Now showing at ECC’s Auckland showroom, Imperfettolab makes a striking debut with a collection that exists somewhere between sculpture and furniture. The Italian design studio, founded on a philosophy of intentional imperfection, transforms fibreglass into poetic, functional objects — pieces that are as tactile as they are visually powerful.
Each form is made by hand, sanded and shaped to reveal the raw beauty of its material. No two are alike. This is a collection where elegance comes from restraint, and personality from process. Chairs, tables, vessels, and objects take on organic, otherworldly silhouettes — sometimes referencing nature, sometimes pure abstraction — always with a quiet sense of gravity.
“In every creation, beauty lies in the imperfections,” the studio says of its work. “Which are nothing but the meticulous craftsmanship of the fibreglass, cleverly sanded to unleash its natural charm.” The result is a kind of visual weightlessness, grounded by substance.
Imperfettolab is no stranger to the global design world — their work is beloved by collectors and specifiers alike — but this is the first time their pieces have been available to experience in person in Aotearoa. ECC has long admired the studio’s boundary-pushing aesthetic, and now invites local audiences to do the same.
The collection is available now in ECC’s Auckland showroom.
This July, Bar Magda — one of the city’s most exciting kitchens, invites you to skip the booze but still dial up the indulgence, with a Dry July-inspired winter feast that is worth venturing out in the cold for.
Running Wednesday to Friday throughout the month, this month-long event is a celebration of seasonal generosity and culinary finesse — a $88pp shared menu for groups of two to six, paired with two beautifully crafted mocktails (though yes, wine and spirits are still available, if desired).
To start, smoky BBQ beef tacos set the tone — rich, tender, and full of Magda’s quinessential depth. From there, it’s a journey through land and sea: a crisp lumpia of crab and prawn, and a boldly inventive kikiam pairing pāua and squid — both delivering an abundance of flavour and texture in equal measure.
The main event is a show-stopping charcoal steak with soy butter — the very same dish crowned one of Auckland’s Top 100 Iconic Eats for 2025. It’s served alongside roasted artichokes with parsley sauce and winter truffle.
Bar Magda’s Pineapple & green mango shrub Mocktail
But this isn’t just a menu for Dry July devotees — it’s an experience that proves you don’t need a glass of red to feel celebratory. With thoughtfully composed mocktails leading the drinks list and three of the restaurant’s brand-new winter dishes making their debut, consider this your excuse to get out and about this month and enjoy a deliciously guilt-free evening that doesn’t scrimp on indulgence.
In our humble opinion, a holiday starts when you arrive at the airport, so start how you mean to go on and dress the part from the get-go. While no one wants to board a plane in an uncomfortable ensemble, there are plenty of ways to look chic without forgoing comfort, and we’ve rounded up a few looks that deliver on both fronts.
From tailored co-ords to layered looks and the classic leggings and oversized jacket, this curated edit will see you arriving at your destination in style.
Ayrburn — the sprawling hospitality precinct on the outskirts of Queenstown — has gone from strength to strength since opening in late 2023, continuing to add exceptional venues to its impressive oeuvre, each of which has a distinct feel and offering.
The latest eatery to join the fold is Billy’s — a refined, modern Chinese-inspired eatery that may just be the precinct’s boldest and most alluring yet. Set in a restored 19th-century homestead that was once the main residence of William and Bessie Paterson (Ayrburn’s original owners), this decadent dining destination is the final original building to be restored on the site — the final piece in Ayrburn’s heritage puzzle.
The restored 19th-century homestead
The significance of this milestone is evident in the meticulous care and attention to detail paid to every facet of Billy’s. Here, the vibe is grounded but daring. Interiors are rooted in history, yet modernised through thoughtful details, and the contemporary luxury Ayrburn has become know for shines through. Velvet banquettes, chinoiserie wallpaper, notable artworks, and rich layering collide to create a space that feels at once elevated and inviting, honouring the past while speaking to the future.
Inspired by traditional orangeries where exotic plants flourish year-round, a striking glass conservatory at the building’s rear further extends the elegant dining space and invites light into the eatery year-round, framing the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. A smattering of outdoor tables extend beyond — sure to be some of the most covetable seats in the precinct come summertime.
Billy’s glass conservatory
On the food front, the choice to make Billy’s a Chinese-inspired eatery was a considered one. Once home to gold miners in at mid-to-late 1800s, Arrowtown and Ayrburn’s surrounding landscape was home to a host of Chinese immigrants who played a pivotal role in the Otago gold rush, and Billy’s is a considered nod to this moment in time.
Enjoy a raft of Chinese-inspired dishes
As such, Executive Chef Richard Highnam and his team have developed a menu that reflects this heritage while embracing a modern sensibility. You’ll find both refined takes on the classics (think bang bang chicken, sweet and sour pork, and kung pao chicken), alongside more contemporary and creative additions — from crayfish mantou with XO sauce to fiery grain-fed beef hot pot and Southern Ocean toothfish with black bean and shaoxing emulsion.
If you’re dining with a group, the refined ‘Billy’s Banquet’ is the only way to go, leaving the selection up to the chefs so all that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy the spread.
Billy’s Har Gow Steamed Prawn Truffle Dumplings
Dumplings are unsurprisingly a highlight, with options like har gow prawn truffle, wagyu beef siu mai, and black crystal squid and crab — cooked to perfection and served with traditional accompaniments to complete the experience.
Billy’s decadent signature offering ‘A Bump with Billy’
There’s also a decadent signature offering which is an essential order for anyone visiting. Dubbed ‘A Bump with Billy’ this perfect pairing incorporates a 30ml pour of the venue’s signature ‘Infinite Wisdom’ cocktail, and a bump of Imperial Oscietra Caviar — sure to inspire indulgence and elevate every occasion.
There will, of course, also be a robust selection of Ayrburn wines on the menu, including the bespoke ‘Billy’s’ chardonnay and the exclusive ‘Homestead’ pinot noir, as well as a host of curated tipples to accompany the exceptional fare on offer.
Ayrburn ‘Billy’s’ Chardonnay
The latest jewel in Ayrburn’s culinary crown, Billy’s lends itself to occasions of any and every nature — from an intimate lunch shared with family to a raucous evening with friends, and everything in between. Our table is booked, is yours?
Opening hours: Wednesday, 5pm until midnight Thursday — Sunday, 11:30am until midnight
In the world of luxury design, the mastery of technique and the art of storytelling converge in a profound way. For Hélène and Jeanne Karpov, a dynamic sister duo whose shared passion for gouaché painting has defined their careers, the art of jewellery illustration is more than simply a profession; it’s a living tradition — one that draws on centuries of craftsmanship and requires deep personal devotion.
The Karpov twins, who are known as ‘gouachers’ — a term they proudly adopt from their native France — have found their calling at the intersection of high jewellery and fine watchmaking. Through their unique and complementary skill sets, they have created exquisite pieces for some of the most prestigious luxury houses in the world, while also preserving and advancing a rare artistic technique that holds a connective power.
Their work is an intricate dance between design and artistry — a delicate balance that requires both precision and imagination. At the core of their creative process is their ability to envision an item of jewellery — from its proportions and volumes to the materials and stones that bring it to life.
In one respect, this involves rigorous research and design, considering every detail that will ultimately define the essence of a piece. The other aspect sees the sisters focus on what can only be described as a meticulous visual representation — creating hand-painted illustrations using gouaché that serve not only as technical references, but as art in their own right. “It’s a process of research and balance, blending creativity, technical expertise, and aesthetics,” Jeanne reflects. “We produce what are called ‘jewellery gouachés’: hand-painted illustrations, at actual size, on gray paper using gouaché (an opaque watercolor pigment paint). These precise renderings serve as technical references for jewellery workshops, visual presentations for clients, and sometimes, even as standalone works of art.”
“…hand-painted illustrations, at actual size, on gray paper using gouaché. These precise renderings serve as technical references for jewellery workshops, visual presentations for clients, and sometimes, even as standalone works of art.”
These drawings, which can take from a few days to a month to complete, are often comissioned by jewellery houses to translate their creative vision into an irresistibly compelling image. “They provide us with a detailed brief: a list of materials, metal textures, and volumes,” they tell me. “When possible, we also observe the gemstones, finished pieces, or prototypes in person — to capture every reflection, every subtle hue, every unique detail. Sometimes, we work from photos of completed pieces, which we must reinterpret with precision.” This artistic gesture demands discipline, finesse, and sensitivity. It’s not just about reproduction, but about conveying the soul of a jewel — something the sisters have become completely adept at over their careers, “Creating a gouaché requires varying amounts of time, but if a gouaché can be completed in just one day today, it is thanks to twenty years of experience. Speed is not the norm; it’s the result of long-acquired expertise.”
Their journey into the world of gouaché began in childhood, where they were both encouraged by their father to draw and replicate, exploring the impact of art, while their mother nurtured their exposure to broader artistic realms like architecture, theatre, and ballet. “These worlds deeply inspired and awakened us,” they share, a sentiment that has clearly carried throughout their lives.
Having initially pursued industrial design, Hélène and Jeanne quickly found themselves at odds with the overwhelming presence of computers and digital tools in the field. Their yearning for a more tactile, hands-on approach led them to explore areas where manual skills were still revered — and it was during an exhibition in Paris that they discovered jewellery design. “It was a revelation,” Hélène says. “From that moment on, everything relied on hard work, discipline, and perseverance.”
The world of gouaché painting, particularly in the realm of jewellery and watchmaking, is one that requires years of dedication and refinement. “It’s much like calligraphy… or classical dance,” they say. “You’re not born a prima ballerina — you become one.” And so, they became masters of gouaché — a skill that is both a visual language and a lifelong pursuit of technical and artistic excellence.
“We each have our areas of expertise,” says Jeanne. “When we work for jewellery or watchmaking houses, Hélène focuses on the design phase — creating the piece, balancing volumes, choosing stones — while I am dedicated to creating the gouachés.” “It’s a real advantage to work with your twin sister,” Hélène adds. “There’s a fluidity and absolute trust that’s been essential to building our careers.” The pair also run and online platform, The Art of the Gouache, teaching others how to master the art — further preserving their craft for the future.
Across the spectrum, their work is not merely about producing beautiful designs; it’s about safeguarding and advancing the slow art of gouaché in a world that increasingly leans on digital tools. “Gouaché painting is an art deeply rooted in the real, one that reconnects us to slowness, patience, and the present moment,” Jeanne explains. “It’s tangible: every gesture leaves an immediate, visible mark. You see the results layer by layer. In a world that moves fast, painting in gouaché becomes almost a gentle form of resistance.”
The act of creating with gouaché is both a meditative and an intellectual challenge. For Hélène and Jeanne, it is the constant desire to improve and refine their technique that drives them forward. “Each gouaché is a pursuit of excellence,” they share. “Gouaché teaches you to see: to observe materials, to appreciate the beauty of the real and the authentic.”
In a world where creativity is often rushed, Hélène and Jeanne’s work remains a powerful testament to the beauty of slow artistry. It is a celebration of patience, precision, and the irreplaceable value of human touch — an art that will continue to inspire awe for generations to come.
As beloved for its delicious food as it is for its coveted outdoor tables (thoroughly heated across the cooler months), Andiamo is the perfect place to while away a leisurely few hours in culinary bliss. And now, the stalwart eatery is giving us the perfect excuse to lock in a long lunch or cosy dinner, introducing two decidedly decadent new pizzas that are the ultimate salve for the inclement weather.
Three cheese pizza, cauliflower, truffle oil
As part of the eatery’s dedicated truffle-centric menu, a wildly tasty three cheese pizza has been added to fold, topped with cauliflower and finished with truffle oil. Perfect when paired with a buttery chardonnay or robust glass of red.
And, further enticing you to make a booking, a delicious, seasonally-apt number has also been added to the eatery’s offering, pairing n’duja caramel with confit potato, mozzarella, and oregano. Simply sublime.
Farewell, prescription pad. From later this year New Zealanders will be able to stroll into any pharmacy and buy melatonin, no GP visit required. Medsafe’s re‑classification lets pharmacists supply immediate‑release tablets up to 5 mg (or 3 mg modified‑release) in ten‑day or month‑long packs for jet lag and primary insomnia — a quietly revolutionary shift for many.
For the uninitiated, melatonin itself is essentially dusk in molecular form — a hormone the pineal gland secretes when light recedes. Swallowed, it slips through the blood–brain barrier and taps the body’s master clock, lowering core temperature, easing blood pressure, and cueing cortisol to drop so — in theory — eyelids grow heavy. Because it synchronises rather than sedates, next‑day grogginess is uncommon and serious side‑effects remain rare.
But the question on everyone’s lips is does it actually work? A 2024 systematic review found about 4 mg taken three hours before bed trimmed sleep‑onset by roughly ten minutes and nudged total slumber upward. Benefits bloom for circadian‑rhythm glitches — trials show melatonin can advance bedtime by up to 40 minutes in those struggling with delayed‑sleep‑phase disorder, and for those lucky enough to be Europe-bound this winter, it’s also been proven to help long‑haul travellers resynchronise faster.
Melatonin isn’t a silver bullet, but used thoughtfully it can support the descent into sleep — and, luckily, it’s now set to be as close as your local chemist. As always, timing and dosage matter, so chat with your pharmacist before you dim the lights for a restorative rest.
More than 10 years after changing the face of how women are depicted on TV in her hit series Girls, Lena Dunham is back with something new — although this time she’s spending far more time behind the camera than in front of it. As the writer / actress has become known for, Lena Dunham’s new Netflix series Too Much — set for release next week, on July 10th — is loosely based on her own experiences. Here’s what you need to know:
What’s the Plot?
Set in London, the series charts a thirty-something New Yorker’s recent move following a tough breakup as she sets out to start afresh somewhere new. While the city itself isn’t exactly what she had imagined, she soon meets (and subsequently falls for) Felix — a laid-back musician who is workaholic, over-thinker Jessica’s anthesis.
Spanning 10 episodes, the show charts Jessica (played by Megan Statler of Hacks fame) and Felix’s (played by The White Lotus’ Will Sharpe) courtship, which is anything but straightforward. Both want to make it work, but find themselves burdened and held back by the past in ways it’s not clear whether they’ll be able to reconcile. Ultimately, the show is a refreshing real depiction of falling in love, and fans of Girls will find Dunham’s familiar deftness in social critique a comfort, despite the show’s many ups and downs.
Left: Felix (Will Sharpe) right: Jessica (Megan Stalter)
Who’s in the Cast?
Outside of protagonists Jessica (Megan Statler) and Felix (Will Sharpe), the show features some big namers. Fleabag’s ‘Hot Priest’ (Andrew Scott) makes a welcome appearance, alongside Jessica Alba, Emily Ratajkowski, Richard E. Grant, Stephen Fry, Rhea Perlman, Kit Harington, Andrew Rannells, Jennifer Saunders, and Marnie’s mother from Girls, Rita Wilson. Michael Zegen stars as Jessica’s ex, and Dunham herself does make an appearance in front of the camera, but you’ll have to wait and see how that plays out.
A delicate balance between heritage charm and contemporary elegance defines this exquisitely transformed Grey Lynn residence — redesigned by Venia Design to embrace its historic roots while seamlessly integrating modern comforts, creating a harmonious family sanctuary.
Perched high atop a light-filled site in Auckland’s central suburbs, this historic villa plays to its stunning surrounds, maximising views while sitting as a refined retreat perfectly befitting the demands of family life. Enveloped by lush greenery and overlooking a verdant park, with fresh morning light filtering in from the east and dappled evening light flooding the back, Venia Design imagined the home’s interiors to be sympathetic to the light’s path, enhancing its impact at every turn.
From the outset, the goal was to create a home that was both functional and striking, where children could play freely and adults could entertain with ease. As such, open-plan living areas were imagined to flow seamlessly into exterior spaces, with the light-filled, airy kitchen opening up to a stunning stone terrace and pool — a space which lends itself as easily to entertaining as it does daily family life.
Where the exterior of the home had to adhere to strict heritage guidelines to preserve its historical facade — elegantly transformed by Leuschke Kahn Architects, the interiors were able to be completely reimagined, breathing new life into the family home. High ceilings and open family spaces were achieved by reworking the internal structure, using level changes to define different zones within the home. Infusing the space with a sense of warmth and openness, hallways were designed to borrow light from adjacent rooms, while main living areas were crafted to gather and hold natural light. Considering light in a different way, bedrooms were furnished with soft hues to mitigate the coolness of evening shadows.
Ivy Pendant 8 by CTO Lighting from ECC, Saarinen conference chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia
Venia Design was focused on creating a calm, considered environment that is simple, elegant, and timeless — a feat achieved through the use of a thoughtful material palette, carefully conceived spatial layout, and luxurious yet practical furnishings. Statuario stone brings an unexpected richness to kitchen cabinetry, which features clean lines that blend contemporary and traditional villa aesthetics, while elsewhere, dark cabinetry accents add depth without overwhelming the space.
He Kiwi Kāwhatawhata artwork by Fiona Pardington from Starkwhite, The Girl Stands Tall sculpture by Paul Dibble from Gow Langsford Gallery, Hamilton sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC
Redondo Armchair by Patricia Urquiola From Matisse
Furnishings were chosen to echo the prevailing sense of timeless elegance. Minotti sofas, with their strong lines, complement the Italian marble, while the front room features playful Redondo swivel chairs, inspiring repose. Custom mohair rugs soften rustic wide-board floors, while in the dining area, the home’s hub of entertaining, a soft oval table paired with Saarinen chairs invites connection.
Ultimately, this thoughtfully reimagined Auckland-based residence sits at the intersection of heritage charm and modern functionality, creating a charming sanctuary perfectly suited to the changing tides of family life.
The layered T-shirt trend is a simple yet impactful way to upgrade and elevate your casual wardrobe. By pairing two tees — usually contrasting in colour, fit, or length — you add depth, texture, and visual interest to any outfit. It’s versatile, easy to style, and perfect for transitioning between seasons.
Try a longer layer either under or over a boxy tee, or mix neutral tones to create subtle contrast. The key is balance — let the layers stand out while keeping the rest of your look minimal. Cosy, comfortable, and effortlessly cool, this trend proves that basics can be anything but boring.
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