These are the trench coats worth investing in this season

A perennial classic returns this season with sharpened structure, ease and modern relevance, as designers reimagine the trench coat through a variety of silhouettes that feel both current and enduring. The classic trench remains the cornerstone, cut with refined proportions and clean tailoring that lend polish to everyday dressing, while cropped iterations introduce a more directional sensibility, pairing particularly well with high-waisted trousers and denim. Elsewhere, leather trench coats bring depth and richness to winter wardrobes, offering a more dramatic take on the enduring staple. From traditional stone and camel hues to deep espresso and black, this season’s most desirable styles prove that the trench coat continues to evolve while retaining the effortless sophistication that has secured its place in fashion’s permanent repertoire.

Cropped Trench

Double Breasted Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat
Double Breasted Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat from Balenciaga
Chloé Cotton Poplin Trench Coat
Cotton Poplin Trench Coat from Chloé
Belted Asymmetric Cotton Blend Jacket
Belted Asymmetric Cotton Blend Jacket from Bottega Veneta
Double Breasted Belted Cotton Gabardine Trench Jacket
Double Breasted Belted Cotton Gabardine Trench Jacket from Max Mara

Classic Trench

Woman in oversized beige trench coat and black leather gloves posing on a Parisian street.
Woman in oversized taupe belted trench coat and knee-high boots walking in Paris.

Moncler X Edward Enninful Zake Trench Coat Women Black Moncler
Moncler X Edward Enninful Zake Trench Coat from Moncler
Dior Médaillon Embroidered Trench Coat
Médaillon Embroidered Trench Coat from Christian Dior
Trench Coat With Twisted Opening Lv
Trench Coat With Twisted Opening from Louis Vuitton
Vada Cotton Silk Faille Parka
Vada Cotton Silk Faille Parka from Fforme

Leather Trench

Woman in oversized black leather belted trench coat smiling on a London street.

Joseph Okabe Leather Coat
Leather Coat from Joseph Okabe
Sportmax Paste Leather Trench Coat
Paste Leather Trench Coat from Sportmax
Toteme Belted Leather Coat
Belted Leather Coat from Toteme
Double Breasted Glossed Leather Trench Coat
Double Breasted Glossed Leather Trench Coat from Gucci

Coveted

Denizen’s Winter Issue is out now
Why drop earrings are the jewellery essential every woman should own
Jewels of the Trade: The quietly personal statements of style
Singita Elela , Botswana
The Four Seasons, Mallorca
COMO Le Beauvallon, St Tropez
andBeyond Suyian Lodge, Kenya
Six Senses, London
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Venice

The new luxury hotels worth planning a trip around

From a restored Venetian palazzo and a historic Mallorca retreat reborn, to private island escapes in the Maldives and design-led sanctuaries in the African wilderness, 2026 has ushered in a remarkable collection of new hotel openings. Spanning some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, these properties reflect a growing appetite for experiences that are as memorable as the settings themselves, offering fresh reasons to revisit familiar favourites and discover entirely new corners of the globe.

Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli

Location: Venice, Italy
Few cities possess a relationship with grandeur quite like Venice, where centuries of mercantile wealth, artistic patronage and architectural ambition remain embedded within its canals. Following an eight-year restoration, this 15th-century palazzo has been transformed by Orient Express into a 47-room retreat that carefully preserves original frescoes, mosaic floors and noble proportions while introducing a new era of luxury hospitality.

COMO Le Beauvallon

Location: Saint-Tropez, France
Perched above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, COMO Le Beauvallon marks the return of a Belle Époque landmark that once welcomed some of the twentieth century’s most notable figures. With just 42 rooms, Mediterranean gardens and dining overseen by Yannick Alléno, the hotel reintroduces Riviera glamour through a contemporary lens.

Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor

Location: Mallorca, Spain
Following an extensive restoration, Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor reopened in March 2026, reintroducing one of the Mediterranean’s most storied addresses to a new generation of travellers. Set within a vast private estate framed by pine forests and a golden stretch of coastline, the resort combines the glamour that attracted writers, actors and European aristocracy throughout the twentieth century with Four Seasons’ renowned service, offering a refined base from which to experience Mallorca’s spectacular natural beauty.

Six Senses London

Location: London, England
Long anticipated by luxury travellers, Six Senses London brings the brand’s wellness-led philosophy to the British capital. Sustainability, longevity and thoughtful design shape an urban sanctuary designed to offer respite without disconnecting guests from the city.

Amanvari

Location: East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Aman’s highly anticipated Mexican debut arrives on the secluded East Cape of Baja California Sur this August, bringing the brand’s signature sense of privacy and understated luxury to one of the country’s most spectacular coastal settings. Set within the exclusive Costa Palmas community, Amanvari comprises just 18 beachfront and elevated casitas, where expansive sea views, natural materials and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape define the experience.

The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort

Location: Costa Mujeres, Mexico
Opening this month and positioned along a pristine stretch of Caribbean coastline, The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort combines beachfront luxury with the polished service for which the brand is known. Multi-level pools, spacious accommodation and signature butler service define the experience.

Singita Elela

Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Spread across a vast private concession within the Okavango Delta, Singita Elela delivers an exceptional safari experience shaped by conservation and exclusivity. Elevated accommodation and extraordinary wildlife encounters place it firmly on luxury travellers’ wish lists.

andBeyond Suyian Lodge

Location: Laikipia, Kenya
Set within a 44,000-acre conservation area, andBeyond Suyian Lodge offers access to one of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife corridors. Fourteen thoughtfully designed suites, a sophisticated wellness offering and exceptional game viewing create a safari experience rooted in place.

Hotel Villa Colette

Location: Cap Ferret, France
One of France’s most anticipated hotel openings of 2026, Hotel Villa Colette has brought a new level of luxury to Cap Ferret, the quietly glamorous Atlantic peninsula known for its oyster villages, pine forests and enduring appeal among those who favour discretion over spectacle. Opened in April and designed by Philippe Starck, the 28-room property overlooks Arcachon Bay and occupies an elegant neo-19th-century villa, where pastel-toned interiors, generous terraces and a distinctly residential atmosphere capture the relaxed sophistication for which the region has become known.

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Denizen’s Winter Issue is out now

Denizen’s Winter Issue is a celebration of people who have devoted themselves to doing difficult things beautifully. On our cover, Dame Lydia Ko stands as one of New Zealand’s most remarkable global figures, an athlete whose career has been shaped by precision, patience and an extraordinary command of timing. Measured since adolescence by rankings, medals, majors and milestones, Ko’s story has become far more interesting than numbers alone. Still competing, still evolving, and still deciding what the game will allow her to take from her, she embodies a more enduring kind of excellence: one built on resilience, recalibration, and self-possession.

That same spirit runs throughout the issue. From the tactile intelligence of Milan Design Week to the meticulous craft of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, this issue is a reminder of the strength, texture and value of the human skill. From objects meticulously made by hand, careers built over time, ideas shaped through discipline, and the quiet power of people who have gone deep into their craft rather than chasing the noise around it.

At a moment when the world is increasingly seduced by speed, shortcuts and imitation, our Winter Issue makes a case for something more substantial: ambition with depth, creativity with rigour, and success earned through devotion.

Our Winter Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets, or do yourself a favour and subscribe below.

Subscribe to Denizen Here

Coveted

These are the trench coats worth investing in this season
Why drop earrings are the jewellery essential every woman should own
Jewels of the Trade: The quietly personal statements of style
Libby Owen wearing Life's Spark WHITE AND YELLOW DIAMOND EARRINGS from Sutcliffe

Why drop earrings are the jewellery essential every woman should own

There are accessories that merely accompany an outfit, and then there are those that quietly command it. Drop earrings belong firmly in the latter category. They alter proportion, frame the face, catch the light at precisely the right moment, and, perhaps most importantly, create the impression that the wearer has considered every detail without appearing to have tried particularly hard at all.

Libby Owen wearing I See Fire Morganite and diamond earrings from Sutcliffe

For centuries, earrings have functioned as fashion’s most strategic flourish. In the 18th century, elongated drops balanced towering powdered hairstyles; by the 1930s, innovations in fittings transformed earring design into something increasingly sculptural and expressive. Today, as wardrobes lean towards restrained tailoring, fluid monochrome dressing and clean silhouettes, the focus once again shifts upward. A beautifully designed drop earring introduces movement and brings a sense of polish that even the best blazer cannot quite achieve on its own.

Fiore Ear Climbers with Pear Diamond Drops from Sutcliffe
Night lights earrings from Sutcliffe
I See Fire
Morganite and diamond earrings from Sutcliffe
Pearl perfection earrings from Sutcliffe

This is where Brent Sutcliffe excels. Known for bespoke craftsmanship and an instinctive understanding of proportion, Sutcliffe’s drop earrings range from quietly refined diamond styles suited to everyday wear through to dramatic gemstone creations designed for evenings that warrant a little theatre. Some are delicate and linear, allowing diamonds to softly illuminate the skin, while others embrace sculptural curves, coloured stones and bolder silhouettes that transform even the simplest white shirt and jeans into something deliberate and impossibly chic.

Libby Owen wearing Spirited style Aquamarine and pink sapphire diamond earrings from Sutcliffe

What makes drop earrings endure is their versatility. Worn during the day, they bring elegance to otherwise understated dressing. In the evening, they become transformative, elongating the neckline, lifting the face and adding movement with every turn of the head. They possess the rare ability to feel glamorous without overwhelming.

Stunning spinels earrings from Sutcliffe
Fragile bounty earrings from Sutcliffe
Delicate Drops earrings from Sutcliffe
Oval occasion earrings from Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe offers a variety of designs available from existing collections, alongside custom-made pieces developed in collaboration with clients seeking something deeply personal. Whether selecting a refined pair of diamond drops destined for daily wear or commissioning an heirloom intended for milestone occasions, the result is jewellery designed not simply as accessories, but as pieces of personal significance.

Because the truth is, leaving the house with naked earlobes is rather like leaving the house without a sense of purpose.

sutcliffejewellery.com

Coveted

These are the trench coats worth investing in this season
Denizen’s Winter Issue is out now
Jewels of the Trade: The quietly personal statements of style
Tufty Time sofa by B&B Italia, Mocki coffee table by Frigerio, Awkward floor light by Karakter and Soft Corners ottoman by Cassina, all from Matisse. Costine buffet and Koppar vase (on floor) from Bradfords. Liepa table lamp by Soho Home, Alma vase and Sesso vase, from Obery. Tactility fabric in colour Paper as curtain from James Dunlop Textiles. La-de-da candle holder from Night Works Studio. Broste classic taper candle from Tessuti. Synoptic wool rug from Designer Rugs.

The best warm neutral paint colours for a cosy winter living room

Forget the crisp look of summer interiors. As the light softens and the days draw in, the home’s most occupied rooms are reaching for warmth with weight, tones that invite us to curl up in comfort, emitting a candlelit glow. While the palette is subtle, the changes in tonal shades add a nuanced confidence that can make even the coldest room in the house feel inviting.

Tufty Time sofa by B&B Italia, Mocki coffee table by Frigerio, from Matisse. Alma vase and Sesso vase by Soho Home from Obery. Koppar vase (on floor) from Bradfords. Synoptic wool rug from Designer Rugs.

The starting point is Resene Thorndon Cream, a soft shade that holds its own in low light and is perfect across the walls. Lifting the ceiling with Resene Half Thorndon Cream, a barely-there variation that quietly opens the room. On the floor, Resene Half Truffle in a Walk-On finish grounds the scheme with a putty-toned warmth that flatters furnishings in timber and stone in equal measure. The effect is cohesive without ever feeling forced. This often overlooked colour scheme has the ability to allow bouclé sofas, marble tables and dark timber sideboards to work together in natural harmony. 

Four Resene paint swatches and sample pots arranged in a gradient from white to terracotta brown.
Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Thorndon Cream, ceiling in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Half Thorndon Cream and floor in Resene Walk-On tinted to Resene Half Truffle. Through doorway painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Milk Chocolate. 

Awkward floor light by Karakter and Soft Corners ottoman by Cassina, from Matisse. Xano 360 Swivel Accent chair and Costine buffet from Bradfords. Liepa table lamp by Soho Home from Obery. Tactility fabric in colour Paper as curtain from James Dunlop Textiles. Synoptic wool rug from Designer Rugs. 

The masterstroke is what happens at the threshold. Add a darker colour like Resene Milk Chocolate and the contrast does the work that art might otherwise do. A deep but warm tone that turns the passage between rooms into a moment. This is winter colour at its most comforting. Quiet, layered, and built for staying at home.

resene.co.nz

Get The Look


Knoll Biboni sofa from Studio Italia
Audo Copenhagen
Reverse Table Lamp from Dawson & Co.
Minotti Aurore Coffee Table from ECC

ARTEMEST Brown Tall Bao Ottoman from Obery 
G21 FLOOR LAMP from Ligne Roset
Timothy Oulton Valais Swivel Chair from Dawson & Co.

Design

Inside the life of iconic designer Patricia Urquiola through some of her most recognisable and timeless pieces
Cut crystal tumblers for the perfect fireside pour
The house where the light moves and the architecture holds its place

Inside the life of iconic designer Patricia Urquiola through some of her most recognisable and timeless pieces

Type ‘Patricia Urquiola’ into Google, and it becomes immediately clear the omnipresence of this iconic designer. Almost every result relates to a different project she has undertaken. From boutique and showroom fit outs to furniture collaborations with some of the world’s most impressive brands to hotel interiors, Urquiola’s deft and unique design has touched almost every corner of our lives. She even released a fashion collection for Max Mara last year — such is the versatility of her creative genius. Any exploration of this particular designer must start with the question of how she has achieved such a prolific presence, and how her vision is able to cross so many boundaries to be applied to a breathtakingly broad body of work. Because while the canon of designers who are considered ‘iconic’ is indeed vast and varied, very few of Urquiola’s peers, or even forebears, can lay claim to such an impressive reach. Here, we delve into her life and career through some of her most recognisable work.

Last year, Patricia Urquiola said to Noor Brara for The New York Times, “Ultimately, the work of an artist comes down to… searching for your own idea of quality, a pursuit that requires freedom, for which you must advocate.” It is a sentiment that cuts to the heart of Urquiola’s vast and varied body of work. Because even if you are unfamiliar with Urquiola’s name, you’ll likely have encountered something she has designed, or experienced her unique vision.

Born in Spain and now based in Milan, Patricia Urquiola has established herself as one of the most sought-after names in contemporary design and interiors globally. She has worked with lauded brands all over the world (including Cassina, for whom she has been Creative Director since 2015), and undertakes a range of industrial design, architecture, art direction and consulting projects under the eponymous design studio she established with Alberto Zontone in 2001. Her approach is all about connection and ease, and she is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible, harnessing research and exploring the limits of technology. And while her designs are often defined by a tendency for colour, clashing details and modern eclecticism, they are always comfortable, inviting and built to last.
In fact, part of what has made her so successful as a designer is the way she can balance creativity with comfort. Her ability to temper sculptural, eye-catching design with practical considerations is one of the main reasons why many of her designs continue to stand the test of time. Pieces from her Tufty-Time, Bend and Outdoor designs for B&B Italia, or her collections for Moroso still feel as relevant and impressive today as they did when they were first released (the true hallmark of a great).

Beyond this, it’s Urquiola’s refusal to limit herself to one medium or object or industry that takes her work to another level. Not only has this interdisciplinary designer created iconic furniture, but over the years she has been called upon to create hotel interiors (most recently for the Il Serano Hotel in Como, the spa of Milan’s Four Seasons and the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona) as well as showrooms, collections and installations for brands like Gianvito Rossi, Missoni, H&M, Max Mara, BMW and more. She is also often called on to speak at design weeks around the world and lecture at revered universities like Harvard. Pieces by Urquiola are on display in a number of art and design museums from MoMA in New York to Paris’ Decorative Arts Museum to the Victoria & Albert in London.

Essentially, Urquiola taps into design in its truest, most authentic essence, her work offering a holistic spectrum that covers objects, textiles, structures and spaces. And while her creative versatility makes it difficult to define her work, our understanding and experience of design is better for her contribution to it.

Here, we examine some of Urquiola’s most revered pieces in a bid to showcase only a snippet of what makes this designer such a timeless icon.

Tufty-Time sofa for B&B Italia (2005)

The iconic Tufty-Time collection reinterprets classic Chesterfield and Capitonné styles for modern living and is one of Patricia Urquiola’s most ubiquitous designs. The range’s hallmark modularity, comfort and removable covers allow for versatile and adaptable configurations, including linear and corner sofas, peninsula-shaped compositions and island elements. Large squares of fabric or leather joined by pleats form its signature upholstery, adding a textural depth that lends distinctive character. With its timeless appeal and effortless elegance, the Tufty-Time remains a sought-after icon of contemporary design, and for very good reason.


Tufty Time sofa for B&B Italia from Matisse.

Dudet chair for Cassina (2021)

A true masterpiece of retro-inspired design, the Dudet is a small, architectural chair, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina in 2021. With its strikingly fluid lines and plush, inviting silhouette, this armchair commands attention in any room. But don’t let its luxurious appearance fool you. Featuring a groundbreaking system that allows for easy separation of its core materials, including a steel frame and bio-based polyurethane foam padding, the Dudet chair is a model of circularity and sustainability. And with removable upholstery that makes maintaining its appearance easier than ever, the Dudet embodies Urquiola’s uniquely innovative and holistic approach.

Swing chair for Louis Vuitton Objets Nomades (2015)

Luxurious design and clever craftsmanship collide in Patricia Urquiola’s Swing chair for Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades collection, inspired by the brand’s famous fashion origins. Featuring two large leather-covered metallic handles that hold up a stunning woven mesh seat, the chair is available in two versions; either with a woven chocolate leather cord with black leather finishes and yellow leather accents, or with a beige polyurethane cord with natural leather rings and a darker back cushion. With gold-plated hooks and endcaps adding an extra touch of elegance, the Swing chair is a masterpiece.

From left: Dudet chair for Cassina from Matisse. Swing Chair from Louis Vuitton.

Redondo armchair for Moroso (2010)

Beloved for the way it exudes comfort and elegance, Moroso’s Redondo armchair by Patricia Urquiola offers a nod to the plush interiors of 50s and 60s American cars. Its distinctive, two-part shape features padded shells that embrace huge seat cushions, inviting moments of respite. The quilted decoration, created with delicate pencil-like lines, adds an exquisite three-dimensional quality to the fabric, making it as visually arresting to look at as it is comfortable to sit in. Injected polyurethane foam and polyester fibre over an internal frame of steel ensure durability, while removable covers offer practicality. It’s easy to see why the Redondo has been a favourite in living spaces around the world for more than a decade.

Almendra for Flos (2022)

Effortlessly blending form and function, the Almendra lighting system, unveiled last year by Patricia Urquiola for Flos, was inspired by the organic shape of an almond. Boasting a modular, suspended structure that allows for endless configurations, the Almendra is perfect for both private and commercial settings. LED technology (hidden in oval panels that splay out like the pages of an open book) ensures maximum efficiency, while a carefully-designed diffuser delivers a warm and welcoming glow, and the entire structure is fashioned from bioplastic (a byproduct of paper production). Ultimately, this system is a testament to Urquiola’s exceptional talent. Here, she has fused sleek modernism and cutting-edge technology with natural inspiration, to create something truly contemporary and captivating.

From left: Redondo armchair for Moroso from Matisse. Almendra pendant for Flos from ECC.

Shimmer for Glas Italia (2015)

Boasting iridescent, multi-coloured finishes that deliver a mesmerising quality to any space, the Shimmer tables by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia offer an infinite variety of nuances depending on where they are placed and how they are viewed. Seamlessly blending form and function, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression, an example yet again of Urquiola turning her practiced hand to creating something practical, utterly magical and that stands the test of time.

Shimmer table for Glas Italia from ECC.

Getlucky for Moroso (2020)

There is something both contemporary and classic about Patricia Urquiola’s Getlucky sofa system for Moroso. Elegance meets versatility in this modular collection (that includes a range of pieces from a corner to a chaise-longue design) defined by harmonious refinement, where clean lines collide with soft, inviting curves. The result is a system to suit a range of interiors. Beyond the fact that its design allows for complete customisation and flexibility, its plush cushions and durable materials promise comfort and longevity in spades. The Getlucky is a masterclass in the Urquiola’s singular design language.

Sengu Bold sofa for Cassina (2022)

Offering a new interpretation of Patricia Urquiola’s lauded Sengu sofa system, the Sengu Bold was unveiled last year. The epitome of comfort, this exceptional sofa saw Urquiola hide the expected Sengu base and instead, bring the sofa’s ample curvature all the way down to the floor, creating a fuller and more conspicuous shape. The soft cushions on the backrest are padded with recycled PET fibre, adding to the luxurious feel, while the upholstery fabrics have also been designed with eye-catching texture, which enhances the sofa’s soft lines. It is modern, minimalist and a masterly example of Urquiola’s ability to refine and rewrite the rules. 

From left: Sengu Bold sofa for Cassina from Matisse. Getlucky armchair for Moroso from Matisse.

Crinoline for B&B Italia (2008)

Urquiola designed the Crinoline collection for B&B Italia based on a study of 3D textures, creating a sumptuous collection of seats, small armchairs and larger armchairs that were fashioned from unique weaves and that highlighted sinuous lines. The textures are incredible, evoking a sense of luxury and style that could be integrated into virtually any kind of space, no matter how traditional or modern. Dual-coloured polyethylene weaves in black and white, or black and bronze, complement natural fibre or bronze string, and produce a stunning contrast. And every piece is designed to provide maximum comfort, showcasing the perfect combination of useability and showstopping design.

Mesh daybed for Kettal (2016)

The pinnacle of modern outdoor luxury, the Mesh daybed designed by Patricia Urquiola for Kettal was inspired by architectural façades that filter the environment without blocking out the light or airflow. Combining industrial materials with natural elements and transparent volumes with solid structures, Urquiola harnessed the idea of contrast to make this daybed a statement piece. Its durable aluminium frame is covered in a stylish mesh fabric, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable seating area for lounging in the sun. Whether poolside or on a terrace, this daybed has long been an essential addition to any outdoor space.

From left: Mesh daybed for Kettal from Studio Italia. Crinoline chair for B&B Italia from Matisse.

Asterias for Molteni&C (2016)

Patricia Urquiola looked to the mountains of Mexico for the Asterias collection she designed for Molteni&C, eventually finding inspiration in the Asterias cactus. The result is a generously-sized round table that captures the essence of this unique plant in its central base. Composed of six curved, wedge-shaped wooden panels, the base sits atop a central plinth which has been 3D printed for an eye-catching finish. The tabletop, available in two sizes, boasts a rounded edge that is subdivided into four wedges, forming a striking geometric pattern. The Asterias also comes with a practical central Lazy Susan turntable, perfect for entertaining.

Asterias table for Molteni&C from Dawson & Co.

Vieques bath for Agape (2008)

Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Agape, the Vieques bath is a strikingly contemporary take on traditional freestanding tubs. Constructed from steel, with a white interior finish and available with a white or dark grey exterior, the design is finished with a luxurious iroko backrest and shelf. The blend of classic and contemporary styles here is enhanced by the addition of the minimalistic, matt white Fez tap. And with a name inspired by the pristine island of Vieques in the Caribbean, it’s clear that this bath was carefully designed for winding down, relaxing and forgetting any and all worries. 

Vieques bath for Agape from Matisse.

Bend sofa for B&B Italia (2010)

A play on contrasts, technology meets craftsmanship and solidity meets flexibility in the Bend Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. The sofa’s irregular shape appears to be the result of an artist’s work, but is actually derived from a study of 3D models and digital research. These contrasts not only define the design, but also enhance its comfort and give meaning to its irregular silhouette. Made from corrugated modules, the Bend can facilitate an array of combinations, from compact options for limited spaces to complex and far-ranging layouts. There’s a very good reason why it is now widely considered an icon. 

Husk armchair for B&B Italia (2011)

Encapsulating the idea of comfort beautifully, the Husk armchair by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia is a study in how to merge various styles into one design. This iconic armchair showcases a unique combination of a stiff multilayer polymer body and soft cushions to offer relaxation on every level. The cushions are divided into portions that underscore the chair’s ergonomic profile. And with such a versatile design (that somehow manages to both blend in and stand out), it’s hardly surprising that the Husk armchair has lasted, for over a decade, as a truly timeless piece.

From left: Husk armchair for B&B Italia from Matisse. Bend sofa for B&B Italia from Matisse.

Re-Trouvé for Emu (2008)

Here, Urquiola paid tribute to the traditional forms of 50’s furniture, infusing her inspiration with modern innovation and more than a few playful twists. In her Re-Trouvé collection for Emu, the designer used numerical control technology to develop a complex diamond-shaped pattern that was repeated to generate unique pieces. Sophisticated, elegant and whimsical, the Re-Trouvé pieces are beloved for the way they effortlessly blend into any outdoor setting, and are testament to Urquiola’s exceptional ability to reimagine the luxurious potential of outdoor space.

Re-Trouvé chair for Emu from ECC.

Design

The best warm neutral paint colours for a cosy winter living room
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The house where the light moves and the architecture holds its place
Soul Bar & Bistro

The story behind Soul Bar & Bistro’s famous floral baskets

Before becoming one of Auckland’s most iconic backdrops, Soul Bar & Bistro’s resplendent florals originated from a moment of travel-born observation. During a trip to San Francisco, Soul founder Judith Tabron noticed the lush floral baskets hanging outside La Mar, the celebrated waterfront Peruvian restaurant, and immediately saw how flowers could soften architecture, add brightness and make a harbour terrace feel like somewhere people wanted to stay a little longer.

Back in Auckland, that observation became the seed of something far more ambitious. In 2009, the concept was formally developed in collaboration with Xanthe White Design, with what began as a handful of trial planters eventually expanding into the 130 overflowing baskets that now cascade across Soul’s west-facing Viaduct Harbour terrace. Today, Soul’s floral finery is part of its identity, ever-present as the always stylish backdrop that looks as though it was simply ‘born this way’.

Yet, much to the surprise of many, this continuous display of beauty takes planning and an unforgiving level of horticultural discipline. At any one time, 130 baskets hang across the terrace, while another 130 are planted from seed, grown by Seedling Systems, with colours chosen around six months ahead according to season, mood and the restaurant calendar. Pink appears for Mother’s Day, richer tones arrive when the year calls for drama, and every changeover accounts for the practical realities of Soul’s harbour-front position, from salt air and summer sun to the operational rhythms of one of Auckland’s busiest restaurants. The flower mix has historically included dense plantings of snapdragons, alongside dianthus, lobelia, pansy, stock and viola, each selected for its colour, fullness and ability to hold its composure in a demanding marine environment. Enduring beauty, as we well know, requires stamina and commitment.

Rows of metal shelving units holding green plants and white flowering baskets in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour plaza.
Male horticulturist on a ladder adjusting hanging flower baskets inside Soul Bar's harbourside terrace, Auckland.

Four times a year, typically in January, April, July and October, the changeover begins before dawn. At 5.30am, a team of eight people, including GreenAir, which has managed the installation for more than 15 years, removes every hanging basket before carefully mapping out the new display. There is a method to the layout: the visually strongest baskets go to the front, the finest sit at the entrance, and each hangs with exacting precision to make the terrace feel balanced from every angle. By 9am, the new display is in place, putting on an elegant and seemingly effortless show. 

Like many things in life, it is the efforts of many that go into creating something both memorable and magical. Soul Bar & Bistro’s baskets are more than a labour of love. They are the result of a rare kind of hospitality discipline, one that recognises the beauty and atmosphere flowers bring to the table.

soulbar.co.nz

Gastronomy

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Auckland’s wellness scene is thriving, these are the destinations worth knowing

Contrast therapy is far from a new concept, having been used in various forms for centuries, but its popularity has surged in recent years as more people seek out wellness practices that support both physical recovery and mental wellbeing.

Alternating between heat and cold, whether moving from a sauna into an ice bath or between hot and cold water immersion, creates a rapid shift in temperature that stimulates circulation and activates the body’s natural recovery response. Many people also turn to contrast therapy to help ease muscle soreness, reduce feelings of fatigue and support overall resilience, making it a popular addition to both training and wellness routines.

Fortunately, Auckland is home to a growing number of exceptional wellness destinations, making it easier than ever to experience contrast therapy alongside a range of other recovery-focused modalities. From cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to sound baths and guided recovery experiences, the city’s wellness offering continues to expand as interest in preventative health grows.

Here is Denizen’s guide to the best specialty wellness destinations in Auckland.

Wellbeing

Turns out the benefits of folic acid extend beyond pregnancy — here’s why you might want to consider supplementing
The grounding movement may just be one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your mental and physical health
Is the 20,000-step day actually worth it in 2026?

Jewels of the Trade: The quietly personal statements of style

The jewellery we wear most often is rarely dictated by trends. Instead, these pieces hold a place in our lives because of their sentimental significance and ability to be worn in any season and for any reason. Designed to move through life, just as easily complementing a worn-in white tee as elegant evening wear, they are quietly personal statements of style.

Woman in profile wearing stacked gold geometric ear cuffs, hoop earrings, and a gold lariat necklace.
Sasha wearing Messika Earrings and necklace
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Tiffany Lock Small Earrings from Tiffany & Co.
Aria Slider Necklace With Diamond Pavé
FOPE Aria Slider Necklace With Diamond Pavé from Partridge
Olympia Bracelet
Olympia Bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels
Gucci Horsebit 18k Ring
Horsebit 18k Ring from Gucci

Blonde woman in denim bikini top, cream trench coat and gold earrings at clay court tennis stadium.
Caro Daur wearing Tiffany Hardware earrings from Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany
Tiffany HardWear Small Single Wrap Bracelet from Tiffany & Co.
Juste Un Clou Bracelet, Small Model, Reverse Set Diamonds
Juste Un Clou Bracelet, Small Model from Cartier
B Zero1 Gold & Steel Ring
B Zero1 Gold & Steel Ring from Bvlgari
FOPE Luna Flex’it Bracelet from Partridge

Tubogas Earrings from Bvlgari
Chopard Ice Cube Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet
Chopard Ice Cube Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet from Partridge
Perlée Diamonds Duo Ring
Perlée Diamonds Duo Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
Dextera Earrings Swarovski
Dextera Earrings from Swarovski
Woman in cable-knit sweater and fur stole wearing gold choker and bracelets in alpine interior.
Viky Rader wearing FOPE earrings, necklaces and bracelets

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Cut crystal tumblers for the perfect fireside pour

Winter and whisky go hand in hand. The civilised evening ritual of pouring a ‘wee dram’, however, requires a sense of occasion, particularly when it comes to how it is served. Whisky is not a drink that should be slung into any old glass; it deserves weight, clarity, and ceremony. As the supporting act in many great films, whisky is often seen alongside a moment of private grievance or of immense discussion, and the vessel in which it appears on screen genuinely changes the atmosphere. It’s not the liquid itself; it’s the drama and theatre that surround its cinematic presence.

And nothing brings drama quite like fine crystal that is satisfyingly heavy yet still elegantly bold. Cut crystal tumblers deliver the visual and tactile impact that whisky deserves. The brilliance of the crystal catches the light, refracting through amber, gold, and deep copper tones, while the clarity allows the eye to read the whisky’s colour, viscosity, and depth before it ever reaches the nose.

Nachtmann Noblesse Whisky Pair Tobacco from Studio of Tableware

Nachtmann’s Noblesse whisky tumblers make the case with admirable conviction. A proper tumbler sits in the hand with authority, grounding the ritual with purpose. Noblesse cut crystal glasses allow aroma to gather, the liquid to move, and the drinker to savour the experience with a respect for the ritual.

Nachtmann Noblesse Whisky Pair Aqua from Studio of Tableware
Nachtmann Noblesse Whiskey Set from Studio of Tableware

In cinema, the whisky tumbler has always been a prop of consequence, held by people making decisions, regretting them, or preparing to make worse ones. At home, where nothing dramatic is at stake, the whisky glass still needs to be right. And Nachtmann’s Noblesse crystal tumblers sit comfortably with connoisseurs and bon vivants alike.

thestudio.co.nz

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