Tackle 2022 with your best foot (and face… and body) forward. Now, more than ever, we all want to feel our best — a fact reflected in the verifiably booming beauty and wellbeing industries. Increasingly, the cosmetics realm embraces an “anything goes” approach to reflect our individuality, but there are some noticeable skincare trends that are being placed at the top of the shelf.
Fermentation Station Many of us drink kombucha or eat sauerkraut for inside-out health benefits, but now skincare that harnesses the power of fermented ingredients is set to be the year’s biggest trend. In 2021, the lean towards “microbiome skincare” grew by a huge margin, and fermented skincare plays into this with its barrier-strengthening properties. As with many of today’s beauty trends, this one originated in South Korea, and has been enthusiastically adopted by the West as fermented products not only protect the skin’s biome, but also have increased potency, and contain natural bacteria that prolong shelf life. Look to brands like Sunday Riley, Drunk Elephant, Fresh and Sothys, which all employ fermented techniques in their products.
Left: Dr. Barbara Sturm Haircare. Right: Augustinus Bader Haircare
Hair Today In a well overdue move, haircare is now being treated with the same pure and potent ingredients as skincare on the rest of the body. Luxury skincare brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm and Augustinus Bader now offer shampoo, conditioner and treatments as part of their lines, with Sturm using ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Bader wielding its Trigger Factor Complex for glossy, strong locks and a healthy scalp.
Dry Run The rise of products formulated without water has industry forecasters like WGSN questioning whether the future of beauty is sans aqua. Waterless products were initially introduced as super-concentrated formulas without filler (water is often number one on ingredients lists) but now it’s being looked at as a more earth-friendly approach. According to the WHO, a staggering one in three people globally are unable to access clean water. Taking the form of powders, concentrates, balms, bars and oils, many mainstream waterless products are activated in the shower or sink, but the thinking is that there’s already been a large reduction in the amount of water used through leaving it out of the production chain itself. Certainly a category to watch as it expands.
Harry Styles’s Beauty Brand, Pleasing
Well Groomed The men’s beauty and grooming sector is expected to generate global sales of USD$81.2 billion by 2024, a category on the rise as many male-marketed brands also set out to redefine masculinity in their branding and marketing direction. Men are more encouraged than ever to care for their appearance, and this goes beyond the traditional shaving and basic skincare regimes. Celebrities including Harry Styles, Machine Gun Kelly, and Tyler, The Creator have launched nail polish brands, while makeup brands include men wearing makeup in their advertising. The prevalence of e-commerce and an increase in men spending more time at home has also allowed the space for private experimentation, and social media provides a platform for community and inspiration.
When Juliet Souter launched Marle in 2015, she started with a mere ten knits. Having worked in the industry for many years — learning all aspects of the fashion game — she saw a gap in the market for modern, minimalist knitwear. Naturally, shoppers and stockists alike soon asked for more of her thoughtfully designed and sustainably-minded pieces, seeing Marle quickly grow into a fully-fledged fashion brand from its laidback base in Mount Maunganui. With the philosophy of everyday luxury, and a focus on impeccable details, exceptional materials and superior quality, Marle is the elevated epitome of conscious design.
Here, Souter shares her knowledge on fashion, style and building a successful career.
Experience is essential From an early age, I knew I wanted to work in a creative industry. I was impelled to get as much experience as I could to identify my passion. I started doing work experience while I was at school for local designers and larger corporate companies — from picking and packing orders in warehouses and working in luxury retail, to putting lookbooks together for designers to send to buyers. All these experiences equipped me with the knowledge I needed to explore fashion design and running a business. I was very lucky to have an encouraging family. With their support I left school early to study fashion at AUT with the vision of one day creating a brand that was a reflection of my vision and values.
Try it on yourself As a young girl, I was always experimenting with various pieces of fabric, creating things that I wanted to wear. I remember one day I found a piece of old denim, wrapped it around my hip, stitched a single seam and called it a skirt. I had a number of friends compliment me on it and little did I know at the time, this moment really solidified my confidence in creativity.
Marle Autumn 22 ‘A Seabird Knew Your Name’
Wear many hats I think some people might assume I draw pretty pictures all day. In reality, no two days are the same and the actual ‘design’ part of my role gets smaller each year as our team grows and I work on different parts of the business. As Creative Director, I am across design, marketing, production, online and sales. We work with an external marketing and digital team and also sales teams so there’s a balance of international time zones and video calls and making sure everyone has what they need. I’m getting better at working out where to focus my energy.
Inspiration is everywhere I’m inspired by all the wonderful people that are in my life. Nature and its raw beauty — I love getting out and enjoying what we are lucky to have on our doorstep as New Zealanders. I find architecture and interior design hugely inspiring — the forms, the materials and the special spaces.
Clothes are fibres first, and last I have always loved natural fibres for the way they feel and behave — as well as their luxuriousness. They carry all sorts of beneficial properties, such as being breathable, warming and cooling. After learning of the effects on our planet from synthetic fibres, it became clear that working with fabrics that could gently return to the earth was the only way I wanted to work in the industry. While we have come a long way, there is still limited availability of materials, so I start with what is available to me and what I can create from it.
It’s timeless Design to me is about creating pieces people want to wear over and over again, wearable pieces that are not attached to a season. We see it as combining simplicity with luxury.
The importance of a signature piece The Mimi Jumper is a standout. It helped us to gain a lot of brand awareness as our customers came to trust in the quality of our products. It continues to grow in popularity.
Continue the design conversation We deliberately include some of our most loved pieces in every season, perhaps updating a detail or colour, with the intention of adding to your Marle wardrobe each year without the need to replace. Marle is a considered brand that encourages mindful consumption. It’s important to stay in our own lane.
Create looks that last I constantly update my wardrobe with iterations of the Jo Jumper and Ida Pant. Both effortless and wearable, they have been well loved pieces in Marle collections since the beginning. They are simple in design and functional in form, which means they can be worn in many ways for many occasions — which for me, epitomises everything I want Marle to stand for and be known for.
It’s paramount to create with intention and integrity We see fashion as more than just a passing trend. Marle isn’t for one person, one age group or one style — our considered cut, fit and silhouettes can be worn and loved by many. They allow the wearer to make it their own in terms of personality, lifestyle and individual aesthetic, which I love.
On family I’m a working mother with two beautiful children. I want to create a brand and a business that helps to care for the world I am raising them in and equally, I want to create a space for our team where they know their home life is supported, in all ways. I am motivated and inspired to be part of the change I hope to see.
A culture of success Creating the culture we have at Marle has been something truly important to us. Our small but growing team spends a lot of time together so our hope is to create a loving, inspiring, nurturing environment. There is a lot of trust between us all and Marle wouldn’t be what it is today without those in our office and our wider team. Together, we create the success of the brand, which is one of my proudest achievements.
Every season presents an opportunity to do things differently I would love to explore working with more obscure fibres such as banana fibre, coconut fibre and pineapple silk. I’m excited to see the developments in the years to come.
A great outfit For me, I need to feel comfortable and to feel like myself. There’s not one thing that is more important than the other, it’s about putting on something and recognising how it makes you feel.
I still find it special to see women wearing our pieces We dedicate so much of our time and energy to Marle, so knowing that our customers resonate with our brand is something I will never tire of.
Sustainability is a journey Our intention was always to be ethical and sustainable and from inception, we’ve done things intentionally. We’re constantly learning of new developments or approaches and applying these to every facet of the business. It’s a work in progress — one we’re wholeheartedly committed to.
The future of fashion, I hope, is bright I don’t see sustainability as something brands could do, I see it as something all brands should do and I am hopeful that conscious creation will start to be as important as commercialism. Our world is finite and it’s our responsibility to recognise rather than ignore that.
With winter chills on the horizon, Easter often feels like that last glimpse of summer. It’s four days where we can escape the city to the beaches, take a holiday with our nearest and dearest and indulge in delicious food along the way. The holiday looks different for us all — especially if you have children — but an Easter escape is one that we look forward to every year, and this year, there’s so much further afield to discover.
Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery, Sugo.
Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery When the weather ebbs between hot and cold, we flock north. Paroa Bay Winery — owned by the visionary team behind The Lindis Group — is perched on the hills above the Bay of Islands, with luxury villas that take you into the clouds. And while the wine is an easy libation, the real treasure is the restaurant. Nominated as one of the Best Out Of Town Eateries in Denizen’s 2022 Hospo Heroes, this dining experience is one you’ll always remember. The menu is crafted with the idea of offering New Zealand’s best delicacies on a plate, and the wine pairings are a welcome addition. With three individual residences, it makes for the perfect family escape, or a romantic getaway if you’re inspired.
The Shack, Raglan If you want to escape to the renowned break this long weekend, refuel here post-surf with a menu that is just the right amount of unique, boasting a roasted broccoli toastie, chilli egg bun, waffles and more. In true Raglan fashion, it’s a little Byron-esque, with an inspired, wholesome brunch menu that could run up against the big leagues.
Sugo, Tauranga You’d be forgiven for looking past Sugo, as it doesn’t sit on the shores of Tauranga’s famous beaches, but Sugo is no less worthy of an Easter weekend visit. While the locally-sourced menu is fresh and inspired, the bottomless brunch is the eatery’s main attraction. And when on an extended weekend escape, is there a better way to spend it?
Central Fire Station Bistro, Mason.
Central Fire Station Bistro, Hawkes Bay If you’re looking for something different from the usual winery-based dining in Hawkes Bay, Central Fire Station Bistro in Napier is serving up a crowd-pleasing menu. In one of the art deco buildings that make the city so quaint, and like all good eateries, there’s a strong focus on local, seasonal produce, a fitting choice as the region is abundant with its offerings. We recommend the spiced lamb rump, just as the weather begins to cool off.
Mason, Wellington Tucked away in the capital’s Newtown, the suburb that emits an effortless aura of cool, is Mason. It prides itself as a restaurant masquerading as a bar and offers a Middle Eastern inspired approach to food. The menu is ever-changing but be sure to try the current crudo on offer — one of the best in the city. While you’re in Wellington, there’s never been a better time to explore New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata’s latest exhibition, curated by Brian Wood — Raymond McIntyre: Portraits.
Hopgoods & Co, The Store.
Hopgoods & Co, Nelson Nelson’s city is an eclectic mix of arts, travellers and early retirees, and when you come to embrace it, you can appreciate the city for all of its divine offerings (not just as a gateway to the great outdoors). Hopgoods & Co is a Nelson institution, with the bistro taking up residence in the heart of the city, serving seasonally based bistro-style food with the best of the region’s artisan produce.
The Store, Kekerengu Found on the coastline between the Marlborough Sounds and the expanse of Christchurch is Kekerengu’s The Store. Some 60km north of Kaikoura, the rugged coastline makes for a beautiful holiday drive, and The Store is the perfect pitstop. It’s been a mainstay for 28 years, serving much of the same locally sourced fresh fish. The breathtaking views of the beaches beyond are just a welcome addition you can expect to find around these parts.
Bessie, Fairlie Bakehouse.
Bessie, Christchurch Bessie marks a new stage in Christchurch’s dining journey. Traditionally ruled by a few key players, the scene in Christchurch is evolving and this excellent spot offers a unique taste of the South Island that needs to be on your radar. Bessie specialises in dry-aged cuts, so vegans need not apply, and trust us, they’re not exaggerating when they claim to be ‘Canterbury’s best’. With a complimentary wine menu that promises to keep you perfectly libated, Bessie is a Christchurch favourite.
Fairlie Bakehouse, Fairlie While pies aren’t always our road trip snack of choice, these delights are a contender for the country’s most famous. These pies are the perfect marriage of buttery, flakey crusts, with locally-sourced tender beef steak, Aoraki salmon, creamy hearty vegetable, and of course a classic mince and cheese. Nothing less than a southern essential, these pies could dethrone Ferg Burger, and if you’re passing by — or in the vicinity — they’re a must-eat on any road trip.
Del Mar, Esplanade.
Del Mar, Oamaru Oamaru’s Del Mar looks past the traditional steampunk approach of the town and offers up a refreshingly cool waterfront venue that specialises in superb seafood. The crispy squid is arguably one of the best takes on inspired seafood in the country, and the view across the harbour is simply delightful. If you’re in for dinner service, time it around the little blue penguin arrivals that take place just around the corner, a truly once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.
Esplanade, Dunedin An impeccable Italian restaurant at Saint Clair Beach, Esplanade serves up a slice of the good life. With interiors by Cheshire Architects, it’s cosy even when the waves are crashing. Here, you can finally take in a different side of the city, away from the bedlam of student life, and watch as surfers don their thickest wetsuits and brace the southern waters, while you enjoy Italian so good it warms you from the inside.
Waiheke indulgence is about to embody a new meaning this month, with the most decadent of events set to take place later this April. From a collective of all things epicurean and divine comes Wonderscape by Cloudy Bay, the first in a series of ticketed events in New Zealand and further afield — an event that sold out in a matter of days.
Wonderscape At Home Those who missed out on tickets to the inaugural Wonderscape event, or are perhaps seeking a way to add some effortless elegance to an otherwise mundane home isolation experience, will have the chance to bring to life the wonder of Cloudy Bay at home with a choice of three limited-edition Wonderscape At Home packages.
Wonderscape at Home.
Each package allows the home host to effortlessly recreate a Wonderscape long lunch experience with expert guidance from the same friends of Cloudy Bay as the Waiheke long lunch.
From crafting a menu showcasing seasonal produce to styling a tablescape inspired by the wonder of nature, the At Home package is the preeminent guide to sipping and savouring the best of New Zealand in the company of friends and family, from the comfort of the kitchen you know best.
Wonderscape At Home packages can be purchased here.
Wonderscape by Cloudy Bay At the waterfront escape Mawhiti, Wonderscape takes form as a long lunch affair that celebrates Cloudy Bay’s vision of bringing people together in the natural wonder of New Zealand. Here, guests can expect a modern immersive wine, food and sound experience curated by friends of Cloudy Bay — Chef Hercules Noble, Stylist Kayla Jurlina and Wonderscape Ambassador and Host, Polly Markus.
As devotees of good food, we’ve long been fans of anything Noble serves us on a plate; from his famous lockdown sourdough loaves to the delicacies he’s known to craft in private kitchens, the Wonderscape menu is no less inspired. Guests should expect to see food in a way quite unlike anything they’ve experienced before, and with the addition of Markus as Wonderscape’s host — the brilliance behind Miss Polly’s Kitchen, one of our favourite guest recipe writers — the approach to food is as vibrant as ever.
The Wonderscape experience will provide guests with a number of opportunities to enjoy the pure taste of New Zealand throughout the day, including a shucking workshop led by pioneering surf clam harvesters, Cloudy Bay Clams.
Coupled with Jurlina’s natural affinity for visual magnificence and transforming a space, Wonderscape is the ultimate collision of the highest degree, and it should be a date marked on everyone’s social calendar.
The exclusive ticketed event will take place on Saturday, 30 April 2022 and can be booked for groups of two, four or six.
Tickets for the full-day experience are $450 per person, inclusive of all transport, food, wine and entertainment. Tickets for the event have now completely sold out, but more events like Wonderscape can be anticipated in the future.
Birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, graduations — landmark occasions such as these call for a certain calibre of restaurant. While perhaps not a place you visit every week, these stellar establishments are where we share our greatest joys, providing the backdrop for moments we remember forever. From innovative fine dining restaurants to impeccable brasseries, we trust these places to bookmark a special chapter in our lives with effortless aplomb. While we’ve dined far and wide to develop this shortlist, a celebration is all about one person, so there’s no better person to cast the final vote than you. If there’s another restaurant close to your heart that you think may have been overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Celebration Restaurant’ Shortlist:
It has been said that three’s a crowd, but the city’s eateries can easily accommodate. When the numbers start to increase, finding a space that caters for all without compromising on that quality and flavour you know and love… That’s a challenge. But no longer is it a choice between good food and good company. We’ve shortlisted the best establishments for group dining across the city, now it’s just up to you to crown the winner — if there’s anyone you think we’ve overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best for Group Dining’ Shortlist:
Thanks to increasingly sophisticated technology (and Zoom-induced dysmorphia), the demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments shows no signs of slowing down. However, the needle is shifting from the obviously enhanced “Instagram face” aesthetic that has dominated in recent years to a more natural look, via “tweakments” that bring subtlety to the fore.
From formulas that impart a ‘woke-up-like-this’ glow to new methods of body shaping, these are the latest cosmetic procedures trending internationally. While some of the treatments aren’t yet available in New Zealand, we suggest keeping an eye out so that when they do arrive, you can be first in line.
Morpheus8 Advanced Radio-Frequency Treatment The combination of radio-frequency with micro-needling has been a favourite for a while, but the Moprheus8 treatment pledges to take it to the next level (literally). Using insulated microneedles, it targets the deeper layers of the skin on both face and body, effectively remodelling fatty tissue — and can address the deflation of soft tissue, like ageing jowls. The technology is also “colour-blind”, meaning it can be used on a variety of light and dark skin tones without the worry of hyperpigmentation. While treatments that hit the deep layers under the dermis aren’t for the faint-hearted, Morpheus8 promises little to no damage to the skin’s surface, resulting in a very uniform effect that makes way for truly impressive results.
Qwo Injectable for Cellulite In the US, the FDA has approved the first injectable solution for fighting that pesky orange peel skin. Named Qwo, this treatment is touted as a relatively non-invasive option that works by dissolving the subdermal fibrous bands that cause deep skin depressions, thereby permanently releasing them and smoothing out the surface of the skin. It also does this without leaving loose skin in its wake, as Qwo stimulates the production of new collagen molecules. Approved for use on the buttocks, it’s also being used in off-label areas like the thighs, with good results recorded for moderate and severe cellulite that last for a few years, according to current research.
Emsculpt Neo Body sculpting treatments are trending upwards (something to do with all the sitting around we’ve done during Covid, perhaps), and while the Emsculpt and subsequent Neo version were launched a couple of years ago, both are garnering renewed interest currently due to this uptake. Endorsed by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Denise Richards, the non-surgical treatment is administered to the abdomen, buttocks and/or thighs via a large paddle, which then delivers high-intensity electromagnetic pulses to the muscles, causing them to contract. This reportedly has the same strengthening and toning effect of 20,000 manual crunches or squats, in one 30 minute session. Where the newer Neo differs is that it combines radiofrequency with the electromagnetic pulses, which burn through fat stores as the pulses contract the muscle for even more impressive results.
Prollenium Revanesse Versa Filler Founded in Canada, recently landed in the UK and hopefully on its way to us soon, this release from medical technologies company Prollenium is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that promises natural, long-lasting results. Where Revanesse claims to set itself apart from the likes of Juvederm (another hyaluronic acid filler), is that it doesn’t break down as quickly, and it is easier to mould and more natural feeling — and looking. This is because it uses a special technology known as cross-linking, which increases stability. As such, it says that many people can enjoy results for 10 to 14 months, depending on the severity of their skin concerns and how well they respond to the treatment.
A good bar is so much more than somewhere to sink a drink. Along with being experts at crafting the perfect cocktail, curating an impressive wine list and creating a suitably convivial atmosphere, nowadays bars are rivalling restaurants with their food offerings, taking the humble bar snack to tasty new heights. From casual to upmarket, it’s time to celebrate Auckland’s very best bars. Vote for your favourite from our list below, or if there’s an establishment you think we may have overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Bar’ Shortlist:
From Viola Davis to Bob Odenkirk and Selma Blair, the latest celebrities putting pen to paper prove memoirs are not just a chance to tell their breathtaking stories in their own words, but to also create buzz around an astounding literary debut.
Theroux The Keyhole: Diaries of a Grounded Documentary Makerby Louis Theroux Acclaimed journalist and filmmaker Louis Theroux has made a career out of his unassuming appearance that seems to always attract new leads. In his next autobiography, Theroux turns his searching, bespectacled eyes on himself and his family, as he tries to make sense of our strange new world. Weaving in his latest work (including the Tiger King and conspiracy theorists), the result is both hilarious and humbling.
Finding Me by Viola Davis Viola Davis is one of the most decorated actors and producers of our time, and yet she has never felt seen. From a crumbling home in Rhode Island to the glamour of Hollywood, this personal story tells how she found her sense of purpose, and presence — inspiring the reader to rediscover who they are too.
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk He calls himself a “determined idiot” but Bob Odenkirk’s Homeric rise from the comedy clubs of Chicago to the bright lights of Hollywood — including on the sets of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and Nobody — makes it clear that Odenkirk is one very entertaining writer.
Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Upby Selma Blair From the ingénue to the ice queen, and a muse to Karl Lagerfeld, Selma Blair has played many captivating roles over her lifetime. Her most important, is to advocate for the multiple sclerosis community. This emotionally shattering memoir tells her hard-won life lessons with wit — as she adds a new string to her bow: accomplished author.
All hail the all-day eateries. Where would we be without these one-stop shops, the establishments that keep us satiated from sunrise to sunset — and all the moments in between. These are the restaurants that execute every meal effortlessly, tempting us to return as soon as we’ve set our breakfast spoons down with the promise of an equally excellent lunch and dinner. With an outpost so outstanding, it’s no surprise that you have a favourite. Take the opportunity to vote for the all-day eatery that you know and adore — and if there’s a spot you think we’ve overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best All-Day Eatery’ Shortlist:
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