The French tip and other noughties trends that are sneaking back into fashion

Last week our Advertising Manager, Fliss, came into the office with a new look on her nails. As someone who takes pride in her paws — we’ve recruited her on numerous occasions to be our in-house hand model (her best work here) — her nails are almost always done and when it comes to manicures of the moment, she’s generally in the know. But her recent proclivity for a particular style has me saying two words I didn’t think I would ever use post-2010 — “French. Tip.”

When I was younger, my mum would take me with her when she was getting her nails done and I’d insist the kind ladies in the spa give my mini hands the ‘French tip’ treatment. It was 2005, I loved The Simple Life and I was OBSESSED with having fingers that each ended in a little white line. Off I would trot, proud as punch of my glossy digits, waving them about and slinging them through the belt-loops of my low-slung Urban Angel jeans. Me and almost everyone else from that strange, bedazzled decade.

Eventually, the French tip fell out of favour (as these things usually do), after tragic, reality-TV-types started giving their ‘tips’ far too much real estate on their nails. The overly square, more-tip-than-nail look spoke to the tackiness that seeped its way into the zeitgeist of the early noughties. And perhaps it was because it became so synonymous with bad taste that I was certain it would never emerge again.

But I was wrong. There we were on a crisp Monday morning and Fliss’ nails were adorned in a style I had long sworn off — and they looked good. Granted, the French tip of today has evolved from its first outing. Fliss, for example, had hers done with a fine, burgundy line. Others I have seen on the likes of Instagram are definitely more subtle and refined than the styles of old. But it seems this is just another in a string of noughties comebacks, harking the return of a decade that I truly didn’t think had the sartorial merit to warrant a second coming.

That said, here are some of the unexpected noughties styles set to make a bold return — and like it or not, we’re getting on board.

Left to right: Halter necks, flip flops, low-rise jeans, zebra print, cargo pants.

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Flexible style: How to wear athleisure without looking like a try-hard

The whole wearing-activewear-while-not-doing-anything-active trend is something that it’s taken some convincing for us to get on board with. And now that it’s been mainstream for a while, it’s a movement that has started to feel a little stale.

Don’t get us wrong, the idea that we can get away with wearing clothes that are comfortable and practical on a day-to-day basis is great. But we’re sick of watching it cause individual style to morph into a spandex-clad, homogeneous version of its former self.

Now that Spring is around the corner and we inevitably start thinking more about how we can fit exercise into our daily routines, there is a growing impetus to find ways to dress that are casual (without looking like we’ve just rolled out of bed), versatile and easy to transition from a morning walk to a coffee date to work. Athleisure, therefore, is a logical look to start embracing.

So, in a bid to cultivate a wardrobe of athleisure pieces that will do their job while still allowing us to express our individuality and not fade into the (Instagram) crowd, we have looked around to find pieces that fit the athleisure mould, but in a more refined way.

Left to right: Ganni Isoli sweatshirt from Workshop, Ragdoll LA Vintage sweatshirt from Superette, Oversize sweatshirt with Gucci Tennis from Gucci
Clockwise from top left: Adidas x Alexander Wang AW Body Run sneakers from Workshop, Dior Fusion high-top sneakers from Dior, Iro Paris Curve Raw sneaker from Superette International, Jil Sander Connors sneaker from Muse Boutique, LV Archlight Sneaker from Louis Vuitton
Left to right: Technical nylon leggings from Prada, P.E. Nation Strike short from Superette, Ernest Leoty Romy corset top from MATCHESFASHION, Ribbed bralette from Georgia Alice, Cotton canvas and plexiglass visor from Prada, No Ka’oi overcome striped stretch shorts from Net-A-Porter

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Left: Elena Iachi Dolly boots from Scarpa

From platform soles to cowboy boots — how to get on board with the retro shoe redux

There is a phenomenal footwear regression that has been influencing the trends of the last few seasons. It propelled the ugly ‘dad’ sneaker into fashion’s favour, heralded the return of snakeskin and has recently brought forth from the archives the revival of a noughties fave — the jandal.

And while some find it hard to get on board with the fact that styles like the cowboy boot are ‘back,’ we thought it high time we made a case for embracing the footwear of the moment, turning to one of our go-to stores for shoes that speak to the trends but in a modern and inherently wearable way.

From loafers that evoke the elegance of the 50s and 60s, to bold Western silhouettes, Scarpa’s new styles are helping us put our best feet forward when it comes to not only staying on top of the trends but also cultivating a collection of shoes that will ultimately prove timeless.

Clockwise from top left: Joseph Ripley loafers, Mulberry Cornwall loafers, Elena Iachi Cyrus boots, Robert Clergerie Arena platform sandals and Joseph Bardot boots all from Scarpa

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Mastering Autumnal dressing: Your guide to effortless seasonal style
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Lust List: 11 things we want to add to our wardrobes right now

It’s been a while since we’ve given our wardrobes a refresh. Perhaps it’s the cold weather — we’d rather spend our money on comfort food and skin treatments — or maybe it’s because this time of the year is particularly busy. That said, we’ll never say no to some online shopping. And as such, have compiled a running list of everything we’ve been ‘adding to cart’ of late. For a spot of sartorial inspiration, look no further…

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Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

From Muse Boutique

Ganni Callie Western boots

Ganni Callie Western boots

Ganni Callie Western boots

Ganni Callie Western boots

From Workshop

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

From Simon James

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

From Muse Boutique

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

From Simon James

Ganni Patent jacket

Ganni Patent jacket

Ganni Patent jacket

Ganni Patent jacket

From Workshop

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

From Superette

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

From Muse Boutique

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

From Workshop

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

From Scarpa

C&M Lara blazer

C&M Lara blazer

C&M Lara blazer

C&M Lara blazer

From Superette

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Allpress celebrates 30 years of coffee and culture with a birthday blend and a retrospective exhibition

In the last three decades, Allpress has grown from humble coffee-cart to iconic brand. Started by Michael Allpress in Auckland in 1989, this innovative company has had a huge hand in transforming the coffee culture in New Zealand into the refined, world-renowned industry it is today and is now taking its unique, flavoursome brews to the world.

Allpress’ original coffee cart in Victoria Park Market in 1989

As part of its anniversary celebrations, Allpress has installed a retrospective exhibition in its Auckland gallery space (Allpress Studio) that opened today and will run until 5th October. Tracing the evolution of Allpress via audio, video, photography, art and intriguing things from Allpress’ archives, the exhibition will even contain a recreation of the original 80s cart was set up in Victoria Park Market.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, three events will also take place at the Studio, where notable New Zealanders who embody the same kind of entrepreneurial, disruptive and adventurous spirit as Allpress will lead interesting talks.

Marking the 30th anniversary, Allpress has also collaborated with Bennetts chocolate to produce three limited-edition bars — Double Espresso, JAFA and Flat White — alongside releasing a special, 30th Anniversary coffee blend based on the first one that it ever created.

Allpress Studio

8 Drake St
Freemans Bay
Auckland

nz.allpressespresso.com

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Karen Walker launches a luxurious new Bridal Atelier collection just in time for wedding season

While it’s surprising that a designer as prolific as Karen Walker hasn’t branched into bridal before, after being introduced to the iconic designer’s elegant new Atelier collection, it seems that the wait was worth it. 

Offering an end-to-end bespoke service for blushing (and brazen) brides-to-be, Walker has created a collection of 12 dresses and five suits, to sit alongside an impressive line up of engagement and occasional rings — each one an entirely new design and each made to the exact specifications of the wearer. 

The dresses, while clearly cut from the inimitable Karen Walker cloth (some of the designs have been directly inspired by archival looks), carry their own distinct identity, where shape, length, volume and structure have all been explored to offer a diverse range of silhouettes.

Sourcing many of the textiles from Gratacós, one of the world’s great couture fabric houses, designs can be rendered in the likes of floral lace, glass-beaded embroidery, dotted tulle, bubble jacquard and a particularly luxurious crêpe de Chine. 

The jewellery, in a similar vein, has been crafted to reflect the special and personal nature of a wedding day, with 14 new styles designed to sit singularly or stacked together.

From delicate tiara shapes to eye-catching starbursts, stones like champagne, black and white diamonds, morganite, peach and grey moonstone, onyx and rutilated quartz can be used to brilliant effect, leaving any bride with a piece she can treasure forever.

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With Maison Kitsuné landing at Superette, we’re taking style cues from the Paris-meets-Tokyo brand

You might be aware of Maison Kitsuné. You might even own one of its recognisable sweaters or tees. But what did you really know about the intriguing label started by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki? Considering that Maison Kitsuné recently appointed a new Creative Director, Yuni Ahn (previously Design Director at Céline), an appointment taking its collections to a whole new level, as well as the fact that the brand is about to arrive at Superette International, we thought we’d delve a little deeper into its intriguing DNA.

Maison Kitsuné was a fashion concept born from the brand’s in-house record label, Kitsuné Musique, which has built a reputation for seeking out and showcasing new and untapped talent. A series of coffee shops — Café Kitsuné — also falls under the Maison Kitsuné umbrella, a far-reaching, uniquely creative umbrella that represents the kind of lifestyle we all want to lead. One where style is simple and multi-tasking a breeze.

The brand embodies the cultures of its owners. On one hand, the reputation Parisians have for being creative, effortlessly chic and handling the daily trepidations of life with enviable grace is clearly where Maison Kitsuné’s unfussy elegance, tricolour motif and air of laid-back ‘cool’ come from. On the other, its carefully chosen fabrics, meticulous attention to detail and penchant to temper fashion with practicality seems to draw from its Japanese influences.

Maison Kitsuné is the ultimate brand for elevating the everyday. In the 16 years since it started, it has garnered a loyal following all over the world for the unique way it puts contemporary twists on the classics and manages to balance daring, playful details with timeless finesse. It has also made a name for itself via a series of lauded collaborations with brands that include New Era, Oliver Peoples, Ader Error and even the NBA.

All of that said, we were very excited to learn that Maison Kitsuné would be joining the line-up at one of our favourite, multi-brand stores — Superette International. Its FW19 collection harks back to Kitsuné’s musical roots in the way that it speaks to the 90s (albeit in its own, distinctly refined way). With technical fabrics and sophisticated silhouettes offering pieces that we want to wear every day, we’ll be reaching for this label when we’re after something easy, classic and timeless — especially when we’re short on time.

Reminding us to embrace the laissez-faire elegance of the French and the precise practicality of the Japanese, Maison Kitsuné is a welcome addition to our wardrobes.

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Mastering Autumnal dressing: Your guide to effortless seasonal style
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Leva chair by Mattiazzi from Simon James Design

Act Natural: These pared-back pieces are perfect for the modern, minimalist home

Minimalism is an idea often bandied about in the world of design. Spoken of as a sure-fire way to achieve a chic interior, pieces made with barely any fuss and even fewer frills have grown in popularity in recent years.

But the movement has evolved from its monochromatic origins to become more about carefully-curated, natural materials and clean finishes with a heavy focus on timber and rattan. The natural look, when done right, offers a masterclass in elegance and is the ultimate way to give your home a refined base onto which you can put your own, distinct stamp.

From the Offset table by Resident to Mattiazzi’s Leva chair, Simon James has a range of furniture to ensure any space is beautifully dressed. In a bid to help you keep your home looking minimalist in a sophisticated and altogether natural way, these are some of the best pieces to start with.

Bit Table by Massproductions from Simon James
Lap Low shelving two bay by Case from Simon James
Leva chair by Mattiazzi from Simon James
Offset coffee table by Resident from Simon James
Underline table by Simon James from Simon James

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End of an era: Don’t miss Mercury Plaza’s last hurrah before the iconic space closes for good

We’ve all likely popped into Mercury Plaza for a bite of sushi, a deliciously-made Thai stir fry, to try our hand at one of the funny arcade games, or to pick up some Pocari Sweat from the New Gum Sarn Supermarket on a dusty Sunday morning.

It’s an undeniable Auckland icon. Its recognisable blue signage, with an orange, arching ‘M’ and neon stars a landmark of the K’Road area. But despite its long run (and the fact that it’s still widely loved), the space is closing its doors later this year.

In honour of its significance, artists Joni Lee and Jia Luo have decided to make the most of the time left, by staging a group exhibition that will transform the two main areas of the Plaza.

Considering Mercury Plaza’s historic ties with the Chinese community (the owners were some of the original Chinese fruit and vegetable shop owners on K’Road), the artists intend to curate a show that both highlights the significance of the space while giving a platform to the work of local New Zealand-Chinese artists. The line-up includes Ant Sang, Rose Liew, Tim Lambourne, Ruth Woodbury, Ruby White, Lindsay Yee and many more (with more to be announced).

Mercury Plaza: Origins + New Beginnings opens this Wednesday, 14th August and will run for one month (until 14th September) before Mercury Plaza closes on 31st October. It will offer the perfect way to say goodbye to a space that has been a significant part of the fabric of Auckland and is set to be a celebratory and creatively-inspiring affair. Its final night will see the exhibition come to a close with a rousing party.

For more information about Mercury Plaza: Origins + New Beginnings, click here.

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Left: Utrecht armchair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld from Matisse and Grasshopper floorlamp by Gubi from Cult Design

Classic architecture is given a contemporary edge in this suburban Sydney sanctuary

When a house with a rich history and exquisite heritage detailing is treated to a modern reimagining, it is crucial that its inherent character is honoured. That’s why projects like the Centennial Park House should only be undertaken by the experts, lest the magic of the past be forfeited to gratuitous modern development. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, recognising the architectural significance of this Queen Anne-style home, drew upon its Victorian heritage to create spaces that united the past with the present. 

Carefully rendered curves were placed in direct contrast to sharp edges, crisp linearity and sombre steel detailing, made all the more impactful when seen against the home’s underlying palette of pure white. Beyond adding contemporary edge, the clean colours were also employed to reflect the natural light that would stream through the historic, decorative windows at the front of the home, the large glass doors at the back and the new skylight installed above the relocated stairwell (seeing it become an intriguing central focal point for the property).

Left: Ming’s Heart Chair by Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia and Tufty Time sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse

The material choices were hugely important for the team at Madeleine Blanchfield, if they were to guarantee a sense of flow and connectedness through the house. In the master bedroom, for instance, a black, freestanding frame is positioned in the centre of the room, anchoring the rest of the space and lending it the overall effect of a versatile, blank canvas. Recurring design motifs like dark timber, refined natural finishes and monochromatic contrasts, work to keep the various spaces relating to one another, as well as ensuring that the underlying, historic beauty of the residence can shine through. In the furnishings, the idea of contrast is seen again, where linear sofas and armchairs meet circular light fixtures, internal archways, and the beautifully rounded chairs and table in the dining room. 

Left: Alcova bed by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto from Matisse

From grand origins, to falling into disrepair, to now, restored to a version of its former glory, the Centennial Park house is an exquisite example of how, when the history of a home is brought respectfully into the present, the depth and meaning that comes with that imbues its spaces with heart, which is something that architecture alone cannot do.

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