Commercial Bay is dialling up the flavour this July with the launch of the Fork & Fame Awards — a month-long celebration of the culinary brilliance bubbling away inside its hawker-style food hall, Harbour Eats. With 25 vendors dishing up everything from bao buns to burgers and birria, this is your official excuse to turn after-work cravings, pre-show snacks, and weekend catch-ups into a full-blown dining experience.
Running from now until Thursday 31st July, the inaugural Fork & Fame Awards will crown the must-try bites across six delightfully themed categories — think “Bang for Buck”, “Save Room for Dessert” and “Don’t Wear White”. Bringing their expertise to the fore to crown the winners, a panel of discerning judges — from MasterChef NZ winner Sam Low to esteemed chef Gareth Stewart — will be making their way around Harbour Eats, diving in fork-first to uncover the very best this culinary melting pot has to offer.
Oji Sushi
A number of sponsors including Pic’s Peanut Butter and Best Foods Mayo have also come on board to further inspire creativity, with two deliciously creative awards getting vendors like Wise Boys and Ben & Jerry’s crafting limited-edition dishes for the occasion — each of which is available to indulge in throughout the month.
Wise Boys burger
And of course, the people also get a say. Scan a QR code while you’re dining or headhereto vote for your favourite dish in the People’s Choice Award. Every vote puts you in the draw to win lunch for a year—a $5,000 Commercial Bay food voucher that will have you eating better than ever.
Consider this your invitation to revisit your favourites, or discover something new — we know we’ll be indulging. To help you on your way, we’ve rounded up a handful of our go-to dishes below, each of which is more than worthy of a People’s Choice award (and a place in your dining agenda).
Both Azabu Ponsonby and Azabu Mission Bay have long been known for serving up some of the best food in town, and while the two outposts are distinct, the signature blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavours across both hit the mark every time. Here at Denizen, we’re long-standing members of the Azabu fan club, and were thrilled to discover that both eatery’s menus have been refreshed for the season ahead.
Azabu Ponsonby
We were fortunate enough to preview the new dishes ourselves this week, and can say with conviction that this is an occasion worth celebrating. While firm favourites still remain (yes, including the volcano sushi roll), there are a raft of new dishes — dreamt up by the clever team in the kitchen — sure to satisfy.
Across both venues, additions include new sashimi and sushi rolls, inspiring you to shake up your usual order. From spicy salmon tartar with crispy rice and wakame and tuna tataki with rocoto ponzu and blackened avocado on the sashimi front, to salmon and tempura prawn maki with cucumber, spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce, and vegetarian miso tofu with pickled daikon, spring onion, cucumber, and wasabi carrot rolls — there is plenty to make your way through, many of which are set to become instant classics.
Popcorn Shrimp
New small plates comprise indulgent yet light popcorn prawn tempura with chilli yuzu mayo, lemon, and wasabi pea furikake, beef tataki with garlic, ginger, chilli ponzu, braised shiitake and radish, chicken and prawn dumplings with chilli vinegar soy and spring onion, and moreish beef and ginger gyoza with Szechuan soy and pickled cucumber.
chicken and prawn dumplings with chilli vinegar soy and spring onion
One stand-out main is also joining the fold — a crisp, tender pork belly paired perfectly with ginger apple puree, soy caramel, red cabbage, cucumber, coriander, and lime soy. This particular creation is a delight, and is not to be missed.
A smattering of delectable sides also join the menu, including an unexpectedly delicious braised cabbage with kombu soy butter and green mayo, alongside a seasonal grilled baby gem with black vinegar sesame dressing, radish, spring onion and nori, and a warming steamed broccoli served with tobanjan dressing and sesame cream. Sublime.
Looking to shake up girls night and try something new? Swap your usual dinner plans for something unexpected, a little bit extra, and seriously unforgettable — a night at the theatre, dressed to the nines, with Shakespeare’s most iconic love story as the backdrop.
Auckland Theatre Company’s rendition of Romeo & Juliet is anything but traditional. Reimagined as a whip-smart thriller set in the style-saturated 1960s, this breathless take on the Bard’s best-known play is a feast for the senses — and the ultimate excuse to get dressed up and make a night of it. Think: Missoni, Pucci, and heartbreak at high speed. The styling is a scene-stealer in itself — bold, cinematic, and brimming with mod-era glamour.
Romeo & Juliet
Set in sun-drenched 1960s Verona, Italy, director Benjamin Kilby-Henson’s take on the classic doesn’t waste a minute. With a brooding original score by Robin Kelly, death lurking around every corner, and a fresh cast including Theo Dāvid and Phoebe McKellar starring as the ill-fated lovers, this unmissable take on Romeo & Juliet is all tension, thrill, and emotional torque.
But beneath it all, you’ll still be moved by Shakespeare’s original meditation on love — romantic, platonic, forbidden, and all-consuming. It’s passionate, punchy, and heartbreakingly beautiful. And it might just be the perfect excuse to shake up your usual catch-up with the girls. Book your tickets here.
So, rally a group, put on something worthy of 60s Italy, and let this iconic tragedy be the main event of your next girls’ night out. Add a cocktail and an Italian feast pre-show, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable evening. Here, we round up where to head to truly lean into the show’s setting, and make a night of it.
Undoubtedly one of Auckland’s most popular eateries, Italian or otherwise, Amano is consistently humming with hungry punters around the clock. The eatery offers a delicious Italian-inspired menu that highlights seasonal, local produce (the pasta dishes are a particular highlight), and with a raft of unmissable sharing plates, this is a more than perfect spot for a bite and cocktail in the early evening.
At this chic inner-city spot, the Italian energy is dialled all the way up — think sleek yet laid-back interiors, and a menu that’s equal parts classic and contemporary, not to mention the wonderfully warm team both in front of and behind the pass. At Bossi, house-made pasta, glossy sauces and beautifully plated antipasti set the tone, while cocktails arrive crisp and considered. It’s a buzzy slice of Milan in the middle of the city — perfect for a little theatre-night indulgence.
The humble yet incredibly delicious meals that can be found at the most unassuming neighbourhood trattorias were what originally inspired Karangahape Road favourite. Pici, from its intimate dining room to its mouthwatering menu which is designed to share. Here, you simply cannot pass up the cacio e pepe. Although the venison bolognese spaghetti is also popular; full of flavour and perfectly indulgent. Tables are limited, so head in early to grab a quick bite and glass of something delicious pre-show.
At this beloved eatery, that happens to just be a hop, skip, and a jump away from the theatre, Italian-inspired food and wines fill the menu. You’ll find the likes of delicious beef short ribs, Karitane crayfish meatballs (there’s a whole section in the menu dedicated to the eatery’s hand-crafted meatballs), and countless handmade pastas amongst Baduzzi’s must-try dishes. Washed down with a glass of Italian Bianchi, of course.
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning for dinner in the Britomart precinct. With a pre-show dinner menu, the service is swift (if needed), and the fresh pasta is always divine.
Bivacco has become a go-to destination for delicious Italian — day or night. The food here is unparalleled, and is made even more perfect when enjoyed overlooking the sparkling waters of Viaduct Harbour with one of Bivacco’s delicious cocktails in hand. And while you really can’t beat the margherita pizza here, those craving something more lavish will find it in the goats cheese ravioli, adorned with endive, burnt honey and pistachio. Perfecto.
William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, 15 July to 9 August at the ASB Waterfront Theatre. Tickets on sale now at atc.co.nz.
July is serving up a range of tasty new menus, delicious pop-ups, new openings and more. So whether you’re an enthusiastic foodie, or are simply wanting to switch up your routine, look no further than our comprehensive July Dining Guide below.
On Thursday 31st July, Kingi is going all in on truffle with a one-night-only four-course dinner ($189pp) celebrating both black and white varieties — including a truffle-infused dessert. Special guest Jax Lee-May from Kings Truffles will be on hand to share insider knowledge and stories from the truffière. A must for truffle lovers; seats are limited.
This July, Masu is going all-in on kid-friendly flair with the limited-edition Legends Bento Box, inspired by Karate Kid Legends (in cinemas now). Each box includes Masu karaage chicken, vegetarian sushi rolls, edamame, robata-grilled teriyaki salmon and pineapple — plus themed chopsticks and a headband to complete the look. Bonus: 50 lucky boxes will contain a hidden double pass to the film.
On Wednesday 30th July, Cassia hosts a one-night-only Full Circle Feast — a 10-course shared menu ($145pp) created by the celebrated chefs who’ve shaped the restaurant’s story over the past 11 years. Each dish is a personal tribute, culminating in a final course from Chef Sid himself.
Back by popular demand, Cantine returns for a limited pop-up at Bar Céleste — sending the beloved bistro off in style. From cheeseburgers and filet o’ market fish, burgers to garlic fries and burnt butter cookies, all the favourites are on the menu. Open Thursday to Saturday, 5–8pm (or until sold out), with happy hour from 5–6pm. Don’t miss out — limited house-made buns available!
Chef Ryan Moore’s now-legendary Proper Sunday Roast returns from the 20th of July for a limited run of Sundays in The Wine Room’s intimate private space. Kicking off with Champagne and canapés, guests will enjoy a three-course feast with weekly-changing roasts, Yorkshire puds, and house-made desserts. $175pp, with wine matches available. Sundays, 2pm–late — and bookings are essential.
To celebrate two years on K’ Road, Tempero is teaming up with its neighbours for a three-night collaboration series from 10th–12th July. Each night, Chef Fabio Bernardini will co-create a four-course menu with chefs from Lebanese Grocer, PICI, and Apéro — spotlighting the Lebanese, Italian and French influences that have long shaped Latin American cuisine.
For one night only on 24th July, Olly Le Maitre (Black Estate) and Tom Hishon (kingi) unite for an intimate five-course degustation at The Libraries, Hotel Britomart. With just 16 seats, guests will move through The Lounge, Chef’s Library, and Wine Library as they savour dishes like Jerusalem artichoke with Périgord truffle and Tītī with horopito. $329pp, with matched wines.
This winter, SkyCity invites you to indulge in Delish — a celebration of unforgettable dining, immersive events, and nostalgic comforts. From open-flame feasts and exclusive chef collaborations to heartwarming celebrations, it’s a season made for gathering. Enjoy crafted menus across SkyCity’s award-winning restaurants, free parking with every qualifying spend, and special experiences aplenty.
Soul’s menu gets a fresh winter update with a line-up of elegant new dishes celebrating land and sea. Dive into a rich seafood chowder with smoked fish, clams and mussels, or try the market fish with confit fennel and orange-soaked raisins. There’s also steamed fish with green olive and fried oyster mushroom, and a Greenlea beef fillet with soubise and cavolo nero for hearty indulgence.
The Pantry’s beloved pop-up hut returns this winter in the form of Spudz — your new lunchtime favourite for loaded baked potatoes. Expect one comforting classic and two rotating chef specials, all generously filled and piping hot. Open Monday to Friday, 11am–2pm, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go solution for cold-weather cravings.
Azabu Ponsonby and Mission Bay have both unveiled vibrant new seasonal menus, showcasing the eateries’ signature Japanese-Peruvian flair. Highlights include spicy salmon tartar, popcorn prawn tempura, chicken and prawn dumplings, and a standout crispy pork belly with ginger apple purée. With inventive new sides and sushi rolls, it’s the perfect time to revisit a classic.
Every Wednesday from 4pm ‘til late, Kemuri Hi-Fi spins full albums curated by Dusty Crates and Stack Records — all available to buy on the night. Pair the tunes with obscure classic cocktails mixed with Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s Gin and Drambuie. A new midweek ritual for vinyl lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike.
Step into Le Salon, Rooftop at QT’s new 1920s-inspired pop-up, open until 31st August. This velvet-draped hideaway invites you to indulge in late-night soirées, weekend lunches, and Champagne tasting flights featuring Perrier-Jouët and G.H. Mumm. Choose from The Gilded Trio ($49) or the exclusive five-pour Secrets of the Cellar ($99), paired with gourmet bites like truffle Wagyu sliders and salmon caviar-topped fried chicken. Tastings available daily until 8:30pm.
As the slopes wind down, the energy ramps up at Ayrburn’s iconic Après Ski Happy Hour. From 4–6pm daily in The Manure Room (starting Friday 27th June), expect top-tier drink specials, shot skis, and elevated shared plates in a setting that knows how to celebrate the season. Come Friday and Saturday, live music stretches the festivities till 7pm, with some of Aotearoa’s most exciting acts.
Every Sunday from 12–4pm, bottles of G.H.Mumm bubbles start from just $65 at Somm Wine Bar & Bistro. With a DJ spinning from midday and flutes flowing, it’s the kind of Sunday that asks nothing of you — except maybe a top-up.
Queens Rooftop is turning winter Mondays into something worth looking forward to with its brand-new Kitchen Co-Lab Series. Each Monday in July between 6pm–9pm, Executive Chef Maia Atvars teams up with a different guest chef — including Jono Thevenard (Pici), Elie Assaf (The Lebanese Grocer), and Kasey and Karena Bird — for an intimate, one-night-only menu of bold, collaborative small plates. Expect creative flavour pairings, a bespoke drinks list, and a seriously good time up on the roof.
For two nights only — 17 and 18 July — Boda welcomes Chef Migo Razon of Miss Mi Melbourne to join Executive Chef Hyokeun Choi for a four-course fusion feast blending modern Korean and Filipino flavours. Expect bold dishes, rich storytelling, and a final course inspired by traditional Korean dessert. $160pp with De Bortoli wine pairing; limited seats available.
Launching in Wellington on 27 June, 7 Paintings is a groundbreaking interactive dinner show blending digital art, storytelling, and fine cuisine. Over 2.5 hours, guests journey through seven iconic artworks—from Michelangelo to Banksy—with each course paired to immersive visuals and music. Hosted at Naumi Hotel Wellington, Fridays, Saturdays, and new Thursdays in July; tickets from $159pp.
When it comes to winter dressing, few pieces work harder than a great pair of boots. From sleek knee-highs paired with tights to the return of the ‘jean tuck’ and the undeniable polish of a pointed heel, this season’s boots are equal parts practical and powerful. Here’s how to style them right.
Knee-Highs
Knee-high boots and tights are a cold-weather classic, but this season, it’s all about the contrast. Ground the look with tights, then balance the sleek silhouette with an oversized blazer or a cropped coat. The result? Effortlessly put-together with just the right amount of edge.
Pointed Heel
The heeled pointed boot brings instant elevation to any outfit — literally and stylistically. Pair them with relaxed trousers, whether classic denim or soft leather, and anchor the look with a casual tee. Layer on an oversized blazer or long coat or trench for an off-duty ensemble that feels considered and cool.
The Jean Tuck
The ‘jean tuck’ is back — and it’s refreshingly undone. Loosely tuck straight or wide-leg denim into slouchy boots for a look that feels equal parts nostalgic and new. Keep the rest relaxed with earthy tones, a classic barn jacket, and a simple tee or singlet for an easy, effortless winter uniform.
As we find ourselves beginning to crave warmer and lighter days, a calendar packed with cultural events is keeping us excited for the second month of winter. From exceptional exhibitions and captivating performances to live music and more, here we present our July Culture Guide, sure to satiate your creative cravings.
When & Where: Tuesday 15th July — Saturday 9th August, ASB Waterfront Theatre
Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet gets a thrilling 1960s Italian makeover in Auckland Theatre Company’s bold new production. With Theo Dāvid and Phoebe McKellar as the star-crossed lovers, this fast-paced, fashion-forward take blends cinematic score, fierce passion, and fatal rivalries in unforgettable style.
When & Where: Wednesday 25th June – Sunday 20th July, Sanderson Contemporary
In Rising Tides, Freeman White explores the fleeting beauty and restless energy of Aotearoa’s oceans through evocative paintings born from en plein air studies. Inspired by his home on Napier’s Bluff Hill, this new body of work captures the unique, ever-changing moments of waves as they rise, crest, and break — a meditation on nature’s transience, paired with poetry reflecting the ocean’s deep cultural and ecological significance.
When & Where: Now until Sunday 13th July, Market Square, Viaduct Harbour
Marking Matariki with reverence and warmth, Maruata Rikoriko is a new community installation at Viaduct Harbour that honours connection, kai, and culture. Created in collaboration with artists Graham Tipene and Amy Hawke (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), the space invites reflection and togetherness, anchored by a carved tēpu, twin pou, and recycled Cleanstone panels — a shimmering, connective space for shared experience on the Waitematā.
When & Where: Monday 7th July – Saturday 3rd August, Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre
With over 150 works on display, The Art of Banksy lands in Tāmaki Makaurau this winter, offering a rare glimpse into the elusive artist’s world. From iconic prints to intimate sketches, this globally acclaimed exhibition reveals both the sharp wit and quiet subversion behind Banksy’s rise — a bold, immersive addition to the city’s winter culture calendar.
When & Where: Saturday 26th July, Spark Arena, Auckland
Synthony Origins returns with a late-night homage to the anthems that built club culture — with Sneaky Sound System, Bevan Keys and Dick Johnson leading the charge. From underground house to euphoric big-room bangers, expect a night of high-energy nostalgia, live orchestration and legendary tracks reimagined. One night only. One massive dancefloor.
Droughts in the Amazon, Musuk Nolte, Panos Pictures, Bertha Foundation. World Press Photo Exhibition
When & Where: Saturday 26th July – Sunday 24th August, 131 Queen Street, Auckland
Powerful, poignant, and unflinchingly real — the World Press Photo Exhibition returns to Auckland, spotlighting the year’s most compelling photojournalism from across the globe. From conflict zones to climate protests, the images on display offer a striking lens on the world we live in, asking viewers to pause, reflect, and look closer.
When & Where: Thursday 24th July — Saturday 9th August, various locations country-wide
Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Home, Land and Sea unites three evocative ballets exploring connection and identity. Featuring works by Moss Te Ururangi Patterson, Shaun James Kelly, and Stephen Baynes, the programme reflects on heritage, transformation, and what it means to find home through movement and storytelling.
When & Where: Now until Sunday 27th July, Ayrburn, Arrowtown
Snow-dusted magic lands at Ayrburn as the precinct transforms into a glowing alpine escape. With mulled wine by the fire, a dazzling Christmas light display, daily ice skating, and Après Ski Happy Hour in the Manure Room, Winter Wonderland offers festive fun for all ages — whether you’re fresh from the slopes or simply chasing that mid-winter glow.
When & Where: Now until Sunday 27th July, various locations country-wide
The award-winning Prima Facie is set to tour the North Island this winter, starring Cassandra Woodhouse in a powerful one-woman performance. In Auckland and New Plymouth, select shows feature a double-header with Michael Hurst’s acclaimed The Golden Ass — presenting two masterful works in one unforgettable experience.
Left: Nick Herd – The Pistachio Stripe. Right: Michael Dell – Butterfly Gradient
When & Where: Saturday 28th June — Tuesday 8th July, Föenander Galleries, Parnell
A meeting of four distinct voices, Echo Bravo brings together Michael Dell, Lottie Consalvo, Gavin Chai and Nick Herd in a thoughtful exploration of mark-making, memory and material. From Dell’s quietly precise landscapes to Consalvo’s emotionally charged abstractions, this group show offers a compelling cross-section of contemporary practice — where gesture, surface and stillness collide.
When & Where: Now until Sunday 28th September, Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki
A landmark exhibition of visionary painting, A Century of Modern Art arrives exclusively in Auckland this June. On loan from the internationally-renowned Toledo Museum of Art, the exhibition features 57 masterworks by 53 groundbreaking artists — including Monet, van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso, and Frankenthaler — charting the evolution of modern art from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.
Bluegrass phenomenon and Grammy winner Billy Strings makes his Aotearoa debut this July. Known for his lightning-fast picking and genre-defying sound, Strings brings his chart-topping album Highway Prayers to life with a night of unforgettable, high-octane roots music and masterful musicianship.
When & Where: Now until Sunday 13th July, Silo Theatre
A giant blue mushroom, a shaken taniwha, and a bold mission to protect the whenua — Taniwha is a vibrant, whānau-friendly theatrical adventure packed with live music, puppetry, and heart. Presented by Silo Theatre and Auckland Live, this bold new production blends environmental storytelling with 80s nostalgia and technicolour magic. Suitable for ages 5+, expect a wild ride of courage, community, and kaitiakitanga.
When & Where: Friday 28th June – Saturday 13th July, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
This winter, escape to the stars with Stardome’s family-friendly film series. From cult classics like E.T. and The Iron Giant to animated space adventures and planetarium favourites, the dome becomes a cinematic launchpad for kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike. With daily screenings and plenty of intergalactic charm, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy the holidays — without braving the elements.
When & Where: Wednesday 9th — Sunday 13th July, Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland
A beloved tale gets the big stage treatment as The Gruffalo returns to Auckland these school holidays. With catchy songs, cheeky humour and enchanting puppetry, this magical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book brings Mouse’s woodland adventure to life. Perfect for kids aged 3+ (and nostalgic grown-ups), it’s a wild romp through the deep, dark wood — and a monster hit in the making.
Prepare for a sonic onslaught with Mānuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra — where heavy metal blends with symphonic sound. Metallica meets Mozart in this genre-bending spectacle, where rock anthems collide with a 29-piece orchestra, powerhouse vocals, and electrifying visuals.
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Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Sam Stewart | 25 Jun 2025
From the serene shores of Waiheke Island to the alpine landscape of Central Otago, Swiftsure by Man O’ War captures the spirit of a country defined by contrast. Perched just above Buckingham Green in the heart of Arrowtown, this newly opened South Island bistro is more than a restaurant — it’s the physical expression of Swiftsure Vineyards, and the next evolution of Man O’ War’s ever-expanding story.
The CANTERBURY CONFIT DUCK LEG paired with Swiftsure’s 2022 Bannockburn Pinot Noir
As the southern sibling to Waiheke’s beloved beachfront tasting room, Swiftsure embodies the same ethos — bold wines, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of place — now told through the rugged lens of the South. With its sunlit terraces, fireside corners, cosy banquettes, and sweeping alpine views, the space is as suited to après-ski as it is to long lunches, easy dinners, and celebratory evenings. The eatery is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner — just in time for what is shaping up to be an exceptional ski season.
In the kitchen, Head Chef Yann Robert (ex-Amisfield, Jervois Steak House) brings a grounded elegance to the menu. His approach is seasonal and generous, with a hint of the unexpected, anchored by South Island produce and the kind of flavour-forward cooking that satisfies in every season. Think roasted quail with mushroom hollandaise, venison black pudding, sensational whitebait fritters, and a wagyu burger that’s fast becoming a local favourite. The menu also includes thoughtful vegetarian options, a stellar kids’ offering, and a share-size wood-fired lamb shoulder that simply shouldn’t be missed.
The wine list is a journey in itself, uniting Man O’ War’s coastal Waiheke icons with alpine vineyards in Marlborough and Bannockburn. Whether you’re after a rare library vintage, or a glass of something new, the list invites exploration — no occasion required. There are, of course, also crafted cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic options aplenty.
Relaxed yet refined, Swiftsure by Man O’ War brings a new energy to Arrowtown — a place to pause, reconnect, and savour the very best of the great south.
This winter, a globally acclaimed exhibition lands in Tāmaki Makaurau — and with it, an extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of one of the world’s most enigmatic and era-defining artists. The Art of Banksy, opening on the 7th of July at the Hunua Rooms in the Aotea Centre, brings together the largest collection of authenticated Banksy artworks ever assembled — over 150 pieces including original prints, canvases, and one-off sketches. For the Banksy-curious and diehard fans alike, this is a chance to see pieces that are typically hidden away in private collections.
Fresh from a two-year residency in London and stops in 18 cities worldwide, The Art of Banksy promises an immersive, revelatory experience. Beyond his best-known works like Girl With Balloon (shown here in four colour-ways, including the rare Gold Edition), the exhibition delves deeper — showcasing personalised prints, early sketches, and fragments from projects like Dismaland. Many of the pieces on display were gifted by Banksy to friends and collaborators, making this not just an exhibition, but a glimpse behind the curtain.
Dismaland
“Flower Thrower”, also known as “Love is in the Air”
Whether you’re drawn to his sharp social commentary, his irreverent humour, or the mystery that still surrounds him, this is a rare and timely opportunity to engage with work that continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire. A cornerstone of Auckland’s winter cultural calendar, The Art of Banksy is not to be missed — book your tickets
The Art of Banksy Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre
Opening Times: Mon 7 Jul – Sun 3 Aug Mon — Wed: 10am to 6pm Thu — Sun: 10am to 9pm
Lily Clempson, through her brand LilyEve, is looking at luxury through a new lens. Transforming vintage Hermès pieces — from blankets to silk scarves and towels — into covetable coats, jackets, and accessories, Clempson and her longtime collaborator, 91-year-old Michel, are carving out their own niche, prioritising authenticity over ostentation, and timeless craftsmanship over fleeting trends.
Lily Clempson and longtime collaborator, 91-year-old Michel
In a world where fast fashion dominates the sartorial sphere, Lily Clempson has forged a path that is both purposeful and personal. LilyEve — the brand she founded post-lockdown, celebrates sustainability, true craftsmanship, transparency, and a fresh take on luxury, guided by a singular philosophy: fashion should be as meaningful as it is beautiful.
Behind LilyEve is Clempson herself, who runs the brand, and Michel — a 91-year-old Quebec native with a storied history in the fashion world — whose hands-on approach to production has been integral to the unlikely pair’s success. It’s their shared commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and a reverence for the processes of design that makes the brand a standout in an industry often criticised for its relentless pace and lack of transparency.
From hand-sewing face masks in Long Island, pieced together from her mother’s vintage Hermès towels in lockdown, to opening a showroom on Madison Avenue in New York, Clempson’s journey into the fashion world has been a masterclass in serendipity.
Lily Clempson
Originally from London, Clempson moved to New York to study graphic design at Parsons School of Design, following which she assumed she’d “climb the corporate ladder.” But, as reality would have it, fate intervened. Lockdown coincided with Clempson graduating, and, outside of a few odd jobs, no one was hiring. At the same time, holed up at her parents’ East Hampton home with nothing but time on her hands, the luxe face masks she had created began to garner attention on social media, and before she knew it, neighbours began reaching out to request custom pieces — handing over vintage items they had in their wardrobes for Clempson to transform. “I stumbled into this custom niche,” she recalls, “But I was a terrible sewer, and I pretty quickly realised I needed help.”
Not only was Michel an excellent sewer, but had decades worth of back catalogues the pair drew on, from the 35-years he spent running a women’s fashion boutique in East Hampton with his late partner, Wayne. Two jacket patterns in particular — one of which was originally cut from one of Michel’s mother’s vintage Dior suits — ended up forming the basis of LilyEve’s most sought-after designs, modernised slightly by the pair to resonate in a contemporary setting.
Clempson never dreamt LilyEve would grow to what it stands as today — a label that has garnered a growing global community of satorialists who seek something beyond the latest fleeting trend. “I never imagined I’d be here,” she reflects, “It will never not be exciting to see someone check out on the website, or walk out of the boutique with a piece. I just love what we’re doing, and I feel so lucky to call this work.”
Her early years based in East Hampton allowed her the space to experiment and hone the brand’s design sensibility. However, it was a leap of faith that brought Clempson to the heart of New York City, where, in September of 2024, she opened a showroom on Madison Avenue. The showroom is not just a retail space, but doubles as her office, a hub for shipping, customer appointments, and the beating heart of the brand. Here, she balances the operations of the business, from overseeing the website to photographing new collections and everything in between. For Clempson, it’s not just about creating a product, but cultivating a brand experience that feels personal, intimate, and wholly unique.
What sets LilyEve apart from other luxury labels is the inherently sustainable nature of how they produce clothing and accessories. But, as Clempson is quick to point out, the entire industry is making strides in this respect, with many of the key design houses beginning to embrace more responsible practices, “Some brands are even beginning to use their dead stock for collections,” she points out, adding that an aspiration of hers is to collaborate with some of these brands in the future.
Lily’s partnership with Michel is also pivotal in her pursuit of sustainability. Together, they transform items that may otherwise lie dormant in a cupboard into pieces that tell a deeper story, honouring both the beauty of the fabric and the craftsmanship that goes into each item. For Michel, working in his basement studio — where jackets are created by hand — might seem unglamorous, but for Clempson, it’s the authentic story of the process that resonates most with their customers. “It’s messy. It’s unexpected — given the items we’re producing, that they’re made in this way. And people love to know the story behind what they’re buying,” she explains, referencing their approach to transparency. It’s this authenticity, this willingness to show the not-so-glamourous behind-the-scenes, that has garnered such a loyal following.
Clempson continues to champion the idea that transparency in production is an essential part of building a brand that truly connects with its customers. “I think people want to see where what they buy is coming from. They like seeing our process.” She recounts how the very first brand video LilyEve made was not just about showcasing their product, but about sharing the person behind the process: Michel, a man whose work has become as integral to the brand’s identity as the jackets themselves. “Michel’s just a huge hit. And why wouldn’t he be?” Lily laughs, acknowledging that his skill and charm have won over more than just their direct customers. The personal touch of having a designer who’s hands-on in every aspect of the creation process is a rarity in today’s world of mass production.
“I asked around for a seamstress, and was introduced to my now 91-year-old business partner Michel… He had a whole basement full of sewing machines.”
Despite her dedication to quality and sustainability, Clempson recognises that the luxury experience of shopping has changed over the years. Reflecting on her own experiences with department stores and luxury shops, she shares, “I feel like it’s lost that true luxury element. The rarity and exclusivity.” The experience of finding a unique item, something timeless to be cherished, has been diluted by the sheer volume of trends that now dominate the fashion world. “If something is trending, I feel like I see it on everyone walking down the street, even if it’s high-end.”
For Clempson, it’s not about latching onto trends, but about crafting pieces that stand the test of time — items that can be appreciated for their quality, their artistry, and their longevity. She believes this is what her customers are seeking: a connection to the product, a deeper understanding of its origins, and an appreciation for its individuality. “I think just being open and authentic and not always just putting something polished out there has helped us,” she says, a sentiment that speaks to the heart of the brand’s identity. It’s not centred on selling — it’s about sharing a story and inviting people into the journey.
Michel’s craftsmanship plays an essential role in the brand’s ability to stay true to its essence and produce pieces that are built to last. “Michel is incredible at what he does. He has sewn his whole life, and it lights him up,” Clempson explains, “He truly is wonderfully talented.” Despite the high demand, they refuse to compromise on quality. Every jacket is still crafted by hand in Michel’s studio from vintage Hermès blankets, ensuring that each garment is entirely one of a kind. Their inventory might fluctuate depending on customer demand, but the core of the brand remains focused on authenticity. “We don’t work on a seasonal basis. What I can source, we then make,” Clempson shares. The result is a boutique inventory, exclusive yet accessible in its design, with each piece carefully crafted and tailored to best honour what it started out as.
Looking ahead, Clempson’s goals for LilyEve remain grounded in her core values: sustainability, craftsmanship, and personal connection. While she, refreshingly, does not have her eyes trained on profits and rapid expansion, Clempson is committed to continuously evolving the brand with thoughtful innovation.
“There’s no grand plan for the future. We just keep going,” she says with a smile, underscoring her belief in steady, sustainable growth. Her dream to collaborate with other brands, recycling their dead stock — taking it from their factories and transforming it into something entirely new — remains a long-term goal. But, for now, her focus remains on perfecting what LilyEve does best: creating pieces that are as timeless as they are meaningful.
The brand is a beautiful reflection of the values that matter most in today’s world of fast fashion: sustainability, transparency, and a deep commitment to craftsmanship. Clempson’s journey into the fashion world might have been unplanned, but it has evolved into a story of passion, dedication, and authenticity — she is living a dream that she never saw coming. With Michel by her side, and a growing community of customers who appreciate the heart behind the product, LilyEve is poised to make its mark on the fashion industry, one meticulously crafted coat at a time.
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