When it comes to rejuvenating skin, we’re increasingly looking beyond surface-level fixes. The new frontier? Bio-regeneration — and Sunekos is leading the way. A first-of-its-kind injectable treatment, Sunekos is transforming how we support skin health, working beneath the surface to restore the skin’s natural vitality through science-backed stimulation of collagen and elastin production.1,2
Unlike traditional fillers that simply add volume, Sunekos works on a cellular level to improve the skin’s overall quality. It doesn’t fill or freeze — instead, it regenerates. Using a patented formula which blends hyaluronic acid with a precise mix of amino acids, Sunekos targets the extracellular matrix (ECM) — the foundation of our skin’s structure — to spark true regeneration.1,3 The result? Smoother, firmer, more luminous skin that looks healthier, not altered.
Whether you’re looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, revive tired under-eyes, or improve skin brightness and texture, Sunekos delivers natural-looking results that evolve over time. You’ll start to see visible improvements within 7–10 days, with optimal results typically seen after a course of three treatments, spaced two weeks apart.
Sunekos Performa. Image courtesy of Clinic1 (NZ)
At the heart of this treatment is balance. Too few or too many amino acids won’t trigger the desired effect. The Sunekos formula — developed through years of scientific research — is the only patented combination clinically shown to stimulate the skin’s natural fibroblasts into producing new collagen and elastin in physiological harmony.1,4 It’s this precise formulation that sets Sunekos apart — and positions it as a breakthrough in regenerative aesthetics.
Sunekos is suitable for delicate areas like the under-eyes, neck, and hands, where the skin is thinner and more prone to ageing. It’s especially effective for addressing crepey texture, dehydration, and early signs of skin laxity.4,5 And thanks to its non-invasive nature, the treatment requires minimal downtime — a quick 20–30 minute session and you’re back to your day.
More than just a ‘tweakment’, Sunekos is a true investment in your skin’s long-term resilience. Backed by clinical studies and loved by those in the know, it’s rapidly becoming one of New Zealand’s most in-demand aesthetic treatments — not for what it adds, but for how it helps your skin restore itself.5
For more information on Sunekos and how to find your nearest clinic, see here.
With its modular precision and enduring aesthetic, USM has long held cult status among design purists and collectors alike. The Swiss brand’s Haller system — first introduced in the 1960s — has become shorthand for intelligent design, timeless form, and architectural versatility. As functional as it is sculptural, each piece carries a quiet gravitas; it’s furniture that becomes part of the architecture of your life.
For ten days only, from 28th May to 7th June, ECC is celebrating the enduring appeal of USM with a curated bedside table promotion — offering 15% off all colours across all three iconic bedside configurations. In an extra nod to bold personal style, the offer extends to 30% off for those who choose the unmistakable USM bright green or bright blue.
Each bedside design — be it the streamlined single drawer, the classic open shelf, or the concealed double-front — speaks to the clarity and craftsmanship that define the USM language. The proportions are elegant, the function intuitive, and the finishes unmistakably refined. They’re pieces that transcend trend; equally at home in a minimalist retreat or a richly layered interior.
Whether you’re building your first USM vignette or expanding an existing system, this is a rare opportunity to bring a design icon to your most personal space. As ever, modularity remains at its heart — so while it begins beside the bed, it may well travel with you for life.
There ain’t no party quite like a cabaret party, and this year’s Auckland Live Cabaret Festival is set to be the best The Civic has seen. With a slew of exceptional performances running the gamut from super-talented musicians to make-you-blush drag queens, thrilling theatre, and uproarious comedy, this event is set to dazzle audiences between the 3rd and 15th of June.
Presented by Auckland Live, the festival is an event that offers conviviality at its core, where even the most discerning critics of live performance are promised an evening to remember. With a burgeoning line-up of ridiculous (and ridiculously skilled) talent, we’ve selected a few of our highlights.
Seated cabaret-style on The Civic stage, La Clique is the show to see — if you see only one. Equal parts sexy, surreal and seriously jaw-dropping, this Olivier Award-winning phenomenon blends circus, burlesque and comedy in a gleefully risqué whirl of world-class talent. It’s the variety show all grown up (and slightly unhinged). Back in Auckland for its 20th anniversary, La Clique is wild, wicked, and absolutely unmissable.
Reuben Kaye is back — and the party’s definitely not over. Fresh from a blockbuster Edinburgh Fringe and currently slaying in Jesus Christ Superstar, the self-described icon returns to Auckland with a razor-sharp, champagne-soaked set of songs and satire. Think cabaret meets apocalypse with sequins, sass, and serious vocal chops. Outrageous, unfiltered and utterly magnetic — this is Reuben Kaye as only he can be: brilliant, bawdy, and impossible to ignore.
For one night only, Georgia Lines: Under the Stars with Friends transforms The Civic into a celestial stage. Joined by Hollie Smith, Louis Baker, Nikau Grace and musicians from the Auckland Philharmonia, Georgia delivers a soul-stirring evening of lush orchestration, powerhouse vocals, and intimate storytelling. As the lights dim and stars glow overhead, let yourself be swept away by this unforgettable celebration of Aotearoa’s finest voices.
Two nights only, infinite sass. The Divine Miss Bette sees the incomparable Catherine Alcorn channel Bette Midler in a whirlwind of sequins, song, and sheer fabulousness. With rave reviews from LA to Sydney, a killer live band and all the hits — from Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to The Rose — this joyous, bawdy, big-hearted show is part concert, part comedy, and all divine.
Prinnie Stevens brings Lady Sings the Blues Volume 2 to The Civic — an electrifying tribute to powerhouse women of colour, from Billie to Whitney. With a voice that’s shared stages with Chaka Khan and John Legend, Prinnie delivers soul, sass, and storytelling in spades. Catch her in full flight, then sip cocktails at the late-night Piano Bar or have your fortune read in the foyer — your cabaret night, sorted.
It’s well known that, while Cannes Film Festival is a fantastic place to celebrate the latest and greatest in cinema, it’s also the perfect event for starlets and A-listers to flex their sartorial muscles —particularly when it comes to showcasing rare and refined jewellery.
This year’s event has been no exception, with a line-up of lauded brands and jewellery Maisons sending their most eye-catching designs down the carpet to sparkle in the Côte d’Azur sun. From Elsa Hosk’s show-stopping custom Anastasia Zadorina gown paired with Chopard jewels to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing Balenciaga and Tiffany & Co., and the effervescent Gillian Anderson wearing Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead with custom Swarovski diamonds, these are some of the fashion and jewellery looks we have loved from this year’s Cannes.
Cannes Film Festival 2025
Our Editors’ Picks
Elsa Hosk wearing custom Anastasia Zadorina gown and Chopard jewellery
There’s a certain formula that applies to new restaurant openings. Ask almost anyone, and they’ll tell you that if you master good food, good drinks, good service, a good location, and a nice fit-out, you’re onto a winner. But there’s a key part of that equation — arguably the most important factor — that’s often overlooked: how you feel when you step inside. It doesn’t have to be a specific catch-all — each venue has its own unique vibe and inspires a different experience, but very few places achieve the kind of comfort and calm akin to being in your own home. Something that Blue — a laid-back new spot at the top of Franklin Road from the clever team behind many of the city’s most beloved dining destinations — delivers on implicitly.
Neighbourhood café by day, wine bar by night, Blue is centred on thoughtful, authentic hospitality, and fostering meaningful connections with the community. “With Blue, we wanted to create a space that could be whatever people want and need it to be,” Joe Dale-Dickson, co-owner of the new eatery tells me. In the most authentic way (community is a word banded about frequently in the hospitality world, often with little substance or follow-through), the team behind Blue (Joe, alongside Katie Riley and Ophelia and Karl Bayly) believe that a hospitality space has the capacity to become a hub for connection, and after two hours spent between the eatery’s central dining room and sun-drenched courtyard, I’d have to agree.
The space itself, which sits at the perfect intersection between unfussy and elevated, was brought together at the deft hand of architectural designer Sam Boanas, with a brief to honour the site and its history, while bringing something decidedly unique (and decidedly European) to Auckland’s dining scene. As such, light and bright wooden floors, brick walls, and custom cabinetry casually stacked with a mix of pottery, crockery, and wine, come together in perfect harmony, creating a space that feels lived-in and warm. “It’s a building with so much history, so we wanted to unearth what it once was, while bringing something different to the table,” co-owner Ophelia tells me.
From the cosy, light-filled central dining room which quietly buzzes from dawn ’til dusk (perfect for a solo wine and snack, laptop session, or a bite with a friend) to the second dining space at the rear which boasts two large, communal tables (and a basket brimming with kids’ toys), to the narrow, sun-drenched courtyard reminiscent of what you’d find filled with people from all walks of life in any bustling European city, Blue was designed to cater to all — with a vibe that’s both lively and intimate, and a team of owners and staff that ensure every guest is made to feel instantly at home.
Left: Breakfast Bun
At the heart of the experience, the food offering is centred around small rituals. It’s seasonally reactive and produce-led, but not in a disingenuous way. As is the case with Blue’s genuine focus on community, this focus on hyper-seasonality is taken seriously, with the menu changing almost weekly to adapt to what local producers have to offer. Organic dairy turns up in glass bottles from Dreamview Creamery, organic bread comes fresh from Florets in Grey Lynn, organic coffee from Supreme, and much of the fresh produce comes from Manurewa High School’s community garden. “We’re very lucky to have so many friends in the industry doing incredible things,” says Ophelia, adding that they look to use almost entirely local, and source from small, independent businesses.
the impossibly tasty rice pudding
In the morning, locals will find silky egg buns with bread and butter pickles and breakfast béarnaise on freshly baked brioche (those who miss the breakfast bun from Williams will be particularly thrilled with this addition), as well as a light and bright daytime menu that runs the gamut from Scandi-style breakfast plates complete with pickled egg, olives, cheese, house pickles, fresh seasonal fruit, burnt butter, and seeded toast, to impossibly tasty rice pudding with seasonal fruit, to toast with toppings, and a delicious breakfast salad (without an eggs Benedict in sight). For the littles, which Blue caters to beautifully — with bespoke fluffy cups and all — there’s a mini rice pud, and eggs with marmite soldiers.
The house kiwi onion dip with crisps and roe
Come late afternoon, the menu switches to classic wine bar fare, with a beautiful, considered menu perfect for sharing and pairing with your favourite drop. Chefs and co-owners Karl and Katie (of Roses, Alta, Candela, Williams and Annabel’s fame respectively) have joined forces to craft a nighttime food offering that puts an incredible spin on the classics — from house kiwi onion dip with crisps and roe (a must-order) to terrine with rye, cress, and beer mustard, gilda du jour, lamb with burnt beetroot and charcoal salt, and Jerusalem artichoke with sunflower seed tahini and buckwheat. Of course, as the menu changes so frequently, this is just a taster of what you can expect — but a very delicious taster indeed.
Those harbouring a sweet tooth will be thrilled to find a concise cabinet with a seasonal tart, already-famous amaretti cookies, and seeded slice, and on the menu, a house-made soft serve that’s worth the trip alone, and, come Saturday, maritozzi buns.
And, while the food is the focus, the drinks are just as thoughtful. Ophelia describes the wine list as original, which it certainly is, and while the offering is ever-changing, you’ll always find interesting, hard-to-come-by international bottles amongst the very best local producers. There are 5-7 glass pours on offer at any given time, which change out weekly, and you’re unlikely to find your traditional go-tos. There are a handful of Greek producers which you’ll likely never have heard of, as well as stand-out bottles from Austria, Germany, France, and of course the best of New Zealand. Those who, like me, are particularly partial to a chilled red at this time of year will find plenty to choose from, and if you’re yet to try a jacquère — this is your opportunity to dive in.
The cocktails follow a similar ethos to the food — prioritising local ingredients and small producers, with a concise list of alcoholic classics and a selection of house-made sodas for a tasty non-alcoholic option.
With a formidable team at the helm, a striking space unlike anything else in town, exceptional food and drinks, and a dynamic, warm, and welcoming ambience that truly sets it apart, Blue is set to captivate Aucklanders and become a regular destination on dining agendas across the city. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle in solo for work or leisure, park up with the kids on the weekend, catch up over drinks with friends, shake up date night, or grab a late-night drink in the quaint courtyard, Blue seems to have it all covered in a venue I think we’ve all been crying out for.
Opening hours: Wednesday — Friday, 7am until late Saturday, 8am until late
Auckland’s beloved Bar Magda is turning four — and, true to form, the Karangahape Road favourite is marking the occasion with a celebration that speaks to its spirit: vibrant, collaborative, and deeply rooted in cultural expression. On June 21st and 22nd, Magda will host a two-night birthday event in partnership with Askal, one of Melbourne’s most exciting new restaurants, and its culinary director, the trailblazing Filipino-Kiwi-Australian chef, John Rivera.
Left: Ralph Libo-on. Right: John Rivera
It’s a meaningful full-circle moment for Rivera, whose culinary journey began in Tāmaki Makaurau before taking him to some of Australia’s most acclaimed kitchens. At Askal, the award-winning chef celebrates ancestral Filipino recipes through a contemporary lens, crafting dishes that are bold, expressive, and unapologetically grounded in identity. For Bar Magda’s birthday, Rivera and Magda’s own Carlo Buenaventura — himself a boundary-pushing champion of modern Filipino cuisine — will co-create a four-course menu that honours their shared heritage while nodding to the cultural crossover between Filipino, Māori, and Pasifika food traditions.
Guests can expect a sensory deep dive — through dishes that draw on fire, fermentation, and memory, through wine pairings that champion both local and Australian makers (including the third vintage of Magda’s own ‘Fantasy’ and the eatery’s new release — ‘Heartbreaker’), and through cocktails crafted by Askal’s Ralph Libo-on and Magda’s Matt Venables, each drink telling its own story.
Working with a host of excellent partners including Ora King Salmon, Kiwifish, Bidfood, Lumina Farms, Grey Lynn Butchers, and The Produce Company, Rivera and Buenaventura are set to put their best foot forward on the food front, with an inventive spin on Kiwi classics — highlighting oysters, kumara, beef and lamb, pāua, king salmon, and more.
Additional partners, Abstract Hotel, Blanc Distribution, and Brood Fermentation, round out what is set to be an exceptional experience.
The $135pp set menu (with optional $65 wine matches) is available to parties of between two and eight, with bookings essential. From the intimacy of the subterranean dining room to the dynamic interplay of two kindred culinary voices, it’s a birthday feast not to be missed.
From an unmissable event to a new book that might just be the salve to your diminishing energy, plus, the new launches worthy of your wishlist, this is everything that has our attention this week.
Saint Laurent and Bang & Olufsen have marked their fifth collaboration with a reimagined icon: the Beogram 4000c turntable. Originally a 1970s classic, it returns as a rare collector’s piece — restored, refined, and housed in visually striking ziricote wood with etched detailing. This limited-edition release distils both brands’ commitment to timeless design, technical brilliance, and elevated, era-defining craftsmanship — and would make a stand-out addition to any music-lovers abode.
On Thursday June 5th, Bar Magda and ByTheBottle are joining forces for the next edition of BTB’s ‘Local’s Night’ — a semi-regular banquet-style gathering celebrating great food, wine, and community, Hosted in Bar Magda’s intimate dining space, this particular iteration sees A Thousand Gods’ wonderfully unique wines pulled into focus. There are three sittings, 6pm, 6.30pm, and 7pm, and tickets are flying out the door — get in quick if you don’t want to miss out (you don’t).
A book for anyone who has ever felt persistently tired, anxious, low in mood, or disconnected from their spark, and not known why, Dr Libby’s Fix Iron First is a comprehensive deep-dive into the fundamental but often overlooked value of iron. With Dr Libby’s signature warmth and scientific clarity, she presents a vital wake-up call to one of health’s most overlooked culprits, sharing practical wisdom and insight into overcoming iron deficiency and getting our spark back.
If a trip to Thailand is on the cards (or even if it’s not), this new Aman destination should be on your radar. A serene escape from the bustle of Bangkok, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok nests within the seven-acre green oasis of Nai Lert Park in Thailand’s capital, seamlessly blending the city’s dynamic energy with a true sense of tranquillity. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy is responsible for the hotel’s design, which comprises 52 stunning suites, a 1,500-square-metre Aman Spa & Wellness centre, and several eateries that offer an elevated immersion into Bangkok’s diverse dining scene.
Cartier has unveiled its newest boutique on Melbourne’s prestigious Collins Street, bringing a refined blend of Parisian sophistication and local artistry to the city. Designed by renowned Parisian architects Moinard Bétaille, the space features bespoke furnishings crafted by Australian artisans and subtle botanical nods to the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens. Showcasing Cartier’s signature jewellery, watches, and accessories, the boutique is a luxurious destination that reflects the Maison’s timeless elegance and Melbourne’s vibrant cultural spirit.
If you, like us, have long been looking for a natural deodorant that actually works, consider your search officially over. Backed by science and environmentally friendly, Dulesé offers a fresh take on natural deodorants, busting the myth that they don’t work. Founder Amelia Jory set out to uncover what, exactly, was in traditional antiperspirants and was less than impressed with what she discovered, so created a solution in and Dulesé — a product that is effective whilst being kind to our skin, our bodies, and our planet.
As the days grow shorter and the cool weather sets in, SkyCity’s Delish celebration invites us to lean into the comforts of the season. Running from May through July, Delish is a three-month tribute to flavour and togetherness, with nostalgic menus, open-flame feasts, Matariki celebrations, and collaborative one-night dining experiences all set to bring people together at the table. While Delish’s signature A Chef’s Story offering draws on sentiment and culinary storytelling, it’s Gather & Toast that speaks directly to the joy of celebrating in good company.
Created for midwinter catch-ups, milestone birthdays, and those well-earned end of week cheers, Gather & Toast offers group dining at its most considered and convivial. Book for four or more at participating venues (The Grill, Metita, Cassia, and Masu) and you’ll be welcomed with a glass of Nautilus wine (or a non-alcoholic option) to pair with an exclusive seasonal menu. Available from now until the 31st of July, it’s a reason to reunite and relish the season.
Chef Michael Meredith’s vibrant three-course menu pays homage to the Pacific’s rich culinary heritage with modern finesse. For $80pp, which includes a glass of Nautilus Pinot Gris, diners can expect kingfish with buffalo curd, a deeply spiced slow-braised lamb with coconut gravy, and an unexpected yet exquisite chocolate turmeric dessert. Soulful, bright, and beautifully balanced.
A bold four-course journey from Sid Sahrawat’s award-winning kitchen. Start with signature snacks—pani puri and goat cheese pao—before diving into rich, layered mains like tandoori chicken or green chilli mushrooms. A zingy lychee sorbet with kaffir lime rounds out a menu as playful as it is refined. This delectable dining experience is $95pp, including a glass of Nautilus Chardonnay.
Nic Watt’s robata-led two-course experience is made for sharing. For $77pp, including a glass of Nautilus Pinot Noir, the menu includes chef’s sashimi, cedar-baked salmon, lamb cutlets and a wagyu tsukune slider — each dish full of flavour.
An indulgent four-course feast that celebrates the best of New Zealand produce, The Grill’s special menu is $125pp, with a glass of Nautilus Chardonnay or a Broken Negroni. From a twice-baked cheese soufflé and beef tartare to the signature ‘Study of Beef’ and Whittaker’s chocolate ganache for dessert, it’s elevated winter dining at its most luxurious.
Sober curiosity or ‘intermittent sobriety’ has been steadily rising in popularity, driven by younger generations who know their minds and are increasingly turning their back on booze in the name of wellness. Rather than advocating total abstinence, the movement encourages moderation — drinking less, less often — as a tool for both physical and mental health, with many taking to social media to extol the virtues, from improved mental clarity to clearer skin. And, as with most things in the digital age, what began as a niche trend has taken on a life of its own, recasting into cultural currency and capturing the attention of millions of brands rushing to capitalise on the hype (enter: the no-and-low alcohol drinks category — a sector now worth upwards of US$13 billion).
Unsurprisingly, our perpetually-online Gen Z counterparts are leading the charge, engaging with alcohol differently from their predecessors and earning themselves the moniker of the ‘Sober Curious Generation’.
A recent study found that nearly 65% of Gen Zers in the US plan to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2025, with 58% citing mental health as the primary motivator. Less tethered to alcohol-centric socialising and more attuned to their wellbeing, this cohort are steering a cultural recalibration that places greater emphasis on intentional drinking habits.
While the risks of alcohol are well-documented, its role in social and sensory enjoyment has long been a prevailing counterpoint. Which is precisely what makes the sober curious movement so compelling — it doesn’t demand abstinence, but rather encourages a more considered approach. By allowing individuals to indulge while still benefiting from moderation, it strikes an appealing balance — one that is resonating well beyond Gen Z alone.
From anecdotal conversations with similar-aged friends and acquaintances (as a late-80s Millennial), I’ve observed a discernible shift in attitudes. With longevity and overall wellbeing taking precedence, priorities like sleep, exercise, and nutrition are guiding lifestyle choices. Professional ambitions and the demands of young families are also prompting many to cut back.
Yet, the importance of connection and community remains central to mental health, reinforcing that socialising and occasional indulgence still have their place. In this landscape, intermittent sobriety offers a pragmatic and appealing middle ground.
As the conversation around alcohol continues to evolve, balance — not abstinence — is emerging as the new benchmark for a life well lived.
As the world turns its back on quiet luxury in favour of ostentation, our Editor Sjaan Askwith explores why it is that we’re all (once again) so infatuated with wealth and its signifiers.
Over the past few years, quiet luxury has defined how we dress, decorate our homes, and, in a more holistic sense, how we operate in the world (fashion and design are, after all, a comment on the moment in time). What began as a trend in the world of luxury fashion — with those who could afford to buy in deviating from the overly-showy, logo-emblazoned wares of the early aughts, instead turning their attention to fashion that whispers about their deep pockets — soon became much more. As trends often do, quiet luxury usurped its fashion-centric beginnings to become a way of life. And, until now, it represented a wider ethos by which many lived, turning the dial from perpetually online and open for public consumption towards a more under-the-radar approach.
But, somewhere along the way, as it almost always does, the tides turned. The whispers of old money elegance or ‘stealth wealth’, with its muted cashmeres à la The Row and logo-less leather, began to give way to a new era of gaudiness, one that has less to do with discernment and discretion, and more to do with status and spectacle. The term ‘boom boom’ has been coined by cultural commentator Sean Monahan to describe this shift — a return to the brash, bold, and unabashedly wealthy aesthetic that defined the late ‘90s and early 2000s. If quiet luxury was the cultural manifestation of post-pandemic minimalism and restraint, ‘boom boom’ is its antithesis: excess, hyper-consumption, and a display of wealth in its most obvious forms.
At least part of this shift (which, it should be noted, is concerning at best and dangerous at worst) can likely be attributed to the new administration and its far-right amplification of capitalism’s most conspicuous expressions. The administration’s rhetoric of power and prosperity for those who play the game well enough — or manipulate it cleverly enough — has coincided with a resurgence of wealth as the ultimate signifier of status. And, while one may argue that the ultra-wealthy have always existed as a cultural fascination, never before have we been so invested in watching their lives play out, from the ‘real-time’ access of social media to the cinematic elevation of their excess in film and television.
Kim Kardashian
The Kardashians are an obvious example. Long before society’s most recent wealth obsession and the rise of the nepo baby set, the family served as a bellwether for society’s shifting attitudes towards money. Their empire was built on their ability to monetise every aspect of their personal lives, and in doing so, they made wealth something not just to aspire to, but — and this is the clincher — consume. With over one billion Instagram followers between them, their influence is undeniable, their audience insatiable. Each post, each story, each glimpse into their diamond-dotted worlds fuels our collective fixation on the lives of the hyper-rich.
But it’s not just social media that has deepened our monetary obsession. Shows like Succession, The White Lotus, Rivals, The Perfect Couple and Netflix’s newest debut, Running Point, have transformed the wealthy into entertainment, portraying the mega-rich — almost always generationally so — as both grotesque and aspirational. Looking even further back into history, The Great and The Crown sung a similar tune. We despise their entitlement, their ignorance, their moral failures — and yet, we can’t look away. The same principle applies to the enduring appeal of The Real Housewives franchise — a spectacle of excess that offers a voyeuristic thrill in watching the extremely wealthy bicker, self-destruct, and make a mess of their seemingly picture-perfect lives. In many ways, these shows function as modern-day fables, offering up morality tales about money, power, greed, and the inherent demise that often follows. But, although many will be hesitant to admit it, there’s also an element of reluctant worship woven into our viewing. The sheer scale of their wealth remains something to marvel at, dissect, and devour.
Running Point
Unsurprisingly, the luxury market has pivoted to cater to society’s growing hunger for ‘overt wealth’. Logos are back in full force, as is fur, with brands like Gucci, Balenciaga (which, ever the early adopter, sent out wads of faux cash as invites to its spring 23 show), and Louis Vuitton reclaiming maximalist aesthetics. Luxury’s quiet whisper is increasing in volume, fast.
Autumn Winter 2025 Fashion Shows
So, why this significant shift? Why the renewed appetite for wealth as both spectacle and splendour? Perhaps the widening gap between the rich and the rest are to blame. The fact that financial security is slipping further from reach for many, making wealth an even more potent fantasy. Or maybe (as I strongly suspect) it’s simply human nature — the perpetual allure of shiny things, security, and the idea that money grants access to a simpler, less worrisome world just out of reach. The ‘boom boom’ trend may be cyclical; another iteration of history repeating itself, but its current faculty speaks to something that has endured throughout history: an eternal fascination with the aesthetics, power, and influence of extreme wealth.
For now, the pendulum has swung decisively in favour of ostentation. Whether reveling in the absurdity of the ultra-rich, admiring their privilege from afar, or plotting how to join their ranks, one thing is clear: society’s obsession with wealth is far from fading.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
