Westmere is fast-becoming one of the city’s top spots for casual dining, with a host of eateries lining the main strip that run the gamut from cheap and cheerful (Esarn Rocket) to laid-back yet elevated (Ragtag), and now local favourite Catroux has moved into a sleek new spot, expanding their exceptional brunch and lunchtime offering.
The space itself (once the local fruit & veg shop) is expansive and light-filled, and Catroux locals will be thrilled to know that there’s now plenty more room to park up and enjoy the delectable food on offer — including a number of heated outdoor tables, shielded against the wind. “I’d been on the lookout for some time, dreaming of a bigger space, as we had outgrown the one we were in,” Catroux’s founder and co-owner, Adele Jenner, tells me. “The community is every part as important as the cafe itself, so staying in Westmere was our number one priority. After chatting with the spot’s previous owner, one thing led to another, and we’re finally here.”
Clean and minimal yet cosy and inviting, the space boasts high ceilings, white-washed walls, plush banquette seating, and light marble and timber tables, bringing Catroux — an institution that’s been operating for 14 years — into the here and now.
“Our old Catroux felt a bit squashed. We would love to bring back the brunch culture of a bustling local in this new space, while keeping the vision the same: a simple, understated yet beautiful space that lets the food do the talking,” says Jenner.
As has always been the case, the cabinet is positively brimming with some of the best grab-and-go fare in the city. The scones, muffins, and sweet treats have hungry punters lining up come morning, and as the day progresses, attention is turned to the flavour-filled salads (some of the best we’ve tried — a speciality of co-owner Melissa, who also leads the catering side of the business), portions of protein — from marinated chicken to miso-glazed salmon fillets, generously-stuffed sandwiches (with bread made fresh a few doors down at Beabea’s), and a host of enticing options catering to both the health conscious and the more glutinous amongst us.
Chicken Sandwich with mozzarella and plum relish
“I have always wanted the focus to be on good, healthy, fresh salads and delicious home baking,” says Jenner, “Everything is made onsite, which is something we’re really proud of.”
Miso glazed Salmon fillet with Raw Moroccan salad
Speaking of which, there are also a number of goodies made for enjoying at home, or grabbing on your way to a friend’s place, including Catroux’s famous cookies — available by the jar or packet, house-made muesli, sweet treats, condiments, and coffee.
But, beyond what greets you at the front counter, Catroux also offers a full café menu packed with elevated takes on the classics. Here, you’ll find everything from tropical acai bowls with all the trimmings to a smoked fish eggs bene with crisp rosti and creamy hollandaise. The fitness bowl is perfect for health nuts or gym bunnies, packed with protein and all manner of goodness, while the French toast with mulled wine poached pear caters to the other end of the gastronomic spectrum.
Acai Tropical with coconut yoghurt, passionfruit, fruit and homemade oaty muesli
On the drinks front, as it always has, perfectly prepared coffee takes centre stage, alongside smoothies and fresh juices, On Sundays tea, a host of cold drinks, and, of course, the perfect fluffy.
In fact, there’s plenty on offer for the kiddos, with a dedicated kids menu featuring the likes of eggs and soldiers, mini French toast with vanilla ice cream, acai bowls, and a bagel with avo — that is, of course, if you can get them past the mini cupcakes in the cabinet.
sweet treats galore
chocolate eclair
Ultimately, the new Catroux doesn’t look to reinvent the wheel (why would you, when you’re onto such a winning formula), but build upon the stalwart café’s already strong foundations. We’ve long been members of Catroux’s fab club, but this fresh new space has served as a timely reminder that sometimes, even when you’re surrounded by the shiny and new, you can’t beat a classic.
Opening hours: Monday — Friday, 7am until 2:30pm Saturday & Sunday, 7:30am until 3pm
When it comes to plant-based eating, there’s a growing local scene dedicated to vegetable-focused fare. Whether you’re a full-time vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or dining with someone who fits the aforementioned criteria, these are the best plant-focused eateries in Auckland, from cafes and bakeries to restaurants and bars worth a visit.
Inner-city restaurant East is an entirely vegetarian venture, with 75 percent of the menu dedicated to vegan dishes. A bold concept that was originally brought to life in 2021, thanks to a team of passionate experts, East’s modern Asian menu is a flavourful marvel from start to finish, filled with vibrant and complex pan-Asian dishes that taste as good as they look. And if that all wasn’t enough, recently, East runs Auckland’s first ever vegan Yum Cha service, held every Sunday at the restaurant from 12pm until 3pm. There, diners can delight in all the classic Yum Cha dishes, reimagined with a tasty, plant-based twist.
Having re-opened in a new spot on Dominion Road mid-way through 2023, vegetarian favourite, Forest, is better than ever before. Helmed by clever chef Plabita Florence, this delicious and innovative spot pushes plant-based cuisine beyond your wildest expectations. At Forest, diners will find a more traditionally structured, a la carte menu that marries mainstay dishes with seasonal specials and still plays into Florence’s experimental, exciting and exceptional culinary approach. From entree-sized snacks to larger mains that are designed to share and a number of mouthwatering sides and add-ons, the food offering at Forest is, as expected, a gastronomic journey.
Originally a food truck, Wise Boys has been serving its mouth-watering vegan burgers to the masses since it opened a brick-and-mortar store in Grey Lynn in 2019 and a Commercial Bay outpost a few years later. With a menu of banging burgers featuring the likes of crispy fried ‘chicken’, smoky ‘bacon’ and BBQ jackfruit alongside a range of tempting sides, shakes and soft-serve sundaes, the hardest part is choosing what to order.
Metita, the elegant SkyCity restaurant helmed by Michael Meredith, continues to chart new territory in contemporary Pacific cuisine — pushing the envelope further recently with a fresh focus on plant-based dining. In a move that honours the region’s produce-driven roots, the restaurant now offers a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu, brimming with vibrant, thoughtful dishes that celebrate both tradition and technique. From the smokey intensity of charred corn tartlets with palusami purée to the umami-rich pairing of grilled oyster mushrooms and ulu, each plate is a lesson in flavour and finesse.
This off-the-beaten-track cafe makes for a cheap and cheerful lunch. Water Drop Vegetarian Cafe is situated in Flat Bush at the impressive Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, and no walk around the grounds is complete without a steaming laksa, BBQ bun or wonton noodle dish — all meat-free, of course.
Lovers of health and raw foods will appreciate Olivia from Breakfast Babes’ selection of delicious raw treats available online and at select retailers country-wide (including newly-opened boutique fitness studio, Redroom). If you find yourself craving a 3pm, guilt-free pick-me-up, you’ll certainly find a moreish treat sure to satiate your cravings.
A welcome addition to Westmere, Esarn Rocket is a lively Thai eatery serving up bold, homespun flavours with a fresh, contemporary spin. Alongside its crowd-pleasing classics, the menu offers an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan dishes — from crispy spring rolls and green papaya salad to fragrant tofu curries and stir-fries bursting with seasonal veg. Vibrant, affordable, and packed with flavour, Esarn Rocket makes plant-based dining feel anything but an afterthought.
Next time you find yourself in Ellerslie, follow the queue to Richoux Patisserie, the low-key bakery serving award-winning meat and vegan pies. With clever vegan renditions of mince and cheese pies, sausage rolls, doughnuts and custard tarts (to name just a few), this beloved bakery puts the utmost care into every one of its creations.
There’s always a line outside Sandringham’s Paradise, and for good reason. Whether you dine in, takeaway or peruse the buffet, there is plenty to satisfy vegetarian appetites. Choose from delights such as the vege manchurian, which sees dense vegetable dumplings fried and coated in an irresistible sauce, bagarey baigan with eggplant cooked in a tamarind gravy, or wholesome daal tadka with lentils, cumin and red chillies.
With big, bold flavours and a special vegetarian and gluten-free menu to boot, Hello Beasty ticks all our boxes for dining out with dietary requirements. The KFC (Korean fried cauliflower) gives the real deal a run for its money, plus dishes like the grilled mushroom pancake and charred broccolini can easily be tweaked to suit a vegan appetite.
Middle Eastern restaurant Ima has plenty to satiate non-meat-eaters throughout its delicious all-day menu. For lunch, we’d recommend the sabich pita. Described as the ‘king of sandwiches’, it’s filled to the brim with smooth hummus, charred eggplants, slices of fried potatoes, boiled eggs, tahini and amber, a fragrant Iraqi condiment. The vegetarian Middle Eastern platter for two will also hit the spot, comprising falafel, hummus, labneh, salad, pickles, olives, Lebanese cauliflower and spanakopita with pita.
With locations in Ponsonby, the CBD, and Milford, Khu Khu is an entirely vegan Thai restaurant that doesn’t skimp on flavour and finesse. Owner Michael Khuwattanasenee found himself struggling to find plant-based options when dining out, particularly in Asian eateries given their proclivity for not just meat, but also animal-based ingredients like fish and oyster sauces. Khuwattanasenee took matters into his own hands, reinventing the classics to create tempeh pad thai, kumara spring rolls, ‘duck’ drunken noodles and warming curries.
Since opening, the days where this plant-based patisserie hasn’t completely sold out are few and far between. Here the croissants are buttery and flakey, the delicate pastries perfectly made despite being entirely vegan, and the ‘ham’ and ‘cheese’ offering a personal favourite of the Denizen team.
If you’d like to chow down on some meat-free fare alongside a fellow steak-loving diner who wouldn’t be seen near a leaf of spinach, you’re both bound to find something to love at Devonport’s Vondel. The all-day eatery caters to both preferences, with a vegan crispy ‘chicken’ burger sitting next to a Wagyu beef burger on the menu. No need to compromise here.
The original raw, organic, vegan eatery, Little Bird is still going strong. Pop into its humming Ponsonby spot for the likes of the famous Bird Bowl, kimchi pancakes, dahl dosa and kumara hotcakes, or one of its utterly satiating smoothies and shakes — and make sure you don’t leave without a raw sweet treat.
Not only is this inner-city haunt home to some of the city’s most beloved vegan food, it serves up authentic Thai dishes without the addition of fish sauce or shrimp paste. At Sunflower, flavour isn’t compromised either, the joint famously serving up some of the most sought-after ‘prawn’ fried rice in town.
Infamous for its mac and cheese with ham off the bone, Soul Bar & Bistro offers a vegetarian version of this dish as well. In fact, Soul offers a wholly vegetarian menu, filled with meatless renditions of its regular dishes. For vegetarians, the ricotta filled tortelli with sunday sauce and calabrian chilli is too good to miss, while vegans can try an irresistible take on Soul’s ever-popular green goddess salad.
For those in the know (and vegans often are about these things), Jervois Road’s Janken has been touted as one of the best destinations in the country for plant-based foods. Offering a modern slant on traditional Japanese flavours, here the vegan offerings are plentiful, with ramen, sushi, and even a vegan Benedict breakfast.
At SkyCity’s Cassia, those who shy away from meat will find plenty of flavoursome dishes to dive into on Sid Sahrawat’s lauded menu. From the famous pani puri with potato, chickpea, and mint to the stir fry paneer with chickpeas, kumara, and vindaloo sauce, Sahrawat has always been known for the innovative and utterly delicious ways in which he reimagines vegetables on his menus.
For those who want to eat plant-based but still treat themselves, Tart Bakery’s sweet and savoury treats are the pinnacle. With a prime location in Grey Lynn, the bakery’s delicious European-style bread, pasty, pies, doughnuts and sandwiches are made fresh every day and all its food is vegan and free of animal products.
Having only opened its doors recently, Bowler has already become a fixture on Team Denizen’s weekly rotation, and for good reason. Serving nutritious and delicious salad bowls that you’ll actually want to eat, with plenty for both vegetarians and carnivores alike, alongside acai bowls and epic smoothies, this drop-in is well worthy of your attention.
St Kevins Arcade’s beloved Lebanese eatery, Gemmayze Street, is the perfect spot for vegetarians and non vegetarians to come together in culinary bliss, with plentiful options for both. Here, the hummus is famous and an essential order, as is the babaganouj which pairs smokey eggplant with cumin and pomegaranate, and vegetarians shouldn’t look past the jazar roasted carrots with cashew, fennugreek, and spiced granola. Simply sublime.
From an unexpected comeback to a podcast promising to sharpen your financial nous, plus, the new launches worthy of your wishlist, this is everything that has our attention this week.
From deep within New Zealand’s East Cape comes Te Ihi, a premium new wellness brand rooted in the land, culture, and the Māori healing traditions of the Ngāti Porou people. Te Ihi harnesses the potent power of certified UMF mānuka honey — harvested by Ngāti Porou, on Ngāti Porou land, to create high-performance products, from skin repair to healthcare (they even have an efficacious product for pets). Backed by a new extraction facility and a community-first approach, Te Ihi blends science and ancestral knowledge to deliver wellness and integrity. Launching in Aotearoa on the 24th July 2025.
Van Cleef & Arpels is never far from our radar, but the Fleurs d’Hawaï collection is what’s currently captured our attention — a radiant celebration of nature’s vibrant palette. Drawing inspiration from the Maison’s 1938 Hawaii collection, it reimagines floral elegance with pear-cut gemstones in the likes of rhodolite, citrine, amethyst, peridot, and aquamarine — crafted into delicate petals. The collection, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and a versatile secret watch, showcases the House’s signature blend of heritage and modernity, each piece as awe-inspiring as the last.
In a sharp and timely partnership, BNZ has teamed up with financial education platform The Curve to launch a refreshingly real property podcast — no jargon, no judgement, and definitely no pressure to be perfect. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to level up, it’s practical, empowering listening that meets you where you are.
Celine’s Spring 2026 collection marks Michael Rider’s assured debut — a refined, ready-to-wear line-up that balances quiet tailoring with crisp prep accents and a touch of vintage glam. Think sculpted blazers, slouchy trousers, silk scarves, and retro rugby knits, all styled with ease and intention. We’re especially taken by the accessories: chunky charms, looped belts, jazz-heeled boots, with stacks (and stacks) of personality.
Clean beauty with genuine performance? Aleph Beauty’s newly reformulated mascara is delivering both. Infused with lash-boosting bioactives, peptides, and plant-based waxes, it promises instant lift and definition — while actively supporting healthier, longer lashes over time. We’re loving the weightless, smudge-proof wear and the sleek, refillable glass vial (a sustainability win). Designed by local makeup artist Emma Peters, it’s vegan, non-toxic, and kind to both eyes and the planet — a daily staple with real skin-deep benefits.
Be it for those expecting, cutting back, or simply craving a killer drink without the hangover, Free AF’s new Mango Margarita is here to shake things up. Juicy mango, zesty lime, and a fiery citrus hit come together in this unapologetically bold zero-alc blend, finished with Free AF’s signature Afterglow for that warm, golden-hour feeling. It’s fun, tropical, and full-flavoured — the perfect pour when you want that Friday feeling, minus the booze. Cheers to that.
A meeting of form, function, and feeling, the Terra Basin by sculptor Gidon Bing and Raumform studio is a sculptural piece rooted in the landscapes of Aotearoa. Handcrafted from locally produced vitreous stoneware and offered in four evocative glazes, it blends traditional plaster turning with modern 3D modelling to present a piece that beautifully balances modernity and tradition. Minimal yet expressive, it reflects Raumform’s pursuit of material honesty — and Bing’s quiet mastery, honed in a seaside boatshed and admired the world over.
Terra 380 Round Vessel Basin Manuka from Plumbline
Terra 380 Round Vessel Basin Pumice from Plumbline
July is prime time for binge watching, and as much a we promote getting out and about and not letting winter put a dampener on your social life, there’s certainly a time and a place for a well-timed Netflix marathon or cosy trip to the cinema. Below, we round up the new releases worthy of a place on your watchlist, from captivating films to side-splitting series and more.
Too Much
When & Where to Watch: Netflix, July 10th Starring: Megan Statler and Will Sharpe
Lena Dunham returns behind the camera with Too Much, a sharp new series following an American who flees heartbreak in New York for a fresh start in London — only to fall for a charming musician. Created with Dunham’s trademark honesty and bite, it’s a funny, messy look at love, identity, and starting over in a city that doesn’t play by the same rules.
Happy Gilmore 2
When & Where to Watch: Netflix, July 25th Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, and Christopher McDonald
He’s older. He’s angrier. And he’s back. Happy Gilmore 2 sees the unlikely golf legend dragged out of retirement and into a game that’s changed — and not for the better. With smug new stars, viral rivalries, and corporate chaos on the course, Happy’s got one last shot to prove that heart (and a killer swing) still count for something. The fairway’s fiercer, the stakes are higher, and this time, it’s personal.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas, July 18th Starring: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, and Sarah Pidgeon
A year after the deadly accident at Reaper’s Curve, five friends are bound by a shared secret. Their attempt to move on is shattered when a mysterious killer begins stalking them, echoing the infamous Fisherman of Southport. Desperate, they turn to survivors Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) for help. As the past resurfaces, the line between hunter and hunted blurs in this chilling continuation of the iconic slasher saga.
The Hunting Wives
When & Where to Watch: Netflix, July 21st Starring: Malin Åkerman and Brittany Snow
Based on May Cobb’s bestselling novel, The Hunting Wives follows a restless suburban mother who’s drawn into a glamorous, secretive clique — where obsession, betrayal, and deadly consequences blur the line between friendship and fixation.
The Old Guard 2
When & Where to Watch: Netflix, out now Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Matthias Schoenaerts
Immortality comes at a price. In The Old Guard 2, Andy and her crew face a new threat in Discord, the world’s first immortal — and she’s not on their side. With loyalties tested and mortality creeping in, the fight to protect humanity has never been more brutal.
Foundation — Season Three
When & Where to Watch: Apple TV+, July 11th Starring: Jared Harris, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, and Terrence Mann
The future is fracturing. In Foundation Season 3, the battle for humanity’s survival intensifies as the story leaps 152 years forward. The Foundation has grown stronger, the Empire weaker—and war looms. As old powers clash and new players emerge, Hari Seldon’s prophecy is tested like never before in this sweeping, cerebral sci-fi epic.
Dexter: Resurrection
When & Where to Watch: Neon, July 11th Starring: Michael C. Hall
He’s not done yet. Dexter: Resurrection picks up weeks after 2021’s Dexter: New Blood, as Dexter Morgan wakes from a coma to a world turned upside down. With Harrison missing and his dark past closing in, he heads to New York City in search of redemption — or revenge. Ten new episodes promise a gripping return to the mind of TV’s most complicated antihero.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
When & Where to Watch: In cinemas, July 25th Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel’s First Family — Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) — as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, the team must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
Ballard
When & Where to Watch: Prime Video, out now Starring: Maggie Q, Titus Welliver
Bringing Michael Connelly’s bestselling novels to life, detective Renée Ballard returns in this Bosch spin-off, leading the LAPD’s underfunded cold case division. With a volunteer team and a relentless drive, she reopens decades-old cases, uncovering a dangerous conspiracy within the department. All 10 episodes are available for streaming today, offering a gritty and emotional crime drama.
For one night only, two of the most legendary names in Australasian hospitality are coming together for an unforgettable culinary collaboration.
On Wednesday 6th August, Sydney’s ever-iconic Icebergs Dining Room & Bar will cross the Tasman to team up with Auckland’s Soul Bar & Bistro for a night of laid-back luxury, bold flavours, and both establishments’ quintessential unfiltered fun. It’s a rare meeting of minds and moods — Icebergs, fresh off being named Restaurant Bar of the Year 2024, is as famous for its effortlessly cool parties as it is for its views of Bondi. Soul, always the life of the Viaduct, knows exactly how to match that energy — and bring their own unique brand of revelry-meets-refinement to the table.
Left: Bondi Icebergs’ Head Chef Alex Prichard. Right: Soul Bar & Bistro
Icebergs’ signature cocktails by Matty Opai
The evening begins with a little liquid welcome, before Icebergs’ Head Chef Alex Prichard presents a four-course menu designed for the occasion — all paired with drinks from New Zealand’s very own Matty Opai, Icebergs’ Beverage Director and Australian Bartender Magazine’s Bar Manager of the Year 2023. Expect his signature Icebergs cocktail, making its one-night-only New Zealand debut, alongside two matched wines, and a second cocktail served throughout.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Tickets are $170 per person, and include the full menu, cocktail reception, two matched wines, and two signature cocktails.
With all the anticipation of a night out in Bondi, but right here on our doorstep, this is set to be an unmissable occasion. Come hungry, thirsty, and ready to celebrate. Seats are limited, and we’d suggest booking your spot now, here.
As Paris unfurled its gilded salons for Fall 2025 Couture, the runway became a stage for reverie and rebellion in equal measure. This season, the maisons dialled up the emotion — showing craftsmanship not just as spectacle, but as statement. From sculptural silhouettes to whisper-thin sheers, and embroideries so intricate they blurred the line between garment and art, the collections were a testament to the enduring power of couture in a world craving substance. Whether quietly poetic or unapologetically theatrical, this was high fashion with high intention — each stitch stitched with purpose.
Glenn Martens’ couture debut at Maison Margiela was a masterclass in tension—between ruin and refinement, elegance and edge. Set in a shadowy, near-silent salon, the show unfolded like a whispered secret, with veiled models moving through the space as if haunted by history and haunted by beauty.
The silhouettes were deconstructed but deliberate: sharp shoulders softened by frayed hems, spliced coats that merged the codes of biker and bourgeois, organza layered over sculptural tailoring like a barely-there memory. Inside-out seams, visible linings, and distressed finishes weren’t flaws—they were the point.
This was couture with something to say, even if it didn’t shout. A darker, more introspective glamour—quietly radical, immaculately made. It was Margiela, through and through: raw, cerebral, and quietly unforgettable.
Schiaparelli Fall 2025 Couture: Surrealism Rewired
At Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry rewrote the rules — again. This season, the designer peeled back the theatrics (just slightly) to reveal a sharper, more refined surrealism, rooted in the house’s archival spirit but tailored for now. Think: reversed tailoring, sculptural silhouettes, and heartbeats — literally — worn at the throat.
Set against a noir-heavy palette, with flashes of blood red and optic white, the collection channelled pre-war Paris elegance through a modern, cerebral lens. Bias-cut gowns skimmed the body with precision, while contoured suiting, exposed back-closures, and trompe-l’œil details offered a wink to Elsa’s legacy. The pièce de résistance? A satin column with a fake torso draped backwards and a rhinestone heart pulsing like performance art.
The front row was equally head-turning — Cardi B cradling a (live) crow, Dua Lipa, Hunter Schafer — adding a charged energy to a show that felt intimate, clever, and quietly confrontational.
Schiaparelli reminded us: couture doesn’t need to scream to be unforgettable. Sometimes, it’s the whisper of fabric, the flip of a hem, or the thrum of a heartbeat that leaves the deepest mark.
Demna’s final couture collection for Balenciaga was less a send-off, more a cinematic epilogue—equal parts restrained and radical. Set against a shadowy backdrop, silhouettes swung between extremes: impossibly voluminous puffers, sculpted suiting worn by bodybuilders and featherweight waifs, and gowns so diaphanous they floated like smoke.
The codes were unmistakably Demna—hyper-tailoring, subversion, and a wink at nostalgia. Kim Kardashian’s headline moment in cream lace and 250 carats of diamonds channelled Elizabeth Taylor with a Balenciaga twist. Elsewhere, feathered opera coats and deconstructed corsetry hinted at Old Hollywood glamour, but warped just enough to keep you off balance.
The front row was equally high-wattage: Naomi Watts and daughter Kai, Lorde, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Yeoh, Cardi B and Katy Perry all in attendance, lending the show the mood of a final act worth witnessing.
This was couture not chasing beauty, but redefining it. Part satire, part sincerity, and all Demna—delivered with gravitas, humour, and an architect’s eye. A fitting farewell to a designer who never played it safe.
Giambattista Valli’s Fall 2025 Couture collection was a romantic whisper with real-world resonance. Shown in the intimacy of his Paris atelier — fresh from being honoured as Officier des Arts et des Lettres — it felt more like a love letter to the craft than a runway show.
Silhouettes floated, pleated and bloomed in his signature ultra-femininity: soft pastels, cloud-like tulle, sculptural bustiers and millefeuille skirts that looked like they might lift off the floor. Each piece was its own fragrant reverie, inspired by florals not just in print but in energy — Valli’s world smelled like roses, felt like silk, and moved like poetry.
But beneath the sugar-spun fantasy was a sharper statement: this wasn’t couture for decoration, but for the intelligent, self-assured woman who wears beauty like armour. No spectacle, no theatrics — just quiet drama, masterful craft, and a subtle celebration of strength.
For its final couture collection before Matthieu Blazy’s highly anticipated arrival, Chanel’s in-house studio delivered a quietly exquisite farewell — rooted in heritage, elevated in tone. Staged in a softly lit salon above the Grand Palais, the setting mirrored the original spirit of 31 rue Cambon: intimate, understated, impeccably Chanel.
The collection paid tribute to Coco’s love of the Scottish countryside — tweed coats in earthy tones, feathered capes, sheepskin bouclé, and mohair suiting all grounded with stompy boots and pastoral polish. But this was no costume drama. The palette was refined: cream, tobacco, forest green, plum. Every detail — an oversize bow, a gold wheat motif, a camellia appliqué — whispered craftsmanship over theatrics.
Eveningwear softened the mood, with frayed tulle skirts, gauzy chiffon blouses, and a finale bride cradling a wheat-sheaf bouquet in place of tradition.
The front row was a study in cool grace: Lorde, Naomi Campbell, Paris Opera étoile Hannah O’Neill, Jennie Kim, and Sofia Coppola each brought their distinct presence — effortless, thoughtful, and unmistakably Chanel.
This was Chanel doing what it does best: quiet confidence, with intention. A closing note, before a new era begins.
Hannah O’Neill
Lorde
Naomi Campbell
Iris van Herpen Fall 2025 Couture: Where Science Meets Surrealism
Iris van Herpen’s Fall 2025 Couture collection is a hypnotic fusion of art, technology, and craftsmanship—pure innovation woven into fabric. This season, the Dutch designer plunges into the interplay between the organic and the engineered, crafting garments that feel like wearable sculptures from another dimension.
Think shimmering 3D-printed textures layered with ethereal organza, delicate lace dissolving into unexpected architectural shapes, and a palette that oscillates between muted earth tones and flashes of electric cobalt. Each piece pulses with movement, as if caught mid-transformation.
Van Herpen’s mastery lies in her refusal to be bound by convention. Instead, she invites us into a future where fashion bends physics—where garments breathe, ripple, and respond. It’s couture reimagined for the curious and the bold.
For those who crave more than just clothes—who seek statements that push boundaries—this collection is a siren call.
Maria Grazia Chiuri returned to her roots for Dior’s Fall 2025 couture show, transforming the gardens of Rome’s Villa Albani Torlonia into an ethereal tableau. The guest list, dressed entirely in white, set the tone for a collection that felt more like a whispered memory than a fashion spectacle.
What followed was a procession of impossibly delicate looks—diaphanous silk gowns, openwork lace, gilded embroidery and trompe-l’œil florals—all in a palette of ivory, sand, and soft gold. Chiuri’s silhouettes held a quiet strength: structured coats softened by flowing hems, sheer layers grounded by precise tailoring.
This was couture as ceremony. A deeply personal ode to Roman elegance and feminine resilience, told through clothes that spoke in soft tones but left a lasting impression. It wasn’t about shock or scale—it was about the emotional weight of restraint, and the kind of craftsmanship that doesn’t shout for attention, but earns it.
And the front row? Just as captivating. Natalie Portman embodied quiet grace in sheer Dior organza, while Rosamund Pike, Alexandra Daddario, Ashley Park, and Han So-hee offered masterclasses in monochrome elegance.
This winter, a host of the city’s top eateries are inviting you to revel in the season’s richest pairing: duck and Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir. A match of boldness and finesse, it’s a perfect winter pairing that deserves to be lingered over — and the experts at Savor Group have lined up seven distinctive dishes across six of their most beloved venues to honour it.
Ortolana’s Pappardelle with braised duck leg, tamarillo and pinot noir ragu, and orange gremolata
From the hand-folded duck and porcini tortelloni at Bivacco, bathed in golden consommé, to the truffle-kissed raviolo at Non Solo Pizza, every plate has been thoughtfully composed to echo the earthy elegance of Cloudy Bay’s iconic Marlborough drop. At Ortolana, duck gets a double take — both in a silken liver parfait with tamarillo chutney and a comforting pappardelle with braised leg and pinot noir ragu. Over at Amano, expect a playful nod to the classic parfait, matched with rhubarb and fennel-orange mostarda.
Bivacco’ Duck and porcini Tortelloni with oyster mushrooms and consommé
For a Japanese-inspired twist, Ebisu’s aburi duck nigiri is delicate yet decadent, glazed with five spice plum soy and lifted with yuzu. Azabu brings the heat with roasted master stock half-duck, infused with star anise and orange, served with steamed bok choy.
Non Solo Pizza’s Duck, ricotta & chives raviolo with caramelised onion puree, fresh herbs, and truffle jus
Each venue offers something singular, yet all celebrate the same seasonal philosophy: depth, richness, and the pleasure of a perfectly poured Pinot. Available now for a limited time, these distinct dishes are made for crisp evenings and good company.
Now showing at ECC’s Auckland showroom, Imperfettolab makes a striking debut with a collection that exists somewhere between sculpture and furniture. The Italian design studio, founded on a philosophy of intentional imperfection, transforms fibreglass into poetic, functional objects — pieces that are as tactile as they are visually powerful.
Each form is made by hand, sanded and shaped to reveal the raw beauty of its material. No two are alike. This is a collection where elegance comes from restraint, and personality from process. Chairs, tables, vessels, and objects take on organic, otherworldly silhouettes — sometimes referencing nature, sometimes pure abstraction — always with a quiet sense of gravity.
“In every creation, beauty lies in the imperfections,” the studio says of its work. “Which are nothing but the meticulous craftsmanship of the fibreglass, cleverly sanded to unleash its natural charm.” The result is a kind of visual weightlessness, grounded by substance.
Imperfettolab is no stranger to the global design world — their work is beloved by collectors and specifiers alike — but this is the first time their pieces have been available to experience in person in Aotearoa. ECC has long admired the studio’s boundary-pushing aesthetic, and now invites local audiences to do the same.
The collection is available now in ECC’s Auckland showroom.
This August, a soulful fusion is coming to the table, and it’s your invitation to step out of your culinary comfort zone and try something new. In honour of Jamaican Independence Day on August 6th, esteemed chef Gareth Stewart is returning to his roots for an intimate, one-night-only dinner at Advieh Restaurant & Bar, alongside Director of Parasol & Company Adam Neal and Appleton Estate Rum.
More than just an evening of exceptional, flavour-packed, and intriguingly nuanced food and drink, the event is a deeply personal homage to Gareth’s Jamaican heritage — signalling an evocative journey through the flavours, rituals, and memories that shaped his childhood.
Director of Parasol & Company Adam Neal (left) & chef Gareth Stewart (right)
Raised on the scent of stews simmering in his grandmother’s kitchen and the vibrancy of extended family meals, Gareth’s connection to Jamaican cuisine runs deep. His grandparents migrated from Jamaica to the UK in the 1950s, bringing with them a legacy of flavour.
Drawing on this, the menu he’s crafted for this special event is both nostalgic and inventive — and above all, deeply personal. Think jerk lamb ribs, inspired by the spirited rivalry between his Aunties Wendy and Sonia; saltfish and ackee reimagined into delicate fritters; and a rich, rum-soaked Toto cake — pan-fried and served with mango sorbet and coconut crema.
Enjoy a celebration of Jamaican heritage
Experience Adam’s expressive cocktail menu using Appleton Estate’s premium aged rums
To match the thoughtful fare, Adam Neal has designed an equally expressive cocktail menu using Appleton Estate’s premium aged rums. Expect drinks that speak to the same emotional depth and cultural richness as the dishes they accompany — highlighting the warmth of allspice, the fire of scotch bonnet, the brightness of citrus, and the velvety complexity of heritage rum.
Each cocktail has been exclusively designed by Adam Neal for the one-night-only event
Set within the warm intimacy of Advieh Restaurant & Bar, the evening is guaranteed to be bold, immersive, and utterly unforgettable. A true celebration of identity, craftsmanship, and connection — brought to life through story-rich food and expertly crafted cocktails.
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