There is something to be said for listening to and enjoying an album from start to finish — the way the artist likely intended. And there is certainly no shortage of musical talent releasing new bodies of work at the moment. From local up-and-comers to fan-favourites, here are the albums we’re listening to on repeat right now — and you should too.
Soft Spot by Chelsea Jade Soft Spot is Chelsea Jade’s second album, written to draw on the spaces between feeling and expression, certainty and doubt. Her talents and focus as an artist have evolved, and in this album she speaks to romance specifically, in a more solemn way. This release is a must for anyone straddling feelings of melancholy and joy and will make fast fans of indie lovers everywhere. Song to start with: Best Behaviour
Remember Your North Star by Yaya Bey Described by the artist as a ‘thesis’ of sorts, Yaya Bey’s dazzling new album traverses through scenes of heartache and joy as the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter expresses her own experiences with mysogeny, depression and familial turmoil. In a sound that marries R&B with soul and jazz, and lyrics that offer insight into her psyche, Yaya Bay has created an incredibly engaging, throughtful, moving record that we will be listening to on repeat in the coming months. Song to start with: Keisha
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar In the fifth studio album by the only rapper in history to have won a Pulitzer Prize, this new release by Kendrick Lamar promises to take you on a musical journey into his mind and family life. Full of the musician’s signature wordplay, lycical genius, surprising musical scores and jostling rhythms, the album wrestles with the trauma of the black experience and is another exhilierating, enthralling release from the iconic artist. Song to start with: Rich Spirit
C’mon You Know by Liam Gallagher The ever-divisive former Oasis frontman has announced his May release of C’mon You Know, and listeners around the world can expect more rock-classics that promise to be just as iconic, but perhaps less repetitive than ‘Wonderwall.’ Song to start with: C’mon You Know
Life Is Yours by Foals Following up the trio’s 2019 two-part release, Life Is Yours is one of the most anticipated indie-rock albums this year and builds on Foals’ February single, ‘2am.’ Song to start with: 2am
Dropout Boogie by The Black Keys After taking a five-year hiatus ending in 2019, blues rockers The Black Keys have come back in full force. Dropout Boogie is their third studio album in four years, and it’s one we’ve been playing since the release — paying homage to their signature sound that put them on the map. Song to start with: Wild Child
Nothing says sophisticated quite like a thoughtfully curated art collection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.
If you are heading south for winter, ditch the trusty old jacket you’ve had for decades in favour of something a little more sleek. With the slopes set to be a busy affair this season, it’s time to ensure your first tracks make a bold first impression. From technical ski-suits to après-worthy fashion, our detailed snow edit will have you hitting the slopes (and the pub afterwards) in style.
Clockwise from the top: chloéski collection. Dior Menlink SUNGLASSES from Parker & Co. BOGNERTalisha ski suit from net-a-porter. BEAUBOURG ANKLE BOOTs from Louis Vuitton. Chloé x Dragon Cassidy ski goggles from net-a-porter. PERFECT MOMENT Bloko padded ski socks from Net-a-porter. GORE-TEX ski gloves from Prada. grenoble Engins Gilet from Moncler.
Clockwise from the top: Dior beanie and ski poles from Dior. Laundry rain jacket from Moncler. BognerJay-D Ski Jacket from Mr.Porter. grenoble sweatpants from Moncler. Ski goggles from Louis Vuitton. Grenoblegloves from Moncler. Balmain Quilted knee boots from Net-a-porter. DADELSZEN Cashmere T-shirt from Faradays. Knit beanie from Dior Men.
Clockwise from the top: ski mask from Fendi. Fendi Winter sports collection. Grenoble Jacket from Moncler. Chloé x Fusalp ski pants from Net-a-porter. HOLDEN shell slippers from net-a-porter. ELECTRIC ACCENT ski jacket from louis vuitton. ALLOVER LOGO SCARF from Balenciaga.
Clockwise from the top: Dior Men Ski collection. Porossan jacket from moncler. SKIs from Louis Vuitton. filippa k cashmere scarf from Workshop. grenoble leg warmers from Moncler. mixed cable turtle from Bonz. Bonded technical poplin ski pants from Prada. DIOR AND POC SKI GOGGLES from Dior Men.
It has often been said that when it comes to those big moments and questions in life, little details matter — something that definitely rings true when giving the person you love the most romantic piece of jewellery. And despite what you might think, creating a piece that is truly unique doesn’t require you to be an expert on stones or have the most design-oriented eye, you just need to know where to look.
One jewellery purveyor who understands this better than most is Naveya & Sloane, a renowned, Auckland-based studio that has cultivated something of a cult following for its exquisite bespoke offering and coveted engagement rings. For the team here, the process of creating custom pieces is a collaboration between jeweller and client, replacing the often-daunting undertaking of finding the right engagement ring with an incredibly special and memorable experience that can help anyone uncover the perfect piece.
That said, as far as design is concerned, many embark on the bespoke process with very little idea of where to begin, or where their inspiration should be drawn from. For this reason, we sat down with Naveya & Sloane’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, Rachel Sloane, who helped us with some advice on what to think about when commissioning a bespoke engagement piece and how, with Naveya & Sloane’s help, you’ll be able to create something unforgettable.
Make your jewellery tell your own story Ensure it is your story (or that of your other half) that you want to tell, and articulate it into a priceless piece of luxury jewellery — that is what will make your piece unique. Draw inspiration from a mood board, a cornerstone element of Naveya & Sloane’s bespoke design process. It may be a special destination, the place where you first met, a story you love, a favourite flower… There is inspiration to be found everywhere, and it doesn’t have to be taken literally. Instead, these little moments that make your story so unique will shine through in a refined and inspired manner. For those who struggle with the idea of taking the first step, this can be an exciting and beautiful place to start.
Consider timeless elegance as an essential design element Sloane explains that timeless elegance is the essence of all Naveya & Sloane pieces, including those made in their bespoke range. Their rings are handcrafted in a way that ensures they remain beautiful for decades to come and are not made with elements that easily date or age; an important consideration when mitigating trends in jewellery. Here, there is a delicate balance that must be struck between making sure something adheres to someone’s personal preference and style, while still feeling inherently timeless. Luckily, it’s something that Naveya & Sloane has down to a fine art.
Seek out a balance between the old and the new When seeking out inspiration for her own collections, Sloane looks to inspiration throughout history in the places and spaces she loves the most. In some collections, Naveya & Sloane lends its jewels to a delicate conversation with jazz, with stones and ornate details reflecting elements of that era. While her most recent cocktail ring collection consisted of four pieces inspired by Palm Springs. “It’s all about bold simplicity and old-world glamour,” the founder explains. But she takes this design philosophy lightly, ensuring the longevity of her inspiration by mixing the reflections on history with a modern, refined approach. It is here, where old-world details are paired with contemporary finishes that magic can be found.
Embark on the creation process together Asking your soulmate to spend the rest of their life with you can be a really big moment — a moment you want to be utter perfection; right down to the ring with which you propose. But getting it not quite right can be scary too, even under the guidance of designers and jewellers. It is why Naveya & Sloane birthed the Original Setting, a revolutionary concept that allows a couple to embark on the bespoke creation process together, making any ring truly special. With the Original Setting, clients are able to choose both the stone and precious metal they want for the final ring and propose with a simple, preliminary piece that has all of those components before embarking on a bespoke journey together to create the dream ring. Giving the clients the luxury of choice is at the heart of this experience, and one that makes all the difference when considering a proposal unique to them.
Make it authentic to you When creating any bespoke jewels, few rings go from ideation to inception immediately. Instead, the purpose of bespoke is to bring a layer of creativity via the collaborative process, meaning that no idea is a bad idea, and every iteration will be beautiful. Sloane suggests bringing reference materials to your consultations; be these images or stories. She also considers it wise to reflect on your existing jewellery, as well as your own personal style to help you create something authentic. Typically, the bespoke process evolves from conversations, to mood boards, to design sketches, with the client bringing their style and personality into every step of the ring’s creation.
In short, there is no one way to go about designing a special piece like an engagement ring. Instead, consider it a creative collaboration that reflects the wearer and speaks to a moment in time. And while drawing inspiration from your own story will ensure it is utterly perfect, having expert help from the likes of Naveya & Sloane will ensure the process runs smoothly and the end result is a soulfully handcrafted piece that lives on.
When potting your next leafy display, consider a collection of organic shapes and muted tones that promise to position your plants with the kind of prominence they deserve. From smooth, concrete urns to textured terracotta pots, frame your favourite greenery with the kind of curves that command attention in a space.
Those with an affinity for comfort and heritage design will be familiar with the silhouette of Plumy. The iconic setting originally designed by Annie Hiéronimus for Ligne Roset is unique in its design, which almost feels like the antithesis of refinement — a hallmark of the 80s time period it calls home.
The Plumy Settee pictured in Annie Leslau’s New York City project.
In 2016 the emblematic design was given a new lease of life, and there are now more than 40 fabrications and colourways to complement any space. Our favourite iteration is the black leather, which adds an element of sophistication to the chair’s voluptuous comfort.
Plumy armchair by Annie Hiéronimus for Ligne Roset.
With the overstuffed cushions being Plumy’s most defining feature, the unique curvature extends to the style’s armchairs, medium and large settees, and the additional footstool — which only extends the comfort.
Bubble and milk tea bars are one of those cult-followed, foodie things that seem to always draw a crowd, and for those in the know, Auckland’s newest opening is set to continue the trend. Machi Machi is a global sensation (it started in Taiwan and now, boasts 23 stores across the world) and has recently made its first foray into New Zealand with a shiny new store in Albany.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new outpost has already seen queues out the door of those seeking some of the chain’s coveted freshly-brewed teas, fruit teas and milk teas. Machi Machi’s menu is renowned for its delightfully sweet offering, where classic teas are given delicious (and unexpected) twists — think cream cheese foam or creme brûlée topping. And, in order to ensure Kiwi punters were treated to the full Machi Machi experience, the brand even sent its original Taiwanese baristas here to train the local team.
Machi Machi’s aesthetic is just another delightful touch. The interiors are very Instagram-worthy, with cute illustrations and neon signs set against simple, concrete walls. And if you want your tea in a version that can be thrown into a bag to finish later, Machi Machi also offers its drinks in sleek glass bottles. But what really makes Machi Machi stand out more than anything is its focus on quality ingredients. Sourcing traditional tea leaves from Taiwan and creating all of the pearls, creme brûlée and panna cotta in-house, here, there is a focus on detail that makes the Machi Machi milk tea second to none. If you’re looking to try something different this weekend, look no further.
When it comes to our bedside reading stacks this season, non-fiction new releases are taking precedent. While there is an overflow of new titles emerging from great literary minds and new thinkers, these are the books that we believe are worthy of your attention.
How to Raise an Antiracistby Ibram X. Kendi Following in the wake of tragedy and unrest, the latest work by this prolific activist suggests a way to keep anti-racist work at the forefront of a child’s upbringing, giving us all hope for the generations of the future.
Tremors in the Bloodby Amit Katwala For those who indulge in true crime podcasts and murder mystery novels, comes the ultimate literary probe into the tool that changed investigation forever — the lie detector.
The Secret Life of Secretsby Michael Slepian Secrets — everybody has them. Whether they’re simply the subject of idle gossip, or something more sinister, they are an intricate part of our complex society. This recent release finally considers how secrets impact the mind and the world in turn. Drawing on the author’s research, this is an eye-opening look at human behaviour.
Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain In her new masterpiece, Susan Cain reveals the power of a bittersweet outlook on life, and why we’ve been so blind to its value. This read shows how embracing life’s struggles will help you develop your greatest strengths.
Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Makingby Tony Fadeli Ingenuity and innovation are the cornerstones of the modern world, yet there is no one recipe for success. From the mind behind the teams that gave us the iPhone, this unorthodox guide offers inspiration and suggestions for breaking the rules to bring about unparalleled success.
The Unkillables by Jo Lambell Cultivating a proud garden as a plant parent can be tougher than the act of parenting itself, but in Jo Lambell’s illuminating release, we uncover 40 of the most resilient houseplants for the horticulturally challenged — and how to care for them to ensure their survival.
Burnt Butter unofficially calls itself the anti-cafe, where the owners have gone somewhat against the grain by opening with a philosophy of good food first, and everything else after. On the front door the signage reads ‘Simple done well. Breakky, Lunch & Hot Cuppas. Small Batch Catering. Fresh Bakes’ and really, we couldn’t sum its offering up better. (But we’ll try, all the same.)
Left: Burnt Butter Diner’s cookies.
The new Avondale cafe is small but mighty and has been designed to feel like walking into the home of its owners, Claudia Long and Ryan Pearce. It is a an eclectic space where warm tones of red, textured walls and touches of timber are bathed in natural light from the large front window (adorned in cute illustrations by Carly Black). Here, only filter coffee is served (bottomless, of course), and Long’s cookies and cakes take centre stage.
The BB FlatBRead
Burnt Butter is not the first hospitality venue for the owners. Both ex-Gemmayze Street, the chefs opened nearby Ol’ Mate when the pandemic first hit, as a way to remain in hospitality and serve the food they love, alongside coffee the locals swear by. Burnt Butter was simply the next step in their evolution, and it all happened organically. The space, a former recording studio and art gallery, became available, and the next thing they knew, Long and Pearce were rolling their sleeves up and getting stuck into the fit-out.
Right: Smoked Fish Crumpet.
At its core, Burnt Butter is where the clever culinary duo can continue to break the hospitality mould. They cook the food they know and love, which can sometimes be cakes inspired by Long’s other venture Sweetcheeks, or meals with flavours inspired by Pearce’s travels (a personal favourite is the smoked fish atop a homemade crumpet with egg, pickles and Greek yoghurt). They’re confident that if they love it, others will too.
It’s a vision that we’re confident with too. At any given time, the space is flooded with locals, catching up with one another or sitting back for another cup of coffee and a good book to read. It’s a space where you could happily sit eating, reading and catching up with friends for hours on end, and in the coming months, you can expect to find us doing just that.
It has been said that there is no labour of love quite like homemade pasta, and those who have attempted can attest to the idea.
But for some, it is more love than labour, like Mirella Kostandini, who has recently opened Arte Della Pasta — a space serving some of the freshest, handmade pasta in Auckland, ready for you to pick-up and prepare with love at home (almost like you made it yourself). It is an easy and delicious upgrade from the classic supermarket packets, and a little-known secret that we’ve been eager to share.
Left: Gnocchi.
Pasta making is an art that has been in Konstandini’s family for generations and (like all good pasta recipes) it was passed down to her by her Nonna. Now, she shares with it with those who visit her space. Located in central Newmarket, Arte Della Pasta is more than just a grab-and-go. It’s also a dine-in and takeaway experience that offers wholesome Italian food as it was meant to be served, as well as a place in which the chef offers a range of pasta classes. In these intimate sessions, Konstandini passes on the knowledge shared by her family, to help you to make truly bellissimo pasta every single time.
Left: A selection of Arte Della Pasta’s pestos, sauces and olive oils.
For Konstandini, nothing brings her more joy than creating traditional pasta every day. Everything is made by hand, with the freshest, seasonal ingredients that inspire the day’s dishes — be it spinach and ricotta ravioli or slow-cooked lamb. “What really makes the difference is I make everything with my hands,” she explains. “You can smell it, and you can taste the difference.” It is almost akin to an art form — and the level of care and detail doesn’t go unnoticed.
After the rise of internet sensation Pasta Grannies, there has been a collective growth in the appreciation for just how much love, effort and energy goes into making these kinds of dishes; dishes that capture such a special culinary culture. “For me, this is not a business,” Konstandini explains to me. “This is a home — and I want all the people who come in to feel at home too.”
“When I see the people enjoying what I do, and when people come back and say thank you, you feel at the heart of the family… This makes it all worth it.”
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