The Naked Gun, 2025

The new movies to watch this month

Words Sjaan Askwith | 13 Aug 2025

Ready for your next film fix? This month’s lineup brings a mix of gripping thrillers, heartfelt dramas, and feel-good comedies — all either ready to stream or on the big screen. Whether you’re after edge-of-your-seat action or a comforting story to sink into, our edit of new releases has something to suit every mood.

Caught Stealing

When & Where to Watch: 28th August, In cinemas
Starring: Austin Butler, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith

In Caught Stealing, Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball phenom turned bartender whose life gets hilariously derailed when he agrees to watch his neighbor’s cat — and ends up in the crosshairs of New York’s 1990s criminal underworld. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film boasts an star-studded cast including Zoë Kravitz and Bad Bunny.

Trailer

The Roses

When & Where to Watch: 29th August, In cinemas
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Allison Janney

The Roses brings a delightfully twisted take on marital mayhem. When Theo’s career collapses while Ivy’s soars, beneath their picture-perfect family life lurks fierce rivalry and simmering resentment. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman lead this sharp, dark comedy directed by Jay Roach, with Allison Janney supporting.

Trailer

The Naked Gun

When & Where to Watch: 15th August, In cinemas
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson

The Naked Gun brings us back into hilariously absurd territory — now with Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson as the irresistible femme fatale. It’s the movie that blessed us all with the pair’s real-life chemistry, making it one of this month’s most buzzed-about releases.

Trailer

The Thursday Murder Club

When & Where to Watch: 28th August, Netflix
Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley

The Thursday Murder Club is a murder-mystery comedy that follows four spirited retirees — played by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie — who spend their Thursdays solving cold cases for fun. But when a real murder shakes their retirement community, their hobby becomes a high-stakes whodunit.

Trailer

Frankenstein

When & Where to Watch: November, Netflix
Starring: Ralph Ineson, Mia Goth, Jacob Elordi

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein arrives on Netflix this month with an emotionally charged, gothic retelling of Shelley’s classic. Oscar Isaac embodies the brilliant Dr. Frankenstein, while Mia Goth and Ralph Ineson support in key roles. Jacob Elordi’s Creature is a compelling mix of terror and pathos — del Toro’s most intimate monster yet.

Trailer

Workmates (NZ film)

When & Where to Watch: 21st August, In cinemas
Starring: Matt Whelan, Sophie Henderson

Workmates is a heartfelt Kiwi rom-com-drama about Lucy and Tom, best mates running a broke little theatre whose future — and friendship — is thrown into jeopardy after an accident. Directed by Curtis Vowell and written by (and starring) Sophie Henderson, it’s warm, funny, and steeped in Tāmaki Makaurau theatre culture.

Trailer

Grace: A Prayer for Peace (NZ film)

When & Where to Watch: In selected cinemas (NZIFF)
Starring: Robin White, Ebonie Fifita, Taeko Ogawa

GRACE — A Prayer for Peace unites filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and artist Dame Robin White (Ngāti Awa) in an extraordinary creative journey across Aotearoa, Kiribati, and Japan. More than a portrait, it’s a luminous exploration of art, connection, and the urgent need to protect what matters — blending beauty, humour, and humanity into a quietly transformative cinematic experience.

Trailer

The Map That Leads to You

When & Where to Watch: 20th August, Prime
Starring: Madelyn Cline, Josh Lucas, KJ Apa

The Map That Leads to You is a charming romantic drama that follows new grad Heather (Madelyn Cline) as she embarks on a European adventure with friends — only to have her plans upended when she meets Jack (Kiwi actor KJ Apa), a spontaneous stranger retracing his grandfather’s journey.

Trailer

Weapons

When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich

Weapons is a gritty, intense thriller featuring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Alden Ehrenreich caught in a web of deception and danger. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the stakes rise to a pulse-pounding climax.

Trailer

Freakier Friday

When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters

Freaky Friday returns with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprising their iconic mother-daughter swap in this hilarious and heartfelt reboot. Joined by Julia Butters, the film mixes comedy, chaos, and family fun for all ages. Now playing in cinemas — the perfect feel-good watch to brighten your day.

Trailer

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Graff has officially opened its doors in New Zealand, bringing some of the world’s most coveted jewels to our shores

Words Sjaan Askwith | 13 Aug 2025

The world’s most spectacular diamonds have found a new address — and it’s right in the heart of Auckland. Graff, the storied British House renowned for acquiring, cutting, and crafting some of history’s most important stones, has officially opened the doors to its first New Zealand boutique — located at 45 Queen Street in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping district.

Inside, both the jewels and the space itself is like nothing New Zealand has seen before. Preserving the striking heritage building’s bones, the space has been entirely custom designed by Graff’s in-house design team, from the jewel-like display cases with faceted edges that echo the brilliance of the treasures within, to the serpentine counter that invites exploration, and the soft shimmer of celadon ceilings above.

Here, jewellery is treated as both art and legacy, exemplifying Graff’s position as a world leader in diamonds and gemstones of rarity, magnitude and distinction — an enduring family legacy which began when Laurence Graff founded the business in 1960.

A private VIP salon, discreetly tucked behind sliding doors and swathed in deep green and gold, houses Graff’s most extraordinary creations. Among them are one-of-a-kind high jewels that reflect the House’s rare ability to bring out the soul of each stone, a skill honed over decades and still overseen by members of the Graff family today.

Whether you’re seeking a piece to mark life’s grand milestones or simply looking to lose yourself in the world of wonder that is Graff, the Maison’s Queen Street boutique is an opulent portal into a world of brilliance and beauty.

graff.com

Graff

45 Queen Street
Auckland Central
Auckland
1010

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Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Words Sjaan Askwith | 8 Aug 2025

Carlo Buenaventura, contemporary Filipino eatery Bar Magda’s co-owner, has long been passionate about food and the connective quality it holds. “Food was a big part of my culture growing up in the Philippines,” he tells me. “It’s a means for us to gather and celebrate, whether it’s harvest season or Christmas, there’s always an excuse to have a fiesta of some sort, so that is where my love for hosting people and cooking for others started.”

Left to right: Ora king salmon molo dumplings & Rinquinquin with sparkling feijoa

Upon opening Bar Madga, Buenaventura set out to bring this same sense of celebration and community to Auckland’s hospitality scene, and the dining destination has quietly solidified itself as a go-to for everything from convivial gatherings to date nights and corporate dinners in a laid-back setting.

At Bar Madga, a hard-to-achieve balance of warm and personal hospitality (Carlo himself is often on the floor, greeting diners and guiding guests through the inventive yet approachable menu), excellent food, pitch-perfect drinks, and a laid-back yet elevated ambience has resulted in those who step through the doors instantly adding it to their list of go-to eateries. This, according to Buenaventura, is what has kept Bar Magda ticking over during the past few years when the industry has been anything but buoyant. “We all still have to live and socialise, and I think there’s a heavy focus on supporting local. We’re an owner-operated venue, and it’s great to see our loyal patrons choosing to come back frequently, choosing us for functions, and sending their networks to us too.”

Barbecue artichokes with chives, parsley sauce & black truffle

No stranger to hard work, and unafraid of moving with the times, Buenaventura has reimagined the eatery’s new wave Filipino offering to place a heavier emphasis on small plates for sharing. “Filipino cuisine is still quite niche and new to the majority in our local community, so these little bites give people a opportunity to try something different without having to commit to a full dish. It also works perfectly as snacks for guests just coming in for drinks.”

These dishes still showcase the best of Buenaventura and his clever culinary team’s creativity, with a host of things you may not have tried before but still feel familiar. “The lumpia of crab and prawn (spring roll) and the pork & duck albondigas (meatballs) were both new to the menu earlier this year, and have quickly become crowd-pleasers — they’re both a riff on my grandmas recipes,” he tells me. “Here at Bar Magda, the food is not just contemporary Filipino, its rooted in childhood nostalgia, family traditions, and recipes that champion the best of New Zealand’s local produce, making us the perfect blend of Kiwi and Filipino cuisine.”

With a host of must-try new dishes and creative cocktails, and Carlo and his team always on-hand to cater to each and every guest’s unique requirements, Bar Magda is the ultimate inner-city eatery that delivers both an exceptional meal and an exceptional experience, every time.

barmagda.co.nz

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This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Words Sjaan Askwith | 8 Aug 2025

Those unfamiliar with Wet Jacket Wines — the Central Otago winery helmed by storied winemaker Greg Hay (of Chard Farm and Peregrine pedigree) — should quickly acquaint themselves, with the wines, the waterfront cellar door, and the winery’s exceptional conservation efforts.

Producing some of the country’s most deliciously drinkable drops, Wet Jacket has carved out a niche in sourcing grapes from various vineyards in the region (all of which Hay has either had a hand in planting across the past 30 years in the industry, or worked with the owners on). And this month, on August 20th, the Wet Jacket team are joining forces with the culinary experts at Amano for an unforgettable, one-night-only celebration of food, wine, craftsmanship, and collaboration.

On the menu, you’ll find the unfussy yet exceptional quality fare Amano is know for, all South-Island sourced and seasonally-considered, paired perfectly with Wet Jacket wines.

Across five courses, guests will indulge in Southland pot-caught crayfish alongside an aromatic pinot gris, Golden Bay line-caught kingfish crudo with orange, pistachio, and buttermilk paired with crisp rosé, Fiordland wild Wapiti venison-filled pasta parcels with pickled green walnut and macadamia served alongside Wet Jacket’s fragrant 2019 pinot noir, Hawke’s Bay beef short rib with pickles, flatbread, baby gem and parmesan paired perfectly with Wet Jacket’s “Aurora Legacy” Syrah 2021, and a delightful Golden Bay granny smith apple maritozzi to finish, with a glass of Wet Jacket’s ‘Sticky Savy’.

Tickets are $145 per person, and we suggest securing your’s now, here, before they’re gone.

savor.co.nz

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The Booker Prize Longlist has been announced — consider this your essential reading for the months ahead

Words Sjaan Askwith | 6 Aug 2025

A marker of literary excellence and cultural pulse, the Booker Prize has long championed fiction that both challenges and captivates. With its newly announced longlist, this year’s selection offers a compelling cross-section of voices and stories — each as worthy as the last of your attention. From bold debuts to masterful returns, these are the books poised to shape our reading (and thinking) in the months to come.

Love Forms

by Claire Adams

In this moving novel of love and reckoning, Dawn is contacted by a woman who might be the daughter she gave up 40 years ago. From Trinidad to England, motherhood to memory, it’s a story of what’s lost, what remains, and the fragile hope of finding your way back.

Buy now

The South

by Tash Aw

Under a searing sun, two boys forge a quiet connection that neither fully understands — or can ignore. Set on a drought-stricken farm in the wake of loss, The South is a charged, atmospheric tale of family fracture, slow-burning desire, and the weight of inheritance in an unravelling world.

Buy now

Universality

by Natasha Brown

Darkly clever and razor-sharp, Universality is a whodunnit turned inside out — a forensic, voyeuristic dive into language, ideology, and the spectacle of truth-telling. Natasha Brown’s follow-up to Assembly is part satire, part thriller, and wholly provocative.

Buy now

One Boat

by Jonathan Buckley

One Boat follows Teresa as she returns to a coastal Greek town in the wake of loss. As past and present blur, and familiar faces reappear, questions of identity, free will, grief, and memory surface — revealing the quiet, tangled truths that shape who we are and why.

Buy now

Flashlight

by Susan Choi

When ten-year-old Louisa’s father disappears one night in Japan, her life fractures. Years later, the mystery resurfaces, pulling her across borders and decades. Flashlight is a gripping, elegantly told story of one family’s search for truth, set against an ever-shifting backdrop.

Buy now

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

by Kiran Desai

When Sonia and Sunny meet on an overnight train, a spark is lit — but family history and personal ghosts threaten to interfere. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is a sweeping, yet intimate portrait of two young people navigating love, legacy, and complicated familial bonds.

Buy now

Audition

by Katie Kitamura

In a Manhattan restaurant, an acclaimed actress and a mysterious young man cross paths, their relationship uncertain and charged. True Roles is a thrilling, layered novel, exploring the fragile performances behind our closest bonds — partner, parent, muse — and reveals the hidden truths that even love can’t always uncover.

Buy now

The Rest of Our Lives

by Ben Markovits

The Rest of Our Lives is a quietly powerful novel about marriage, memory, and the unspoken struggles beneath the surface. When Tom drives his daughter to college, he embarks on a restless road trip, facing past loves, family fractures, and his own health, unearthing the moments that quietly shape a lifetime.

Buy now

The Land in Winter

by Andrew Miller

A masterful exploration of life’s quiet moments and the complexities of the heart, set against a harsh West Country winter. In December 1962, two couples confront buried secrets and faltering dreams as blizzards close in — forcing them to face what’s breaking, and what might still be saved.

Buy now

Endling

by Maria Reva

An unforgettable debut weaving the lives of three women and an endangered snail amid the turmoil of contemporary Ukraine. As Yeva fights to save a rare species, and Nastia and Solomiya search for their missing mother, their paths converge in a fierce, poignant journey through a country on the edge of conflict.

Buy now

Flesh

by David Szalay

István’s life begins quietly in a small Hungarian town, but a clandestine relationship and a series of uncontrollable events set him on a dangerous path. Flesh is a spare, gripping exploration of ambition, intimacy, and the invisible forces that shape — and perhaps undo — a man’s existence.

Buy now

Seascraper

by Benjamin Wood

Thomas, bound by class and family ghosts, leads a quiet life scraping a living on a bleak shore while dreaming of music and love. When a mysterious visitor appears, his world shifts — offering hope, glamour, and uncertainty in this haunting, timeless portrait of yearning and escape.

Buy now

Misinterpretation

by Ledia Xhoga

Ledia Xhoga’s ruminative debut follows an Albanian interpreter in New York whose work with trauma survivors blurs the line between empathy and self-destruction. As past and present collide, she’s forced to confront the toll of memory and identity as she revisits her past and questions her future.

Buy now

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Denizen Dining Guide: We round up all of the unmissable foodie happenings across the month of August

Words Sjaan Askwith | 1 Aug 2025

From a month-long central city celebration to mouth-watering events, seasonal set menus, long lunches and more, here we present our definitive August Dining Guide.

Left: Eden Noodles’s Dumplings in Spicy Sauce. Right: Doe Donuts’s Tiramisu Donut

Try the Winners: Fork & Fame at Commercial Bay

The results are in — and now it’s your turn to taste them. Commercial Bay’s Fork & Fame Awards have crowned the top dishes across six crave-worthy categories. Start with Eden Noodles’ Dumplings in Spicy Sauce (the Bang For Buck winner), then dial up date night with oysters and Champagne from BillyPot. Craving comfort? Don’t miss Loco Bros’ Chicken Tinga Tacos (aptly dubbed the winner in the Don’t Wear White category), or the Tiramisu Donut from Doe Donuts for dessert. With standout bites from Fatima’s, Wise Boys, and more, there’s only one rule: come hungry.

Left: Darling on Drake’s Lightly Cured Mount Cook Salmon. Right: Darling on Drake’s Roasted beets.

Darling on Drake’s New Winter Menu

Darling has unveiled its new winter menu, filled with everything from comforting classics to bold new favourites, and a whole lot of deliciousness in-between. Expect the likes of silky mushroom parfait, glazed lamb ribs with smoked mayo and dukkah, a zesty cured Mount Cook Salmon and an unmissable roasted beets dish that is as beautiful to . All of which is best enjoyed alongside a mezcal margarita, of course.

An Exploration of Spice at Cassia

Spice and smoke collide in this unmissable courtyard takeover at Cassia, running Tuesday to Saturday evenings (5—9pm) until September 30th. Expect Johnnie Walker whisky cocktails and curated pours, each paired with contemporary Indian bites that reveal layers of flavour — from honeyed heat to slow-building spice. A bold, sensory experience designed for dusk-hour sipping and snacking.

Takapuna Beach Cafe Launches Dinner Service

After 15+ years of beachfront brunches and gelato by the sea, Takapuna Beach Cafe is stepping into evening service. For the first time ever, the North Shore icon is serving dinner — and pouring wine — thanks to its newly acquired liquor license. Expect seasonal sharing plates by Head Chef Devon Pizarro (think Moreton Bay bugs, crayfish XO, and truffle pasta), plus a boutique New Zealand wine list and local craft beers. But despite this new elevated offering, there’s still something for everyone, from a bowl of chips and a beer on the deck to a long, convivial dinner with friends or celebrations with a side of Champagne.

Experience Hello Beasty’s Flame-fuelled food cart and chilli margarita

By the Fire at Viaduct Harbour

As part of By the Fire — Viaduct Harbour’s month-long celebration of the season across the waterfront precinct, restaurants are turning up the heat with limited-edition menus and fiery specials that celebrate the bold, warming flavours of the season. From smoky cocktails to perfectly charred mains, By the Fire is a precinct-wide invitation to eat, drink, and embrace the season.

Bivacco delivers a cocktail made for the colder months — a smoky, spiced blend of rum, port, citrus and chilli that’s as fiery as it is fresh, best enjoyed fireside with views across the water. At Esther, the QT Auckand, Chefs Sean Connolly and James Laird lead a Mediterranean-inspired offering of flame-grilled meats and ember-roasted veg, served by day for $39, or opt for the full fire-and-flavour feast every Tuesday night ($130pp), featuring flame-seared cuts and a cherry galette, with the option to add a wine pairing that matches the smoky depth of the fare.

Just steps from Angus Muir’s alluring bonfire installation, Hello Beasty brings serious sizzle to Market Square with its flame-fuelled food cart — firing up hibachi skewers and prawns for four nights only (15th, 16th, 22nd, and 23rd August). They’re also serving a chilli margarita in-restaurant, spiked with lime and just enough heat to warm you through. However you choose to dine, this is winter dining at its most dramatic.

Final Sundays for JSH’s Wagyu Sunday Roast

It’s your last chance to experience Jervois Steak House’s legendary wagyu Sunday roast — a winter ritual worth booking for. Think 12-hour slow-cooked wagyu rump with all the trimmings: Yorkshire puds, wagyu-fat roasties, seasonal veg and rich house-made jus. $79pp (min. two), with a $15 wine add-on. Available from 5pm every Sunday until end of August.

Edible Conversations: A Farm-to-Table Collaboration

Following their sold-out Farm Dinners, Kelmarna Farm returns this August with Edible Conversations — a two-night dinner series in collaboration with Ozone Coffee across the 13th and 14th of August. Held in Ozone’s cosy Grey Lynn space, each evening features a four-course menu by Head Chef Dean Lewis, celebrating low-waste, seasonal ingredients from Kelmarna. Enjoy a welcome drink, hear from the team, and support sustainable local food systems.

Somm’s Smoked chicken pizza and peppers pizza

Two-for-One Pizzas at Somm

Somm’s beloved pizza nights are back — and better than ever. Every Tuesday from 4pm, settle in by the water and enjoy two-for-one woodfired pizzas, made with 72-hour poolish dough for that perfect soft-yet-structured bite. From classic margherita to raclette with ’nduja and honey, there’s something for every craving. Walk-ins welcome, bookings encouraged.

Wednesday Bingo at Norma Taps

Bingo is back at Norma Taps — a monthly night of epic prizes, great drinks, tasty food, and plenty of laughs. There are prizes for every round, and booklets are $6 a pop — kicking off at 6.30pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Grab your crew and make a night of it, the team at Norma Taps always make a visit worth your while.

Perrier-Jouët Garden Lunch at Huami

For one day only on Thursday 7th August, Huami is hosting an elegant garden lunch with Perrier-Jouët’s Champagne Ambassador Andrea Giraud, visiting from France. Guests will enjoy three tasting pours — Grand Brut, Blason Rosé and Blanc de Blancs — alongside Huami’s signature birdcage stacked with XO chilli siew mai, prawn dumplings and more. A refined, $100-per-person experience (minimum two).

Lechon & Pickletini at Bar Magda

For one night only, Bar Magda is turning up the heat with an alluring Dinner & Disco celebration. In partnership with Big Dill Pickle Gin and Peddlers Gin, they’re serving a one-off cocktail menu to match a bold, flavour-packed dinner feast — think cured and rillettes of Ōra King salmon, lechon pork tocino with atchara, a vibrant winter salad, and kumara-potato galette with caper sauce and crisps. $88 per person includes two bespoke gin cocktails, a delectable shared dinner, and entry to the winter disco, which kicks off after the fare at 9.30pm.

Meet the Makers at Swiftsure: A Journey South

On Friday 15th August, Swiftsure is hosting an indulgent evening of wine, food and storytelling — guided by Man O’ War Winemaker Duncan McTavish and Viticulturist Sam Taylor. Journey from Waiheke to Central Otago over five courses (plus petit fours) by Head Chef Yann Robert, each paired with wines from Man O’ War and Swiftsure. $190pp.

Soul Cha Sundays at Soul Bar & Bistro

Soul Bar & Bistro is bringing a playful twist to the classic weekend yum cha with Soul Cha — launching Sunday 17th August. Think wagyu skewers, cheeseburger spring rolls, buttery crab toast and truffle fries in bite-sized form. Running every Sunday from 11am–2.30pm, trays roam the floor and bites start from just $8. No set menu, no rules — just leisurely grazing with a little extra soul.

Coco Lane Cookies’ New Posse

Cult‑favourite Coco Lane Cookies, born in a family kitchen and famed for its gigantically gooey, New York–style chunky cookies, has opened an outpost on High Street — much to the delight of sweet-toothed city-siders. Expect oversized cookies packed with Belgian chocolate and New Zealand butter, alongside premium drinks and a friendly, nostalgic vibe.

Après at Ayrburn with Sin & Brook

Ski boots off, party mode on: Ayrburn’s turning up the après. On Saturday 16th August, The Manure Room becomes the hottest spot in Arrowtown with a one-night-only ski season celebration hosted by George FM’s Sin & Brook. Expect a high-energy soundtrack spanning house, techno, and garage, stellar local support, and the kind of food, drink and dancefloor vibe that makes you forget the mountain ever closed. Tickets from $40 — don’t miss out.

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Eight of the best fashion pop-ups to have on your radar this European summer

Words Sjaan Askwith | 1 Aug 2025

From sun-soaked beach clubs to idyllic countryside escapes, these eight fashion pop-ups are setting a new benchmark for luxury experiences this European summer. Showcasing clever collaborations, signature prints aplenty, and exclusive experiences, each activation offers a fresh way to immerse yourself in the luxury and unbridled creativity of some of the world’s most renowned brands. If you’re Europe-bound (or based), keep these standout destinations on your radar for the ultimate season of sartorialism.

Jacquemus

Location: Ibiza & Monaco

Jacquemus is fast becoming synonymous with the world’s most alluring beach clubs, with European summer takeovers in both Ibiza and Monte Carlo. At Ibiaz’s Casa Jondal, the designer’s signature sunshine yellow sets the tone for a playful yet polished escape, while Monte-Carlo’s Société des Bains de Mer gets a Côte d’Azur remix with banana striped loungers and parasols, and two curated boutiques for discerning shoppers to get their fix then and there.

Dior

Location: Capri

Dioriviera returns to Capri for its fifth sun-drenched season, transforming Il Riccio Beach Club into a toile de Jouy paradise. Set above the shimmering Blue Grotto, the takeover sees cabanas, loungers and beach huts swathed in the house’s iconic print, with a pop-up boutique nearby for chic holiday indulgence.

James Perse

Location: St Tropez

California-cool meets Riviera flair as James Perse takes over St Tropez’s Indie Beach for the summer. Following in Jacquemus’ sandy footsteps, the laidback LA label brings a relaxed West Coast energy to the French coastline, complete with a pop-up boutique, capsule collection, and custom surfboards. Even the staff uniforms get the signature elevated yet effortless Perse treatment.

Swarovski

Location: Portifino

Swarovski brings its signature sparkle to the Italian Riviera with a summer pop-up at Cracco Portofino. Perched above the Gulf of Tigullio, the Swarovski Terrace pairs crystal-studded glamour with Portofino’s breezy elegance. Expect jewel-toned cocktails, delicate desserts, and dazzling décor — all served with a side of dolce vita charm.

Louis Vuitton

Location: Taormina

Louis Vuitton brings its signature savoir-faire to Sicily with the debut of Le Bar Louis Vuitton in Taormina. Set atop the brand’s historic boutique, the rooftop bar is a masterclass in Mediterranean glamour — blue-and-white majolica tones meet edgy LV design, with local lava stone tables and shell-lined walls. Expect Sicilian delicacies by chef Roberto Toro, bespoke cocktails, and seaside takeovers that reimagine the island’s rich traditions through a luxury lens.

Missoni

Location: Mykonos

Missoni makes a striking Greek debut at Cali Mykonos, dressing the hotel’s private beach and infinity pool in its signature zigzag motifs and Aegean blues. It’s a bold yet seamless pairing — Missoni’s spirited patterns meet the hotel’s refined minimalism, transforming the eastern coastline into a living moodboard. From striped daybeds to collectable towels, it’s a fashion-forward escape made for sun-drenched lounging (with a side of stylish souvenirs).

Dolce & Gabbana

Location: Portifino

Dolce & Gabbana returns to Portofino’s iconic Le Carillon for its Resort 2025 pop-up, transforming the bay into a vision of verdant glamour. Dressed in signature Verde Maiolica prints and classic stripes, the beach club becomes an immersive ode to Italian elegance. From the boutique to the Vesta restaurant, every detail channels la dolce vita — where fashion, food, and Riviera charm converge in true D&G style.

Burberry

Location: Somerset

Burberry brings its heritage outdoors with a countryside-chic takeover of The Newt in Somerset, turning the storied estate into a celebration of the great British summer. From croquet lawns mown with its iconic check to a hot-air balloon wrapped in Burberry green, every corner nods to Daniel Lee’s vision of the stylish weekend escape. Expect bespoke picnics, check-clad spa loungers, and a boutique brimming with Burberry charm.

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Signs you’re not getting enough protein — and how to easily up your intake

Words Sjaan Askwith | 1 Aug 2025

Protein has become a hot topic as of late, and it’s little wonder. We’re finally wising up to just how vital it is for our overall health — from mental clarity to fatigue, cravings to cognitive function, and so much more in between. It is, essentially, the most fundamental component to our diets, and most of us aren’t getting our fill. For women, adequate protein intake is also increasingly more essential as we age.

If you suspect you’re not getting enough, chances are, you’re probably right. Some of the signs include weakness and fatigue, cravings and increased hunger, frequent sickness and slow healing, loss of muscle and joint pain, unexplained hair loss, brain fog, mood changes, brittle nails, and swelling. Protein is one of the body’s main building blocks, and it plays a crucial role in the structure and function of muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones, so it’s hardly surprising that low intake (or in more severe cases, deficiency) has such a far-reaching impact.

So, how much protein do we actually need? The exact amount depends on several factors, such as your age, level of physical activity, and fitness goals, but as a loose guide, at an absolute minimum adult females’ recommends intake is around 46g daily, and adult males’ recommended intake is between 52 — 56g daily. On average, this equates to 0.8g per kilogram of body weight. If you’re trying to gain muscle, this number goes up to around 1.4 — 2g per kg of body weight daily.

The good news is that upping your intake is simpler than you might think. Fatty fish, lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, and low fat dairy are all great high-protein foods that can easily be woven into your daily diet. Egg whites are almost entirely protein (although eating the yolk provides additional nutritional benefits), cottage cheese is incredibly protein-rich, chicken breast packs almost half of a women’s daily intake into a single serve, and Greek yogurt is also a high-protein option to enjoy throughout the day.

If you’ve been considering ditching the oat milk and switching back to dairy, you’ll be upping your intake in the process (a cup of milk provides over 8g of protein), and if your diet is more flexitarian or plant-based than carnivorous or diary-heavy, lentils, almonds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and peanut butter are all great protein sources.

Salmon, white fish, and shellfish are perhaps one of the best and most delicious, nutritious ways to up your intake, boasting one of the highest protein contents of any food — a fillet of white fish boasts a whopping 30g of protein alone. And, of course, if you’re still struggling to meet your daily requirements, a protein powder is always an optional supplement.

Ultimately, if you’re feeling any of the symptoms related to a diet lacking in protein, consider this your sign to take a few simple steps to increase your intake. The gains will extend well beyond muscle mass alone.

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Here’s everything we know so far about The Devil Wears Prada sequel…

Words Sjaan Askwith | 1 Aug 2025

Almost two decades later, The Devil Wears Prada is getting a sequel, following years of endless speculation, rumours, and hopeful prayers from cult classic’s global fanbase. The best news, of course, is that Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all making a comeback, alongside the original film’s screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, director David Frankel, and producer Wendy Finerman. Talk about a reunion.

Here, we share what we know so far for those who, like us, simply can’t wait.

The Plot

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is expected to pick up years after the original, with Miranda Priestly navigating the decline of traditional magazine publishing. While details remain under wraps, early reports suggest she may find herself at odds with a now high-powered Emily Charlton — hinted to be working within the luxury fashion sphere. With Miranda facing pressure from all sides, including changes in her personal life, the sequel looks set to explore shifting power dynamics in a modern media landscape. Filming is currently underway, with an anticipated May 2026 release.

Who’s in the Cast?

The original quartet — Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci — are all confirmed to return for the sequel, reuniting as the sharp-tongued, fashion-world power players fans know and love. Kenneth Branagh joins as Miranda Priestly’s latest husband, while returning cast members Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman reprise their roles from the 2006 hit. New additions are reported to include Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, Rachel Bloom, and Patrick Brammall, with roles still under wraps. Expect a fresh mix of old favourites and exciting fresh faces when the next chapter lands.

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We have your exclusive first access to Studio Italia’s annual sale! Don’t miss your chance to pick up incredible deals on a range of designer pieces

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Jul 2025

It is always exciting when one of our favourite design destinations, Studio Italia, announces its annual sale — the one time of the year that pieces from its covetable collections become more accessible than ever. Offering enticing discounts and immediate delivery on all items in store, Studio Italia is making a compelling case for an interior overhaul — and Denizen has exclusive first access for a limited time only.

From the Arflex Marenco sofa to the Poliform Le Club armchair, the range of pieces included in this year’s sale will have you reimagining every room in your house. That said, Studio Italia’s annual sale is always very popular, so we suggest getting in quickly to snap up your favourite pieces. These are our Editor-in-chief’s top picks, or head in store to shop 20-50% off everything until August 16th.

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Our Editors’ Picks