The perfect vacation wardrobe starts with a pair of shoes — see our picks for your midyear break

Words Margie Riddiford | 25 Jun 2019

We’re well into the middle part of the year, which means that if you haven’t already escaped the brisk weather in favour of warmer pastures, you likely will be doing so soon. July, especially when the school holidays kick in, usually sees a mass exodus of Aucklanders skip off to destinations where they can thaw out on a beach and put the worries of winter behind them, albeit temporarily.

That said, if you are lucky enough to count yourself among the hoard heading overseas, you’ll need to ensure you have the right gear to take with you. And while summer-worthy linens, daytime dresses and accessories like shiny new shades are all essential, where you really need to start, is your shoes.

Elevated sandals, wedges that will give you height without inhibiting your ability to walk, easy slides and sleek slip-ons are a few of the various breeds of footwear you should be taking with you on your sojourn. So we’ve rounded up our favourite picks for your perusal. If in doubt, head to one of our go-to spots for all things footwear, Scarpa, to find the perfect fit.

Clockwise from top left: Stella McCartney Aloha platform sandals| See by Chloé Hope sandals | See by Chloé Reese sandals | Stuart Weitzman Shalene slides | Joseph Olson flats from Scarpa

www.scarpa.co.nz

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Viaduct Harbour is getting behind Everybody Eats this Matariki — and here’s how you can too

Words Margie Riddiford | 21 Jun 2019

Last year we profiled Nick Loosley, founder of pay-as-you-feel pop-up restaurant, Everybody Eats. Back then, Loosley had just launched his dining concept and was feeding those in need in a way that was unprecedented for its sustainable, considered approach. Temporarily taking over Gemmayze St’s space in St. Kevin’s Arcade every Monday night, Everybody Eats turns donated, surplus food into wholesome three-course meals and diners are only called upon to pay whatever they can — even if that’s nothing.

Of course, in order to turn the ingredients into the incredible, tasty dishes that come from the kitchen every Monday (at an incredible speed and volume, by the way), Everybody Eats has had help from some of New Zealand’s most renowned chefs, all of whom generously donate their time. And considering that you’d be hard-pressed to find an area in Auckland with a higher concentration of acclaimed chefs than Viaduct Harbour, it makes sense that the next culinary master to lend his skills to the cause will be Soul Bar and Bistro’s Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle, set to take to the Everybody Eats kitchen on the 22nd of July.

Although the issue of empty bellies isn’t limited to a particular time or season, Matariki (this year taking place between the 25th and 28th of June) holds a special resonance with Everybody Eats’ core values — ones of harvesting and sharing food and of gathering with people from all walks of life to connect meaningfully over a meal — and it’s a time of year that Viaduct Harbour celebrates with gusto. As such, Viaduct Harbour, in this spirit of Matariki, has set out to raise $10,000 for Everybody Eats.

Given that every $10 enables Everybody Eats to provide a three-course meal to three homeless or vulnerable patrons, Viaduct Harbour has pledged to match all donations made with an equal amount, up to a total sum of $5000. The donations period will run from now until midnight on the 22nd of July (when Doyle and his Soul Bar and Bistro team will be cooking at the St. Kevin’s Arcade pop-up).

To make your donation to Everybody Eats, click here.

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Teaming up with Virgin Galactic, Range Rover’s exclusive new Astronaut Edition is out of this world

Words Margie Riddiford | 21 Jun 2019

Land Rover has been intricately intertwined with Virgin Galactic since the two companies launched a partnership in 2014. It’s a collaboration that, since its inception, has continued to grow from the duo’s shared values around creating innovative design and encouraging adventurous spirit.

Looking to entrench this relationship further, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has recently launched a special edition Range Rover that will be made available only to Future Astronauts signed up to fly into space with Virgin Galactic. It represents the new frontier, if you will, one where the vast, unknowable nature of space, is edging ever nearer. Its myriad complexities slowly but surely bring us closer to the day when anyone will be able to travel beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

The exterior of the sleek, recognisable Range Rover has been rendered in a unique Zero Gravity Blue paint, employed to reflect the depth of the night sky and what lies beyond. The regular puddle lamp has been replaced with an outline of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, and the tailgate and the sides of the car, fitted with special Astronaut Edition badging.

Inside, a raft of bespoke, custom detailing renders this vehicle unlike any other in the Range Rover fleet. Virgin Galactic’s own Future Astronaut Community constellation pattern is engraved on the solid aluminium door handles, the headrests and above the glove box. While a ‘DNA of Flight’ graphic adorns the lid of the carbon fibre front console — a motif that is repeated on the leather armrests. Range Rover can also stitch the initials of the Future Astronaut who owns the car onto the headrests, for an extra personal touch.

Perhaps the most arresting feature of this car, however is in its bespoke cup holders. Two discs have been formed from a piece of spaceship, specifically the front landing skid of the spaceship that flew on Virgin Spaceship Unity’s first flight in December last year. One of the two discs is emblazoned with ‘See you up there,’ the words of Richard Branson, while the other carries details of the flight. Importantly, once one of Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronauts has actually gone to space, the second disk will be swapped out with part of the skid from the flight they were on, and will be engraved with those flight details instead.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, Range Rover is offering the Astronaut Edition with either Land Rover’s plug-in, hybrid electric vehicle powertrain (as a commitment to sustainability) or with a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine.

A car for the future, in more ways than one.

www.landrover.co.nz

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This impressive sculptural exhibition is celebrating the joy of childhood and supporting KidsCan

Words Margie Riddiford | 20 Jun 2019

There is something about Auckland-based artist Shona Lyon’s sculptures that renders one incapable of looking away. Created according to a sacred geometry and using classical techniques, Lyon’s beguiling forms are a study in the beauty of traditional sculpture and are widely-acclaimed for their expert execution.

Her new collection, ‘Nostalgia,’ comprising a number of exquisitely-realised, textural bronze works, sees Lyon seeking to evoke vivid childhood memories and the sense of joy children feel when they play with their parents. It is a heartfelt, dynamic series of works that stirs the onlooker to delve into various aspects of their own memory.

The collection will be unveiled at an exhibition on the 2nd of July at Auckland City BMW’s Newmarket showroom. Twenty-two works will be on display, alongside a line-up of fine art prints, and 12.5 per cent of every piece sold will be donated to KidsCan — a charity that helps to provide disadvantaged Kiwi kids with basic physical and nutritional necessities such as food, clothing and healthcare so that they can become more engaged in their education and fulfil their potential.

For more information on Shona Lyon, click here. To RSVP to the exhibition which will take place on Tuesday 2nd July from 6:30pm until 8:30pm, email here. Note: RSVPs must be in by Friday 12st June.

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Maggie Marilyn releases an exclusive capsule collection for Net-A-Porter’s new sustainability platform

Words Margie Riddiford | 20 Jun 2019

The dire impact imparted by the wider fashion industry on our environment is an issue we’ve addressed before. And it’s one that the industry itself is starting to come to terms with in a very real way.

In this country, it’s hard to talk about sustainable fashion without mentioning New Zealand brand, Maggie Marilyn. A label creating clothes that adhere to rigorous environmental standards in every part of their production, textile sourcing and packaging processes, Maggie Marilyn has established itself as an early leader in the new age of fashion — its stellar example encouraging mainstream brands and retailers (as well as consumers) to adopt more sustainable practises.

Recently, in a move that proves how the mainstream industry is becoming increasingly aware of its footprint, Net-A-Porter launched a new platform that shines a light on brands for whom sustainability is an inherent, driving force. Aptly named Net Sustain the online retail giant’s new initiative is making it easier than ever for consumers to identify and connect with environmentally-friendly, sustainable brands, and has launched with 26 labels and 500 products, all of which meet one or more of five key sustainability attributes — locally made, grounded in the community, considered materials, considered processes and/or a focus on waste reduction. “Our aim is to give a voice to the brands that are truly making positive changes,” says Net-A-Porter’s Global Buying Director, Elizabeth von der Goltz, “by providing them with a platform to highlight their best practice.”

Celebrating the fact that such a major fashion retailer is putting store by sustainability, a few renowned brands have created exclusive capsule collections for Net Sustain, including Maggie Marilyn, Stella McCartney and Mother of Pearl, who collaborated with BBC Earth.

Left to right: Maggie Marilyn + Net Sustain Take It Back knotted silk-organza mini dress, knotted silk-twill midi dress, We’re Not Done wide-leg jeans and George III knotted frayed denim jacket

The Maggie Marilyn capsule showcases the designer’s signature penchant for bright colours, feminine silhouettes and motifs that allow her clothes to walk the fine line between making a statement and being inherently wearable (many pieces manage to be both). The collection is made from materials like biodegradable, eco-friendly rose petal silk, ethically-produced, Bluesign-certified silk and organic and recycled cotton.

It’s a big move for Net-A-Porter, although not an entirely unprecedented one. Really, it’s about time these juggernaut names in fashion recognise the myriad ways their fickle, seasonal agenda works to drive rampant, unchecked consumerism. With labels like Maggie Marilyn advocating a new approach at a brand level and companies like Net-A-Porter setting an example for retailers, hopefully, a path can be paved for others of a similar calibre to do the same.

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The pieces we have our eyes on from the highly-anticipated June auctions at Webb’s

Words Margie Riddiford | 19 Jun 2019

Auction houses offer unparalleled opportunities for those who step across their thresholds to find something unexpected, something beautiful and something that can be cherished for a lifetime. In Auckland, one auction house rises above the rest for its varied catalogues, regularly attracting some of the finest pieces in the country to sell at its widely-attended events. Webb’s eye for the finer things has seen it curate a number of auctions that cover single-estate collections, fine art, high-end jewellery, covetable accessories, antique furniture and ornate, decorative arts. And its upcoming June auctions include some of the most exquisite pieces we’ve seen to date.

Looking first at the Fine Art auction, scheduled to take place on Wednesday 26th June at 6:30pm, the line-up includes a number of compelling, thought-provoking and beautiful pieces. Some of the ones we have our eyes on include Max Gimblett’s The Piano, Tracey Emin’s Wanting You, a number of Bill Hammond lithographs, eye-catching watercolours from Gretchen Albrecht and Ralph Hotere (the former joyfully colourful, the latter a more sombre study), an intriguing notched perspex piece by Roy Good, Robyn Kahukiwa’s Tangata Whenua (still here) and Don Binney’s Matuku Tokatoka. Whether you’re in the market for your first piece of art or are looking for something to add to a growing collection, this extensive auction offers pieces for virtually any price range, and when it comes to luxury investments, art is always the best place to start.

Left to right:Untitled by Gretchen Albrecht | Untitled lithograph by Bill Hammond | Matuku Tokatoka.by Don Binney | Untitled by Ralph Hotere

That said, the pieces featured in Webb’s fine jewels, watches and luxury accessories auction are making a pretty compelling case for fashion. Set to take place on Sunday 23rd June at 2:00pm, this auction boasts a catalogue that is vast and varied and features a range of high-end adornments and accessories. If watches are your thing, how about a rare Gentleman’s Patek Philippe pink gold Pagoda wristwatch, or an 18ct Rolex Cellini or a gold Cartier Tank Francaise. If you’d rather collect bags, let us direct you to towards the vintage Louis Vuitton briefcase, the Chanel North-South Boy Flap handbag or the classic black Hermes Birkin. As far as fine jewellery goes, a pair of yellow diamond earrings that feature four pear-shaped yellow diamonds, two marquise-cut yellow diamonds and 122 pavé-set brilliant cut diamonds sit alongside the likes of a Cartier love bangle, a vintage Chanel charm bracelet and an array of pieces carrying sapphires, rubies, emeralds and of course, diamonds in various contemporary and antique settings.

Left to right: 18ct Rolex Cellini wristwatch | yellow diamond earrings | vintage Chanel charm bracelet |Cartier love bangle | Gold Cartier Tank Francaise wristwatch

Left to right: Vintage Louis Vuitton briefcase | Chanel North-South Boy Flap handbag | Classic black Hermes Birkin

On the home decor front, Webb’s upcoming Decorative Arts auction offers an intriguing melange of antique and mid-century furnishings, ornate objects and intricately detailed rugs. A remarkable William Seuffert tilt top table from 1910 made with native New Zealand timber, stands alongside a pair of iconic Pierre Jeanneret chairs (read the story behind these chairs here), as well as rare Iranian Rava Kirman carpet, a Le Corbusier LC4 lounger, an eye-catching flax vase by Ann Robinson and a unique Garth Chester Curvesse chair — among many more. The Decorative Art catalogue will go to auction on Tuesday 25th June at 6:00pm.

Left to right: Flax vase by Ann Robinson | Garth Chester Curvesse chair | Pair of Pierre Jeanneret chairs | Le Corbusier LC4 lounger | William Seuffert tilt top table

With much to peruse and pine-for leading up to these three auctions, we recommend heading along to the Webb’s auction house in Mount Eden to have a look at the various catalogues up close. More information about viewing times for the Fine Arts, Jewellery, Watches, Handbags and Accessories and Decorative Arts auctions are available online. To see the full catalogues, click here.

Webb's

33a Normanby Road
Mount Eden
Auckland

(09) 529 5600

www.webbs.co.nz

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Which of these Spring 2020 menswear looks will you be emulating next season?

Words Margie Riddiford | 13 Jun 2019

As we speak, catwalks overseas are being stormed by a line-up of lithe male models, swathed in the latest looks from designers like Prada, Zegna, Saint Laurent and Givenchy. The menswear shows regularly serve up some of the most intriguing fashion moments of the season, and considering the trend that’s seeing more and more women adopting looks that err on androgeny (oversize blazers, baggy jeans, boyfriend fits), and even wearing menswear themselves (Gigi Hadid just wore a Louis Vuitton menswear look to the CFDA awards), menswear is a viable trawling ground for fashion-savvy women. That said, we thought we’d bring you a few of our favourite looks from the Spring 2020 runways (so far) in a bid to inspire you for the upcoming season.

70s LA disco cowboy – Saint Laurent
Because of course Anthony Vaccarello would combine these seemingly unlikely tropes into one cohesive (and surprisingly compelling) collection. Throw in a touch of Moroccan drapery and flecks of gold and Saint Laurent’s latest offering is calling for an effortlessly cool approach to Spring.

Mountaineering but make it business – Z Zegna
Technical fabrics meet dapper blazers in the businessman-goes-wild looks that make up this collection. Practical trousers paired with perfect tailoring and finished with the kind of sandals that used to be the exclusive territory of dads on fishing trips (don’t worry, they’re very cool now), Z Zegna’s Spring collection is putting a sophisticated sartorial spin on outdoor pursuits.

White-collar workwear – Joseph
In Joseph’s sleek, signature style, suiting in simple, soft tones is made baggy without losing any of its sophisticated edge. A palette of rust orange, dove grey, beige and vanilla renders the collection perfect for springtime office-wear which calls into question the traditionally-accepted codes of dressing for the 9-to-5 and heralds a move away from stiff collars and stuffy neckties.

High-tech trek – Prada
Where the high road meets the mean streets is where you’ll find Prada’s Spring 2020 collection, residing in the sweet spot between luxury and streetwear — which more often than not results in a kind of haute hiker look. Here, utility details meet soft, fashion-forward shapes and technical textiles to render the wearer prepared for anything.

A new approach to pattern – Salvatore Ferragamo
A deep palette dictated the tone on the Salvatore Ferragamo runway, where plum, khaki, rosy and tan leather pants met shapes that seemed to place laid-back wearability at the forefront. Discarding the idea of florals for spring, the prevailing pattern was instead a nod to the classics and held a vintage presence that spoke to our growing penchant for the loose, patterned shirts of the 70s.

Tactile take – Givenchy
Iridescent touches, futuristic silhouettes and textiles we wanted to reach out and touch, Givenchy’s menswear collection was a glorious display of intriguing fabrics and a fun exploration of colour and pattern. Of course it still carried the signature Givenchy ‘cool’ in its precise tailoring, and brought forth a number of looks that were made timeless by the unique way they combined idiosyncratic, streetwear-esque details with classic, crowd-favourite shapes.

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Muse Cashmere’s beautiful new Season Four pieces have landed in store

Words Margie Riddiford | 12 Jun 2019

There can be no denying that cashmere reigns supreme as the textile of winter. Impossibly soft, long-wearing and versatile, it offers the perfect foundation for any wardrobe, especially as we face down the colder months. That said, not all cashmere is created equal. Which is why we have been waiting for Muse’s new collection to drop before stocking up — and finally, it’s arrived.

Designed by Owner Olivia Healy and her Muse team, the new cashmere is building on the reputation it has been steadily earning since the beginning. A reputation for quality, flattering shapes and timeless pieces that will last far beyond a single season. Here, the underlying idea of ‘elevated basics’ rings true, where the finest fibres sourced from a family-owned mill in Nepal have been fashioned into a variety of styles both classic and new, designed to take us effortlessly from day to evening. The double-faced cashmere wrap (a longstanding favourite) is, of course, making its return this season, as well as a line up of luxurious scarves and a two-piece set comprising the Joe pants and Sophie crewneck, landing as the perfect pieces for travel or to simply lounge around in.

Alongside the styles made from 100 per cent cashmere (which makes up the majority of the collection) two silhouettes — the ankle-length Fleur dress (with a sleek leg slit) and the ribbed Milly tee — have been made from a beautiful cashmere/merino blend, which adds a new dimension and heightened wearability to the line-up.

And while on the whole, the palette could be described as deliciously autumnal, where rust tones meet soft grey, ivory, almond and mushroom, pops of lilac, blush and light blue are also present, to counter any misconceptions that winter knits should adhere to some kind of monochromatic mandate.

To celebrate the fact that Muse has released its new season of cashmere just in time for the midyear chill to set in, we are giving one lucky Denizen the chance to win $2,500 to spend in-store at Muse Boutique. To enter and for more details, click here.

*This competition has now closed. Congratulations Sophie Ahern.*

www.museboutique.co.nz

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With its fresh, authentic fare, this Vietnamese spot is the perfect lunchtime drop-in

Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Clara-Jane Follas | 11 Jun 2019

Although tucked away on Chancery Street, the blue glow of the Luna’s Express signage makes passers-by stop and take note, intrigued by the new opening and drawn in by the warm, yellow walls and cosy fit-out that lie beyond the glass frontage.

Stepping over the threshold we’re greeted by the owner, Malisa, who explains the name of the new opening as a homage to her mum, Luna. “All the recipes are hers,” she says, walking us through the menu which is set up as a smorgasbord of make-your-own Vietnamese phở and Bahn Mi. “We wanted to be able to talk to the customers and help them customise their orders,” Malisa says, “the menu covers traditional dishes from both North and South Vietnam… so diners can choose from a range of flavours and types of Viet food… they could have a different dish every time they came here if they wanted.”

That the popularity of Vietnamese food has been on the rise is undeniable. Phở — a traditional Vietnamese broth soup served with rice noodles and various accoutrements like beef, sprouts, chilli and spring onion — has emerged as a universally-loved dish that manages to be warming without being heavy, and is satisfying in a distinctly light, healthy way. Luna’s Express takes its appeal one step further, by making the rice noodles fresh every day (with Malisa telling me she usually starts around five or six in the morning) and brewing the broths — a traditional and a vegan one — from scratch as well, which usually takes around 12 hours. The vegan broth is, while not necessarily authentic to the cuisine, something Malisa created using root vegetables in order to ensure that Luna’s can cater to anyone. And the fact that this level of care has gone into the creation of the dishes, becomes clear in the quality of the food and its flavours.

The phở is warm and fulfilling, the Bahn Mi perfectly proportioned and bursting with tasty meats and sauces, and when Malisa brings out the egg coffee and egg chocolate at the end of the meal as a “special treat,” it’s an unexpected delight. Egg coffee is a traditional drink in Vietnam that started when the country was suffering from a milk shortage. It is made with egg yolk, condensed milk and cream — so if you can imagine a texture similar to melted ice-cream but far fluffier and with a more complex, sweeter quality, that’s it. And it really is a treat.

Although the ‘Express’ in Luna’s name is an accurate representation of its service (our bowls of pho arrived at the table very quickly), don’t be mistaken in thinking that there have been any corners cut on quality. Malisa is clearly dedicated to making Luna’s Express a business that is as holistic as its food. “All the packaging is compostable,” the owner explains, “and we’re trying to make Luna’s as close to zero waste as we possibly can,” a commendable goal.

While we were slurping our phở, a number of people who clearly worked around the area wandered by, peering inquisitively inside. Luna’s is, after all, the perfect lunchtime spot for the inner-city set. With fresh ingredients, a friendly atmosphere and food that will suit any proclivity and save you from having to suffer through a 3pm slump, it’s setting itself up as the ultimate antidote to office hours and is, without a doubt, some of the freshest Vietnamese we’ve ever tried.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 7am until 4:30pm
Saturday, 11:30am until 5pm
Sunday, closed

Luna's Express

10 Chancery Street
Auckland Central

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Q&A with Florence Cools — the creative mind behind chic womenswear label La Collection

Words Margie Riddiford | 7 Jun 2019

Florence Cools more than lives up to her name. After starting multi-brand fashion store DAMOY (widely-acknowledged as a preeminent destination for the fashion-savvy) in Antwerp a few years ago, she recently launched her own brand, La Collection, to much acclaim. Balancing sleek femininity with practical, wearable shapes, the label has been garnering something of a cult following for the way it imbues the everyday wardrobe with effortless luxury. Now stocked at Muse Boutique, we thought we’d ask Florence about the inspiration behind her lauded collection, and why women in New Zealand will fall in love with it as quickly as the rest of the world has.

Take me back to the beginning… What is your fashion background? I studied fashion technology and then afterwards, I opened my own multi-brand store in Antwerp, followed by a multibrand wholesale agency. But looking back, the fashion industry has always inspired me. When I was a child I would spend time sketching mannequins with my own designs and I always made clothes for my Barbie dolls.

What was your vision for La Collection when you started it? I wanted to create a timeless, high-quality label made up of elevated, staple pieces every woman should own.

What does La Collection stand for now? Pretty much that. All of our pieces are made from premium, luxurious fabrics — most of which have been created especially for La Collection. This way, our simple, refined silhouettes come out the best way possible and the pieces are ones you can keep in your closet forever!

Left: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in La Collection coat | Right: La Collection Amandine blazer and Gabrielle trousers from Muse Boutique

Who do you envisage as the LA Collection customer? It’s very much a label for the powerful woman. Someone who is confident and expresses her feminity with a statement shoulder or a loose-fit dress. A woman who doesn’t need to wear super tight or near-naked clothes to feel sexy. All of our pieces have a no-nonsense feel and that combo of straightforward femininity makes them work so well.

Who or what is most inspiring you at the moment? I get a lot of inspiration from Paris, the streets, the buildings, galleries and museums. But I also love to watch old movies and read vintage magazines, I get so inspired by the classic style icons.

Describe your personal style? I would call it very easy-chic, minimal, and feminine but strong.

Is there any advice or motto you live by when it comes to fashion and dressing? Less really is more! I love a naked neckline, one without too much jewellery. A motto I live by is to not to try too hard. Our La Collection pieces are so easy to combine which I think is what a lot of women want from their everyday wardrobes.

What are three, essential items every woman’s wardrobe should have? A long black silk dress, a tailored suit and a long coat.

Why do you think New Zealand women will love La Collection? I think the fact that our pieces are very transeasonal will make them appeal to New Zealand women. Pretty much everything in the collection can be worn from season to season and each piece has been designed to last a lifetime (both style- and quality-wise).

What does the future hold for La Collection? To be honest, I never plan too far ahead. I live by a ‘life is what happens when you’re making other plans’ kind of mentality, which keeps things more spontaneous and organic. But what I want for La Collection is for it to reach a global audience, to be able to take our timeless fashion around the globe and to be able to dress all the powerful women out there!

www.museboutique.co.nz

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