Concrete is a material long favoured for the way it imbues a building with a kind of stark modernity — and as such, is often used to lend a striking finish. Usually, this means that it stands at odds with the concepts of warmth or cosiness, which has historically rendered it tricky to incorporate into residential homes.
But when approached by a client who was a builder with a love for concrete, architects David Ponting and Matt Fitzgerald (of Ponting Fitzgerald Ltd) decided to undertake a project that reimagined the way concrete could be used in the residential space — and it was a risk that paid off in spades.
Standing stoically on the shore-front of Point Chevalier beach, its statuesque, sculptural form offering intriguing contrast to its surrounding nature, the eight-metre-tall Point Chevalier house is a study in innovative architecture. Despite its greyscale finish and prolific use of concrete (not something one would usually align with nature) this house seems, in many ways, to reflect the ruggedness and raw power of its surrounds via its angular edges, its textural exterior and the way it feels like it has been stripped back in the same way that waves might strip back a rock they continually lap against over time.
But to get the concrete to its final form was no easy feat. Created using rough sawn, timber moulds — that rendered the home’s expressive surface texture — into which was poured concrete coloured in Peter Fell SuperBlack (via the companies innovative colouring process), the whole exercise demanded an astonishing amount of energy and attention to detail. Once poured, the SuperBlack black concrete had to sit for around seven days before the moulds could be removed, at which point, it was a matter of simply hoping that nothing had gone wrong — concrete is notoriously unforgiving.
Thanks to the unique finish the Peter Fell SuperBlack colour lends the concrete, the typically stark material is given a degree of rich warmth. Take the living room, for instance, cosy and inviting, it’s a space that you wouldn’t typically associate with concrete, and yet, in the walls and on the ceiling, concrete takes centre stage as a striking shell.
Comprising a line-up of the most inspiring, innovative and unprecedented pieces and trends from the world of design, Denizen Modern Living is nothing less than a bible for those interested in interiors. And this, the fourth issue of Modern Living, is undeniably our best one yet.
From a deep dive into the best pieces from Euroluce (the biennial lighting fair that coincided with Milan Design Week), to the new way to use concrete, to a thorough exploration of how outdoor living is being taken to new heights, we ensured no stone was left unturned as far as the most important trends to know.
As far as projects go, we offer a peek inside the beautifully appointed home of renowned Australian fashion designer, Camilla Freeman-Topper (of Camilla & Marc), an apartment that once was part of an infamous lunatic asylum that has been carefully renovated for a young family, and an off-the-grid cabin that redefines the idea of escaping into nature.
Of course we also detail all the brands and showrooms you need to know in order to festoon your home with incredible pieces, as well as delve a little deeper into the stories behind designers of the moment, including Kelly Hoppen and Apparatus Studios.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own spaces or are simply wanting to stay on top of the latest trends, Denizen Modern Living is the perfect place to start.
Available in two different covers, Denizen Modern Living is on sale now. Pick up a copy from any good newsagent today or subscribe here.
As Pierpaolo Piccioli sent models festooned in shagpile detailing down the Valentino runway and Iris van Herpen, in collaboration with American artist Anthony Howe, installed a kinetic sculpture on her runway, we were reminded why Paris Haute Couture week is such a special time.
Left – Pierpaolo Piccioli brought the Valentino seamstresses out to take a bow at the end of his show | Centre – Kinetic sculpture at Iris van Herpen | Right – Christian Dior
An opportunity for the most lauded designers in the world to showcase collections that speak to their creative prowess in a far more pointed way than ready to wear, Haute Couture serves up some of the most daring, intriguing, alluring and groundbreaking fashion of the year. As such, we thought we would line up some of our favourite moments from the week that was, and hope you find yourself similarly inspired.
There is a contemplative calm that permeates New Zealand designer Mahsa’s latest collection. Comprising the kinds of pieces that simply lend themselves to a spot of philosophical pondering, A Single Woman – Mood 3, is a continuation of the designer’s signature relaxed refinement and yet in many ways, feels like a definitive step forward.
Shot by Derek Henderson at The Brake House — an icon of modern architecture just outside Auckland — the collection finds its feet in the shirting we have come to know as Mahsa’s mainstay (soft, flowing styles with simple silhouettes and occasional bow detailing) but breaks away from expectation with the introduction of subtle but powerful masculine touches — an exaggerated collar here, an oversized blazer or trench coat there.
The feminine-masculine binary is balanced with precision and perfected with sharp tailoring. It results in a collection that is, as the name indicates, for ‘a single woman’ — which is not to say that it caters only to women without romantic partners, but that it speaks to an independent spirit, a daring resolve and a way of existing in the world that isn’t dictated by the opinions of others.
Just as the model stands alone on the balcony of The Break House surrounded by dense greenery, and Henderson pulls back to create a frame that captures her solitude, we are given a picture of autonomy that represents the way Mahsa clearly wants her clothes to be worn — with a sense of fearlessness and in total freedom.
Where summer style is defined by what isn’t there, winter offers up the opportunity to really enjoy our wardrobes. To layer ourselves in swathes of soft cashmere, wrap up in chic coats and jackets and revel in the fact that leg-baring styles are firmly off the table.
Dadelszen, in typical fashion, has seized the opportunity this season offers, by creating a range of exquisite winter pieces. The Miriam Coat, for example, is the ultimate way to envelop yourself in warmth with its wrap-around style, knitted raglan sleeves and sleek leather belt. Or the Shearling Vest, with its versatile silhouette and refined inky blue or camel iterations, is the ideal layering piece. Other styles include the Martina, a show-stopping, eye-catching jacket rendered in glossy patent leather and shearling and The Cape, an effortlessly elegant piece made from cosy cashmere with a removable angora collar that will make any outfit look as luxurious as you feel.
If you’re heading down to Queenstown this winter and need to ensure your wardrobe is adequately prepared for its chilly climate, look no further than Dadelszen for pieces that combine form with function in as seamless a way as we have ever seen.
They might have only recently finished work on their refurbished Ponsonby flagship, but the creative minds at Deadly Ponies aren’t known for resting on their laurels. As such, it is with what can only be described as an incredible drive and creative energy that Deadly Ponies opens another new store, this time in Britomart.
Engaging the services of interior designer Katie Lockhart again (she worked with the brand on its Ponsonby location), Deadly Ponies has created a store that aptly reflects its refined aesthetic. Festooned with beautiful, handpainted antique Dutch ceramics (from the early 1900s) to sit alongside pieces from local artists, the store is warm and inviting and hums with the same kind of unique, creative energy that sits at the heart of everything this brand does.
It’s a significant step forward for Deadly Ponies. And while they’ve had a presence in Britomart for a while now, it didn’t carry the same air of permanence this new opening does nor did it represent the leaps and bounds forward that this brand has taken in the last couple of years. Deadly Ponies has really come into its own, and it’s a maturation that has materialised in physical spaces that are reminiscent of the concept stores one might find in cities like London or New York.
In celebration of this significant milestone, we are offering one lucky Denizen the chance to win $1,500 to spend in Deadly Ponies’ new store once it opens this Friday, 5th July. To enter, click here.
*This competition has now closed. Congratulations Anna Gallagher*
Deadly Ponies Britomart
The Pavilions at Britomart
16 Te Ara Tahuhu Walkway
Another day, another story about a major player in fashion shifting to a more sustainable model. This time, it’s Prada that has been making moves to mitigate the harmful effects of the industry in which it’s a leader, by undertaking a sustainable reimagining of its iconic Nylon.
The result of a partnership between Prada and textile yarn producer Aquafil, a pioneering new project Re-Nylon is set to see the brand engage with the issue of sustainability in fashion in a meaningful, tangible way. Revolutionary fabric, ECONYL®, a textile made from recycled and purified waste products that include plastic debris from oceans, fishing nets and fibre waste, has been used by Prada to create a special line of bags. It can be reused and recycled indefinitely (without losing its quality) and for every 10,000 tonnes of ECONYL® created, 70,000 barrels of petroleum are saved, seeing a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
It’s all part of Prada’s overarching plan to convert its virgin nylon into regenerated ECONYL® nylon by the end of 2021 — a bold, but necessary undertaking. Nylon has always been a staple for the brand. An embodiment of Prada’s signature approach that elevates utilitarian materials and silhouettes and takes the practical into the high-fashion sphere with its sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic. This move, then, is not only a reimagining of the brand’s heritage but is an expression of the kind of innovative progression that Prada has always sought to represent.
Prada Re-Nylon will launch with six classic styles for men and women including a belt bag, a shoulder bag, a tote, a duffle and two backpacks, all of which will be crafted from sustainable fabrics and bare a re-working of Prada’s recognisable triangular badge, this time in a circle shape that represents the circular economy the collection is supporting.
Taking it one step further, Prada will also be donating a percentage of proceeds from its Re-Nylon collection to an environmental project. Working with UNESCO, Prada is developing educational programmes around plastic waste and the circular economy to inspire students in a number of different countries, with the ultimate goal being to inspire those involved to spread awareness and take action — and hopefully starting something of a chain reaction.
Considering the state of the fashion industry right now, there’s always more to be done towards facilitating sustainable models. But with major brands like Prada not only acknowledging the need to change but taking significant steps forward in the delivery of that change (or part of it, at least), the way is being paved for other brands to do the same.
When we talk about mens fashion, we so often focus on the prevailing trends — what colours to wear, whether sandals are okay, the unexpected return of tie-dye etc. Less often do we talk about the practicalities of a man’s wardrobe, which arguably is a far more important topic.
The bottom line, is that when it comes to clothes, men seek out ease, versatility and wearability more actively than women do — for whom the ‘look’ of something might usurp its practical qualities (see, high heels). That said, there haven’t been many high-end menswear brands who have sought to put practicality at the forefront of their collections, until now.
You might think you know Ermenegildo Zegna. You might even own one of the brand’s sleek suit jackets. But until you understand that Zegna, especially with the innovations it’s making under its Z Zegna label, is far more than just a formalwear stalwart, you definitely aren’t aware of the potential this brand holds for your everyday wardrobe.
Releasing its unprecedented Z Zegna Techmerino™ Wash&Go collection to much acclaim, Zegna recognised the need for clothes that didn’t see style and ease as mutually exclusive pursuits. The collection comprises tailored shirts, jackets, shorts, trousers, sneakers and suiting that embody Zegna’s signature sophistication, but that are made from the brand’s unique Techmerino™ fabric, which renders them all machine washable and quick-drying. We’re talking about a suit that you can wear to the office, throw in the machine when you get home and hang to dry.
Furthering Zegna’s reputation for innovation, Techmerino™ is the result of combining the best attributes of Merino wool with unparalleled processing and finishing techniques, and exemplifies the brand’s holistic approach. Not only does Zegna want the men wearing its clothes to look sophisticated, but it wants that to come without compromise, in this case, the usual quid pro quo that typically goes hand-in-hand with wearing nice, tailored pieces on a daily basis.
Resort is a funny season in that, for all intents and purposes, it’s largely untethered to a specific time or place. In the beginning, Resort (or Cruise) collections were created especially for those escaping the Northern Hemisphere winter to embark on prolonged summer holidays.
But the world we live in now is far more global, and far less dictated by a binary hemispherical split. This means that for designers, Resort offers up an opportunity to create transeasonal, inherently wearable collections and put on shows that are afforded the space to shine outside the busyness of the major fashion weeks. Often, VIP clients are flown in to be treated to a more personal experience of the brand, which has lent the season a more commercial edge — undertaken by many brands as a shrewd way to make money.
So while it doesn’t necessarily evoke feelings of whimsical summer days or make us want to cosy up in front of a fire, Resort still consistently offers some of the best looks of the year and is a good touchstone for prevailing trends. That said, let us walk you through some of the trends we’re on board with for Resort 2020.
Bare some leg…
Left to right: Chanel, Prada, Maggie Marilyn, Louis Vuitton
But if not… put on a pair of stockings…
Left to right: Gucci, Givenchy, Fendi
Or some 3/4 trousers…
Left to right: Chanel, Dior, Chanel, Chloé
Utility motifs are still a thing…
Left to right: Chanel, Dior, Off-White, Burberry
While pink is fighting its way back to the top tonal spot…
Left to right: Prada, Givenchy, Gucci, Prada
Leather is the fabric of the season…
Left to right: Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Nanushka, Fendi
A new breed of preppy is leading the style pack…
Left to right: Victoria Beckham, Chanel, Dior, Khaite
But it’s the democratisation of red-carpet glamour that has us swooning.
Left to right: Red Valentino, Khaite, Gabriela Hearst, Chanel
Landing in Queenstown, it’s hard not to be struck by the spectacle of frosted mountains, iridescent lakes and rolling landscapes that frame the flight in. Rendered in the wild, earthy tones that typify Central Otago’s beauty, it offers nature at its most arresting, making its popularity as a tourist hotspot hardly surprising. Brimming with boutique experiences that immerse visitors in Central Otago’s breathtaking wilderness, Queenstown is a region with culinary offerings that showcase the best of local produce and tourism offerings that treat overseas and local visitors alike to unparalleled experiences.
So if Queenstown is your destination of choice this winter, look no further than our definitive list of the ten things you simply must do while you’re down there. From elevated food to private skiing and everything in between, these incredible experiences will ensure you leave having made the most of all this evolving region has to offer.
Kina Parpadelle with Shaved Paua from Aosta
1.Visit Ben Bayley and Sir Michael Hill’s newly-opened restaurant, Aosta, in Arrowtown Arrowtown’s newest restaurant is a collaborative endeavour by acclaimed chef Ben Bayly and Sir Micahel Hill (of the eponymous jewellery brand). Considering that the former is a decorated chef who made a name for himself at lauded Auckland institution, The Grove, and the latter is not only a renowned philanthropist but is also a longtime resident of the Queenstown region and a cornerstone of the community, it was expected that anything resulting from their decision to join forces would be noteworthy — and rightly so.
Named after the small town in the Italian Alps where Bayly first discovered his passion for Italian cuisine — a town that boasts a very similar climate to Central Otago — Aosta is a restaurant that combines the culinary philosophies of Italy with the fresh, local fare of Central Otago and Southland. The aim was to create a place where people could have an unparalleled dining experience, without it ever feeling inaccessible or definitively occasional. Pulling widely-respected architect Anna-Marie Chin (who also designed Sir Michael Hill’s private lodge and golf course) onto the project to conceive a space that was intimate and elevated, Bayly and Hill have created a restaurant that reflects the beauty of the area in its refined elegance while still being inherently warm and inclusive, in line with the underlying ethos of its cuisine. 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown (03) 442 0131
2. Book a day trip with Southern Lakes Heliski The Alpine Group’s Southern Lakes Heliski, run by brothers Jonathan and Toby Wallis, offers a range of daily and private charter heliski experiences. With access to over 800 runs across 17 different mountain ranges, it offers more terrain and more vertical than any other operator in the area and can cater to skiers from intermediate to expert level. Ensuring a day spent with them is planned down to the last detail, Southern Lakes Heliski will pick its guests up, organise them into small groups based on skill level, and send each off with its own experienced guide, who will lead enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders on some of the most pristine runs they will have likely ever experienced. Lunch will be served surrounded by the arresting alpine scenery before a few afternoon runs finish the day off and guests are taken back to their accommodation. And while the picturesque flights and thrilling day-trips draw visitors to engage the company’s services, really, it’s the Alpine Group’s personal approach that keeps people coming back for more. “We just treat everyone, no matter who they are, with respect, a handshake and a smile,” says Jonathan Wallis. “The ‘luxury’ we offer is really all about the authenticity of the experience and the genuine, warm service — which is what Kiwis are all about.” And in an industry where authenticity is the difference between an okay experience and a memorable one, Southern Lakes Heliski rises above the rest.
Jonathan and Toby Wallis
3. Experience an elevated lunch at the Mountain Kitchen Yet another offering from The Alpine Group is its unprecedented alpine retreat, Minaret Station. Set on a 50,000-acre high-country farm and only accessible by helicopter, Minaret Station is the secluded site of the Alpine Lodge, where guests are treated to off-the-grid luxury within the accommodation’s four, two-person chalets. But alongside the lodge, Minaret Stations’s restaurant, The Mountain Kitchen, can be booked by those simply wanting to experience this incredible hideaway for an afternoon. Offering a scenic dining experience where locally-sourced ingredients are prepared by resident chefs and accompanied by award-winning wines, a lunchtime spent at The Mountain Kitchen includes a spectacular scenic helicopter flight from Wanaka or Queenstown and can be booked for groups of four people or more. Click here to book and for more information.
4. Cosy up at The Lodge Bar Situated in an idyllic location, The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn boasts enviable views across Lake Wakatipu from its prime spot in the heart of Queenstown. However, it’s the involvement of Executive Chef, Matt Lambert (from new New York-based Michelin-starred eatery, The Musket Room) that has really established The Lodge Bar as an elevated culinary experience. Although at first, a clothing label and a restaurant might seem worlds apart, here the combination really works. Rodd & Gunn’s collections highlight the palette of New Zealand in their textures and tones, while the intimate restaurant does the same through fresh, seasonal flavours, paired perfectly with local wines. The Lodge Bar’s menu features premium New Zealand produce and handles seasonal ingredients with expert precision and the chef’s menu is clearly an attempt to showcase the very best from the region, whether that’s locally-sourced crayfish tail, or the array of fresh seafood delights that make up the delicious Rodd & Diver platter. Lambert describes the time he spends in Queenstown as a “lucky opportunity to get to work with the finest ingredients, closest to where they were found, at their absolute best,” and once you’ve experienced The Lodge Bar’s offering, you’ll know what he means. 2 Rees St, Queenstown (09) 442 9426
Right: Executive Chef at The Lodge Bar by Rodd & Gunn, Matt Lambert
5. Ski Soho Basin The allure of a fresh layer of snow on a virtually unimpeded run is, for most ski enthusiasts, too fine an opportunity to ever pass up. Which is something John Darby banked on when he opened Soho Basin (part of his Glencoe Station property) as a remote, invitation-only haven for snow sports and cat skiing. The prolific Queenstown businessman has been making use of the basin’s undulating runs and untouched terrain for over 30 years and has built up a cult following for Soho by developing it into an all-encompassing experience. Offering pristine, backcountry powder and runs (backcountry skiers can access the area for free, although Darby recommends registering on Soho’s website for safety reasons) Soho is unencumbered by the usual tourist groups. Darby has also introduced a gastronomic element, by calling on the kitchen at his acclaimed cellar-door bistro, Amisfield. The exclusive ski field offers a multi-course lunch, cooked over an open fire in a beautiful, European-style chalet on the mountain. For more information and to book a day at Soho Basin, click here.
6. See what all the fuss is about at Amisfield Bistro Speaking of which, why not book in for a delicious long lunch or dinner at the acclaimed Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door, nestled in historic Arrowtown on the shores of Lake Hayes. The outpost of one of the largest, single-estate vineyards in Central Otago, Amisfield is as renowned for its idyllic backdrop as it is for its pure-tasting pinot noir and hyper-seasonal dishes and offers guests truly memorable dining experience.s And it’s largely due to the vision of its Executive Chef, Vaughn Mabee. When he isn’t in the kitchen, Mabee spends his days outdoors, and credits the landscape of Queenstown with inspiring his intricate dishes at Amisfield, “whether it’s in the bush, hunting with my dogs or being on a mountain and discovering wild (frozen) rowan berries.” Leading the restaurant in a seasonally-driven direction has required a far more innovative approach from the chef and as such, the bistro doesn’t have a traditional menu. Instead, Mabee and his team design dishes daily to suit the changing environment and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that no two meals at Amisfield are ever quite the same. Although a challenging undertaking at times, the chef explains that “the struggle makes it exciting and the team thrives off the constant changes.” Providing an opportunity for visitors to step outside their comfort zones and put their trust in the chef, Mabee’s leadership at Amisfield Bistro is showcasing the natural bounty of the region in fine gastronomic form. 10 Lake Hayes Road, Queenstown (03) 442 0556
7. Take a tour of Cardrona Distillery Quiet and unassuming, the Cardrona Distillery has a particular type of charm that isn’t easy to put your finger on. Completely family owned, Desiree and husband Ash Whittaker have worked together on the distillery since its inception and, together with their team of experts, have conceived a number of acclaimed drops, including the triumphant creation of a recently-anointed single-malt whisky. Head along to the beautiful distillery and be guided on a tour of the facilities, where you’ll learn about the processes behind each of the hand-distilled, artisan spirits — including milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation — an experience that will conclude with a tasting. For more information and to book a tour, click here.
8. Book dinner at Jervois Steak House Auckland’s restaurant scene simply wouldn’t be the same without the work of Richard Sigley and Nourish Group. One of the jewels in the hospitality group’s crown, Jervois Steak House (JSH), is regarded as one of the best steak houses in the city and offers premium cuts of meat accompanied by soulful sides like truffle mac and cheese and baked candied kumara. And since its inception in 2006, the steak house has become a bona fide Auckland institution. So when Sigley was looking for a reason to spend more time in Queenstown, he decided to marry the success of his Auckland steak house with his love for the South Island township and opened a Jervois Steak House there 2012. Since then, the dining scene in Queenstown has continued to evolve, which Sigley says inspires him to push the culinary boundaries and provide patrons of JSH with memorable experiences of the finest cuts of New Zealand meat — straight from the source. 8 Duke St, Queenstown (03) 442 6263
9. Play a few rounds at Jack’s Point A major project that is seeing a new suburb (ultimately aiming to house around 5,000 residents) materialise on the periphery of Queenstown, Jack’s Point is 10 minutes from the airport, 25 minutes from Arrowtown and boasts what its Developer John Darby describes as “the essence of Queenstown,” which is just “lots of protected open space.” Alongside its nature tails and central hub Jacks Point also boasts its own golf course which sits against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the Remarkables and offers an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that is recognised as one of the most spectacular in the world. Visitors don’t have to be members to book in for a few rounds, and it promises an experience that will delight avid golfers and amateurs alike. For more information and to book, click here.
Cloudy Bay’s The Shed
10. Go off-grid at Cloudy Bay’s new shed Take a scenic 45-minute drive from the heart of Queenstown into Cromwell and get lost in the whimsical, recently-opened cellar door experience, The Shed by Cloudy Bay. While globally celebrated for its exquisite Marlborough sauvignon blanc, Cloudy Bay emphasises the depth of its sublime pinot noir, and this beautiful new Central Otago space is the perfect place to do so. Open to the public seven days a week, The Shed offers tasting sessions of Cloudy Bay’s full range of wines alongside bespoke experiences including private tours of the vineyard. Going beyond the typical cellar door experience, it is the perfect antidote to the perpetual busyness of Queenstown and offers an indulgent, relaxing, sensory escape
Smithy’s Smoke House
11. Indulge in some smoky barbecue at Millbrook’s Smithy’s Smoke House and Arrowtown’s newly-expanded Slow Cuts On a crisp winter’s day, what could be better than sitting near an open fire and indulging in a plate of perfectly-cooked, succulent smoked meats. Smithy’s Smoke House (at Millbrook Resort) and Slow Cuts (in Arrowtown) both provide this experience in their own ways. The former offers unparalleled al fresco dining under the stars, where tapas and various meat dishes, craft beers, fine wine and whisky are served in front of roaring fire pits; the latter, is a delicious, newly re-opened eatery (it recently expanded) where slow-cooked meats, rotisserie chicken, burgers, ribs and other seasonal dishes are delivered by operators renowned for their friendly service. Both are places at which you are guaranteed to enjoy a delicious meal, and both are the perfect spots at which to post up over your break.
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