Cartier’s enduring emblem of romance, the Love bracelet, continues to evolve while retaining its unmistakable symbolism: a union of passion and permanence. First imagined in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, its locked oval form became an instant icon, an avant-garde declaration of devotion. Now, more than five decades later, the Maison unveils Love Unlimited, a new interpretation adorned with supple gadrooned links, designed to sit within the Love repertoire alongside the small, classic, and medium variations.
Polaroids by Sophia Coppola
To celebrate the collection’s arrival, Cartier has appointed Australian actor Jacob Elordi as its newest ambassador and reunited him with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola, who previously directed him in Priscilla. Together, the pair channel the legacy of Love through a film shot on location in New York, a city that has always been central to the bracelet’s story.
Coppola’s film captures the quiet intimacy of a romantic weekend in Manhattan, following Elordi through a golden haze of light and emotion. Known for her ability to turn mood into narrative, Coppola approached the project with signature restraint. “Since it’s for love, it should feel close to him,” she explains. “It’s an idea of a romantic weekend in New York, when you’re with someone you love and you don’t want to do much but just hang out.” The result feels cinematic yet deeply personal, a modern meditation on connection, possibility and nostalgia.
The collaboration also bears a familial touch, with Elordi’s sister, photographer Isabella Elordi, capturing behind-the-scenes moments throughout the shoot. The candid images add warmth and authenticity that mirror the bracelet’s ethos: intimate, enduring, and quietly powerful.
“It’s my great pleasure to work with Sofia again,” Elordi shares. “It pays tribute to love, and to the artistic spirit of New York and the movies inspired by it.” That sentiment, love meeting art and memory meeting modernity, sits at the heart of Cartier’s creative evolution.
Q&A with Jacob Elordi
What was it like stepping into this creative journey? Shooting the project in New York was really special. LOVE has such a strong connection to New York and its cinematic history, and that’s the feeling we wanted to bring to life. Having my sister Isabella, there, capturing moments along the way, made it all the more personal for me.
How did it feel to reunite with Sofia Coppola on this project? It’s always a joy to work with Sofia. After Priscilla, reconnecting felt really natural. There’s an ease between us; we understand each other creatively and have a shared view of the work.
What speaks to you about the Cartier LOVE collection and its new ‘Unlimited’ twist? The LOVE bracelet has always had something iconic about it. It represents more than just a piece of jewellery. The new Unlimited version adds something unexpected and modern.
How does jewellery inspire you? I don’t think of jewellery as direct inspiration, but there are pieces I always wear because of what they mean to me. It’s not about their value, it’s about the memories attached to them. I like treasures and trinkets, they moor me.
What’s it like working with a maison as legendary as Cartier? I’m really excited about this new chapter. Cartier has such a rich legacy, particularly in cinema. It’s timeless, but also always evolving. It’s an honour to be part of their story in any way.
Is there anything quite as satisfying as tucking into a flavourful, vibrant plate of Mexican ? Luckily, in Auckland there are certainly no shortage of tasty taquerias and casual cantinas to find your fix, from cheap and cheerful to more elevated takes, and a veritable spectrum in between. Here, we round up a (non-exhaustive) edit of some of the best in the game, perfect for indulging in when the craving strikes.
If you’ve walked through Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats recently, you’ll have noticed the queue — a sure sign that Mokki, the city’s newest wellness-meets-indulgence spot, has quickly found its following. Riding the dual waves of our ongoing matcha and açaí obsession, this sleek new spot is bringing both trends together under one minimalist, pastel-toned roof.
From the team behind the much-loved Oh Açaí market stall, Mokki takes its cues from matcha bars and açaí spots globally, bringing the two together with an emphasis on both quality and aesthetics. Here, ceremonial-grade matcha is whisked to velvety perfection in classic lattes or layered creations like the strawberry matcha, complete with real fruit purée, or the very well-Instagrammed ‘Matchamisu Latte’ — a tasty hybrid of dessert and drink that feels suitably decadent yet virtuous enough to justify a second round.
Matcha is accompanied by their signature organic açaí bowls. Mokki’s tasty, antioxidant-rich açaí soft serve base is topped with a host of fruit, granola, nut butters and more — a feast for the eyes as much as they are for the palette.
Whether you’re fuelling up between meetings or simply after a midday mood boost, Mokki offers the kind of easy, feel-good ritual Auckland’s been craving — and if the line out front is anything to go by, this is a spot worthy of your attention.
A landmark new residential offering, Pillars is set to redefine luxury living across two distinctive addresses: the urban elegance of College Hill, and the refined intimacy of Dublin Street.
Responding to the duality of our urban lifestyles, Pillars feels perfectly aligned as the development Auckland has been waiting for. A bold, design-led offering that responds to the growing desire for homes that are both architecturally striking and genuinely liveable. Conceived by award-winning developer Precinct, this exclusive collection of 20 two-three bedroom homes (with additional media rooms) unfolds across one of the city’s most picturesque ridge lines with it’s vantage point serving a visual symphony of both shimmering water, and our vibrant cityscape.
The coveted, top of the ridge site spans 2,364 square metres between College Hill, Freemans Bay and Dublin Street, St Marys Bay, affording the best of both worlds, with the vibrancy of Ponsonby on your doorstep, and the serenity of St Marys Bay in your backyard.
College Hill, Freemans Bay’s front facade
Embracing this theme of duality, the architecture and interior design, conceived by Jasmax, expresses two distinct interpretations of modern luxury, each tailored to its streetscape and united by a shared commitment to enduring design and exceptional craftsmanship. Each home is crafted with meticulous detail to enhance the rhythms of modern life while offering a sanctuary of calm, comfort, and privacy. These are homes that are still connected to the vibrancy of urban life, yet refined by a quiet elegance that feels entirely homely.
Pillars of College
At 99 College Hill, Freemans Bay, 16 light-filled apartments are set across four levels, many capturing awe-inspiring, sweeping harbour and city views that continually transform from sunrise to sunset, when the glittering lights of our vibrant skyline come to life.
Pillars of College, Freemans Bay
Elevating its presence further, the building’s sculptural façades, fluted concrete detailing, and generous balconies echo the rhythm of urban living. Refined, expansive, and effortlessly connected, these homes balance bold architectural presence with quiet, everyday luxury and ease. The curved, fluted forms of the exterior create a striking silhouette from the street, while also providing natural rhythm and privacy to the homes within. Taking everyday luxury lifestyle elements into consideration, details such as the depth of the balconies have been carefully conceived, maximising on the spectacular view while encouraging outdoor living.
Inside, Jasmax has curated homes that feel as timeless as they do contemporary. Dual-aspect floorplans allow sunlight to move fluidly through the interiors, while open layouts invite a sense of ease. Soft material palettes lend each interior a sense of calm, warmth and permanence, while modern essentials, such as secure parking with EV infrastructure, private lift access, abundant storage, and sustainability features that prioritise health, comfort, and long-term efficiency, are seamlessly integrated across both addresses.
Pillars of College’, featuring its northern façade and gardens
Four of the ground-floor apartments open onto private, landscaped gardens, ideal for those who want to rightsize, but not compromise on outdoor space.
Pillars of Dublin
For those seeking a more intimate expression of contemporary living, Pillars of Dublin in St Marys Bay offers just four boutique homes. Situated along one of Auckland’s most iconic villa-lined streets, here, the neighbourhood’s heritage cues are reimagined through a modern lens.
Pillars of Dublin, St Marys Bay
Pillar-like vertical accents reference the past; gabled rooflines and deep-set balconies hint at tradition. And yet, every material detail, from the botanical landscaping to the sumptuous interiors, speaks to a new era of understated luxury.
This address is a quiet revelation, one that feels at once connected and discreet. Designed with scale, privacy and light in mind, each home unfolds with clarity and grace. The north-facing living areas extend to lush gardens or elevated balconies, inviting a sense of openness rarely found in inner-city homes. Inside, the flexible floorplans cater to a range of lifestyles, with two-three bedrooms plus a media room, generous storage, and subtle zoning between private and shared spaces.
understated luxurious interiors
The architecture carefully respects the character of the street, but elevates it through refined detailing and contemporary composition. Ribbed concrete and GRC panelling create texture and rhythm, while internal finishes balance sculptural form with natural tactility. While the interiors lean warm and welcoming, with natural textures, soft tones, and an enduring palette setting the perfect backdrop for daily life. Sustainability, too, has a part to play, with the use of eco-certified materials and high-performance insulation ensuring year-round comfort and long-term efficiency.
The result is a series of homes that are deeply rooted in their context, yet quietly progressive in their execution. Places that speak to the elegance of the past while embracing the freedoms of modern life.
Step into a lifestyle of elevation without compromise
At its core, Pillars is designed for how people live now. Flexible enough to adapt to our evolving needs, yet timeless in its aesthetic. Whether you’re seeking the lock-and-leave freedom of apartment living, or simply looking to be closer to the vibrancy of Ponsonby, these homes offer a lifestyle of elevation without compromise. The outlooks are impressive, the detailing exquisite, and every line, surface and proportion has been designed to enhance daily life.
*All images are artist‘s impressions only. Subject to final design.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Alice Mahran | 10 Oct 2025
In a wedding as deeply considered and rich with meaning as the love story that underpins it, Ashley and Jordan Elcham vowed their forever in Rome.
Ashley and Jordan Elcham’s story began at university, where they shared a study group and later, a friendship group long before romance blossomed. “We were friends for a good year before we even thought about dating,” Ashley recalls. “Being friends first really grounded us — it built a strong foundation of trust and understanding that has been so integral to our relationship.” It’s a friendship that remains at the heart of their love, and on the day they married a decade later, that same study group stood alongside them as witnesses.
They finally took the leap from friends to something more during a holiday in Italy, but there were already feelings there, “Because we’re both third-generation Lebanese, our core values are ingrained in our heritage, but we both definitely have a modern approach to our culture,” Ashley tells me, “It was really nice to meet someone so level-headed that struck that same balance. It all just felt so organic.”
As seems to be a central thread in the Sydney-based couple’s journey, the evolution to couple from friends was more a natural progression than anything. “I landed in Nice, and [Jordan] came to the airport to pick me up. We drove to Portofino, and that same day he asked me to be his girlfriend,” says Ashley, “Because that’s where our next chapter began, there’s always been this resonance with Italy for us — it’s always been an important part of our story.” Years later, in the heart of Rome, surrounded by the people who know them best, they tied the knot.
The connection to Rome was something that, according to Ashley, felt predestined. “It was meant to be,” she says with a smile, recounting the moment it all began, when Jordan proposed to her at the Nobu in Santorini as a string quartet played on the balcony below. The next destination on their holiday itinerary was Rome, where they spent a week with Ashley’s sister and her Roman-born partner, who showed them how the locals live. The connection was instantaneous, and the pair began exploring venues right then and there.
“We’d always wanted a destination wedding,” says Ashley, “It was something we spoke about a lot because, while our culture is beautiful, there’s a phrase in Lebanese which essentially speaks to this obligation that you feel to invite your grandmother’s neighbour to your wedding,” she laughs. “Because Jordan and I are quite private, we didn’t want a huge event, and a destination wedding meant intimacy.”
Upon returning from their engagement trip, Ashley — a visual merchandising and store planning executive for Van Cleef & Arpels, and Jordan, who works in his family’s luxury property development business, set to work planning, employing the consultancy services of renowned Australian planners, After the Rock. It was this team who put the pair in touch with destination wedding planner, Chiara Raine of Avenue Cipresso, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Just over a year later, they returned to say yes to forever. Ashley and Jordan were married on the eighth day of the eighth month — a date chosen not just for its auspicious symbolism in Chinese culture (depicting eternity, among other things), but for the fact that it also marked eight years since they made it official.
The celebrations began two days prior to the official ceremony at Ristorante Da Meo Patacca in Trastevere — a rustic, authentic Roman eatery discovered through Ashley’s sister’s boyfriend the year prior. With its simple wooden tables, alternating-colour tablecloths, and live guitar and tambourine music, the restaurant’s charm needed no adornment, and in fact set the tone for the entire four-day celebration: authentic Italian, with a touch of the Elchams. Ashley wore a lace Rabanne dress with Valentino shoes and Dior earrings, while Jordan opted for a bespoke Tailor & Co. suit. A vintage teal Fiat Spider ferried the couple through the cobblestone streets to the venue, a detail Jordan took great pleasure in planning.
The following day was quiet and intimate, with Ashley and Jordan sharing private vows — captured by their videographers, Plus Two Films. Later, they wandered the city with photographer Alice Mahran, capturing iconic locations from the Spanish Steps to the Jardin de Russie. Ashley wore a Mirror Palais dress, Tiffany pearls, and Valentino heels, and Jordan wore Rag & Bone paired with custom Tailor & Co.
On August 8th, the ceremony unfolded in the 17th-century Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, its soaring ceilings and frescoed walls offering a dramatic, sacred backdrop to their vows. “It’s one of the city’s most historic churches,” Ashley tells me. “We wanted a place that felt timeless, and that carried the story of the city with it.”
A string quartet played throughout the ceremony, with a close friend’s debut tenor performance of Ave Maria adding to the emotion of the occasion once they’d said I do. The aisle was lined with flickering candles; the entranceway flanked by vases brimming with white roses and an abundance of wild greenery in garden vases. Ashley worked closely with Australian designer Jessica Andreatta to create a gown that felt entirely her own — a blend of 1950s couture silhouettes, Grace Kelly elegance, and vintage Christian Dior with a hint of McQueen drama. Her scalloped, three-metre mantilla veil swept the floor, and lace gloves echoed the old-world reverence of the church setting in a seamless blend of vintage romance and modern grace. Bridesmaids wore simple halter necks in soft pastels, created in collaboration with Australian label Redrew, inspired by ’90s Ralph Lauren to complement the timeless mood.
Jewellery held deep personal meaning for both the bride and groom: Tiffany & Co. studs borrowed from Ashley’s mother, a diamond pendant gifted from her father, and her engagement ring completed the bride’s ensemble. Jordan wore heirloom touches, including a family diamond ring and a Zodiaque pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels, gifted by Ashley in the years prior.
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was also the most unexpected. The exchange of crowns — a beautiful tradition symbolising equality and unity in marriage, was a surprise to the bride and groom on the day, “Wearing the crowns felt so special; it was about honouring not just our love, but the partnership we’ve built.”
Family and heritage — foundational to both Ashley and Jordan; another bond that binds them — was woven through every moment. “Food and dancing are so important to us, and also key to our culture,” Ashley shares. “It was essential for us to bring those elements into the day.” Their reception, held at the iconic Hotel De La Ville, was an Italian feast that honoured those values, with a warm and intimate atmosphere that felt both celebratory and deeply personal. In lieu of a welcome sign, Ashley and Jordan had a welcome poem titled ‘The Meaning of Marriage’, which perfectly depicted their union. There, against the backdrop of Rome’s skyline, they joined their bridal party for a final photoshoot before their guests descended into the Mosaico Garden Courtyard for an elegant reception dinner.
The evening was punctuated by personalised details, from custom pasta bowls inscribed with ‘The Elchams’ to hand-lettered menus by Eau De Papier Illustration; all carefully conceived details that were designed to honour the union of marriage, their own unique journey, and the city of Rome itself. Custom fans were embellished with the inscription: ‘When in love, do as the lovers do,’ — the closing line of a poem titled ‘When in Rome’ that became a sort of overarching sentiment woven throughout the celebrations.
As twilight fell, Ashley changed into a simple Victoria Beckham slip — a gift from Jordan that he suggested she throw on at the last minute for their first dance (nervous, after seeing her wedding gown, that he wouldn’t be able to pull off a lift with such a voluminous dress). The dance went off without a hitch; they feasted on pasta and gelato, drank champagne and limoncello spritz, and danced the night away with the ones they love the most.
The following day, they gathered their guests for a recovery brunch in the courtyard of Hotel de Russie, another famous Roman venue, to conclude a truly perfect celebration.
In the end, it wasn’t just the city, the settings, or even the meticulous detail that made their wedding unforgettable — it was the feeling of joy in its purest form. “It’s hard to describe,” Ashley reflects. “I just remember waking up when it was over, looking over at Jordan, and thinking — that was perfect.”
As was always the intention, their wedding, at its heart, was a reflection of everything they’ve built together: a quiet confidence, a shared vision, and a love grounded in the solid foundation of friendship — destined to endure as eternally as the city where their future together truly began.
Far from flirty or frivolous, this season’s collections are giving the most traditionally feminine hue a bold reimagining.
It’s high time to consider pink — from bubblegum to blush — back, in a major way. From structured tailoring to stiffer denim or a cashmere cardigan, the shade we’re currently coveting is anything but cutesie. There’s the simplicity of Harris Tapper’s Garbo Dress, powder pink power suiting à la Alex Perry, and LOEWE’s Low-Rise Barrel Jean all currently vying for our attention.
Not totally sold? Start small and dip a toe in the colour pool by first accessorising with fine jewellery or reach for that patent leather clutch. Baby (pink) steps before you’re rose-tinted everything.
After shuttering its doors a few months back, beloved Korean eatery Ockhee left a void in Auckland’s dining scene, particularly when it comes to authentic-yet-approachable Korean food. Luckily, the owners have opened a new venue in the exact same spot, this time solely focused on takeaways. The basis of Double Dog the same as Ockhee, to a degree — Korean favourites approached through a modern lens, but the format has shifted to lend itself to grab-and-go fare that still packs a punch on the flavour front.
The ‘K-spag’ bowl
On the menu you’ll find the likes of rice bowls, noodles, fried chicken, and perhaps the star of the show, Korean hot dogs, as well as a slew of satisfying sides. The rice bowls run the gamut from gooey BBQ tofu or chicken to bulgogi beef, gochujang pork or chicken, and the more traditional bibimbap, while the noodle bowls lean a little more adventurous, with a hero ‘K-spag’ bowl featuring a mix of knife-cut noodles with stir-fried pork crumble, veg, and gochujang sauce. Ockhee’s beloved ‘Japchae’ also appears on the menu.
Left to right: The BBQ Tofu Gooey & Fried chicken glazed in Sweet Chilli sauce
Fried chicken comes either with or without the bone, and is available in an array of flavours from honey-glazed to butter fried, and sides span chilli cheese crinkle-cut chips to dumplings, ‘tofu munch’ (crispy tofu bites and rice cakes (tteokbokki) glazed in sweet chilli sauce with roasted peanuts) to house-made kimchi.
The ‘Chilli Cheese Dog’
But, the pièce de résistance is the Korean-influenced hot dogs. Available in three flavours, Double Dog’s take on an American hot dogs is anything but ordinary. The ‘Chilli Cheese Dog’ pairs cumin and cayenne-spiced beef chilli with chopped onion and tomato, while the ‘Pizza Dog’ features pork sausage, DD tomato paste, capsicum, onion, cheese, and pepperoni. The most intriguing of the bunch, however, is the ‘Smokey Pork Dog’ — a flavourful mix of pork sausage with gochujang and soybean paste, Korean soy sauce, tomato paste, onion, zucchini, spring onion, and cabbage. All three invite you to step outside of your culinary comfort zone (just a touch) and try something unique.
Ultimately, Double Dog follows in the footsteps of its predecessor Ockhee, offering vibrant, balanced, and satisfying Korean food that is made for how we eat today — on the go.
Wine expert David Nash of Studio Nash and The Wine Room shares his expertise on why fine wine is a sound investment.
Once upon a time, your typical fine wine investor had to fit a certain profile. Nowadays, things are opening right up, explains The Wine Room‘s expert and connoisseur, David Nash.
David Nash of Studio Nash and The Wine Room
“Until very recently, the wine world was a closed society,” Nash begins. “You had to earn your stripes just to meet the gatekeepers and buy serious investment pieces.”
“At The Wine Room, for example, you can use our concierge service when taking a cellar space underground. This taps you into a global network of access and a knowledge base of what to buy and when,” he notes. “We encourage new clients to attend our wine dinners to learn about the rarity and why these wines are so exceptional and sought after. This kind of experience is attracting a financially savvy (and much younger) buyer, plus a lot more women than ever before. It’s the best part of launching on Auckland’s College Hill, seeing this new wave of people getting the wine bug. Any wine industry report will tell you that young people don’t drink wine. Believe me, they do, they just don’t want to do it in the way the industry has prescribed for the past 100 years.”
Below, take heed of Nash’s top tips for anyone looking to dip a toe into the ever-illusive world of investing in fine wine.
01.
Think of wine as a liquid investment— and one that’s already proven its resilience. “The first major positive, fine wine or rare whisky, unlike equities, is an asset that you can lend against; it’s one of the only markets that has maintained or increased in value during volatile economic times,” Nash notes. “Over the past two years, investment in wine gave better returns than gold and crude oil. So it’s no wonder that people are switching to it as a portfolio diversifier. The other positive? You can drink it.”
02.
Consider your returns. “When you think about the major market crashes in the late 1980s, 2000s and Covid era up until now, a solid long-term 10 percent return would have been rather pleasant for those in the know.”
03.
Cellar and store correctly to reap the rewards. “It’s hard to think of any other consumable product that in most cases, will get incrementally better over time,” Nash explains. “There’s a pretty euphoric moment that follows opening up a prized bottle someone may have inherited with some serious age. The cork comes out in one and it’s pure liquid gold inside.”
04.
Do your due diligence. “Similar to buying a house, the seller of an investment piece must disclose everything they know about the wine and how it was stored,” Nash explains. “Upon purchase, you can request a condition report. You would be horrified at the incredible bottles that have been hiding in a hall cupboard, the dusty garage, or worse, under the house for twenty-something years. These conditions will dull the wines if not render them to vinegar. At The Wine Room, we have double redundancy in temperature and humidity control, fixed at the perfect conditions for long-term storage. We can certify these conditions for investors, so they can re-enter the market with the confidence that they can reach maximum return.”
05.
Diversify your portfolio. “I see a lot of very impressively sized cellars around the world, and you can instantly see, ‘oh, 1990 to 2000 was your Pinot Noir era.’ Or error. Buying too much of one thing or one producer based on an experience or passion. I know there are a few New Zealand producers who have marketed wines for a long time now as serious collectors’ pieces — now all that wine is hitting the market at the exact same time, fifteen years later. Prices have dropped due to the sudden influx.”
06.
Start local. “As New Zealanders, we’re in the box seat to take advantage of these gains,” says Nash. “Producers like Kumeu River, Bilancia and Felton Road are three good examples — producers that are at the ceiling of how much wine they can produce vs global demand. So what’s next? The market will drive the prices up. All three of those producers could sell all their top wines before they’re even made. I always buy as much as I can from these producers.”
07.
Consider the holy trinity — vintage, brand and scarcity value. “While critics and wine scores do play a role, in the true fine wine space, many producers choose not to engage too heavily with reviews as it can be dangerous. A critic is just one opinion — many are experts, but an unjust review can have a lasting impact.”
08.
Lean on the experts and do your homework. “For novice investors looking for guidance, start with one of our many wine dinners. All are either hosted by myself or by the very best winemakers in the country who are incredibly generous with their knowledge and have a fantastic way of making wine easy, accessible and fun. When guiding clients in building a cellar that balances both pleasure and potential, we have the traffic light system in all the cellars we set up. Green, grab and enjoy anytime with anyone. Amber will increase in value over time and offer serious drinking enjoyment. As for red? Consider these bottles very special wines that you should consider holding.”
09.
Forecast what’s next. “In terms of trends, the classics still reign supreme as there is a global market for them. Bordeaux is falling out of fashion with collectors, despite historically being the foundation of a great cellar. Personally, I believe in looking to the sides as a great investment strategy. What are the winemakers drinking? They usually have their great finger on the pulse of what’s next. Germany, South Africa, South America, Japan and China — all savvy regions that could seriously skyrocket in time.”
Victoria-based designer Sally Knibbs of Sally Caroline utilises natural stone and the versatility of mixed metals in this playful seaside residence, located on the fringes of Melbourne’s leafy Middle Park.
Sally Knibbs of Sally Caroline‘s directive was clear when tasked with reimagining a bayside Melbourne residence — optimise the view and soften sharp edges for a young family of four. Yet Knibbs’ approach throughout the 760 square-metre Middle Park home is anything but simplistic. Layered textiles, hand-rendered stonemasonry and molten metals collide, bringing depth and dimension to a previously angular and otherwise restricted architectural home. The interiors atelier paid close attention to the heart of the home — the kitchen — reworking the floor plan in a bid to herald the horizon line and better highlight the home’s spectacular outlook, a calming combination of cityscape and coastal views.
The result? A masterclass in nuanced, natural materials (think sheets of warped stainless and solid blocks of green veined marble) all while ushering in the coastline.
In the kitchen, Knibbs reoriented the focal point to face the bay. The space, now anchored by a monastic kitchen island hand-crafted from solid blocks of Arebescato, Brescia Green and Menta marble, speaks to both the designer’s penchant for natural stone and the necessity of modern family living. The stainless steel cabinetry is finished with bronze pulls, adding both artistry and warmth.
Upstairs, Knibbs looked to the light, removing heavy banquette seating in favour of a whimsical lounge setting, now positioned toward the bay to offer unobstructed views of the water. The dining den — now located to the northern side of the split level property — opts for warmth and convivial togetherness over fuss and formality. The designer leaned on materials wherever possible, cladding custom pieces in leather, bronze or stainless steel, to better reflect the home’s unparalleled outlook.
Custom pieces by the designer’s own studio decorate all three floors — leather-clad or hammered in bronze — in keeping with Knibbs’ own design sensibility. A whimsical perspex artwork by Sydney-based Dale Frank, a sourced rug by California core Kelly Wearstler and a tattooed credenza by Tyler Hays of American design studio BDDW all feel ultimately at home in a space that finely balances coastal calm, creativity and craftsmanship.
In the heart of Parnell, Elysian introduces a rare opportunity. Developed with Crosson Architects with interiors by Sarah Foote, the luxury residences sit across five levels, including two sweeping penthouses, setting a new benchmark for apartment living.
For many, the appeal of downsizing is not about living with less — it’s about living with more freedom. More time, more ease, more connection to the things that truly matter. In Parnell, Elysian presents an opportunity that speaks directly to this shift: 16 luxury residences, including two landmark penthouses, designed to offer permanence, privacy, and a new way of living well.
Left: Apartment 103. Right: Apartment 303
Developed with Crosson Architects with interiors by Sarah Foote, Elysian has been conceived as a place where quality and longevity take precedence over excess. Clad in stone with bronze-toned detailing, the architecture feels timeless; within, interiors are intentionally calm and effortless, allowing each home to reflect the lives and personalities of its residents. “Quiet luxury is the foundation,” notes Foote. “These are spaces designed for ease, with materials and layouts that will feel just as relevant decades from now.”
The Penthouse 502
For downsizers, the penthouses crown the experience. Spanning 308m² (including a 66m² terrace) and 295m² (including a 54m² terrace), they combine expansive scale with low-maintenance ease. Minimum 2.9-metre ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glazing open the homes to uninterrupted harbour views, while wraparound terraces offer privacy and seamless indoor-outdoor living — without the upkeep of a standalone house. Here, the shift to apartment living doesn’t mean compromise; it means gaining a new level of light, space, and simplicity.
The Residents’ Retreat by Studio Red Wellness
Lifestyle here extends far beyond the residences. The Residents’ Retreat by Studio Red Wellness includes a mineral pool, sauna, yoga and pilates studio, and private treatment room, ensuring health and wellbeing are part of the everyday. The executive garage makes daily life practical, with EV charging at every park, e-bike power, and even a detailing bay. In shared spaces, art by Max Gimblett and custom furniture by Tim Webber further the sense of luxury living, weaving in yet another element of considered design.
The Shared Courtyard
The executive garage
Equally compelling is the location. Elysian places residents at the heart of Parnell, within walking distance to galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and green spaces. It is a neighbourhood that offers connection and culture, yet the residences themselves provide sanctuary — a lock-and-leave lifestyle that balances vibrancy with retreat. For many moving from larger homes, this blend of accessibility and security is key: the chance to simplify, without sacrificing the richness of daily life.
The Penthouse 501 with Poliform Kitchen and Gaggenau appliances
Every detail speaks to the needs of those trading in the burden of maintenance for a home that is secure, connected, and uncompromising in its quality. Kitchens with Poliform cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances, oak flooring by Forté, and stone selected and fabricated in Italy are designed for longevity as much as beauty. Bedrooms are sanctuaries with generous storage and ensuites complete with dual basins, freestanding baths, and precision-planned layouts.
The bedroom sanctuarie in Apartment 402
Elysian is more than a place to live — it’s a way to live lighter, without losing the depth and character of home. For those ready to embrace the next chapter, these residences offer a sense of permanence, the ease of a lock-and-leave lifestyle, and the kind of luxury that becomes more rewarding with time.
Completion is set for late 2026. To experience Elysian and its rare penthouses, visit the display suite at 114 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell.
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