Step into Swarovski’s Party of Dreams, where glamour and extravagance take centre stage, and festive dressing becomes a celebration in itself.
Swarovski’s enchanting holiday collection invites us to indulge in the season’s joy and extravagance. The edit of sparkling splendour is showcased in an exuberant campaign starring the maison’s global ambassador, Grammy award-winner Ariana Grande, as we follow her through a fantasy world brimming with glistening crystal and dazzling diamonds. The star enlivens the radiance and joy of the season, joining guests that reference art icons and fashion mavericks — adorned in pieces from the Millenia and Matrix Crash collections, in an unforgettable tableau of holiday celebration.
Styled in a couture creation by Swarovski’s Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, Grande lights up the extravagant gathering, where joyous self-expression meets the boundless elegance of Swarovski.
“I had the pleasure not only to create the most fabulous party ever, but also to do it with the incredible Ariana Grande,” says Engelbert, “We had an absolute blast bringing my vision to life. Watching her embrace the joyful, contemporary glamour of Swarovski has been both an honour and pure joy. This has been a long-held dream finally coming to life in the most extravagant and vibrant way, bursting with creative energy, pop culture, and a shared desire to celebrate and spread some happiness to the holiday season. You are all invited to the Party of Dreams!”
Exploring the boundary between the possible and the impossible, Grande explores a realm where every detail gleams with possibility — from luxe accessories to pieces that bring an irresistible touch of holiday magic to any ensemble, as the collection inspires you to embrace the season’s opulence, and find joy in the art of celebration.
As we find ourselves officially on the final countdown to summer, a calendar packed with cultural events is keeping us excited for the final month of spring. From exceptional exhibitions and captivating performances to live comedy and more, here we present our November Culture Guide, sure to satiate your creative cravings.
Karl Johnstone
Amplify — The Creator Series by Warren and Mahoney
When & Where: Thursday 7th November, Warren and Mahoney, Auckland
Warren and Mahoney’s next Amplify — The Creator Series event is set to take place on Thursday, November 7th, presenting an enlightening conversation between Karl Johnstone, creative director, strategist, and founder of Haumi, and WAM’s Te Matakīrea Associate Principal, Te Ari Prendergast. Exploring the concept of ruku i te pō, ruku i te ao — a framework embracing the cyclical journey of understanding and the natural world’s influence — this event promises insight into our interconnected realities. Admission is complimentary, but spaces are limited; secure your spot here.
Trevor Noah — Off The Record Tour
When & Where: Tuesday 5th November, Spark Arena, Auckland
One of the world’s top comedians and former host of the Emmy Award-winning The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, is bringing his world-renowned comedy prowess to New Zealand this November. Reanimating the comedy clichés we all know and love, and sharing his astute observations on global mores and adventures on tour thus far, Noah offers an engaging and satirical show, solidifying his standing as the best in the biz.
Onehunga Buoys by Dick Frizzell, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 300x400mm for Art for Good
Art for Good: A Collaborative Charity Art Auction
When & Where: Thursday 7th November, Gow Langsford Gallery, Auckland
Join Gow Langsford Gallery this November for Art for Good, a charity art auction supporting Kindness Collective’s Christmas Joy Store. Featuring exclusive works by renowned Aotearoa artists like Max Gimblett, Grace Wright, and Dick Frizzell, the event blends creativity with compassion to raise funds for families in need. Online viewing and bidding begin November 1st, with an in-gallery auction on November 7th at Gow Langsford’s Onehunga space. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate art and community, helping make Christmas brighter for children across New Zealand.
Crowded House
When & Where: Saturday 23rd November, Spark Arena, Auckland
Crowded House is back with the Gravity Stairs Tour across Australia and New Zealand in 2024, celebrating their new album release. Known for their platinum hits like “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong,” the legendary band — led by Neil Finn — is set to captivate audiences once again. With over 15 million records sold and countless accolades, this tour promises a powerful, spirit-lifting experience, bringing fans together to share in their iconic sound and vibrant energy.
Kickstart your weekend at the lively Freida Market
Freida Market
When & Where: Saturday 2nd November, Freida Margolis, Auckland
Kickstart your weekend at the lively Freida Market, held on the first Saturday of every month at Freida Margolis in Grey Lynn. Discover a curated selection of pre-loved and vintage clothes, unique finds, freshly baked goods, seasonal flowers, vinyl, handmade crafts, and more. Enjoy tasty bites as vinyl spins in true Freida’s style, adding to the warm, community feel.
Perpetual, Shintaro and Yoshiko Nakahara
When & Where: Now until Sunday November 10th, Sanderson Contemporary, Auckland
Perpetual showcases new paintings by Shintaro and Yoshiko Nakahara, exploring time through the motif of waves. Running from now until November 10th at Sanderson, the exhibition reflects the artists’ unique collaborative process, blending distinct strokes and colours to create unified compositions. Their works evoke a sense of deep time, capturing the fluidity of nature and the complexity of the universe, while drawing parallels to their shared experience as horologists.
Explore Māori astronomy at Stardome
Spring at Stardome
When & Where: Every Tuesaday until November 30th, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, Auckland
Explore Māori astronomy with Ngā Wāhanga o te Tau: Kōanga every Tuesday at Stardome. This seasonal show delves beyond Matariki to reveal the stars of kōanga (spring) in Aotearoa’s skies, offering an introduction to the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Discover how these celestial markers guide our interaction with the taiao (natural environment). Perfect for all ages, this insightful journey through the spring sky is just $5 per ticket, making it a must-see event for curious minds.
An Evening With Stephen Fry
When & Where: Monday 11th November, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland & Tuesday 12th November, St James Theatre, Wellington
Join multi-award-winning comedian, actor, and storyteller Stephen Fry for an unforgettable evening as he shares the highs and lows of his life and career. Known for roles in Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster, and QI, and celebrated for his mythological retellings, Fry’s wit and charm promise a night of laughter and insight. With the chance to ask questions, audiences will be treated to the showman’s tales from showbiz, reflections on his craft, and perhaps even the meaning of life.
Camping
When & Where: Tuesday November 19th — Saturday December 7th, Q Theatre, Auckland
Get ready for a riotous night as Camping returns to Q Theatre this November. Comedy icons Chris Parker, Tom Sainsbury, Kura Forrester, and Brynley Stent star in this saucy, sex-positive hit, directed by Sophie Roberts. Watch middle-aged couple Les and Fleur clash with newlyweds Francis and Connie in a stormy, double-booked bach escapade full of hilarity, hormones, and wild antics. With cocktails, chaos, and an unforgettable bedroom scene, Camping promises laughter, lunacy, and a cheeky celebration of life and love.
Brad Williams
When & Where: Monday November 25th, SkyCity Theatre, Auckland
Don’t miss comedian Brad Williams as he brings his acclaimed stand-up tour to New Zealand. Known for his high-energy humour and sharp observations on disability, relationships, and life’s quirks, Williams has captivated audiences worldwide, with appearances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Netflix’s The Degenerates. His live shows are packed with laughter, often earning standing ovations. Catch Williams’ unfiltered, hilarious take on life in this must-see comedy event that Robin Williams once called “Prozac with a head.”
Head-to-toe, monochrome tones of white and cream will not only create crisp, confident looks but will lighten up your style in time for summer. Here, our editors have rounded up a curation of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will have you mastering this season’s modern monochrome.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Dave Wheeler | 30 Oct 2024
Collaborating closely with their clients whose brief was to create a ‘dream home’ that was, above all, liveable, Phoebe Nicol Interior Architecture embarked on a journey to revive a charming 1925 Californian bungalow.
Originally designed in the 20s by Bruce Dellit, with an A-frame extension added in 2001 by Alan Dukes Architect, Phoebe Nicol’s ‘Kings Road’ project is a testament to architectural evolution. Tasked with a complete interior overhaul, Nicol and her team embraced the home’s storied past while infusing it with fresh, contemporary charm.
Maintaining the home’s historic character was integral to the overall design, and as such, inspiration was drawn from its art deco roots. Existing features were celebrated and enhanced, with new nods to this era introduced, while integrating modern elements lent a softness and sense of interconnectedness to the home.
The first step for the design team was rethinking the property’s configuration, balancing practicality and proportion while preserving the building’s integrity. No easy feat, but once the foundation was there, everything else fell quickly into place. A soothing, neutral palette of creamy tones became the unifying thread, weaving together the timeless and modern aspects of the home to craft a serene sense of comfort and casualness, uniting the series of spaces harmoniously.
The living areas are open and flow freely, with a sense of spatial separation created via thoughtful finishes — a change in flooring here, a slight shift in style there. A cleverly employed, delicate balance of styles blends the original charm of the home with modern elements to enhance livability and functionality.
This is most evident in the meticulous detailing, material palette, and thoughtful edit of furnishings. While some elements are classical and refined, capturing the essence of the storied residence, others lend a rustic and relaxed charm, bringing the home into the here and now. Carefully chosen artwork and accents add subtle layers of sophistication, infusing the space with a casualness and a true sense of homeliness.
Retaining the external integrity of the house, Phoebe Nicol’s focus was on infusing the interior with warmth and comfort, creating a truly liveable home for a young family — a brief she delivered on implicitly. Kings Road stands as a harmonious blend of past and present, offering a timeless retreat that elevates the everyday.
Luxury Italian brand Bulgari has announced Australian actress Samara Weaving as a ‘Friend of the House’. Renowned for her captivating performances in films such as Ready Or Not, Scream VI, and The Babysitter, Weaving has solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most prominent actresses in the horror genre.
She has also demonstrated her versatility with roles in critically acclaimed films like Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Guns Akimbo. Her recent collaboration with Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers further showcases her talent and range.Weaving’s first official appearance with the brand at the Bulgari Calla event in Paris to celebrate Mary Katrantzou’s debut accessories collection marked a significant milestone in her partnership with the Maison. “I’m so thrilled to be joining the Bulgari family. It was an absolute dream to be in Paris, meeting Mary [Katrantzou] and the wonderful team behind the Bulgari magic,” Weaving shared..
As Weaving continues to ascend to new heights in her career, her partnership with Bulgari is the perfect accompaniment to what is destined to be a glittering future. With several anticipated releases on the horizon, including Eenie Meanie and The Trip, Weaving’s star is only set to rise brighter.
Positioned in an enviable spot in the heart of Britomart, Tyler St Sport is a new sports-focused bar and eatery bringing together great food and the thrill of live sport.
Developed by the clever creatives behind some of the country’s most iconic bars and restaurants, from Jervois Steak House to Somm Wine Bar & Bistro, Tyler St Sport celebrates sporting communities, offering a casual spot to enjoy a game alongside tasty food that goes well beyond the usual pub grub.
CHILLI PEPPER PRAWN TOAST
Culinary expert (and SOUL Bar & Bistro’s executive chef) Gavin Doyle developed the menu, and as such, you’ll find elevated yet casual fare that speaks to the location perfectly. From chilli pepper prawn toast with sesame and gochujang aioli, to cheeseburger spring rolls with burger sauce on the share plates menu, to the viral Irish ‘spice bag’ — pairing soy braised pork with chilli salt fries, peppers, and curry sauce, Korean fried chicken schnitzel with cos and a creamy caesar dressing, and a tasty take on a chop salad, with bok choy, radish, avocado, and yum yum sauce.
the viral Irish ‘spice bag’
CHAR SIU LAMB RIBS
There’s also a number of dishes cooked atop a manuka fire pit, from three delectable skewers (satay beef, fennel and black pepper lamb, and tandoori chicken), to flat iron steak, char siu lamb ribs, and charred cabbage. There’s also a decadent chocolate cake with sesame ganache for those with a sweet tooth.
The vision for the food menu is “unexpected, tasty, and a wee bit more cosmopolitan than your average sports bar”, Doyle tells us. “I wanted to create a menu that not only pairs well with a pint of beer and a sports game, but has dishes you can’t readily find in other New Zealand bars. For example, an Irish Spice Bag is hugely popular in my hometown, but I’m yet to find it anywhere here.”
FENNEL & BLACK PEPPER LAMB CHARGRILLED SKEWER + FLAT BREAD
B.L.T SLIDERS
On the drinks front, as you’d imagine, there are a number of tap beers on offer — nine, at present, with all of the usual suspects featuring alongside a rotating guest tap showcasing more unique brews. There’s plenty on the wine list, too, and an inventive cocktail list with something for everyone.
The interior leans into is its raw, industrial elements such as the sprawling heritage brick walls and lofty exposed ceilings, creating an airy yet welcoming space.
Kate Simmons, behind the creation of Somm Wine Bar & Bistro, tells us particular attention went into ensuring the venue didn’t fall victim to a typical ‘blokey’ sports bar. “A lot of effort went into opening up and brightening the venue. We wanted to create a space where women want to hang out too, and having an elevated cocktail offering is a good place to start.”
As for the new name; “Aside from being on Tyler Street, the name is a nod to a past occupant of this site — Tyler St Garage. Everyone has fond memories from that place,” Simmons tells me.
And Tyler St Sport is more than simply a venue featuring viewing walls. Geeling Ching, a hospitality stalwart, says of the wider vision, “We’re currently working with street culture expert Steve Dunstan on curated events around music and popular sporting culture. This will fuel our ethos of celebrating the sporting communities, not just playing the games live.”
Central to the bar and eatery is Tyler St Sports’ direct and authentic connection to local sport. The official home of the Auckland FC, the venue offers fans a true-blue experience outside of the stadium, with club members afforded discounts and exclusive game day offers.
There are also plans to open an elevated cocktail bar upstairs on the rooftop. Aptly named Portside, the convivial space — opening this November — overlooks the Waitematā, and promises a lively spot for sundowners.
Everything this clever team touches turns to gold, and we’re sure Tyler St Sport will be no different. This vibrant new local belongs on your radar.
From Phoebe Philo’s first Australasian stockist to an unmissable exhibition to a notable new collaboration — this is everything that has our attention this week.
Just In
Phoebe Philo at Parlour X
Phoebe Philo’s ever-covetable eponymous label is now available in Australia, exclusively stocked at Parlour X. Renowned for her minimalist yet sophisticated designs, Philo’s return to fashion has captivated style enthusiasts worldwide, and this exclusive launch offers a curated selection of her timeless pieces — that blend clean lines and luxury craftsmanship — down under, adding to Parlour X’s omnipresent allure as one of Australia’s premier design destinations.
Unveiled at Moncler’s City of Genius show in Shanghai, Mercedes-Benz and Moncler’s latest collaborative Project G-Class is inspired by KENZO creative director NIGO. A restored 1990s G-Class becomes an automotive art piece, featuring a signature Moncler puffer jacket-covered convertible top, bespoke boom boxes, and a checkered interior. The collaboration sparks two more projects: a limited-edition G-Class model available for purchase, and a gender-neutral fashion collection designed with NIGO.
BAYA’s latest collection beautifully blends thoughtful, contemporary design with heritage craftsmanship to offer a considered edit of floor rugs, throws, and cushions that elevate the experience of home. Highlighting refined textures and sustainable materials, the collection is centred around luxurious wool rugs — from the velvet-finished Haywood to the curly bouclé Dorset, with designs for both indoor and outdoor spaces. With timeless, neutral tones and versatile shapes, these pieces bring both elegance and comfort to the home. Certified by GoodWeave, BAYA continues its commitment to ethical practices and sustainability, while offering stylish, high-quality furnishings that enhance contemporary living.
Perpetual by Shintaro and Yoshiko Nakahara at Sanderson
Perpetual showcases new paintings by Shintaro and Yoshiko Nakahara, exploring time through the motif of waves. Running from October 15th — November 10th at Sanderson, the exhibition reflects the artists’ unique collaborative process, blending distinct strokes and colours to create unified compositions. Their works evoke a sense of deep time, capturing the fluidity of nature and the complexity of the universe, while drawing parallels to their shared experience as horologists.
The spookiest night of the year is just around the corner (next Thursday, for those not keeping close tabs) which makes this weekend your last change to source (or make) the perfect costume. If you, like us, have left it last minute, and the kids’ excitement is reaching fever pitch, make for the tried and true Look Sharp costume department and grab a mini broomstick and cauldron. Or, if inspiration hits, head for the arts and crafts aisle instead, and whip up something a little more special. Either way, the time is nigh. And if you need some inspiration for yourself, we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to weekend escapism, Waiheke Island is one of the easiest places to access from Auckland city. With elevated restaurants, cafes, and bars befitting its unofficial nickname as the ‘Isle of Wine’, Waiheke has no shortage of alluring spots to explore. And, while we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hospitality, there is one elevated eatery we turn to time and time again, so consistent are the exceptional experiences.
The jewel in Onetangi’s crown, Ki Māha, is an artfully designed restaurant with a front deck boasting sweeping, panoramic views that are a joy to behold, with a sophisticated interior just as charming. Here, there truly are views from every angle, with the destination’s uniqueness lying in the design — which cleverly harnesses the panoramic outlook to offer striking vistas from each and every table.
The menu combines sustainably harvested seafood and ethically farmed meats, with locally sourced, seasonal fruit and vegetables — expressing the essence of Aotearoa cuisine. Just in time for the bustling summer season, Ki Māha has onboarded a new chef, and launched a vibrant new menu in celebration. Ian Shields (previously of Vic Road Kitchen) has joined the fold, bringing with him a new focus on hyper-seasonality, emphasising dishes executed with simplicity and only the best quality local produce.
Outside of the incredible fare on offer, Ki Māha is known for boasting the best cocktail list on the island. While finding an exquisite glass of wine on Waiheke isn’t a challenge, Ki Māha has turned its focus to those seeking a convivial cocktail or two across the summer months, with all of the classics up for grabs alongside a number of inventive iterations.
Beyond this, the beachfront eatery aims to offer the most extensive wine list on the island. Going beyond their own wines, and multiple wineries from Waiheke, Ki Māha’s list incorporates delicous drops from the rest of New Zealand, as well as sub-regions across Italy, Australia, France and Spain
As the weather warms, Ki Māha is expanding opening hours to seven days a week, open from 11am into the evening daily. With a casual, relaxed beachside vibe complimented with a seasonal menu with an emphasis on seafood, and the best drinks list on the island, Ki Māha is the perfect place to perch this long weekend — and beyond.
Renowned New York-based fashion brand Tibi has built its reputation on creating elevated, timeless pieces that give daily looks a sophisticated edge. So it makes sense that Muse Boutique has long been our local source, encapsulating the same aesthetic ethos as the brand.
As Muse (the exclusive stockists of Tibi in New Zealand) brings the founder of this globally-coveted label, Amy Smilovic, to town for an elevated event and series of styling sessions, we sit down with her to discuss building the ultimate summer capsule wardrobe, with tips utilising some of Tibi’s new season pieces.
Smooth, spicy, and a little complex — that’s surely how people describe me. Ironically, it’s also the perfect description for the classic American cocktail, the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned.
We all have our drink of choice, and for me, that drink is an Old Fashioned. As a lover of all things of the whisky and bourbon persuasion, an Old Fashioned is the perfect libation to end the day, or kick off the night.
Given the nature of this arguably simple drink (with typically just three ingredients) the choice of whisky or bourbon to construct the perfect cocktail is paramount. My personal choice is always Woodford Reserve. The sultry, amber-hued bourbon is rich and silky, with all of that toffee sweetness bourbon is so famous for but also with a level of refined complexity enhanced with gentle notes of cinnamon and spice, resulting in what is the perfect Old Fashioned.
For those unfamiliar with the classic Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve presents the annual Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month celebration. Across the month of November, expect a plethora of iconic bars and restaurants Woodford Reserve’s complex and sophisticated flavours taking this favourite cocktail to new heights. Having started in Paris, France in 2015, Old Fashioned Week is now a global event.
Here in New Zealand, as part of this year’s Old Fashioned Month, Woodford Reserve has partnered with a series of bars throughout the country with mixologists at each location invited to create their own signature iteration of this famed libation.
Below you’ll find our edit of the finest bars and restaurants to savour a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned.
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