The skies might be dark and stormy but our wardrobes shouldn’t be. These delightful bags have us dabbling in soft, pastel tones like never before, with luxury fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci taking inspiration from the candy shop. While these coloured bags may be sweet, they avoid being saccharine thanks to either a structured silhouette — as seen on Prada’s brushed-leather tote — or interesting texture, a la Bottega Veneta’s pouch.
If you find yourself gravitating towards a lot of black and dark colours in the winter, these bags are an easy way to punctuate a look, an uplifting statement that takes no effort at all.
Until recently, the multi-step skincare routine was truly a beauty force to be reckoned with. The likes of K-Beauty inspired ten-step regimes that are touted as the answer to youthful, glowing, blemish-free skin. But maintaining a routine this long and laborious is no easy feat. So, with this in mind, we set out searching for a system that would give us similar, sought-after benefits but at a fraction of the time (and effort).
Ever the minimalists, it was the French, it seems, that we should have been turning our attention to — more specifically, luxury skincare brand Sothys. Via simple three-step morning and evening plans, using just three Sothys products each, skincare can be made easy for those in a rush. Sure, they can be expanded on wherever seen fit (an eye cream, for example, never goes amiss) but these are the trios that create the supreme, foundational regimen.
Morning: Step One — Cleansing Be wary of cleansing too much in the morning as you may be stripping the face of the natural, beneficial oils that are produced overnight. Instead, find a cleanser that’s more on the gentle side, light but still effective, like the Cleansing Lotion — Comfort. Fusing creamy lotion with Spa™ Thermal Water, the cleanser both clears and freshens the skin while creating the perfectly prepped blank canvas for further products.
Step Two — Serum Once cleansed, be sure to add a serum that leaves a weightless, traceless finish — anything on the heavy-duty side should be reserved for nighttime only. Boasting an adaptogen-rich formula with a lightweight texture, the Energising Booster Serum is a simple way to inject a boost of radiance to the skin’s complexion, removing any signs of morning grogginess.
Step Three — Moisturiser When it comes to a day cream, you should be swiping a protective barrier onto the skin that will be both illuminating and hydrating under makeup. The Soothing Melting Fluidnot only protects the skin from external aggressors, but the use of Vitamin F ensures that it is softened and hydrated, too — resulting in a silky, nourishing base that’s perfect for make-up application.
Night: Step One — Cleansing The removal of makeup should always be first on the list when it comes to evening skincare, so begin by using a soft, gentle cleanser that will wash away the obvious stuff easily. Boasting a rich and silky formula, the Cleansing Milk — Comfortensures that any removal process is soft and easy, an ideal product for those on the more sensitive side.
Step Two — Exfoliating The double cleanse trend has blown up in the beauty realm, and for good reason, too — there’s no better way to truly remove the day’s impurities. After removing makeup via the gentle cleansing milk, a second cleanse, via the Biological Peeling Scrub, allows you to work harder on the remenants that get left behind. Its gentle, exfoliant properties will remove that further layer of pollution, alongside any dry skin and stubborn, leftover makeup and dirt.
Step Four — Night Cream Now is the time where you can customise the routine to ensure it is tailored to your skin concerns, and if you were to add an eye cream or a specific treatment, it would be here. For those evenings where spare minutes are few and far between, however, you can skip this lengthy process — as long as you are sure to finish your routine with a heavy-duty moisturiser. Essentially, the skin only gets to work when you are asleep, so before bedtime, it’s important to lather your face in anything that will aid and accelerate the repairing process. Rich in stabilised Vitamin C, the Noctuelle Detox Overnight Creamdetoxifies the skin when it needs it the most, and ensures that it’s left soft, luminous and hydrated come morning time.
As a furniture designer, part of the challenge of designing any piece is envisioning it in the wider context of an array of homes, aesthetic preferences and individual needs. The temptation to expand into increasing mediums that communicate your vision must be irresistible, and with this in mind we are certainly delighted that Simon James has entered the rug market.
The Elias 010 rug.
Both the Cass and Elias rugs are available in a selection of timeless tones.
Crafted with the brand’s characteristic emphasis on impeccable quality and enduring functionality, the new rug styles are currently available in two material formulations. The sumptuous Cass rug, a dense, loop-pile, is a hand-tufted blend of Tibetan cashmere and New Zealand merino wool. With its plush construction and visually-textural appearance, the Cass rug bestows warmth and comfort to any space in a timeless choice of natural tones.
The Elias rug is rendered in high-performance silky nylon, its high, dense pile resulting in subtle tonal variations through ongoing use. Both suitable for residential spaces, the Elias translates seamlessly to a commercial setting while the Cass can be made to order with commercially-suitable hard-felted yarn. Both rugs are available in standard sizes, or can be designed in custom dimensions, making these rugs a perfectly adaptable yet elevated addition to any space.
Newly opened in Eden Terrace, Kind Stranger is a cosy neighbourhood cafe where the service is just as warm as the piping hot coffee. It is owned and operated by Mate Vella who, having returned to New Zealand from a stint in London just before Covid, was honing his caffeine-centric craft full time at Grey Lynn cafe Crumb when the opportunity came up to realise a long-held goal of opening his own spot.
Located in the site previously occupied by cult sandwich slingers Hero Sandwich House, Kind Stranger has been given an interior refresh that has taken it from a predominantly takeaway direction to a space that invites customers to sit in with a brew and a bite from the cabinet.
Vella enlisted the help of his friend, designer Elliot Francis, who works for hospitality design firm Millé but took on the venue as a personal project. Early on in their friendship, the duo had bonded over a shared love for the style of cafes visited on their travels to Japan and Korea, and this formed the inspiration for Kind Stranger’s sensibility.
Walking in, there are three tall, stool-lined tables lining one side, and the rest of the space is intended to feel as open as possible with a striking white tiled banquette around the left side and by the front window, and small yet solid wooden plinths sourced from boutique and gallery Public Record in the place of traditional tables.
The terracotta red wall, painted in Resene Tandoori, further encourages the overall warmth of the space, and the mixture of textures between natural wooden floors and plinths, creamy tiles and rust-toned wall combine in a way that adds interest to the otherwise pared-back effect.
Kind Stranger’s Reuben sandwich.
In terms of the food offering, Kind Stranger keeps the cabinet stocked with savoury sandwiches and baked sweet treats, plus vegan options within both categories made by local baker Neat Cakes. We tried Vella’s delicious take on a Reuben, served in a brioche bun with pastrami, Swiss cheese, gherkins and house-made sauce; and the beef cheek, rocket, cheese and onion jam toasted bun, which was also very tasty.
Open seven days a week, it is in a prime spot to service both residential visitors and those coming from the various offices and company headquarters in the area.
“Kind Stranger is really in the name,” says Vella of the intention behind his new venture. “A community based on having as much or as little interaction with me as they so choose. Regardless, they’ll be met with a warm reaction by me.”
It’s been an exciting year so far for Tiffany and Co., and the luxury jewellery giant has only gone from strength to strength. Its latest announcement unveiled the identities of three new global brand ambassadors, following on from the appointment of Blackpink megastar Rosé who debuted her ambassador role in April’s 2021 Tiffany HardWear digital campaign.
Tiffany’s line-up of new muses is a trio of inspiring, trailblazing women — award-winning actors Anya Taylor-Joy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and world champion skier Eileen Gu, and seeing as the T1 line is dedicated to inner strength and individuality, we can’t think of three more perfect representatives of this mission statement.
Ushering in a fresh, creative vision for Tiffany, Taylor-Joy, Ellis Ross and Gu all starred in the stunning, Mario Sorrenti-shot 2021 Tiffany T1 campaign, ‘Give Me the T’, expressing admiration and appreciation for the House as they unveiled the shoot to each of their sizeable social media followings.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Taylor-Joy, best known for her star turns in the 2020 rendition of Jane Austen’s Emma, and the record-breaking Netflix miniseries The Queen’s Gambit, speaks of how she adores the symbolism of jewellery — no matter if it just speaks to the wearer. “I love it to mean something to me,” she says. “It doesn’t necessarily have to mean anything to anybody else, but I like to look down at my fingers and have a story.”
Ellis Ross (daughter of none other than the legendary Diana Ross) is also an actor, as well as a singer, television host, producer and director, known for her multi-award-winning lead roles in Girlfriends and Black-ish. Both she and Taylor-Joy are famed for their impeccable style off-screen — and along with Gu, they shine when showcasing the signature collection through a pared-down, contemporary lens.
Eileen Gu.
While she is only 17, Chinese American pro-skier and model Eileen Gu (also known by her Chinese name Gu Ailing) is already an utter inspiration to young women around the world for her athletic prowess, determination and fearlessness.
With this formidable trio representing the T1 collection in a mutual celebration of talent and beauty, Tiffany once again proves why its iconic pieces never go out of style.
If you have never tried a proper Portuguese custard tart, we are sincerely sorry for your tastebuds. Known in the mother tongue as ‘Pastel de Nata’, these sweet delights are absolutely heavenly when executed with the proper finesse, comprising crisp, flaky pastry shells that hold a creamy custard centre, with a blistered top that adds an addictive caramelised pay-off.
They make for the perfect sweet pick-me-up any time of day — and, luckily for you, we’ve discovered a local bakery that will deliver them by the box-load to a business address, ready to heat in the oven for a morning or afternoon tea the whole office will love.
Founded by Portuguese native Pedro Marcelino, Nata is a bakery specialising in authentic Pasteis de Nata, as well as orange Queijadas (another type of custardy Portuguese cupcake). It had a brick-and-mortar shop on Karanghapape Road until April this year, when unfortunately it had to close due to Covid-related hardships, and now just operates an online-only delivery business.
Having moved to New Zealand from Portugal in 2015, Marcelino and his wife found themselves missing the delectable baked goods of their home country, so after just six months Marcelino decided to quit his IT job, and travelled back to Portugal to train as a professional pastry chef — specialising in Portuguese custard tarts.
The training has certainly paid off, as these tarts are sublime. Currently, you can find them in coffee shops and restaurants, as well as in the bakery section at Farro and Countdown supermarkets nationwide. Should you wish to stock up your workplace fridge, Nata provides the option of ordering boxes of 16 or 32 tarts to be frozen and baked as required.
So, while we currently can’t head to the Northern Hemisphere and escape the cold, Nata’s renowned Portuguese tarts are bringing a taste of Europe to us — the only challenge? It’s impossible to just eat one.
Bringing rich tones of emerald, forest and beryl to the fore, the verdant trend emerging in high-end jewellery has us seeing green. From the standout pieces at Sutcliffe, to the eye-catching sparklers at Partridge, these exquisite pieces will have everyone else green with envy.
While it may be hard to imagine from the winter doldrums we currently find ourselves in (although, there’s no denying it’s nice to be bundled up cosily inside), the warmer months will roll around again soon enough and, with them, the urge to spend sunny days relaxing outdoors.
Should you be thinking your home’s outdoor furniture could do with a refresh, you’re not alone. We currently have our eyes on the versatile and stylish Bullfrog Outdoor range, available to order locally from Sarsfield Brooke.
Named after the bullfrog for its flexibility and ease at adapting to new environments, the German brand specialises in high-quality exterior pieces that can be rendered in both neutral and unique designs, and even outdoor leathers.
Bullfrog Johann floor seat cushion.
Many of the pieces are crafted with high-quality outdoor woods, including thermo-treated Ash, which renders it weather-resistant and highly durable — high dimensional stability also means lower expanding and contracting during seasonal changes. Oiled Larch wood is also used, oiled so as to be UV and weather-resistant, and is naturally resistant to fungus and the like.
Where steel framing is used, it has been galvanised or powder coated for UV protection and is highly resistant to corrosion, plus the vast range of fabrics (including water-resistant or 100 percent waterproof) means you’ll have no trouble finding something that fits your at-home environment.
Within the excellent range, we particularly love the Akito outdoor sofa; stylish yet elegant, functional and design-led. It comprises a solid wood base fixed with upholstered cushions and has a multitude of reclining options.
This versatile sofa can be adjusted up or down, making a double lounger or sofa, and can even be configured to form a snug corner setting. A table can be revealed thanks to a sliding feature, and the Akito can be set with castor wheels for ease of movement.
Bullfrog Gajus outdoor sofa.
The Gajus sofa has also caught our eye, and is for those who love a versatile lounger, with Bullfrog’s engineering allowing for a range of possible back positions. Available as a single lounger, or as a chaise and sofa, its relatively straight-forward shape suits a range of fabrications, from statement-making to neutral.
With a large range of pieces available, from island-style armchairs to side-tables, moveable cushions and more, Sarsfield Brooke’s selection of Bullfrog has us already mapping out what our warm weather relaxation situation is going to look like — and we suggest you do the same.
Designer Jordan Gibson founded Auckland-based streetwear favourite Checks Downtown in 2017, and the unisex label specialises in streetwear silhouettes that have an irreverent sensibility, while still prioritising lush fabrications and impeccable fit.
Having initially opened in a downstairs space on High Street, Checks has been welcoming customers to its eye-catching orange store at 84 Pitt Street since July 2020, frontage that is certainly in keeping with the brand’s colourful shades and prints.
Fans of the brand (of which there are many) gravitate towards it for more than just the tangible clothing aspect — Gibson has succeeded in creating a community around Checks that goes beyond sales, with a highly engaged social media presence and regular involvement in collaborative food, music and charity events.
We knew this tastemaker would have some good recommendations, so read on to learn more about the man behind the brand.
What I do for a job described in one sentence: Founder of Checks Downtown, Auckland-based unisex clothing brand, and spinner of many plates.
My personal style can be defined by: Colour, texture, a bit of risk-taking with a mix of references from different eras. Lately, it’s also been very comfortable.
The last thing I bought and loved was: A custom signet ring from my friend Frank Silver, it has a classic chunky shape with a beaten texture on the top and sides for a contemporary twist. I don’t really shop much so jewellery has become a bit of a new obsession!
An unforgettable place I visited was: Tonga, just incredibly beautiful. Swimming with whales was a particularly special experience. I’m dreaming of visiting Rarotonga with the Cook Islands bubble opening.
On my wish list is: My obsession with textures means that 90 percent of my footwear is suede, and in this city, I really need something waterproof. Salomons? Boots? HELP!
From left: Frank Silver custom signet ring; Inside Checks Downtown’s Pitt Street store.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: Without really realising it was a career path, a clothing designer, I’m a pretty singular focus kind of person and can’t apply myself to something I don’t love. So I’m pretty happy it worked out.
My guilty pleasure is: Dining out, the diet tends to go out the window when I’m enjoying a night amongst friends.
My secret talent is: I make a really good vegetarian curry. I’m a bit of an anxious host but do enjoy sharing this with others.
My style / favourite cultural icon is: Jason Dill, the way he mixes styles and adds a toughness to finer garments appeals to me.
The best book I’ve read in the last year is:The Best of Me, by David Sedaris.
I can’t miss an episode of: Right now, RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.
My morning routine is: Coffee, gym, get to work early, coffee, check for urgent emails, catch up with the team on how their work is tracking.
In my fridge you’ll always find: I generally cook a big meal we can enjoy throughout the week so probably whatever has been prepared the night before.
Clockwise from left: Moccamaster; The Best of Me by David Sedaris; RuPaul’s Drag Race; Cazador; The Happiness Lab.
I recently discovered: A broader musical interest — folk, jazz, disco, bossa nova, afro boogie, what have I been doing all this time!
A gadget I can’t do without is: Our orange Moccamaster at the studio.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: My 30th birthday dinner at Cazador, the food never disappoints me there. That secret recipe chocolate mousse!
The podcasts I listen to are:Throwing Fits, Switched on Pop, Popcast, The Happiness Lab, Slow Burn.
The best gift I ever received was: This year was really great, I spent the weekend on Waiheke Island with my beautiful girlfriend. She gifted me a trip to the Queen Charlotte Sound to see family friends whom I love dearly. Along with a Japanese kitchen knife, I have been enjoying putting that to good use lately!
The grooming product I can’t live without is: Kiehl’s SPF 15 moisturising lotion.
The last music I downloaded was: HAIM, Women in Music pt. III.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Maybe opening a restaurant, I seem to enjoy back-breakingly hard work…
I have a collection of: Lots of things: belts, socks, pins, bandanas, hats, tote bags. The list could go on.
My favourite way to unwind is: Arriving home to my cat, she’s always happy to see me.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Fall in love with the process.
The world of beauty trends is fast-moving, and sometimes it can feel like one has only just got one’s head around the latest phrase for ‘dewy makeup’ (note: right now it’s ‘dolphin skin’) before we’ve moved on and some other obscure fad has taken over.
The internet and social media apps have the largest part to play in this hearty appetite for newness — however, it’s not necessarily a bad thing as it’s allowed us unprecedented access and ways of sharing these trends.
If you’re looking for ways to prove yourself as a bona fide beauty buff, start with these hot topic makeup and skincare methods.
Skinimalism If the last few years have been about packing in as many steps and products as possible into your routine, 2021 is putting a handbrake on this notion with the concept of ‘skinimalism’ — simplifying and paring back both skincare and makeup.
Ironically, the catalyst for this seems to be the sheer amount of new products being launched, constantly, along with prolific promotion of routines involving anything from eight to 15 steps. Any beauty aficionado will be familiar with the inflamed, sore skin that comes from going overboard with too many products, and skinimalism is here to mitigate that outcome.
This doesn’t mean skipping products altogether, however — the key is to establish a consistent routine and stick with it. You can make adjustments, based on how your skin’s feeling, rather than piling on a whole heap of actives that all do different things. Get your cleanser, moisturiser and sun protection down pat, and then add extra hydrating serums, treat congestion, or exfoliate as needed. Your complexion will thank you for it.
Skin Icing No, it’s not a delicious cake topping-like product for your face. Skin icing refers to the practice of running ice along the surface of your skin, which is said to reduce puffiness and stimulate circulation. While the technique is not new, it has found a resurgence in popularity thanks to celebrities like Victoria Beckham and apps like TikTok. Now, rather than getting cubes straight from the freezer, you can buy tools such as an ice roller that have been created to streamline the process.
Photo: @serenawylliemakeup.
Soap Brows From bold and bushy to thin and spindly and back again, brow trends are ever-evolving, as are the products and tools used for them. The ‘soap brow’ trend takes things back to basics, involving brushing actual soap through your brows to keep them in place, and is intended to be an at-home solution for mimicking the look of fluffy, laminated brows. Why would you not just use a clear brow gel? Using a spoolie and moistened soap bar (the soap must contain glycerin) can be more affordable, and apparently keeps your brows in place and looking fuller for longer.
Slugging If it sounds strange to take a name from a slimy gastropod mollusc, we suggest you look a little harder at the ingredients in some of your beauty products. Slugging, a trend that originated in Korea, involves the slathering of one’s face in a layer of petroleum jelly after you apply your normal nighttime creams and serums.
The process is said to seal hydration into the skin and prevent it from escaping. The practice has mixed reviews, with some experts saying it can be helpful for those with dry skin, and others declaring it a skin-clogging disaster to avoid. We’ll let you be the judge.
As the Research Director at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the Programme Director of the Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, Professor Graham Le Gros has an expert understanding of Covid-19, the vaccine roll out and its long-term implications for us. Here he gives clarity around questions of Covid and hints at some hope for the future.
“My work in the last year has been about getting a platform for a New Zealand version of Covid-19 vaccine. We have a couple of candidates already and we’re learning from the vaccines overseas. Crucially, we want to create a long-life vaccine here, one that gives 10-20 years’ worth of immunity. That’s the ideal goal. It’s important to build our infectious disease vaccine capacity to give New Zealand the sense that it can control its own destiny.
The vaccine is not a one pill wonder. I have to emphasise that. Our Covid-free status actually impacts the scope of research we are able to do around this virus (more than anywhere else in the world) but there’s an incredible amount that still needs to be done. And we don’t know how long immunity will last for the vaccines being rolled out now. There is not an agreed test which measures immunity against all the known virus strains — yet.
One of the wonderful things that has emerged from this pandemic is RNA technology. It’s a wonderful, new, disruptive vaccine science that makes it very easy to produce large amounts in small volumes and it’s all-new IP — which means we can make things here and not get in trouble legally. So it’s an exciting new future for science, medicine and health delivery. Not just for vaccines but a range of therapies.
Professor Graham Le Gros.
I feel very positive about the Pfizer vaccine here. It was the right one to purchase. The data shows that, in 95 percent of cases, the Pfizer vaccine will protect from serious Covid infections and death. And what makes it the best is that it only contains the messenger for the viral proteins we need to make an immune response against. The other vaccines contain components of other viruses to which we are already immune, so they are more complicated.
I’m not afraid of people being wary of a vaccine and I’m always happy to answer questions. I think that’s critical. We need to work through all of this carefully and slowly, we don’t have to rush and we don’t have to panic, Covid-19 might be here forever but we will be okay. We will eventually get immune and vaccinated and we will be protected.
The secret to better health in the future will revolve around harnessing the immune system, which is what this new vaccine technology allows. Once Covid has passed, we can get back to our core business and look at creating really good vaccines and therapies for things like cancer, which is exciting and very necessary.
We should be thoughtful and reflective about our Covid-free status. Other countries aren’t doing very well and they need our help. If you looked at whether New Zealand’s health system would have been able to cope with a pandemic here — no, we wouldn’t have.
Right now, I feel a mixture of real worry about what’s happening and real excitement for the future. Be prepared in your lifetime to have a whole lot of new, more individualised and much better medical treatments available, that cost less. Won’t that be wonderful?
Vaccine facilitated travel will become a thing of the future. It’s what we do for all manner of infectious diseases for tourists, military, business people, etc. So vaccines against Covid-19 will be very much part of a passport for travel.
Providing the bustling main strip of Milford village with innovative yet approachable daytime fare, Supernova is the recently-opened café we’re more than willing to cross the bridge for. It is owned by a trio of foodies — couple Sam and Lili Richardson, and their business partner Samuel Chen, all of whom are passionate about bringing something different to the North Shore’s hospitality landscape.
The Richardsons have years of experience between them, having led popular venues in Auckland including former central city sandwich bar Greedy Guts and Dominion Road’s Cereal Killa café. Lili, a talented barista, was a finalist in this year’s Lewisham Awards for Best Barista and makes sure every cup is top-notch, and Sam’s experience has been predominantly front-of-house for a variety of restaurants such as The French Café — although he’s discovered a talent for being in the kitchen and crafting menus in recent years. The duo spent a few years in Australia, gaining more inspiration and experience, before returning just pre-Covid.
Supernova opened the doors to its light-filled, airy space in February, and its ever-changing menu aims to strike a balance between classic favourites and progressive dishes that are perhaps not what locals would usually expect to see, but will surely love once they try. There’s an overarching focus on wholefoods and grains with a slight rustic, Middle Eastern bent — Sam describes the menu as “current and unfussy, but produce-focused”.
In that vein, you’ll find the ubiquitous eggs Benedict and eggs on toast (expertly cooked, of course), however you’ll also find the likes of zesty pea fritters with chorizo, pickled cucumber, labneh, and a sprinkle of zaatar; a smoked fish omelette with capers, fennel, herbs and pickled radish, and coconut, chia, granola pudding with rhubarb and fresh fruit. Theres
Open until 3pm every day, Supernova is also a superior choice for more hearty lunch fare — a buttermilk chicken burger is moreishly flavourful, with harissa, kohlrabi and red cabbage slaw and mayonnaise (served, of course, with fries), while a Vietnamese cured salmon salad is fresh and zingy with a peanut-dotted slaw, herbs, crispy shallots and ginger and lime dressing. There’s also a wide variety of baked goods and sandwiches within the cabinet for an easy takeaway lunch option or sweet treat.
The team serves Kōkako Coffee, house-made smoothies, matcha and freshly squeezed juice, and the café is also fully licenced with a concise selection of well-chosen wines available by the glass and bottle, and Hallertau beer.
With a prime location that’s a hop, skip and a jump from Milford beach, the 60-seat space is ripe for evolution — the liquor licence means opening later in the evenings could be a possibility down the track. “I’ve always been a firm believer that our product needs to have a point of difference,” says Sam, and we think if you visit Supernova, you’ll be as charmed by its offering as we are.
Rainy days call for footwear that can do it all — keep our feet dry, spirits high and outfits looking sharp. As these practical yet polished picks prove, wet weather boots needn’t be boring — with the most stylish iterations offering a statement-making edge to your next ensemble. From Moncler Wellingtons to Burberry rain boots, Dior’s military-inspired Camp lace-ups to Louis Vuitton’s covetable rubber boots, our curated selection effortlessly blends utility and luxury.
Nothing says sophisticated quite like a thoughtfully curated art collection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.
2020
Brass, aluminium, voile fabric
1600 x 1230 mm
From Starkwhite
The Sleeping Giant, Dusky Canyon by Elizabeth Thomson
The Sleeping Giant, Dusky Canyon by Elizabeth Thomson
2020
Glass spheres, optically-clear epoxy resin, aqueous isolation, pigment ink on cast vinyl, lacquer on contoured 3D CNC-cut wood panel
380 x 615 mm
From Sumer Contemporary
The Mill Road Abode by TyStyle Construction and Vamos Painters features the Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Half Alabaster. Photo: Rikki Lancaster.
With a spectrum of undertones to suit all manner of requirements, there’s far more to white paint than meets the eye, a tone often chosen for bathrooms, kitchens or anywhere that you don’t want to make a statement. But not all shades of whites are the same and if you know what you’re looking at, there is a sure difference between white and not quite right for you.
With a spectrum that ranges from cool to warm and bright to grey, before committing haphazardly to any old shade with which to freshen up your walls, be sure to consult the colour experts at Resene — because getting the right white can spell the difference between chic and bleak. Below, we share some suggestions for the most appropriate white paint for varying requirements.
To complement bright shades, try… Resene Rice Cake When paired with strong, bold colours, this sharp, clean, yellow-toned white will sing.
To brighten a dark room, try… Resene Half Alabaster Paint ceilings and window frames a bright white to direct natural light into the room.
To bring the outside in, try… Resene Merino This versatile off-white has a green oxide undertone, perfect for a room with a green outlook or garden.
To pair with neutrals, try… Resene Sea Fog The hint of grey in this white will complement pastel, muted and neutral-toned furnishings.
To warm up natural textures, try… Resene Quarter Tea Materials such as wood, stone and linen call for a muted, warm-toned beige like this one.
The weather has officially packed in, but we’ve not had the chance to be upset about it thanks to Dadelszen coming through with a fresh injection of quintessentially sumptuous winter pieces.
The New Zealand-designed, European-made luxury label is now stocked with winter-weight cashmere, which pairs beautifully with its new winter leatherwear, the arrival of which has been highly anticipated by Dadelszen’s legions of loyal customers. The new delivery includes both men’s and women’s styles — here, we highlight some of our favourites for the ladies out there.
Matilda wears the Colorado cable crew in charcoal pure cashmere with the Jitrois Kirsten trouser in black lambskin.
Aspen coatigan.
Any knitwear collection would be sorely lacking without a classic rollneck jumper, and Dadelszen’s cashmere Rebecca rollneck is endlessly versatile — perfect for layering and effortlessly elegant worn alone. It boasts a thick, ribbed edge along the neckline, cuffs and lower hem, and is available in camel, chocolate, navy and Nordic grey.
The staple high-necked Aspen cable knit has received two new updates — one, the Colorado cable knit, is a crew neck version available in charcoal and classic ivory, and the second is the Aspen coatigan, a beautifully elegant, longline knit that can be worn open as a cardigan over tailoring or trousers, or belted as a dress with your favourite winter boots.
Dadelszen’s sellout Bardot top has been reimagined as a dress in camel or charcoal pure cashmere — a sensual piece that can be worn off-the-shoulder or with the neckline rolled into a refined shawl style.
Matilda wears the Jitrois rider jacket in camel suede, the Rebecca rollback in camel pure cashmere and the Dolce trouser in pure wool.
Matilda wears the Rebecca rollneck sweater in navy pure cashmere with the Jitrois Wynn trousers in denim blue. Djordje wears the Gil trouser is marine suede,
The new leather pieces, crafted by the Parisian leather masters at Jitrois and Seraphin, are officially solving that age-old dilemma of how to spice up a winter look. The Jitrois Kirsten leather high-waisted trousers are the ultimate staple, with their leg-lengthening, high-waisted cut. Crafted in a stretch lambskin leather, with a metallic zippered front, zipped pockets and ankles, these trousers have a skinny leg cut and a removable belt — paired with a cosy knit or even a white T-shirt and a coat, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.
The biker jacket is a perennial fashion favourite, and Dadelszen’s Jitrois Rider jacket makes its impactful entrance in camel suede — a beautifully feminine, neutral take on the style that adds structure to an ensemble without appearing too harsh.
If you have your eye on a particular piece (in our case, all of them), it pays to be quick — Dadelszen operates in strictly limited numbers. Visit the showroom or contact the team to secure the artisanally crafted staples that will get you through winter in style.
Those who know restaurateur Paul Lee will agree — his warmth and charm are infectious. He and his wife Lisa opened their Korean eatery Ockhee on Ponsonby Road in June 2020, and since then have been treating diners to deliciously fresh, modern Korean fare in a welcoming setting. Outside of his day (and night) job, Lee has an affinity for motorcycles and certainly knows his way around a stylish fashion ensemble. Here, he gives a little more insight into his interests, including which artist he would collect if money were no object, and what you’ll always find in his fridge.
What I do for a job described in one sentence: Serving sexy Seoul food with natural wines and tasty beats on every damn day but Monday!
My personal style can be defined by: I’m literally running around all day on my feet and it’s gotta be functional for me! I like to wear cosy fit from head to toe.
The last thing I bought and loved was: I haven’t bought anything for myself for almost a year but I recently felt like treating myself for working 12-to-15-hours daily for almost a year and bought a mohair cardigan and a paisley pattern jacket from Korea — I love mohair and paisley pattern!
An unforgettable place I visited was: Riding a 125cc classic bike with my partner Lisa at the back through the coastline, the mountains and the frosty roads in South Island in the winter time back in 2015. We decided to travel on our bike for a few months after working so hard for years to get our residency. It was so freezing cold but I will never forget those moments of riding around, especially to vineyards to work to support our travels around 6am in the morning, watching the sun coming up behind the white, snowy mountains in Blenheim. Every moment was challenging but I also loved every moment of riding for three months in freedom. Nothing like riding in the wind, huh.
The next place I’d like to go to: I would love to go back home to Seoul to see Mum and Dad and also get inspired by the beautiful city once again!
On my wish list is: I would love to treat myself with an 80s classic bike or a four wheel drive.
My favourite app is: Everyone’s attention seems to be on Instagram at the moment and it would be a lie if I don’t get the most value out of my time digging through Instagram. The value we get through those social media platforms is pretty unreal compared to the early 2000s when the Internet was such a baby and those platforms didn’t exist. I must say that I am grateful to be born in this era.
My guilty pleasure is: Eating Korean fried chicken for every damn day…
In my fridge you’ll always find: Seasonally fermented kimchi and Korean-style pickles.
Clockwise from left: Ockhee artwork by Sure Short; Seoul, Korean fried chicken, Kawasaki W650; Korean stew.
If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Sam Burton a.k.a Sure Shot.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Korean stews. I need to have at least two bowls of rice when I have my Korean stews… IYKYK!
Following the announcement, earlier this year, that St David’s Church on Khyber Pass Road was to be put up for tender by the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, organisation Friends of St David’s Charitable Trust is putting out an urgent call to all New Zealanders to help preserve a priceless piece of Aotearoa’s history for current and future generations.
The news blindsided supporters of the important historic building, which was built in October 1927 and dedicated as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church. It was also chosen by the RNZE (Royal New Zealand Engineers) as their church, and holds the Sappers’ Memorial Chapel, RNZE Roles of Honour WWI and WWII and the RNZE Memorial Window.
To raise money to buy and protect St David’s Memorial Church as a living memorial, the Charitable Trust, chaired by Paul Baragwanath, (who was awarded as one of our 2019 Denizen Heroes for his The Art of Remembrance fundraiser) has created ‘To the Stars’, a virtual, 45-minute concert that was filmed inside the church. It can be streamed at www.rememberthem.nz, simply by purchasing a $25 ticket.
Highlights of the programme include performances by opera star Simon O’Neill, pianist Flavio Villani, the NZTrio and traditional Māori composer and musician, Horomona Horo, playing the taonga puoro. Completing the outstanding line-up is a selection of well-known professional and emerging talent such as Rita May, a 21-year-old singer/songwriter on acoustic guitar, and 19-year-old Sozia Herlihy-O’Brien playing the church’s 1910 Croft organ, plus the Graduate Choir NZ and more.
Friends of St David’s Charitable Trust chairman Paul Baragwanath is one of those leading the charge to save the church.
“St David’s is a sacred place. There are no other living memorials built to honour our soldiers quite like it in this country,” says Paul Baragwanath. “This is the inaugural concert of The St David’s Centre showcasing our plan to open its doors as a lively, much-needed centre for music that honours its heritage, allows the church to remain available to our armed forces all while ensuring its commercial survival through concert performances.”
Purchase a ticket to stream this beautiful concert from the comfort of your own home, and you’ll also go in the draw to win one of two Max Gimblett Quatrefoils which were displayed at Te Papa.
The St David’s tender closes on Thursday the 17th of June, so time is of the essence if this beloved building is to be saved.
This year, Watches & Wonders — the global event celebrating the world’s most prestigious timepieces — saw the best and brightest unveil a raft of spectacular new models. Showcasing 38 watchmakers, Watches & Wonders 2021 was launched in a single event spanning online from Geneva to offline in Shanghai, and the timepieces it showcased are absolutely breathtaking.
From Patek Philippe to Rolex and Bulgari, these new watches are deserving of a place on your wrist
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IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL
It’s always a good time to think about what you could be doing to give back to the community and those in need. It can, however, occasionally be a little confusing trying to figure out what the best use of your funds or your time will be. In this series, we’re highlighting initiatives that we deem worthy of your support. Just in time for winter, here’s what you need to know about Koha Apparel.
The philosophy Founded in 2019, Koha Apparel aims to clothe those in need through a dignified retail experience, while simultaneously reducing the amount of clothing that ends up in landfill. The store utilises a pay-as-you-can system, allowing the community — including its most vulnerable members — to access clean clothing for free or donation.
With around 3000 people living homeless or below the poverty line in Auckland alone, the importance of clean, quality clothing for them is paramount. In addition to providing protection from the elements, it can give people confidence, and improve both comfort and employment prospects.
Who they are Koha Apparel was founded by Charli Cox who, up until very recently, has coordinated donation and distribution efforts around her full-time day job. Aside from manager Ruth Corin, Koha relies on volunteers to keep the wheels turning.
What they do Running 12 pop-ups a month throughout Auckland, as well as Whangārei and Papamoa. Koha Apparel serves approximately 250 people throughout the month, distributing over 600 items of clothing. The service has also just started in Wellington, and is currently occurring once a month with plans to grow. The demand is certainly there, says Cox. “We could be doing pop-ups every night of the week if we had capacity.”
Who they work alongside In Auckland, Koha Apparel works alongside several food and community services, including Everybody Eats, Life Community Kitchens, Sunday Blessings and Feed the Homeless Auckland, bringing people together for some social time as well as to receive fresh, clean quality clothing. Other organisations Koha works with are Feed The Streets, Potluck Communal Kai, LIFE Community Kitchens, Soul Food in Whangarei and Kaibosh in Wellington.
“The social aspect of what we do is just as important — if not more — than the clothing,” says Cox. “I look forward to seeing our community week-to-week, and it’s a two-way street.” The service also has partnerships with several local brands, like Icebreaker, Workshop, Superette and more, that donate excess stock in a move that both mitigates clothing going to landfill, and provides premium, good quality pieces to Koha.
How to get involved If you are doing a wardrobe clearout, donations of clean, freshly laundered clothing with no permanent stains are always accepted by Koha Apparel — including women’s, men’s and children’s.
The preference for warmth or lightness will change depending on the season, so make sure to check on their website. You’ll also find contact details for after hours delivery, or donations are welcome at all weekly pop-ups with an online calendar providing dates.
Cox also stresses the need for regular volunteers to help manage the pop-ups, so if giving the gift of your time will have you feeling fulfilled, we strongly encourage you to make space in your schedule.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
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