikTok the week prior. But, to what end? To maintain a youthful visage? To get one step closer to becoming an ‘influencer’? Or simply, to fit in? I felt like I needed answers — and what I discovered was both heartbreaking and terrifying, calling into question this youngest generation’s relationship with not only the beauty industry, but themselves.
Recently, workers at Sephora began recounting tales of children visiting the store, destroying samples and hurling abuse at staff while demanding skincare products by Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe, and Sol De Janeiro. At initial glance, you’d assume their frenzied shopping trips were simply the result of the lure of these cult brands’ pretty pastel and neon bottles — so childlike is their appeal, but as it happens, their motives are more than packaging, or skin, deep. It seems that the want for these cutesy-looking products, largely fuelled by the commodification of beauty hitting this youngest generation the hardest (a byproduct of their ultra-online world), has become a need. And one that is only being capitalised on, not quelled, by the beauty industry.
While there is plenty wrong with this picture, the most immediate problem is the fact that the products these kids are using have been developed with adults’ skin in mind. Kids’ skin is very different in that, like everything else in adolescence, it’s not yet fully developed. It’s thinner, it’s much more sensitive, and their skin barriers aren’t equipped to handle harsh, active ingredients. Exposure to the likes of retinol, vitamin C, and glycolic acid can (and will) do long-term damage — not only impacting skin’s overall health but causing lifelong sensitivities, allergies, or worse. Not only this, but some of these cult products contain hormone disruptors, and it doesn’t take a genius to recognise that the last thing pubescent tweens need is something throwing their hormones off balance. When reporting on the issue, Cosmetics Business aptly said, “Gen Alpha is the skin care industry’s newest opportunity, and its biggest responsibility”. Not only are tweens far less inclined to be aware of the impact these products will have on their skin long-term, but, given their age and stage, they are incredibly vulnerable to the influence of marketing. It’s our duty — and the duty of the beauty industry as a whole, to acknowledge this and find a solution.
A tween’s inclination to beautify themselves is nothing new. When I was in my pre-teen era, I was also fixated on beauty products, but my poison was more Impulse body spray, hair mascara, Lip Smackers, and, if I could conduct a stealth assault on mum’s beauty cabinet, a spritz of Sun In hair lightener. But Gen A is a different beast entirely. Growing up in an age of hyper-engagement with social media, this group is favouring the viral beauty products that those they follow (and idolise) are plugging. The likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, who have amassed social followings of 53 million and 292 million respectively, can sell out products in seconds — their audiences hanging off their every carefully curated, often ghostwritten, and more often than not, paid-for word.
Once I started thinking about this, I couldn’t stop, and it seemed I wasn’t the only one. I had a discussion with a friend whose nine-year-old daughter had just handed over her birthday wishlist, which consisted exclusively of cult-label skincare. When asked where she found out about all of these products, she laughed and shook her head in shame for her mother’s ignorance. Social media. Obviously. The same child then specified that she didn’t want a birthday party this year, and insisted the party money be spent on the wishlist contents (as the cost of these products far eclipses the anticipated dolls and books of yesteryear). And the madness continues. A friend recently called me outraged after catching her eight-year-old daughter retinol-handed stealing her Drunk Elephant serum, which contains myriad active ingredients to combat the signs of ageing. When confronted, she simply quipped, “Mum, I need it.” The internet is filled with anecdotes such as this, and all you need to do is whisper the word ‘skincare’ around a parent to get a picture of the scale of this issue.
Undeniably a result of Gen A’s obsession with online culture, the desire to be up-to-date with the latest and greatest in the beauty world isn’t surprising. Beyond an inclination to make like mum and doll themselves up, this is more specific — their goal is to reach an impossible standard of beauty, perpetuated by the influencers and celebrities they worship. While many parents believe that their child’s desire to use their Drunk Elephant is down to “the pretty packaging” — the real reason is that they’ve seen influencers discussing it’s skin-smoothing, glow-inducing properties; and have become hell-bent on achieving the donut gloss skin social media tells them they need in order to be something in the world. It’s insane. It’s toxic. But it’s also the reality. And it goes well beyond image alone.
This obsession is not only damaging kids’ young skin but, perhaps even more concerning it’s fuelling the anti-aging and beauty standard rhetoric that dominates the online sphere. I was shocked to recently learn the age at which some young girls are starting Botox, and even more shocked to learn of the staggering numbers of eating disorders and mental health issues related to body image in New Zealand. Now, throw in the pressure to douse yourself in $200 serums every day and you’ve got yourself one big fucking problem.
Given the age we live in, it’s inevitable that young girls will want a skincare routine. It’s what they see everywhere, everyday. Our role isn’t to simply say no (we all know how adept kids are at finding workarounds), but instead, make sure that the reason behind the routine is more ‘healthy skin’ and less ‘harmful beauty ideals’, and that the products they’re using are age-appropriate.
With its generous proportions and clever, in-built technology, the Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer eliminates back-to-back, multi-pan cooking, with capacity to divide and simultaneously prepare dual components of any meal.
Perfect for family mealtimes or entertaining, with this clever appliance, you can prepare protein and veggies in tandem — making roasts a breeze, summer salads simpler than ever, and the kid’s meals stress-free.
As Ninja’s largest air fryer, the XXXL FlexDrawer unlocks the ability to feed the whole family — with capacity to cook larger proteins (like whole chickens) and plenty of vegetables in one draw, or divide different elements of a meal — cooking two foods, two ways with Ninja’s Smart Finish setting.
There are seven functions, from air frying to baking, roasting to reheating, proofing, dehydrating, and keeping things at the perfect temperature, offering a simple, speedy solution to busy mealtimes.
Soho House’s legacy began in the mid-nineties, when founder Nick Jones opened the first venue on London’s Greek Street above his restaurant, Cafe Boheme. A chic, eclectic boutique residence and private club situated in a Georgian house in Soho, this first iteration set the tone for all that followed, as Jones quickly captured the attention of the cultural capital’s creative elite.
Now, you’ll find Soho House venues across the globe, eschewing the stuffy and trite nature of traditional member’s clubs and luxury hotels to offer thoughtful spaces with a homely yet unique atmosphere, affording members a consistent yet novel experience with each visit. From New York to Barcelona, Mumbai to Rome, no matter which of the 43 venues you visit, you’ll find meticulously planned spaces, designed with the lifestyle of creatives top of mind. Each ‘House’ includes spaces for drinking, dining, unwinding, working, and leisure, with screening rooms, rooftop pools, and, perhaps most notably, a curated collection of artworks which shape the distinct ambience.
Not a hotel chain, nor a hospitality business, nor exclusively a private member’s club, Soho House has solidified itself as an interconnected series of cultural hubs, its allure ever-present, despite the location. From a design perspective, its success lies in a unique ability to implement a bespoke design approach sympathetic to each building and city, while maintaining a central set of creative codes that link each House.
And it’s the thoughtful design of the venues that brings to life the now world-straddling brand’s essence. When speaking on Soho House’s design approach, Jones told Dezeen, “I think that, above all, it’s got to be comfortable,” — a modus operandi enlivened by the company’s interiors venture, Soho Home, which is available exclusively in New Zealand via Design Central.
The elevated brand offers a curated edit of the furniture, tableware, accessories, lighting, home fragrance, and textiles found at the Houses around the world; an offering members and non-members alike have been requesting since Greek Street. The Soho Home range invites those who have admired the Houses’ hallmark interiors to bring the covetable brand into their own homes — each thoughtfully-designed piece bringing with it that inimitable sense of relaxed yet elevated, social living that has become synonymous with Soho House.
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