Renowned New York-based fashion brand Tibi has built its reputation on creating elevated, timeless pieces that give daily looks a sophisticated edge. So it makes sense that Muse Boutique has long been our local source, encapsulating the same aesthetic ethos as the brand.
As Muse (the exclusive stockists of Tibi in New Zealand) brings the founder of this globally-coveted label, Amy Smilovic, to town for an elevated event and series of styling sessions, we sit down with her to discuss building the ultimate summer capsule wardrobe, with tips utilising some of Tibi’s new season pieces.
“The idea of Bricks comes from taking an object that is mundane, and using it to build something special,” the Bricks team tells me of their new coffee bar in the heart of Takapuna, adding, “We want everyone to feel at home. Whether you’re staying a while or just grabbing a coffee to go, the experience at Bricks is always personal and unhurried.”
As you’d expect, the central offering is coffee, promising the perfect pick-me-ups, “The focus is on high quality coffee,” the team tells me, “We’ve carefully sourced our beans to offer a range of flavours — from bold espresso to bright filter, with teas and seasonal drinks in the mix too.”
On the food front, you’ll find a cabinet brimming with handmade Korean-inspired baking. The menu is simple, but delicious, with a number of intriguing pastries, buns (the melon iteration is a must-try), and snacks that pair perfectly with the coffee on offer.
The team behind Bricks worked with local Korean-Kiwi designer Young Do to create a clean, simple space that is both sleek and pared-back, and warm and inviting — the perfect spot to park up for a morning brew. “The idea was to make it feel as open and comfortable as possible, with a focus on coffee and community,” says the team.
Despite the simplicity of its concept, Bricks has been executed with purpose and finesse, and the vibe, coffee, and fare reflect this wholly.
As much as we love the comfort of the tried-and-true, its always exciting when one of our favourite eateries changes up its menu. Soul Bar & Bistro’s new menu additions offer plenty to enjoy during long, leisurely lunches and convivial dinners as the weather warms, traversing a gamut of tastes from light and refreshing to comforting and hearty.
We’ve already identified our favourites, which we’re selflessly sharing to inspire your next visit.
Prosciutto with Torn Burrata
A perfect place to start, this delightfully vibrant dish pairs ribbons of prosciutto with creamy burrata, fresh tomato, basil, and a flavourful pineapple mostarda in a dish that exemplifies spring.
Spring Pea Risotto
The simple presentation of this dish belies a thoughtful melange of delicious, fresh flavours. A perfectly al dente pea risotto is paired with crisp sugar snaps and creamy sheep labneh, given further depth through the addition of craggy range pecorino.
Spinach & Mascarpone Tortelli
This classic Italian dish is soothing and savoury, comprising handmade spinach and mascarpone-stuffed tortelli paired with new season asparagus, brown butter, and a tasty ricotta salata.
Prawn & Saffron Casarecce
Served with tomato, fennel, olive, and lemon, this satiating pasta dish is a delight, packed with loads of flavour and best enjoyed alongside a crisp, ice-cold glass of champagne.
Market fish with Pea Vichyssoise
Last, but certainly not least, a stand-out dish this spring is Soul’s latest riff on market fish. Here, the freshest catch is paired perfectly with pea vichyssoise — a delicious chilled green soup, vibrant white balsamic, and a radish and rocket salad.
Walking into Karangahape Road wine bar and bistro Apéro, you instantly feel cocooned in the warmth of the long, brick-walled room. With a menu of simple yet expertly-executed dishes and a comprehensive wine list, it is the ideal spot to while away an hour or three any evening, and now, you can get your fix come Thursday lunchtime, too.
Following the popularity of Friday lunches at Apéro, and to mark the eatery’s 10-year anniversary, the K’ Rd go-to is now inviting diners to their exceptional fare, always lovingly made, all day long on Thursdays. From the ever-popular terrine of the day to the infamous roasted cauliflower with goat curd, almond and mint to the moreish speciality charcuterie platter, there are no shortage of reasons to visit, with every meal elevated further by a glass or two from one of the best wine lists in town.
The idea here is to lunch in the same style owners, Leslie and Mo, themselves enjoy — long and leisurely. And, given how homely and welcoming the space it (not to mention just how much of the menu you’ll want to make your way through), that feels like the only way to do it.
Lunch service hours: Thursday & Friday, 12pm till late
Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning who or what you’re going to transform yourself into for the spoooooookiest night of the year. From major celebrity moments to memes, we have compiled a list of ideas inspired by some of the biggest moments of 2024 so far…
@naraaziza
NARA SMITH
Known the world over for her cooking mini-vlogs, in which she prepares meals entirely from scratch in extravagant clothing — narrated in impossibly softly-spoken voiceovers, Nara Smith has shot into cultural consciousness this year, with a number of outfits ripe for a Halloween-inspired reimagining. Simply add some razzle dazzle to your look, pack a knife and a sack of flour, and perfect your dulcet tone.
the Gallagher brothers
OASIS REUNION
Famously feuding no more, Oasis is back for a reunion tour, and to say we’re thrilled is an understatement. Not only for the music itself, but for the costume opportunities this moment presents. 90s Britpop fashion is back, bringing with it parkas, sneakers, band tees and polos. Halloween, sorted.
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) in The Substance
ELISABETH SPARKLE — THE SUBSTANCE
A red dress (with larger-than-life shoulder pads), golden hoops, black evening gloves, smudged makeup, and a slightly unhinged look in your eye is all you’ll need to emulate Demi Moore’s character, Elisabeth Sparkle, in over-the-top horror-thriller, The Substance.
Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) and Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) in the 1988 movie
BEETLEJUICE
With the titular Beetlejuice once again making a comeback, the famous goth-glam costumes will undoubtedly be back for Halloween this year, too. Simple, but effective.
Australian Icon, Raygun
RAYGUN
Australian breakdancer, Raygun, who hopped like a kangaroo at the Paris Olympics and received zeros across the board, has been one of the most talked about figures of the year, and is sure to be one of the most emulated come Halloween. See.
Lana Del Rey
LANA DEL REY’S LOUISIANA WEDDING
Lana Del Rey not only shocked the world when she tied the knot with Gator Tour Guide Jeremy Dufrene this year, but also provided ample opportunities for Halloween mimicry. Whimsical, vintage wedding dresses can often be found at second-hand shops, and the Gator Tour Guide kit will be stocked at any good dress-up store.
Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga)
LADY GAGA AS LEE QUINZEL
One of the most talked about films of the year (for better or for worse), Joker: Folie à Deux isn’t lacking in the costuming department. If you’re looking to recreate Lady Gaga’s character’s look, go big on the clown checkers and eye makeup. Unwashed hair optional.
The Bear
THE BEAR (TV SHOW)
This physiological comedy-drama has certainly made waves this year, with the show’s central character — Carmy Berzatto (played by Jeremy Allen White) sure to provide costume inspiration this spooky season. Simplicity at its finest, grab some chef whites and a navy apron, and step into your best dishevelled chef persona.
Gigi Hadid
GIGI HADID VICTORIA SECRET
There are two types of people come Halloween, scary, or sexy, and this costume very clearly fits into the latter camp. Big pink wings and a barely-there teddy… enough said.
Martha
BABY REINDEER
There is little more frightening than the twisted (inspired by a) true story of Richard Gadd’s stalker, and Martha is a sure-fire way to spark up conversation at this year’s Halloween gatherings. A scratchy-looking faux Chanel tweed jacket, bright pink lips, and ‘undone’ hair should do the job.
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled the final chapter of its Blue Book 2024 collection, Tiffany Céleste — a celestial homage to the visionary Tiffany designer, Jean Schlumberger. This concluding launch introduces four ethereal new chapters — Owl on a Rock, Phoenix, Unicorn, and Star Burst — each reinterpreting Schlumberger’s iconic designs in an ode to the designer’s endless imagination and unrivalled vision.
Left: Owl on a Rock Black Opal Brooch. Right: Owl on a Rock Moonstone Brooch
The Owl on a Rock brooches offer a contemporary take on Jean Schlumberger’s emblematic Bird on a Rock, and evokes the nocturnal world with black opals, moonstones, and celestial star sapphires capturing the mystery of the night sky.
The Phoenix chapter celebrates rebirth through fiery hues, featuring stunning rubellites and striking fire opals, reimagining the mesmerising Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Phoenix brooch.
Phoenix Rubellite Fire Opal Brooch
Elsewhere, the Unicorn collection enchants with its whimsical twists and a captivating bicolour tourmaline. This theme draws inspiration from Jean Schlumberger’s Crazy Twist designs, and nods to the designer’s fascination with mythology.
Unicorn Purple Sapphire Ring
Finally, the Star Burst chapter draws inspiration from galaxies ablaze with light, with an emphasis on brilliance and luminosity. A striking necklace adorned with over 64 carats of crystal opals and diamonds including a necklace epitomises this inventive theme.
Star Burst Crystal Opal Necklace
Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery, beautifully intertwines Schlumberger’s boundless creativity with the awe-inspiring wonders of the cosmos. The exclusive in-person unveiling of these otherworldly treasures will take place in Madrid, adding a new chapter to Tiffany’s enduring legacy of high jewellery artistry. Each piece, a testament to Schlumberger’s legendary imagination, celebrates the mystery and magic of the universe.
One of the most convivial and thrilling events of the year is almost upon us, with the annual Melbourne Cup only weeks away, and — if you’re yet to make a call on how you’re spending the day, we’ve found the perfect place to get in on the action.
enjoy bubbles on arrival and freshly shucked Oysters
Don your finest and, come November 5th, make for Park Hyatt Auckland, where an exhilarating celebration awaits. Here, revellers will kick start the day with snacks and bubbles on arrival, before diving into an interactive gastronomic experience — with live race coverage on full display, as well as door prizes, raffles, and live entertainment throughout the day.
On offer are the Heirloom Tomatoes (left) and Bone-In Ribeye (right)
On the food front, expect premium cuts prepared to perfection, alongside fresh fish, delectable oysters and scampi from the BBQ, elevated spit roast, seasonal veg dishes, and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the infamous dessert station featuring an array of spring carnival treats, and grab a glass (or two) of bubbles if you fancy it.
To make your afternoon that much better, we have an exclusive discount code for Denizen readers — enter the promo code ‘DENIZEN15’ when making your booking to get 15% off your booking.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival at Onemata takes place from 12pm — 5.30pm on November 5th, and bookings are $168 per person.
“More food, more value, and less fuss around it. Just your new local food company, setting out to make a positive impact on what people eat,” is, in co-founder Charles Williams’ words, what you’ll find at Bowler — an epic, nutritious new takeout spot serving delicious salad bowls that you’ll actually want to eat.
Growing up around good food, “in a busy household with a mum who could cook up a storm,” brothers Patrick and Charles Williams were naturally pulled towards hospitality, and have both been running cafes for nine plus years, slinging (in their words) “coffee, pasta, eggs, and negronis.” Charles tells me that the pair also have wonderfully talented partners who are on hand to help with the things that might not come so naturally to them, “like marketing, brand, and spelling!”
Housed within the foyer of Les Mills Victoria Park, Bowler’s space takes cues from 70s and 80s interiors, typography, and photography, harnessing earthy tones to represent the natural offering, sitting in contrast to the modernism of the stainless-steel and concrete surrounds. The Bowler app, website ordering platform, and soon-to-launch Kiosk are all nods to fast-food service. Yet for Bowler — while food is made fast, it’s grown slow, and that’s their key point of difference.
Zac Suvalko from Studio 024 was integral in helping the pair to bring the Bowler brand to life. “We had to be a lot more patient this time round, as we really wanted to nail down the details,” Charles tells me, “Blink Boys brought the brand into physical form, with vintage-inspired brown acrylic signage used throughout.”
The idea for Bowler came about super organically, with Patrick whipping up bowls similar to what’s on the menu for dinner most nights. Inspired by salad/bowl-leaning, fast-casual brands around the world (such as Australia’s infamous Fishbowl), the pair saw an opportunity to bring their own version to New Zealand. Since Patrick had been making 80% of the menu already, the foundation was already there, and the more they talked about it, the more it sunk in that they might be onto something great.
“We agreed that fast food sucks,” Charles tells me, “There is far too much of it in New Zealand, and we want Bowler to be another choice — a more nutritious choice — for a wider audience.” The duo quickly realised that, to meet their mark, they needed to make the offering fast and affordable. As such, for under $17, you can get a jam-packed salad bowl with quality, local ingredients and proteins, made fresh and from scratch, everyday.
Bowl #2 — GRASS FED BEEF BRISKET
Right: Bowl #1 — Free-range Chicken
Running with the theme of less fuss, the menu is small — but intentionally that way. “It allows us to focus on doing a few things really, really well,” says Charles, “It also takes away the choice paralysis so many bigger menus induce.” By only having seven (utterly delicious) salad bowls on the menu, it allows room for plenty of personalised additions or customisations to get your fill — including options to up protein intake or control macros (Bowler is, after all, located within a gym). While I already have my own go-to order, Charles tells me that the most popular bowl so far is the #2 Beef Brisket, which comes brimming with juicy, slow-cooked, grass-fed brisket and harissa, pickles, dukkah, hummus, beets, kale, and a flavourful herb dressing, with the #3 Mt Cook Salmon bowl with edamame, crunchy furikake, avo, ginger, and a ponzu dressing coming in a close second. But, speaking from experience, they’re all delectable, and the perfect wholesome lunch or dinner, not to mention great for feeding a crowd (catering is up and running, and a great option for meetings or events).
Left: Bowl #3 — Mt Cook Salmon
There’s also a concise breakfast menu of acai and protein oat bowls. Much to my delight, you’ll also find the tahini choc chip cookies that fly out the door at Williams (which are, in our humble opinion, the best cookie in town), and the already-infamous protein cookies that are a perfect pick-me-up when the afternoon slump hits.
On the drinks front, coffee comes first, “Coffee is a big part of who we are, so is naturally the platform of our drinks offering,” says Charles, adding that being in a humming environment with a wide range of people coming through, the drinks menu has been created cater to everyone and anyone, offering a bit of everything. From mushroom lattes to iced matcha, acai smoothies, and even a bone broth hot chocolate, as well as damn good Supreme coffee, at Bowler, there’s something for any time of day, and taste or proclivity. There’s also a grab-and-go fridge stacked full of functional beverages from local suppliers.
When I ask Charles what kind of experience he and Patrick want people to have at Bowler, he tells me a fulfilling one. “Too long have we have suffered with mediocre salads that leave you wanting more. We want our customers to grab life by the bowl!”
Ultimately, what Charles and Patrick have created is not only an epic, nutritious, quick and fuss-free offering that is both nourishing and wholly satisfying, but an energetic, fun, fast-paced dining experience for everyone. “We’re here for any and all of it, taking on life one salad bowl at a time.”
From a new design destination to a number of notable collaborations, and a must-have advent calendar, this is everything that has our attention this week.
curated edit
Kayu Store Opening
Kayu Studio, renowned for its contemporary, effortlessly elevated furniture and homewares, has opened a stunning new showroom on Westmoreland Street in Grey Lynn. The expansive space (which once housed Città) showcases both Kayu’s own covetable collections and a curated edit of makers, from Baya Living to Special Studio. Known for prioritising fair trade practices and exceptional craftsmanship, Kayu Studio’s latest showroom offers discerning shoppers a considered edit of furniture and homewares that enhances the experience of home.
To celebrate Christopher Esber’s second Paris Fashion Week show, the designer has teamed up with frank green to create the exclusive Ydra 595 Reusable Bottle. This limited-edition collection features three stunning chrome finishes—Beluga, Cola, and Olive. Combining innovation and artisanal craftsmanship, the bottle is an extension of Esber’s Resort 25 collection, embodying both brands’ commitment to mindful production.
Maggie Marilyn has once again collaborated with iconic Australian swimwear brand, Fella, on an exclusive capsule of swim separates and one-pieces in bespoke fabrics and colourways. This summer launch marks the beginning of the brand’s 2024 offerings, with upcoming releases including striped shirting and Marilyn’s first venture into accessories in December. Crafted for both style and function, these pieces elevate swimwear essentials.
Louis Vuitton has launched its first permanent tableware collection, featuring two complete dinnerware sets—Constellation and Splendor — along with a new cutlery range. The collections include porcelain, handblown glass, carafes, and decanters, blending Monogram flowers with modern design. The cutlery, named Rivet, is crafted from stainless steel with tubular handles. These luxurious pieces are designed to add a luxurious edge to both everyday dining and special occasions.
This year’s Diptyque advent calendar comes in a striking design modelled after a sewing box and inspired by the world of artist Lucy Sparrow. Featuring golden accents and hidden compartments brimming with the best of Diptyque’s range, this limited-edition piece offers a daily festive surprise. Beyond the holidays, it transforms into a keepsake box for cherished items, blending artistry with functionality for a timeless, collectible treasure.
The latest iteration of Auckland’s Diwali Festival is kicking off this weekend, and we’re already counting down the days to the epic event. Although Diwali is originally a celebration of lights, it’s the Indian delicacies on offer that we always look forward to the most. And, this year, it’s inner-city modern Indian eatery Cassia’s offering that has captured our attention.
Cassia is celebrating Diwali in fitting fashion, with a special event, running alongside an extended celebration. A special 10-course menu (to continue Cassia’s 10th birthday festivities) takes centre stage, curated by award-winning chef Sid Sahrawat this Diwali. Here, you’ll experience a culinary journey like no other, crafted specially for the festival of lights.
Showcasing an array of vibrant and flavourful dishes, this bespoke menu is sure to transport your taste buds to the heart of Diwali, from Dahi Kebab to the famous chicken taco. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Cassia or new to the exquisite culinary creations, this limited-time menu features never-seen-before dishes (as well as familiar favourites) in a gastronomic experience you won’t want to miss. Running for a limited time, this special menu is on offer from the 22nd of October until the 2nd of November.
Or, enjoy the longer days in the eatery’s courtyard area and indulge in Diwali-themed street snacks and drink specials, including Cassia’s famous Cassia Cart serving up $5 Pani Puri’s between 5.30pm-6.30pm, with live entertainment from Basant & Friends, from 5.30pm on 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th October and 2nd November.
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.
