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.
Curated travel is no longer a niche idea — it’s fast becoming the new benchmark for luxury. Today’s travellers are increasingly trading off-the-shelf itineraries for experiences that speak to who they are. The desire is clear: authenticity over artifice, intentionality over excess. From hyper-personalised stays to regenerative encounters that deepen connection to the place they’re discovering, curated travel reflects a profound shift in the way we explore the world. And nowhere is this movement more elegantly embodied than at The Hotel Britomart. Set in the heart of Auckland’s Britomart precinct, this design-led hotel offers more than accommodation — it offers an experience shaped entirely by the guest, transforming a holiday into something much more meaningful.
A Curated Stay – The Landing Suite Experience
Enjoy rooftop living at its best in The Poraenui Suite
At the pinnacle of The Hotel Britomart’s offering is The Landing Suite Experience. Crafted for the discerning traveller, these lodge-style suites offer a rare balance of contemporary refinement and soulful intention, where every detail is curated to reflect the guest’s own preferences, rhythms and tastes. From bespoke welcome amenities to itinerary suggestions, it’s a stay that feels not only luxurious, but deeply personal.
Each of the five suites is named after a bay or significant landmark at The Landing, the acclaimed Bay of Islands retreat with design that blends understated elegance with natural materials and tactile finishes — bringing the warmth of The Landing’s coastal residences into the heart of downtown Auckland. But the curated offering extends well beyond the suite itself.
Relax and unwind in The Poraenui Suite with views across the city and Takutai Square
Guests enjoy a daily breakfast, complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, transfers to and from Auckland Airport (or anywhere within a 20km radius), and access to Les Mills gym in Britomart, including all classes. A dedicated host is also on hand before, during, and after your stay, curating every detail as much as you like, including the option for a guided neighbourhood tour, providing a deeper connection to Britomart’s vibrant mix of design, food, art, and retail.
The Landing Suite guests are also invited to unwind in The Libraries — a sequence of private, design-led spaces within the hotel where refined hospitality meets quiet charm. Whether for a pre-dinner drink, a nightcap, or simply a pause between city adventures, The Libraries offer a calm extension of the Landing Suite’s considered approach.
Dining here is a deeply sensory affair. The Chef’s Table at The Libraries invites guests to co-design a bespoke menu with the clever culinary team, transforming a meal into a shared creative journey. Whether inspired by a nostalgic dish, seasonal New Zealand ingredients, or even a mood they wish to explore, this interactive, story-rich dining experience transforms a meal into a shared creative journey, catering to the growing global appetite for immersive travel where the focus shifts from simply seeing to meaningfully doing.
Left: Chef and Kingi co-founder Tom Hishon preparing a dish from a bespoke menu. Right: Unwind in The Libraries Lounge
This spirit of curated connection continues in The Libraries Lounge, tucked within the 140-year-old Buckland-Masonic Building. One of Auckland’s most intimate spaces, it offers a quiet, characterful space to unwind — from heritage staircases and glimpses of original wallpaper to a bespoke bar stocked with thoughtfully selected local and international wines and top-shelf spirits. Whether you’re enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif, a leisurely afternoon drink, or a late-night conversation, The Libraries is a place to pause, reflect, and savour — where every detail invites deeper discovery.
The Best of Britomart – A Curated Shopping & Lifestyle District
the Britomart precinct is just steps from The Hotel Britomart
Surrounded by over 65 boutiques and eateries, The Hotel Britomart’s neighbourhood is a gateway to curated discovery. From global luxury retailers to the best of local fashion and design, as well as a host of world-class eateries, there are endless ways to spend your days. Those seeking guidance can embark on a tailored shopping experience with access to personal styling appointments, private shopping experiences, and insider recommendations, all curated by the in-house hotel concierge. It’s shopping redefined as storytelling — experiential, intentional, and refreshingly slow.
Guests can enjoy over 65 boutiques, bars, eateries, and wellness offerings
connect more deeply with nature and community with The Hotel Britomart’s ‘Nourishing Nature’ offering
For those seeking purpose alongside pleasure, The Hotel Britomart’s Nourishing Nature offering is a regenerative travel experience rooted in connection — to land, people, and place. Moving beyond sustainability, which focuses on minimising impact, this guest-led initiative invites travellers to actively contribute, leaving a positive imprint on the destination.
Dine in the open-air glasshouse in New Zealand’s lush native rainforest
At The Hotel Britomart, this ethos is embodied in the Native Forest Farm experience — a guided half-day outing into the Waitākere Ranges. Guests forage for native herbs and ingredients used in top Auckland restaurants, learn about their cultural and ecological significance, then enjoy a forest feast in an open-air glasshouse, paired with artisan foods and native-infused drinks. The experience ends with guests planting a native sapling — grown at The Landing — as a personal contribution to the forest’s restoration. Low-impact travel, local produce, and deep storytelling make this a richly rewarding, future-facing encounter.
At The Hotel Britomart, curation isn’t a service — it’s a philosophy. One that meets the modern traveller where they are, and invites them to go further.
In the world of contemporary design, where form often wrestles with function and innovation must be tempered by purpose, Karim Rashid has forged a career that transcends aesthetics. His work, spanning decades and disciplines, reflects a philosophy rooted in sensual minimalism — an approach that champions warmth, humanity, and the intrinsic beauty of everyday objects. But beyond the striking silhouettes and thoughtful functionality of his designs lies a deeply personal journey, one shaped by an eclectic upbringing, a lifelong pursuit of excellence, and an unwavering belief in the power of design to shape the future. Here, we catch up with the designer ahead of his address at Auckland Design Week.
From Cairo to Rome, Paris to London, and eventually across the Atlantic to Canada, Karim Rashid’s early years were shaped by a constant state of movement — a life lived across cultures, continents, and artistic landscapes. Born in 1960 to an Egyptian father and a British mother, he was immersed in a world where creativity was innate. His father, a designer for Egyptian television and later a collaborator with Cinecittà in Rome, fostered an environment rich in artistic expression. Pencils, markers, and paper were always within reach, and the act of creating became as natural as breathing, “We were brought up in an extremely inspiring context that gave me great respect for all of the arts,” Rashid muses.
Speed table for Riva 1920 by Karim Rashid from Matisse
Despite this creative upbringing, the path to design was not always a clear choice. As a teenager, he grappled with indecision, struggling to decide whether to pursue architecture, fine arts, or fashion. His future seemed spread across multiple disciplines. When he applied to Carleton University at just 16, the architectural program was already full, steering him instead towards industrial design. Fate, as it turned out, had intervened. It was there, amidst engineering, philosophy, and design courses, that he found his true calling: shaping the objects that define our everyday lives.
His education was more than just training in design — it was an immersion in broader intellectual pursuits. Studying in a program that had yet to establish rigid boundaries, Rashid explored everything from engineering to architecture, philosophy to language. It was this holistic approach that laid the foundation for his distinctive design sensibility — one rooted not just in aesthetics but in function, human behaviour, and emotional connection.
“Every object in our lives has the potential to inspire… But they must work. Good design is about solving problems, not just creating beautiful things.”
After graduating, Rashid made for the home of design — Italy. A one-year graduate program placed him under the tutelage of two design luminaries: Gaetano Pesce and Ettore Sottsass. Sottsass’s architecture group, Memphis, with its bold, humanistic design ethos, proved a revelation to Rashid. Sottsass, in particular, imparted a lesson that would stay with him: “There are many beautiful design objects, but you have to ask — what do they do for us? What is left, if you take the design away?” That question would become the guiding principle of his career.
Kasual Collection by Karim Rashid
For Rashid, inspiration is an intuitive process — one shaped by years of observation, interaction, and immersion in the minutiae of daily life. He looks to the everyday, seeking to elevate the seemingly banal into something poetic and functional. “Every object in our lives has the potential to inspire,” he muses. “But they must work. Good design is about solving problems, not just creating beautiful things.”
This belief has carried through his extensive body of work, which spans furniture, interiors, product design, and brand collaborations. Whether it’s the Alessi Kaj, a soft and sensual yet practical timepiece, or the Cadmo lamp for Artemide, a sculptural embodiment of light and shadow, his work speaks to a humanistic approach. His designs are not about imposing a singular aesthetic but about crafting experiences — products that feel lived in and familiar, yet wholly original.
Voxel collection for Vondom by Karim Rashid
Over the years, his design philosophy has evolved but never wavered. He defines his approach as ‘sensual minimalism’ — a balance of warmth, tactility, and reductive form. “I want to show the world that a contemporary physical environment can be soft, human, and pleasurable,” he says. It’s a philosophy evident in everything from his Voxel collection for Vondom — an exploration of angular yet inviting forms — to the Kosmos series for MIDJ, an ode to space-age optimism blended with the comfort of organic forms.
His disdain for specialisation has led him to a career that is impossible to categorise. From product design to interiors, branding to academic lecturing, he sees no reason to be confined to one discipline. “I have always admired creatives who touch every facet of visual culture,” he explains. “I promised myself that if I ever had my own practice, it would be broad. I wanted to shape the world around me in every possible way.”
With a practice that spans continents and time zones, he has embraced the digital age with characteristic enthusiasm. WhatsApp and Zoom now facilitate collaborations across the globe, allowing his studio to function as a truly international entity. “It’s marvelous,” he says simply. “Technology has given us the ability to create without boundaries.”
BREEZ 2.0 SUNBED for Talenti BY KARIM RASHID
Reflecting on his most defining works, he points to a handful of projects that encapsulate his design ethos. The Bobble water bottle — a universally beloved object, embodies his belief in accessible, functional beauty. Method’s hand soap, with its sculptural yet practical form, demonstrated that good design could exist at an affordable price. And then there’s the Naples Metro — a project spanning nearly a decade, where design met infrastructure to create a space that was as aesthetically compelling as it was practical.
In his view, the greatest shift in design over the past few decades is consumer intelligence. “The average consumer is no longer passive,” he asserts. “People have access to unlimited information. They can compare, research, and educate themselves. Brands must now operate with greater transparency and innovation.” Technology, too, has transformed the landscape. From 3D printing to bioplastics, he sees endless opportunities for design to push boundaries. “If you’re not innovating, you’re not designing — you’re just styling.”
BowlKRB-5 for Bitossi BY KARIM RASHID from Matisse
For all the challenges that have come with his three-decade career — navigating business hurdles, protecting originality in a digital age, pioneering in a market that often resists change — he remains undeterred. His greatest lessons? That design is a collaborative act, a merging of minds and visions. That relationships — whether with clients, collaborators, or users — are at the heart of meaningful design.
Karim Rashid
Looking ahead, his schedule remains packed. New collaborations with Alessi, Natuzzi, and Vondom are on the horizon. A major re-brand of a heritage Austrian brand is in the pipeline. Architectural elements for private residences, new hotels across Europe, a bar redesign for Berlin’s Nhow Hotel are also occupying spaces in his mind. At any given time, his practice juggles upwards of 40 projects — each an opportunity to refine, redefine, and reimagine the physical world.
Through it all, his guiding tenet remains the same: design must serve. It must be human, innovative, and, above all, meaningful. In a world increasingly defined by fleeting trends, his work stands as a testament to enduring vision — one that shapes not just objects, but the way we live with them.
Tucked into the leafy enclave of Melbourne’s Toorak, Matteo House by Trinity Architects is an ode to fluidity, form, and seamless dialogue between architecture and landscape.
Born from the challenges of a constrained footprint and a sloping site, Trinity Architect’s Matteo house (or the ‘House of Curves’ as its now become known) stands out for its sense of fluidity. A series of undulating forms seamlessly bring together its interior and exterior spaces across a host of meticulously mapped out, interconnected rooms — guiding inhabitants from one space to the next.
From the elliptical void that connects the ground and first floors to the spiral staircase that defines the foyer, each detail inspires exploration. A central glass elevator, crafted by Aritco, further enhances this sense of openness, affording inhabitants uninterrupted views of the myriad striking architectural elements across the home’s multiple floors.
Set on the edge of a lush reserve, the architecture, defined by sweeping lines and a bold yet timeless presence, takes subtle cues from Toorak’s rich Art Deco heritage while forging its own distinct language. Rather than adhering to a single aesthetic, the design is fluid, embracing its environment and framing the landscape — with a particular emphasis on the towering eucalyptus trees dotted across the site.
“Light plays a crucial role in the home’s design, casting dynamic shadows across curved ceilings and reflecting the contours of the cantilevered canopies.”
The material palette is a study in understated luxury. Marble, glass, and sculptural stone set a serene, tactile foundation, contrasted by warm timber and plush loop carpets. The furniture and décor, curated with an eye to both durability and artistry, was largely sourced from boutique artisans, and lends the otherwise stoic palette a more lived-in quality.
“The furniture and décor, curated with an eye to both durability and artistry, lends the otherwise stoic palette a more lived-in quality.”
The ground floor transitions seamlessly from living spaces to the outdoors, with expansive glazing framing the pool and garden. While, elsewhere, light plays a crucial role in the home’s design, casting dynamic shadows across curved ceilings and reflecting the contours of the cantilevered canopies.
Below ground, the basement offers a darker counterpoint to the light-filled levels above: a sleek sanctuary where a suspended wall of wine, a rotating car plate, and a cinema lounge rendered in deep, moody tones, form a space as dramatic as it is inviting.
“despite the home’s obvious grandeur, at its core, Matteo is a house designed to be lived in.”
The rooftop offers a serene retreat, where white walls curve into the azure sky, embodying the house’s minimalist ethos. Inside, muted tones and organic forms dominate, creating a calming backdrop for moments of subtle drama, like the cascading glass spheres suspended within the void.
But, despite the home’s obvious grandeur, at its core, Matteo is a house designed to be lived in. As functional as it is evocative, balancing private sanctuaries with inviting entertainment areas in a series of spaces that celebrate the fluidity of life, this is a home which grants its inhabitants a fresh perspective on contemporary luxury living.
Opening its doors this Thursday (May 15th) in Mount Eden, Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits is the highly anticipated flagship from Liz Wheadon — a name that carries weight in the world of wine. With more than 30 years of experience, and a reputation for both curation and connection, Wheadon has long been a champion of accessible, engaging wine experiences. Normanby is the culmination of that vision: part retail space, part casual wine bar and café, part beautifully designed neighbourhood destination that feels as considered as the bottles on its shelves.
Left: Liz Wheadon, Director of Wine. Right: Zane Winskill, Wine Sales Specialist.
With more than 1,300 wines, sakes, spirits and craft beers to discover, many sourced through Wheadon’s longstanding international relationships, Normanby’s offering is curated with care — rare finds alongside everyday favourites, all chosen for their story, provenance, and drinkability. But this isn’t a place for gatekeeping or pretension. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, you’ll find warm, knowledgeable guidance from a team who love what they do, within a space thoughtfully designed around how people actually discover, shop for, and enjoy fine wine, spirits, sake, and craft beer.
“We wanted to create something we couldn’t quite find elsewhere — an environment where choosing wine, spirits and sake, whether in person or online, is enjoyable, approachable, and genuinely interesting, no matter your taste or budget. Normanby is fine wine and spirits — done differently — and we’re incredibly excited to open our doors to a new era of retail,” says Wheadon.
The experience extends beyond retail. Normanby’s rotating by-the-glass list encourages easy exploration, while any bottle in-store can be enjoyed onsite for a simple corkage. There’s a thoughtful food offering designed to complement the wines and spirits — think anchovies on toast, chicken liver pâté, and Basque-style cheesecake — plus coffee and pastries each morning via a welcoming street-side window. Deli fare and artisanal breads by Sabato are available for you to savour at home with a bottle (or two) of your choosing, too, and pre-batched cocktails from Theo Mynott (formerly of Panacea) add another layer of intrigue, rounding out a space designed to move with the rhythms of the day.
Normanby’s dedicated private tasting room, La Cave, further adds to the offering. With capacity for up to 15 guests, this intimate space caters to private celebrations, tastings, and small events — details of which can be found here.
Inside, the interiors (curated by The Estate at Webb’s and designed by the experts at CTRL-Space) blur the line between gallery and gathering place — a tactile, lived-in space filled with furniture and objects available to buy, just like the bottles. The entire ever-evolving collection of furniture, art, and objet d’art are all available to purchase, bringing the ‘try before you buy’ model into a contemporary setting.
Normanby is a place that recognises the joy of discovery, the beauty of sharing knowledge, and the value of slowing down. It’s a destination shaped by taste and intuition, grounded in experience but always future-facing.
Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits invites you to linger, ask questions, and take something home — whether that’s a great bottle, a new favourite producer, or simply a better way of enjoying the moment.
Opening: Thursday 15th May
Café opening hours: Monday — Wednesday, 7.30am until 4pm Thursday — Friday, 7.30am until 4pm Saturday — Sunday, 8am until 4pm
Wine Bar opening hours: Monday — Wednesday: 11am until 8pm Thursday — Friday: 11am until 10pm Saturday, 11am until 9pm Sunday, 11am until 4pm
Retail Store hours: Monday — Saturday: 9am until 9pm Sunday: 9am until 4pm
Move over Bluffies — there’s a new seasonal delicacy in town. To mark the beginning of New Zealand’s caviar season, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon and SO/ Auckland are inviting guests to ascend to HI-SO Rooftop Bar for a one-night-only culinary celebration.
It’s the first taste of the season’s Freshwater King Salmon Caviar — harvested in small batches from salmon raised in the pristine glacial waters of the South Island’s Mackenzie Country. At this unmissable event, expect bumps of caviar served with flair, a buzzing fresh sashimi station, and a menu of salmon-centric creations that showcase the endless ways in which this fine food can elevate a dining experience.
Bubbles in hand, guests will experience the debut of a secret new caviar infusion, revealed exclusively on the night and not set for public release until 2026. Think: one part culinary reveal, one part rooftop revelry, with specials on Zenkuro Sake, bubbles, and cocktails, and a constellation of canapés gliding across the room.
With Mt Cook’s team onsite offering insights into the delicate art of caviar, this is more than a party — it’s a sensory deep-dive into one of the country’s most elusive seasonal treasures. For those who know fine food, this is your next gastronomic fix.
Tickets are limited, so we suggest securing your spot ASAP, here.
Vincent van Gogh, Wheat Fields with Reaper Auvers, 1890, oil on canvas, Toledo Museum of Art, Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is more than simply a gallery — it’s a place where ideas take shape, cultures converge, and the world opens up. With multiple levels of dynamic exhibitions, thought-provoking programming, and a world-class collection, it remains Aotearoa’s most inspiring visual arts experience. And now, it’s easier than ever to experience the best of it.
There are myriad options to immerse yourself further in the gallery’s vibrant year-round programme, with the best way to do so being a membership — granting unlimited entry to paid exhibitions, access to special events, discounts in the shop and café, and more. And the gallery’s newest membership option, Dual Membership, inspires not just cultural connection, but connection to a loved one, too.
Pat Hanly, Pacific Air Journey, 1977, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 1997. Photography by David St George
Auckland Art Gallery’s Dual Membership is a new offering for two people living at the same address — ideal for partners, flatmates, or close friends who want the freedom to explore the Gallery together or independently. Both members receive full access to the Gallery’s rich array of benefits, including free entry to all ticketed exhibitions (including this winter’s A Century of Modern Art, opening on the 7th of June), invitations to curator-led tours and previews, and use of the exclusive Members Lounge.
Dual members will also enjoy discounts at the café and Gallery shop, a subscription to Art Toi magazine, and regular updates to keep you connected to the city’s most vibrant cultural programme. A Dual Membership is available for $180 per year, or $270 with two guest passes — great for sharing your love of art with family or friends. This membership, or any on offer, are perfect as a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day, or for thoughtful gifting year-round.
From quiet solo visits to vibrant exhibition openings with a loved one, membership opens the door to richer cultural engagement, while supporting the Gallery’s vital work in our community — which is always a worthwhile pursuit.
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.
