Left: Vitra’s wiggle side chair by Frank o. Gehry from Matisse; Bamboo Silk rug from Nodi Rugs. Right: B&B Italia’s Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini from Matisse; Bamboo Silk rug from Nodi Rugs; NONN’S JOURNAL COFFEE TABLE by Cameron Foggo from Simon James.
It feels almost disrespectful (and inaccurate) to call Yu Mei’s new retail space merely a ‘shop’. Located in Newmarket, the luxury leather accessory brand opened its inviting, Knight Associates-designed brick-and-mortar lounge to pave the way for a new kind of shopping experience — one that also acts as a place to host Yu Mei’s community, and to channel the brand’s sensibility, holistically.
This is beautifully achieved through furniture, objects and even appliances that are in keeping with its wider principles of refinement, comfort and ease, and enduring emphasis on considered materials. New-season bags are displayed at the entrance portion of the space, while through glass doors is a gallery space housing a display of contemporary artworks and shoppable past-season styles.
A lounge area at the rear of the sizeable space is well-appointed too, housing a kitchen with brand new Fisher & Paykel appliances — all-in-all, creating a destination to return to for far more than just the beautiful accessories sold within.
It’s true what they say, you haven’t exercised properly until you’ve put yourself in the hands of a dedicated fitness expert. Not only will they help you prepare for specific events, but a personal trainer can also ensure that there’s no slacking off, you’re maintaining the correct form and that you’re truly getting the most out of your time spent at the gym.
But not all personal training sessions are created equal and, whether you’re training for the next Ironman or just need a motivational kick up the backside, there are a few things that you can do to ensure you’re getting the best out of the experience.
Go PT shopping You didn’t sign up to your gym without checking out the market first, so why snatch up the first personal trainer you find? Head down to the gym that you use and scope out some of the trainers there. Watch how they work and see if there are any that pique your interest. Most desk clerks will deliver a rundown on the trainers available, but don’t be afraid to speak to them yourself to gain a better insight.
Do a background check If you do find someone you think you’d like to work with, make sure they have their credentials — all personal trainers in New Zealand should be registered with the Register of Exercise Professionals.
Set goals Establishing concrete goals is crucial for improvement, and it helps your trainer plan out the sessions more efficiently, too — whether it’s about improving endurance by a certain time or speed, losing a specific amount of weight, or hoping to tone up in one particular area.
Prepare To make the most of your 60 minutes, ensure your body is as prepared as possible prior to the session. Have a light, energy-boosting bite about 45 minutes beforehand and try to drink plenty of water throughout the day — this should keep mid-workout, lengthy drinking breaks to a minimum.
Photo: Supplied by Kirsty Godso
Warm up beforehand Similarly, try and squeeze your warm up in before the session. This allows you to crack on with the serious stuff as soon as your time begins. If you’re not sure what kind of warm-up works best for you, have a chat with your trainer — they’ll be more than happy to help.
Make notes Whether you’re noting things down via workout apps, wearable technology or just an old school pen and paper, it’s important to track your progress. Jot down tips and tricks on everything from posture to breathing techniques — so you can then employ them correctly outside of your sessions.
Ask for a post-session recap When each session comes to a close, be sure to request a quick progress report. Having a clearer understanding of the areas that you’re improving in, and the areas that you’re not, can help you figure out how to grow in the future.
Speak up If you don’t feel a connection with your personal trainer, or if they’re approaching something in a way you don’t agree with, don’t be afraid to tell them. It’s beneficial for both of you to be as upfront as possible.
Ask what you can do outside of your session Your training doesn’t have to be limited to just that 60-minute window. Ask for tips on what you can be doing once the sessions have ended, including eating habits and exercise pointers for days off.
Bridging engineering and art, Powersurge studio is an exercise in equilibrium. The team takes the elemental properties of metal and forges it into something much more sophisticated, with a lightness to its otherwise industrial look.
Powersurge’s custom designs and collection accent pieces are poised for spatial enhancement, exemplified in its newest solid brass additions. Available in customisable finishes, including brushed, blackened or light or dark antiqued, and coated in a clear satin lacquer, they can find a synergy with any space.
The Link Pendant‘s slimline structure will glide into a hallway or living zone. Suspended from the ceiling with a strip of brass with dual hex cores, it emanates light in delicate horizontal layers.
Elsewhere, the Fall Coffee Table reaches visual harmony through its sleek composition, combined with the negative space beneath it, for an appreciation of minimalist balance. Even if you like your coffee table clear, it would be gratifying to place the Halo Vase on top of here. A polished take on the column form, with a geometric twist, the Vase comes in three sizes and looks especially satisfying when styled in a group of sculptural silhouettes.
To dress up other surfaces around the home, gilded trays create an elegant frame for displaying your favourite objects. The Crease Tray is folded like fortified origami, striking a balance between delicate and modern design.
Powersurge is known for its dynamic lights and mirrors, and the Lateral Light Mirror is an illuminating design in more ways than one. Crafted in a slimline style, it creates an unrestrained reflection to expand space within your interior — while the lighting embedded down the left-hand cladding elevates the mirror’s purpose and sense of presence. It’s available in three sizes, as well as custom dimensions.
If you are looking to create visual harmony in your living spaces, these versatile pieces will be right at home.
Founded in 2019 by best friends Anna Fahey and Bailey Meredith, Baina has succeeded in filling a gap in the market for bathware and towelling that is beautifully and consciously designed. Made in Portugal from 100 percent GOTS certified organic cotton, Baina towels are intended to make the ritual of bathing even more special, both visually and tangibly. The brand’s towels are instantly recognisable, yet timeless, rendered in varying prints and finishes like an eye-catching check or elegant swirled ribbing detail.
The latest collection, having launched this July, includes sumptuously deep, rich brown and black tones, and with Baina now stocked on global platforms Ssense, Goop and End, safe to say Fahey and Meredith are going from strength to strength. Here, the duo shares are a few of the things that make them tick.
What I do for a job described in one sentence: Anna: As a director of Baina, there is no limit to what lands into my inbox. However, my focus is mainly in areas of sales and design. Bailey: I am involved in all facets of Baina — from design through to production, sales and marketing, and business strategy. No two days are ever the same.
My personal style can be defined as: Anna: Considered and relaxed. But as I am currently on maternity leave, my foundation to any outfit is slouchy denim, Bassike organic cotton jersey, or nice shirting. Bailey: Functional and modern with a sartorial nod.
The last thing I bought and loved was: Anna: My Rika Studios shirts from My Chameleon. Rika makes such beautiful cotton poplin shirts in lovely colours. My current favourites on high rotation are Rock and Khaki. Bailey: A pair of Agmes x Simone Bodmer-Turner earrings. I am such a fan of SBT’s work so I was so pleased to discover this collaboration.
Jantar Mantar.
An unforgettable place I visited was: Anna: Too many to choose. Keeping it local, is Hot Water Beach at Lake Tarawera. We recently visited on a misty day, it was so mystical and serene. There was something very spiritual and resetting about soaking in a natural spring at the foot of a dormant volcano. Bailey: A place called Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, India. It is a collection of 19 astronomical instruments built by the founder of Jaipur, Rajasthan and was completed in 1734. The architecture and colour are phenomenal.
The next place I’d like to go to: Anna: Back to Australia. Bailey and I started the brand in Melbourne, and it is the home of Baina. We were and still are very inspired by the design industry over there. B and I have an amazing shoot booked there as soon as the border reopens. Bailey: New York. I’m currently in Byron Bay as I write this and while it’s been so nice to be back in Australia, I now have my heart set on returning to the US. We are starting to build a lot of traction within the market with Baina and I would love to connect with some of the creatives we have been working with from afar.
The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: Anna: Tamsin Johnson. She is a Sydney interior designer — if you aren’t familiar with her work, look her up. Her parents were antique collectors, which she continues to do with her mum. Her interior style is a culmination of interesting objects gathered from around the world. The result is unique to her and doesn’t feel borrowed, as sometimes it can. Bailey: Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson. Authentic, considered, driven. I’m a little obsessed.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: Bailey: A fashion designer — always. I’m so grateful that I was able to have a career working with Kate Sylvester before creating Baina. To me, my role now incorporates all of the creative elements of fashion that I loved while working with a completely different medium.
My guilty pleasure is: Anna: Trash reality shows, I’m too embarrassed to say. Bailey: Noughties pop-punk.
I recently discovered: Anna: The space bar on my Mac will preview any file I select. Game changer. Bailey: Magpies feel grief and hold funerals.
Mr Morris.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Anna: The Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room near Matakana. There have been very few meals out in the last three months (nearly none), but my husband took me to the Smoko Room on Mother’s Day, and if you are up those ways, it is perfect for a meal and beer, brewed on-site, and it’s family-friendly. Bailey: Mr Morris. Michael Meredith is a genius. I highly recommend sitting up at the bar to watch the staff in the kitchen. I wish I could say we were related…
In my fridge you’ll always find: Anna: Meredith Dairy goat cheese. If you haven’t, you must. Find it at Farro. Bailey: Expired milk.
The podcasts I listen to are: Anna:Tracks to Relax. While I’ve never heard a whole episode, in this instance that is the idea. If you are having trouble sleeping or just want a really deep restorative sleep, I highly recommend this.
The beauty product I can’t live without is: Bailey: A face mask. My current favourite is the Lesse Bioactive Masque. Top tip — keep it in the fridge.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Bailey: While it might not be considered advice, my mum has always helped me get through challenging times with the words “this time shall pass”. I think of her and these words whenever I need strength.
In life, landing on the perfect culinary pairing can be transcendent. It might be a slice of the most exquisite cheese on freshly-baked bread, or perhaps a juicy, fresh strawberry drizzled with cream; a plate of pasta washed down with a glass of red wine or a glug of high-quality olive oil on piquant rocket leaves.
In the spirit of excellent food pairings, Captain’s Bar at Park Hyatt Auckland has just launched its new Rum & Chocolate Experience, which centres on an experiential journey through a suite of Caribbean rums — perfectly suited to New Zealand-based chocolate makers Foundry Chocolate.
The ongoing offering is in keeping with the venue’s focus on fortified spirits — in particular, rum, which Park Hyatt Auckland Executive Chef Brent Martin developed an affinity and understanding for during his time living in the Caribbean.
Captain’s Bar boasts 60 varieties, and within the Rum & Chocolate Experience is the opportunity to try several different renditions of the spirit, each unique and distinctive in its own right. Start with a palate cleanser cocktail of Flor De Cana Extra Seco Four Year Old rum, and move through a suite of combinations, discovering how the intense oak, fruit and spice notes in the rums enhance the characteristics of chocolate.
From Mount Gay Rum Xo New Edition paired with the warm spices and exuberant flavour of Foundry’s Anamalai Estate, India 70% chocolate, to Brugal 1888 Rum with the fruity tang and warm, silky nuttiness of Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico 70%, each sip and bite will take you on a journey.
Whether booked to kick-off (or round out) a romantic date night, or chosen as the activity of choice for a friendly catch up, this unique experience promises to transport the tastebuds to faraway isles — a sensory escape we could all surely do with right about now.
Rum & Chocolate Experience
$112.00 Per Person
Available Monday to Wednesday
4pm — late
With the opportunity to travel to far-flung European destinations still off the agenda, on a seasonably crisp evening in early July, Denizen gathered together a small group of adventurers, eager for a sense of freedom in two of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
With no passport required, just a requirement to dress for a glamorous night of European-style indulgence, the group arrived in Rome for aperitivo hour in Bulgari’s Queen street boutique where a selection of exquisite high jewellery had been flown in especially for our guests. From there, chariots in the form of a fleet of Maseratis transported the revellers to the cobbled streets of Paris’ Rue St Honore, where at Euro a seated, French-inspired banquet paired with French wines was enjoyed.
And as most evenings in Europe tend to unfold, Champagne flowed and dancing ensued until the wee hours, and successfully reminded us that while we still can’t travel further afield, there is plenty of beauty and decadence within reach on our very own doorstep.
Joining northeast Auckland’s ever-growing community, Kneads All Day is a brand new daytime eatery specialising in unique brunch fare and house-made baked goods.
The latest hospitality proposition from the team behind several successful ventures including Parnell’s Winona Forever, Rude Boy Deli in the CBD and Just Like Martha in Three Kings, Kneads All Day has harnessed the same formula of tasty, of-the-moment dishes and a contemporary, design-led interior — evolved in its own distinct way for this new addition.
French Toast with black & white ‘soil’, white chocolate cream, raspberry gel, spiced berry compote, tuille, apple caramel roll, fruit and maple syrup.
Kneads All Day’s menu takes recognisable brunch fare and pushes it to a new and inventive dimension, helped along by the cafe’s in-house bakery where diners can witness loaves and pastries being crafted. While those familiar with the stacked cabinets of the other cafes will know they have a hearty emphasis on decadent sweets, Kneads’ selection skews more towards the savoury, with plenty of healthy takeaway options like salads, quiches and sandwiches.
According to owner Sam Raina, a West Harbour local himself, the offering of Kneads All Day has been designed to cater to Hobsonville’s diverse community, with fusion touches throughout the menu, and a consciously comprehensive selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Local studio Millé conceptualised Kneads’ interiors.
We’re told the vegan toast is a highlight, encompassing Sichuan-spiced mushrooms and pumpkin, smashed red beans, a sesame crust and cashew pesto. On the opposite end of the scale, there is a stout beer-infused eggs Benedict, and a buttermilk fried chicken with caramelised onion aioli and coleslaw with gridded “hashtag” fries.
Creamy mushrooms are served on house-made, fermented oat sourdough, topped with a hazelnut and macadamia crumb and poached egg; while a dish of smashed peas is colourful and textural with the addition of pumpkin puree and spiced seeds, creme fraiche and grated parmesan, all served with toasted sourdough.
Smashed peas with pumpkin puree.
Local studio Millé, which specialises in hospitality design, was inspired by Hobsonville’s history as the previous site of one of Auckland’s biggest ceramics and brick-maker companies (the founding family of which later moved to New Lynn to create Crown Lynn ceramics). The team harnessed a softened industrial feel when it conceptualised Kneads’ interiors, with tiles, terrazzo and timber. Saturated blue tables and purple walls punctuate the space and recycled terracotta light fittings echo the clay ovens within which the bread is baked fresh each day.
Seating 65 inside and 24 outside, Kneads All Day is in a prime spot for all-day sun, and with its comprehensive and thoughtful offering throughout, we suggest you make haste to go and check it out for yourself.
Is there a new opening you believe should be on our radar? Let us know at [email protected]
Since 1976, outdoor furniture brand Devon has held key tenets of style, comfort, colour and durability at the core of its sensibility, and its new Rere Collection is no different. Encompassing a comprehensive range of beautifully crafted pieces, this latest release is set to elevate outdoor spaces with the ease and sophistication the brand is known and lauded for.
Designed in New Zealand by Devon Managing Director Matthias Strickett, the collection makes a feature of gently rounded edges, inspired by the soft, natural beauty of rocks worn over time by the elements. In fact, the name Rere is taken from Gisborne’s Rere Rockslide, one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and breathtaking nature attractions.
The full collection caters to all manner of exterior arrangements, whether you intend to entertain with dining settings, bar leaners and bar stools, or if lounging is the top priority, sun loungers and a lounge chair, or a two-seater, will facilitate this in style. A side table and coffee table complete the offering, which utilises mixed materials in all of its framing — aluminium, teak and hand-woven marine rope.
All the Rere tables are available with a full teak top, or teak with ceramic inlay, and while the collection has been designed with smaller balconies and courtyards in mind, it is equally at home in more generously spaced surroundings. With an emphasis on indoor/outdoor flow of utmost importance within many a contemporary, design-led home, Devon has made sure to craft its Rere pieces with such consideration that they would look as elegant inside as they do out.
With current lead times of six months, we suggest you get onto ordering your Devon Rere pieces if you intend to enjoy al fresco living as much as we do this summer.
Sallow skin, puffy eyes and under-eye bags so big they qualify as extra airport luggage; the classic signs of sleep deprivation are not pretty. Whether it be bedtime procrastination, a tipple too many or just the consequences of hectic day-to-day life — prioritising Z-catching over everything else is often an unattainable feat.
As the reality of a solid eight-hour sleep seems like a distant, vanishing dream, we instead learn to improvise. Thanks to a trove of fatigue-concealing beauty products and techniques, we no longer have to look sleep-deprived even if we are.
Herein is a list of our top picks that will help fake your way to radiant, sleep-fulfilled beauty.
Slip Silk Pillowcase Made from long-fibre mulberry silk and non-toxic dyes, these luxurious pillow slips are made to be anti-ageing, anti-sleep crease, and anti-bed head — an all-round nighttime saviour that won’t upset your bedroom’s aesthetic.
Angela Caglia Cooling Gold Cyro Facial Set The benefits of using cold and iced products on the face are well documented, not least for their de-puffing properties. Keep these gold-plated, ergonomically crafted tools in the fridge until you wish to press them under the eyes and run them along the contours of your face. Within minutes, the appearance of dark circles, pores and fine lines can be reduced, as well as the puffiness caused by fatigue.
From left: Slip silk pillowcase from Superette; Brightening Exfoliator from Ecostore; 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 from Rosalique; Gua Sha tool from Ines Store; CODAGE night cream from Spring Store; Angela Caglia Gold Cryo Facial Set from Net-a-porter.
CODAGE Night Cream This emulsion-based moisturiser repairs and nourishes your visage as you sleep — even if you don’t sleep much. Boosting the natural cell regeneration process, it leaves smoother, glowing skin come morning. Spring Spa works this nurturing cream into an array of facial treatments.
Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula If your skin tends to be a bit red and irritated when you haven’t got enough shut-eye, this product from Rosalique is a multi-tasking wonder cream. The line is developed specially for people who suffer from very sensitive skin and redness, and its targeted formula can be used as a primer, harnessing α-Bisabolol, Zeolite, Provitamin B5, Urea and Shea Butter to a primer to gently conceal redness. Plus, SPF50 protects from UVA and UVB rays.
Ecostore Brightening Exfoliator A delightful fusion of jojoba beads, New Zealand Glacial Clay and sweet pineapple, Ecostore’s brightening exfoliator clears pores and removes impurities to give a brighter and smoother complexion for a fresh-faced look.
Clockwise from left: Kevin Aucoin lash curler from Mecca Beauty; Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder from Mecca Beauty; Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Enlightenment Illuminiser from Mecca Beauty; Diorshow Brow Style from Dior Beauty; Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel from Mecca Beauty; Cheek/Lip Tint from Aleph; Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm from Mecca Beauty.
Finishing Touches If you’re a make-up wearer, these final additions will sit atop all those beautiful products like a dream.
Curl up Curling your lashes is an excellent way to make your eyes appear far more open. The Kevin Aucoin lash curler is highly rated and makes the job painless. Follow with a lick of your favourite mascara.
A healthy flush Bringing colour into your complexion is crucial for a well-rested, full-of-life look. Local beauty brand Aleph’s cheek/lip tint is a versatile and full-proof cream product, with a seamless finish that can be blended with the fingertips. Used on both lips and cheeks, it creates a natural, youthful flush.
Beautiful brows As they say, the brows frame the face and even if you do nothing else, making sure your brows are nicely groomed can be a cheats way of looking perfectly put together. If you need help in the hair department, use a tool like Dior’s Diorshow Brow Styler, a best seller for its ultra-fine, retractable pencil that helps shape and fill in the brows. Set in place with a brow gel — we love the Kosas Air Brow Clear Lifting Treatment Gel.
A dab of highlighter A finishing touch of well-placed highlighter can pay dividends in bringing luminosity to your features. Apply to the cheekbones, cupid’s bow and inner corners of the eyes — you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes. If you’re a fan of a cream product, the Argan Enlightenment Illuminiser by Josie Maran Cosmetics is a concentrated liquid that can also be mixed with foundation for an all-over glow, or for powder, the Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Powder is a cult-favourite.
When winter rolls around and the chill sets in, it’s tempting to prioritise staying warm above all other considerations — including aesthetics and generally how ‘cool’ your outfit is. Luckily, there’s one piece of kit that never fails to keep us toasty while also imparting a hefty dose of style cred to an ensemble: the puffer jacket.
While the puffer jacket’s origins are thoroughly practical, its padded shape has provided brands with remarkably varied fodder for reinvention — from Balenciaga’s oversized iterations to Moncler’s sophisticated silhouettes. Puffers now come in shiny patent fabric, eye-catching prints, saturated shades and with creatively placed stitching, and are worn atop anything from a floaty dress to utilitarian trousers and boots.
The fundamental construction of puffer jackets has also been ripe for technological advancements of late, with some brands creating innovative, new generation padding that offers a creative solution for staying cosy. The Allbirds Trino Puffer is a particularly impressive example, eschewing the traditional use of feather or synthetic down and instead filling its water-resistant, merino/Tencel blend exterior with a lining of Tencel and recycled polyester.
Another local brand, Maggie Marilyn, has crafted its Beyond Puffer from recycled material and reclaimed down, and Prada’s clever goose down jacket is made of Re-Nylon, a regenerated fabric produced from recycled plastic collected in the ocean.
Whatever your tastes, whether you prefer a neutral shade for any time and occasion or a statement-making piece, there’s a cleverly constructed puffer jacket out there that, once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without.
Those who have kept half an eye on fashion’s movers and shakers over the past decade and a half will know French-born writer and illustrator Garance Doré. She was one of the original fashion bloggers, having started her eponymous blog in 2006, and rose to the type of prominence sought by many who would consider themselves fashion authorities.
An influential force before the word ‘influencer’ was common parlance, she was based in New York and was crowned “the guardian of all style” by The New York Times. She had the fashion world in the palm of her hand — before, in 2016, she walked away from it all, to discover what makes her truly happy.
Doré’s power has always been in her voice and her innate ability to connect with her audience through the written word. She went on to create global online style destination Wearedore.com in 2016, a platform driven by a conscious and overarching love of storytelling.
In 2020, Doré moved to Wellington with her partner, actor and writer Graham McTavish, just prior to our first Covid lockdown. She used that time to create L’Île, an even more intimate, paywalled platform where she publishes her insightful essays.
Here, Doré shares some learnings from throughout her incredible journey, from pinch-me moments in the fashion industry, to how her voice has evolved, and what true self-alignment means for her.
Growing up in Corsica, an island much smaller than New Zealand, it was a very close-to-nature-type of childhood. I was in the city for school, but my dad had a restaurant in a place inaccessible by car — you had to go there on a boat or hike for two hours. It was quite remote, and we were allowed to be completely wild there.
When I was as young as 13, I started feeling a lot of frustration. It was a different time, you couldn’t buy things online, but that’s when I became interested in style and culture. It’s the type of frustration that everyone who lives on an island, or has grown up on an island can feel sometimes. This separateness from the rest of the world which, I think, made me who I am. I have an incredible curiosity, always, to explore the world and meet new people, and it gave me a lot of hunger for that.
I was always doodling and drawing. I had a natural talent for drawing anything I could see, so it’s always been a simple thing that I felt was very easy for me. When I was growing up, it was one of those things — you know how everyone encourages you to be artistic when you’re young? Your parents want you to play an instrument, do this and that, but when it comes time to be serious, they say “oh no no, you can’t do that, you have to study to be a diplomat or a lawyer!”
By 27, I finally found the courage to do what I wanted, and I became an illustrator. It was very hard because I didn’t have any contacts in the art or publication worlds, and I hadn’t been taught anything, so I had to learn on my own. So it was a bit difficult, and when I started taking my first steps in the world of illustration and started making my first bit of money, I realised it was going to be so hard to make a living with it… and that’s when I started my blog.
When I started my blog in 2006, everything changed.
There is no society that I know that doesn’t put pressure on the youth to do things by a certain age — whether it’s making a career or having children. And we all spend our life realising it doesn’t work like that. Of course, it’s important to understand the realities of life — but also to realise that within them, there is a lot of freedom.
I was always struggling with these things, until recently I think. I’m 45 now, I’ve grown up, I think I understand who I am, but it takes a long time. So, 31 was very late in many ways, but it’s also a good time, because I’d already learned a few things about myself which helped me be successful — and stop when it was time.
I think maturity is a beautiful thing. And I think being young has its own great aspects, but it’s not a bad thing to do the things we love when we have gained a little bit more maturity and we are able to do them better, in a way.
One thing that I love in fashion is that it’s one of the industries that loves and accepts weirdos, of all colours, ages and all that. I think that’s a beautiful thing, that fashion opens the way for that.
I really see myself as a writer and a storyteller. And the things that happened to me are stories, so I wouldn’t want it any other way. The failures, the successes — you get a richness later, and I think people don’t really talk enough about that.
When I came into the fashion industry, my point of view and my naivety were the things that made me special. I was coming from the viewpoint of a complete outsider in fashion, I had nothing — I didn’t have any network, no aunt that was working in fashion, I parachuted myself there. And I think that’s what made it so fun.
It was brutal in many ways, for me. There were many hard moments and I’ve talked about them — but I’m not against that. I don’t think it’s bad to go through shit, in your personal and professional life. I don’t like the idea of everything having to be smooth.
My definition of success is being aligned with myself. Being conscious of my centre, and knowing that I have created a home inside that I can go back to. It’s something that you achieve but you also don’t, really, because you can always go further. And that’s a little bit spiritual, I would say. In my opinion that’s the only way, because external success is a little fleeting — it comes and goes.
Photo: Erik Melvin.
I met Peter Lindbergh a few times, and he photographed me. I always come back to meeting him as a standout memory, because not only was he a fantastic photographer, but he was also, in my experience, such a wonderful person.
The problem is that when you meet your idols, you can be disappointed. And that happened a few times in my career — I met a lot of people in the world of fashion and a few of them kind of disappointed me. Sometimes they weren’t the person I had imagined, or they weren’t as interesting as I thought they would be, and that’s kind of a let down. But he [Lindbergh] was up there for me.
I was sitting next to Rihanna at fashion shows, I was friends with Kanye West, all those things are regular. I called Pharrell Williams to give me my CFDA Award, and he flew from Miami to do that. Those were interesting moments, but the thing is, when you start getting into these circles, these people are just people.
Sometimes I would pinch myself, like “I cannot believe I am so lucky”. But also, there was a lot of shit going along with it, and at some point it was just not aligned with who I was. I thought “oh god, this is really not me, I can’t post a photo of myself in a bathing suit on a yacht”, but I could see everyone around me doing it. The backstage of all that, is that nobody is actually enjoying this because everyone’s doing photoshoots.
I’m glad I did it, because I came back with the stories and experienced things that I’ll probably never experience again, but I’ve never missed it.
Writing has always been like the water I drink. I don’t have to explain, there are no questions. It just comes as it wants, and I don’t try to create anything other than what my writing is — I actually write in English, and I’m French… I don’t have literary pretensions, I just want to get my ideas across.
The voice I had in my thirties is very different to the voice I have in my forties. Through the years I was describing in fashion, it was very funny, caustic, hysterical. I miss that, because I was completely crazy, and that was awesome in my writing. It’s almost like I was on drugs or something. And I was — not on actual drugs — but I was high on dopamine from all this excitement in my life.
Sometimes I look back and wish I could feel that feeling. I remember, I needed to be in a certain state of excitement and I’d write a text in like half an hour. But, what was born when I started finding more peace inside was much more deep. Even the subjects I talk about are very personal — they always were, but now they’re calmer, maybe less funny but more profound.
The question of the general trend of oversharing is an interesting one for me because that’s something I’ve done for more than 15 years. I think as an artist of any kind, you can’t just stop because everybody’s doing it, if that’s your way of doing things. And when it’s going to change and people won’t do it anymore, I might keep doing it. That’s what I’ve always done. I would love to write fiction one day but this is how I breathe, the writing and the intimate part of it. The way I’m coping with it today, is having created this very small community [L’île on garance.world].
I created L’île when I was in New Zealand, in Wellington. I had slowly stopped writing on my blog, because it was just like the world of social media, it had become too big, I didn’t know who I was talking to anymore. When I started my community, it felt like friends — it felt very close, and it got really successful right away because I think the people who knew my writing wanted to read me again.
The same cycle had started again, where I was looking at my numbers, and that’s when I decided to start a community. So I did a paywall, which means that the people that want to read me are actually committed. I wanted a space where I felt protected. The world was cruel enough, that I didn’t want to throw myself into it that way.
The way I write, I like it to feel intimate. So that’s what I set out to do.
It’s not a question of what we say, it’s a question of how we say it. As a writer, you can say everything, and touch on any subject — and actually that’s our mission, to make the human experience understandable and have a point of view.
People who meet me after reading me say there is no difference, and it’s always been like that. Who I show, and who I am… I’m kind of mysterious-less.
With all the things I’ve explored through being in fashion, I would say my view on style hasn’t changed much. I think style is a wonderful self-expression tool and that’s what it should be. I’ve always been about having a few things that we love. I still have a lot of clothes compared to a guy or something, but I’m pretty minimal, I’ve always been like that, very French, in a way. A great pair of 501 jeans, a pair of flats, a pair of heels. It’s like cooking — too many ingredients and you lose the plot. So, I think a few ingredients always make the best recipes and that’s how I see style.
When it feels like you’ve wrung every possible podcast recommendation dry, it’s time to seek out juicy new endorsements from a trusted source. This curated edit of the latest intriguing series is sure to serve you well, covering true crime, design, and everything in between.
Spectacle: An Unscripted History of Reality TV While you might be one of those people who dismisses reality television for its ‘low brow’ drama and derivative storylines, over the last 30 years, it is a genre that has attracted huge audiences and has come to reflect our culture in real-time. Here, host Mariah Smith delves into the fascinating history of reality TV, one show at a time, revealing its true importance.
The Apology Line There once was a Manhattan number that would allow anyone who called to apologise anonymously for something they had done. This podcast follows the fascinating (and true) story of the man, known as ‘Mr. Apology,’ who was on the other end of those calls, and how, after hearing people confessing regularly to things like drug dealing and murder, he decided to do something about it.
The Redesign of Everything In this thought-provoking new podcast, produced in New Zealand by Circularity — a company that works with businesses to offer circular innovation support and sustainable solutions — hosts Louise Nash and Ella Gordon-Latty speak to the changemakers, designers and practitioners working towards a better way of doing business for people and the planet.
Spy Affair Deception, sex and betrayal collide in this gripping, six-part miniseries that unpacks the story of Maria Butina — the charismatic Russian woman who arrived in the United States on what she claimed was a diplomatic mission but who ended up being jailed by the FBI as a foreign agent. From its high-stakes players to its dodgy backroom deals, this podcast might sound like fiction, but the reality is far juicier.
Depresh Mode with John Moe Promising a productive, relatable and sometimes funny dialogue around mental health, this podcast comes at a time when discussions of this nature are (thankfully) becoming increasingly common. Host John Moe speaks to comedians, authors, musicians, actors and big names in the entertainment and arts industries about their own personal struggles around mental health and how they overcame them.
POOG Comedians and best friends Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak delve into the trillion-dollar beauty industry by trying products and practices and consulting healers and experts to see if anything cuts through the industry’s glossy facade. Is it wellness they are seeking? Or just the thrill of the chase?
The humble cardigan has proved to be not so dowdy after all, as it endures another season at the top of our wishlists. The versatile staple is, nowadays, crafted in increasingly polished iterations, with a luxurious cashmere button-up proving the ultimate layering piece, or a printed cardigan an easy yet eye-catching statement.
While an overarching inclination towards more relaxed silhouettes still reigns supreme, this season the breadth and variance of knits mean you are encouraged to gravitate towards whichever suits your existing wardrobe and aesthetic preferences best.
Here, we have compiled some of the most stylish cardigans for your consideration.
Standing proudly on the water’s edge of Sydney’s Gunnamatta Bay, this sprawling family residence was designed to reflect the sensibilities of those residing within — an Australian husband and Spanish wife and their three young daughters. Born from a collaboration between Jorge Hrdina Architects and the renowned Akin Atelier design (most known for its high-end hospitality and retail fit-outs) this house, much like its owners, harmoniously pairs a laid-back, Australian aesthetic with a sleek, European vibe and the result is truly delightful.
Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 529 Rio Coffee Table by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina from Matisse.
With the owners inspired by a mid-century, Brazilian sensibility and wanting their home to capture the feeling of a luxurious, boutique hotel, the brief called for a creative and custom approach. Considering the home’s seaside location, the team at Jorge Hrdina focused on connecting the house to its surrounds, grounding it in its coastal landscape via materials like sandstone, concrete and timber and maximising the abundant natural light that would bounce off the undulating bay.
The five-bedroom home virtually cascades down to the water, with 14 transitional levels — 10 of which make up the house itself — providing a spacious, flowing floor plan that affords the family of five plenty of opportunity to enjoy time together or time to themselves.
Mr Chair by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll from Studio Italia.
Flos Snoopy Lamp by Achille & Pierre Giacomo Castiglioni for Euroluce from ECC, F598 Groovy Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort.
Inside, Akin Atelier utilised a foundation of polished concrete, walnut timber, rattan and bronze on which was added warm, textural details, pops of colour and intriguing, often well-known furniture pieces (think Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly Chair, a Castiglioni Snoopy table lamp and a Pierre Paulin Groovy chair in cream bouclé).
There is a simultaneous strength and softness to the interiors here; the former communicated via colourful marble (each bathroom is rendered in its own tone), bold art, solid timber lines and unapologetic material layering; the latter, created using sumptuously curved furnishings and rounded joinery. By embracing the idea of contrast, the team at Akin Atelier has perfectly captured the intriguing dichotomy between the owners’ Australian and Spanish roots — which is part of what makes this home feel so inherently unique.
Counterweight Rectangle Sconce by Fort Standard for Roll & Hill from ECC.
Highlights include the spacious master bedroom, which, from its incredible views, generous ensuite, walk-in-wardrobe and separate sitting room and study, feels like something you might expect to find in a high-end hotel; the poolside bar, made from polished form concrete and rounded stone and set into its own recess on the side of the house; and the daughters’ bathroom, rendered entirely in Norwegian rose marble.
From the outset, this spectacular residence delivers a masterclass in colouring outside the lines. In playing with how various tones and tactile layers might fit into a home that is both mid-century-inspired and inherently contemporary, the designers discovered a middle ground that has resulted in this warm, inviting and unique ‘forever’ home for a discerning family to cherish.
Clockwise from left: Haberdashery by Molly Timmins from Sanderson Contemporary, 1968 Table by Gallotti&Radice from ECC, Flos Snoopy Lamp by Achille & Pierre Giacomo Castiglioni for Euroluce from ECC.
Clockwise from left: Ming’s Heart Chair by Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia, Sea Fog Paint from Resene, Typography Staff Wall Sconce by Rakumba from ECC, 529 Rio Coffee Table by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina from Matisse.
Craving a taste of luxury? While our appetite for pizza and burgers never ceases, our hunger for the finer things in life is undeniable. From the likes of aged steak and crayfish to gold leaf and truffle, the city’s poshest plates are a deliciously lavish affair. When nothing but the best will do, dig into the fanciest dishes in Auckland.
Mushroom & truffle bao bunsfrom The Grove The ever-popular bao gets the fancy treatment courtesy of fine dining stalwart The Grove. Its rendition sees a mushroom bao bun stuffed with truffle emulsion, pickled onions and raw mushroom for good measure. A true study of umami flavours, this is one vegetarian bite even the most ardent carnivores won’t be able to resist. Love truffles? Discover our round-up of the very best truffle dishes in town.
Onslow’s crayfish eclairs.
Crayfish eclairfrom Onslow Trust chef Josh Emett to take this bakery favourite and elevate it to delicious new heights. Instead of the expected cream filling and standard chocolate icing, a lush Fiordland crayfish mixture is spooned between crispy choux pastry. A herby hint of basil rounds everything off to create a bite-sized delight that tastes just as good as it looks.
Gnocchi Parisienne from Euro Think you know gnocchi? Euro’s latest offering from its new Parisian-inspired winter menu uses choux pastry base (rather than the traditional potato base) for a French twist on an Italian favourite. The result is rich, pillowy soft gnocchi that when paired with Fiordland crayfish ragu and a blanket of melted Emmental cheese, is lavish to say the least.
Onemata’s pāua risotto.
Pāua risotto from Onemata While pāua fritters have long been a fish ‘n’ chip shop favourite, this iconic mollusc is considered a high-flying delicacy overseas — prized as one of the most expensive seafood one can buy. In Auckland, one of the most delicious renditions around can be found at Park Hyatt Auckland’s Onemata restaurant, where it is speckled through risotto, swirling with shiitake mushrooms, miso butter and finished with an onsen egg.
Gold leaf Snickers bar parfait from SoulBar & Bistro There would likely be an uproar if Soul Bar’s beloved Snickers bar parfait disappeared from the menu, and for good reason. This dessert is decadence at its finest, taking the chocolatey, nutty flavours of the classic confectionery and transforming it into a gold-swathed work of art.
Culprit’s bone marrow.
Bone marrow with marrowmite and ‘Vogels’from Culprit Nothing says opulence quite like warm marrow scooped straight out of the bone; its rich, butter-like spoils glazing your lips with every bite. A labour of love to prepare, Culprit’s take on this meaty treat sees rendered and whipped bone marrow with marmite accompanied by housemade Vogels-style toast and a wedge of lemon.
Sanchoku Wagyu scotchfrom Botswana Butchery Tucking into a good steak is one of life’s great pleasures, as the team of Botswana Butchery prove time and time again. Its Butcher’s Block selection is brimming with mouthwatering eye fillet, sirloin and rump — but it’s the Sanchoku Wagyu scotch fillet that catches our attention every time. Pair with your choice of accompaniments — the likes of truffle and bone marrow butter and duck fat potatoes are here to take indulgence to the next level.
Ostro’s Beef Wellington.
Beef Wellington from Ostro When it comes to the luxury of putting time, effort and dedication into a dish, Ostro’s Beef Wellington would always come out on top — as it would for its exquisite execution, of course. If you think the decadent pastry encasing each slice of Wellington is heaven, wait until you take your first bite and discover the beef is perfectly cooked right the way through, meltingly medium-rare. Now that’s luxury.
Black Angus 150 day grain-fed rib-eye from The Lodge Bar & Dining While we’re on the subject of next level steaks, it’d be remiss of us not to mention The Lodge Bar & Dining’s sumptuous rib-eye. Cooked, as everything is on the menu, with utmost finesse, it is paired with a moreish sauce au poivre (pepper sauce) and all the trimmings to make sure it’ll be a meal to remember.
If we were to tell you that our human anatomy shares at least 50 percent of the same DNA as another living organism, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Apes, definitely. Chimpanzees, sure. Pigs, maybe — at least in the case of a certain indelicate former US president. But mushrooms? Not quite.
Surprising to many, a mushroom shares over half of its genetic makeup with humans due to a shared common ancestor — one which branched away from plants some 1.1 billion years ago.
This means that humans are more closely related to mushrooms than many plants are. And while this may seem like an unnecessary piece of trivia, it’s far more important than you could ever imagine.
This genetic connection has led to mushrooms playing a pivotal role in medical research, with around 40 percent of all pharmaceuticals being derived from mushrooms — everything from Penicillin to anticancer treatments — and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
While the majority of us may believe that mushrooms are nothing more than a delicious accoutrement to pasta, pizza or steak, the humble fungi have so much more to offer. Said to be able to help with everything from immunity support and cognitive function to energy and relaxation, the broad applications of the recently anointed ‘superfood’ are vast and promising, and it’s largely due to how many species there are.
The fungi family is extensive, with more than 1.5 million varieties discovered, of which a small percentage serve as mind-bending psychedelics and an even smaller percentage are lethal. The rest, however, exhibit a seemingly endless stream of benefits.
Helping us gain a better understanding of the idiosyncrasies of mushrooms is renowned author and entrepreneur Tero Isokauppila. This self-professed fungi fanatic is championing the mushroom movement and has propelled the cap-topped saprophytes into wellbeing stardom following the launch of his superfood company, Four Sigmatic, in Finland.
Since its US debut in 2015 the holistic start-up has won the world over with its impressive range of innovative mushroom supplements, which have been featured everywhere including Forbes, Vogue and Gwyneth Paltrow’s health-centric Goop.
Isokauppila grew up foraging for mushrooms with his brother and physiology professor mother in Finland (where his father was an agronomist) and when he decided to run a marathon, he used the knowledge he had acquired of wild foods and the human body to help in his training.
It was during that time that he stumbled upon the cordyceps, a particular type of stamina-boosting mushroom that not only vastly improved his training, but also inspired the idea that was to one day become his business.
While the newly-found mushroom was stimulating for the body, however, the same couldn’t be said for the tastebuds. So before long, the Finnish foodpreneur began searching for a simpler, more palatable way to consume it. Thus, mushroom coffee was born — not too surprising given Finland’s well-documented fondness for java (the country is the biggest consumer of coffee in the world).
Described as a “fruity, medium roasted cup of coffee,” Isokauppila’s brew promises no lingering fungi flavours, no jitters, no morning crashes, and no funky stomach repercussions either.
Plus, for those who aren’t partial to a cup of Joe there’s an array of other salubrious beverages on offer, including hot chocolates, elixirs (perfect for smoothies) and mochas all spiked with one ‘shroom or another.
But with so many different types of mushroom out there and an equally comprehensive number of products, it can be difficult to know where to start. Isokauppila’s advice?
Begin your journey with the main four: Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and Reishi. Reishi, often referred to as the ‘Queen of mushrooms,’ while still relatively unknown in the Western world has been used in the medicinal systems of Asian countries for years.
Not only can it boost the immune system and help to reverse liver damage, but the fungi is also described by Isokauppila as “the sleep and stress” shroom, thanks to its properties as an all-natural sedative. (You can find this in Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Cacao Mix, which serves as the ultimate nightcap.)
Lion’s Mane is another species to note and is set to be your brain’s new best friend. The small, round, ivory-coloured mushroom, topped with cascading icicle-like spines similar to the strands of a lions mane, is an all-natural nootropic proven to strengthen memory, help with concentration and boost creativity. It is also, according to this mushroom maverick, “one of the only foods to have neuroprotective properties.”
Chaga, native to Isokauppila’s home country, “has incredibly high antioxidant elements,” while Cordyceps helps to support energy, stamina and athletic performance — both appear in the Four Sigmatic’s Instant Mushroom Coffee, but the list of mushrooms with magic properties doesn’t end there. Those on an aesthetic quest should acquaint themselves with the shiitake and the maitake — the first of which is believed to be a powerful skin booster, while the latter, proven to aid weight loss and digestion.
The thick-bodied Porcini mushroom contains more protein than any other commonly consumed vegetable and can help to settle down inflammation, while the petite-capped Shimeji is used in some treatments for asthma. The Turkey Tail mushroom boosts immunity and fights disease and the long-stemmed Enoki contains a plethora of antioxidants. It’s clear that when it comes to the mushroom kingdom, no two are quite the same.
While there are many wellness-boosting fads that come and go, it seems that mushrooms are offering something far more tangible than the usual trends. “Humans and fungi have been working together synergistically for thousands of years,” explains Isokauppila, “and although this may seem like a trend to the Western world — it is anything but.”
Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizon or just switch up your morning brew, it seems you need to be jumping on the mushroom wagon. They’re ultimately the true panacea, and they’ve been underfoot all along.
These local wellness brands are also making the most of mushrooms:
Mother Made: Kiwi best friends Emily Blanchett and Jessica Clarke were driven to create Mother Made after living overseas where functional mushrooms are prevalent. Their 100 percent natural, organic mushroom powders are sustainably grown, stylishly packed in recycled cardboard and are targeted for a variety of needs from pepping you up in the morning to helping relax you at the end of the day.
Misty Day Plant Potions: Nutritionist, naturopath and herbalist Rachel Dawson channels her wealth of holistic knowledge into creating Misty Day’s comprehensive powders and tinctures. Harnessing the power of functional mushrooms, she mixes them with other potent ingredients to increase the wellness boost — her Power Potion, for example, supports healthy heart function, energy and stress relief with beetroot powder, ginger, Cordyceps extract, Eleuthero herb extract and Astragalus herb extract.
“It’s strange to sit down and say, ‘oh well I’m going to be an author now’,” Meg Mason tells me of the transition she had to make from magazine writer to fully-fledged novelist over the last few years. “For me,” the New Zealand-born, Sydney-based author continues, “the prize was definitely writing fiction and it felt like such a lofty goal… it was hard to think of it as something I could just do.” But do it she has, and to a level that most writers can still only dream of.
It was with her third book (and second novel) Sorrow and Bliss, that Mason seemed to find her literary feet, penning what she describes as a 350-page confession from a place of wild abandon, truly believing that no one would actually read it.
This came after a year-long false start which had seen her struggle to write a novel that, in the end, even she didn’t like. “The harder I tried, the more I could see that effort on the page,” Mason says, “and I could feel my confidence bleeding out.” Ironically (but, as is so often the case) it wasn’t until Mason relinquished the expectations around her new work, that it was able to morph seamlessly into the narrative that has since captivated so many.
“There were a couple of things that let me suspect that Sorrow and Bliss was different,” Mason divulges, “for one, I still really loved it at the end of the two years it took me to complete, and for another, I had found the whole process of writing it such a joyful experience.”
A book that is told through the self-effacing and humorous voice of its searingly honest narrator, Martha, Sorrow and Bliss handles heavy topics like mental health and the dissolution of a marriage with a balanced, relatable realism. It is the way Mason has confronted her tough subjects with an energetic, almost light humour that has seen this novel find such quick success — and not just with the everyday reader.
Last year, after an impressive bidding war, Mason finalised a deal with New Regency that would give the US-based production company the rights to turn Sorrow and Bliss into a film.
And considering that it was the company responsible for such blockbusters as 12 Years A Slave, The Revenant, Birdman and Bohemian Rhapsody among many others, Mason was so confident in New Regency’s ability to adapt her story with respect that she is leaving the screenplay up to them too.
“Sorrow and Bliss will be challenging,” she tells me, “because its time span is massive, and it has been written as an internal monologue, which is hard to translate onto film. I would like to do a screenplay one day but this isn’t the one I want to learn on.”
For Mason, then, while Sorrow and Bliss continues to grow, it’s time to move on to something new. “I’m writing a new book,” she says, excitedly, “and it feels like I’m back at the beginning. I don’t want to write another book like Sorrow and Bliss, I want to explore other ideas that will force me to learn. So now, it’s just me and a word document, feeling weird about my job,” she pauses, “but I’m constantly grateful. Someone is going to make me do a real job if I stop being able to do this one, and I’ve managed to avoid that for so long, so I just have to keep going.”
Meg’s 5 Favourite Books Owls Do Cry by Janet Frame “For its beauty, for the way it plays with form, for Frame’s concerns as a writer which, having read this book first in my late teens, clearly made a huge, lasting impression on me and I am similarly obsessed (without being similarly gifted!) with family, loss, motherhood, memory, madness. (And especially at the moment, for the connection to New Zealand.) The thing that was most striking to me when I picked it up again last year, twenty years after that first reading, is how incredibly brave it was. A woman writing in Palmerston North in the 1950s being as bold in style, as completely unconcerned with the rules and, it seems, no thought for who the audience might be.”
Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido “This novel came out in 1982 but feels so contemporary. It’s the one that when I was setting out to write Sorrow and Bliss, I thought of as the goal as far as mixing humour and pathos in the same book/paragraph/single line. The beautiful female protagonist loses a baby in the course of the narrative and yet, you come out of it thinking of it as a funny book which is quite an astonishing feat.”
Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill “A few pages into reading it, just after it came out in 2014, I remember having to pause because I was so overwhelmed with the sense of having found the perfect book. It’s incredibly short, yet manages to capture the beginning, middle and end of a marriage. I have read it so many times and there is always something new in it that needs screenshotting.”
The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels by Edward St Aubyn “This series deals with the darkest possible subject matter; the protagonist is a heroin addict and survivor of an abusive childhood, but he’s still — to flip that whole topic on its head — incredibly likeable. I don’t think I could ever read the books again but I remember roaring through them the first time. If I could write anything as compulsive one day, I’d be incredibly happy.”
Fox 8 by George Saunders “I have no idea how you even sit down and begin another novel when your previous one just won the Booker Prize. This is Saunders’ follow-up to Lincoln in the Bardo and it is the most hilarious, amazing, surprising thing I’ve ever read. Just a few thousand words, told by a fox who has learned to speak English, all spelt as a fox might spell. It seems so light and funny to start with and then absolutely catches you out at the end with its huge emotional import.”
There is something about Casa Aviv, designed and executed by CO-LAB Design Office, that — even without having stepped foot inside — reminds you to breathe. Perhaps it’s the setting, a dense, leafy site near the glistening waters of Tulum beach and just a stone’s throw away from the area’s famed cenotes (natural pools).
Or perhaps, it is more to do with the house itself which, from its calm, stoic architecture to its earthy, textural palette, is a place that promises to connect those residing within to their abundant, natural surroundings.
Really, it is the potent combination of both of these things that has resulted in this exquisitely peaceful villa, where contemporary design has been given an understated twist, cultivating sophisticated spaces that feel unpretentious and refreshingly simple.
Given the long, slender nature of Casa Aviv’s site, the house itself was constructed in two parallel bars, one single-storey, the other spread over two levels. The upper level contains two, intimate bedrooms connected by an elevated walkway that overlooks the more public spaces on the ground floor, which includes an uncomplicated (but beautifully-finished) kitchen and two ensuite bedrooms on one side, and double-height dining and living rooms on the other. The latter is one of the villa’s standout spaces, thanks largely to its direct connection with the swimming pool and garden via tall, pivoting glass doors that seamlessly bring the outside in.
Connection between the house and the garden was clearly an important design aspect for CO-LAB, where the landscaping is brought right up to the exterior windows, and verdant motifs are replicated and repeated inside, the two ideas reaching their pinnacle on the residence’s rooftop terrace, where large furnishings, potted plants and panoramic views create a tranquil, private oasis.
This relationship has been capitalised on elsewhere too, including in the home’s east-to-west aspect, which allowed the designers to take advantage of the prevailing winds and direct a gentle but revitalising breeze through the interior spaces. Spectacular views of nature are offered in abundance, thanks to cleverly-deployed apertures, plenty of glass and north-facing skylights that allow lights and shadows to interact inside and serve to reinforce the idea of celebrating the natural world that lies just beyond the walls.
This idea is continued in Casa Aviv’s grounded, earthy palette and refined finishes. From the striking, black terrazzo flooring (which was custom-made on site) to the walls made from concrete masonry units and finished with hand-polished cement, to the timber accents and charred cedar carpentry, every element of this villa has been assiduously designed to balance opulence with openness and temper luxury with an air of laid-back cool.
More practically, part of the brief given to CO-LAB was a requirement that Casa Aviv’s quality would withstand the comings and goings of guests, to ensure that it could also double as a holiday rental. This idea of durability and low maintenance permeates the villa’s design, from its easy tones to its sturdy materials and the restrained way it has been decorated, and is part of what makes this residence so universally appealing.
At its core, Casa Aviv is not the reflection of one person’s aesthetic, and is certainly not the vanity project of an architect, designer or client with a vision to make an indelible statement. Instead, it is a place that almost anyone might envisage themselves loving, and is the perfect setting for an escape into the wild.
Ensuring our first tracks make a bold first impression, these men’s and women’s pieces have been designed with avid skiers and nonchalant snowboarders in mind. From practical jackets to snow-proof pants to onesies that promise to have people’s heads turning, here is how winter’s favourite sport is manifesting in our wardrobes.
Clockwise from left: Fendi FF monogram ski trousers from Farfetch, Double cashmere scarf from Prada, Knit wool hat from Gucci, Madeline sweater from Muse, Ryder one piece from Perfect Moment, Moncler Black Patty Chelsea Boots from SSENSE, Chlo x Fusalp Hooded Ski Jacket from Net-A-Porter.
Clockwise from left: Clement Triclimate® Jacket from The North Face, Burton [ak] Hover GORE-TEX 3L and Leather Ski Gloves from Mr Porter, Moncler Grenoble Logo-Appliquéd Stretch-Fleece Half-Zip Ski Base Layer from Mr Porter, The North Face Whimzy Tube from Superette, Smith I/O Mag Goggle from Snowcentre, GORE-TEX snowboard jacket from Prada, Unisex Mountain Mission Bear Helmet Black from Perfect Moment.
With the arrival of winter, we all change our wardrobes by subtracting shorts and crop tops and adding jumpers and coats, but many of us are also tempted to mix up our skincare ensembles by editing out sun protection.
While the effects of the sun’s UVB rays are reduced in winter, with less chances of sunburn and redness, UVA rays continue to penetrate the skin. UVA rays are responsible for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface, can penetrate glass and clouds, are responsible for accelerating signs of ageing such as wrinkles and dark spots, along with skin cancers, and continue to cause damage in the colder months. To break it down, your skin is still suffering thanks to the sun in winter.
That’s why dermatologists recommend that you use sunscreen year-round and apply extra protection if you’re planning a trip to the ski slopes, where UV levels are higher and the snow is highly reflective. Don’t forget to reapply sun protection throughout the day and pay attention to lips, hands and other exposed body parts.
Here are our picks of sunscreens to keep your skin safe in winter.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula from Mecca, Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream from Inès, [W.]+ Protective Fluid from Sothys
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum from Sephora, Emma Lewisham Skin Shield from Spring Spa
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ from Smith & Caughey’s, Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen from Inès.
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