If a spare wall is looking too sparse, we suggest turning it into a curated display of special objects and curiosities with some wide-set, carefully-painted shelves.
Designed to show off anything that would be wasted behind closed doors, a good display case will add dimension and intrigue to your space.
If you are curating your display from scratch, we suggest taking care to make sure there is some cohesiveness between the objects and artworks on show. They may all be completely disparate, but perhaps a somewhat consistent palette, or aesthetic, will help tie everything together.
Painting the shelves to match the wall behind it, as in the project pictured above by YSG Studio, will highlight your chosen objects further, allowing them to take centre stage and enhance the space.
Now you’ve created your display wall, consider these beautiful, design-led functional pieces and objet d’art for filling those shelves.
Whether you’re commuting, cleaning or simply chilling out, a good podcast never goes amiss. From fashion and comedy to current events and pop culture, these picks are sure to find a place on your playlist. You never know, you may just discover your new go-to.
Chanel Connects
A new podcast from the legendary Parisian fashion house, this series focuses on culture by uniting a number of inspiring, creative minds from the arts, fashion, architecture, design and film to engage in interesting conversations around topics such as portraiture, heroines and untold fashion stories. An homage of sorts to the brand’s founder Coco Chanel, whose love of culture and of creative minds was well-documented and whose own innovative mind changed the landscape of fashion, this series taps into the house’s uniquely creative community.
Meeting Tom Cruise Actors Jeff Meacham and Joel Johnstone are obsessed with Tom Cruise. But they’ve never met him. On a mission to make it happen, the two have launched a podcast in which they speak to celebrity guests who share their own funny and incredibly personal stories about when they met the legendary actor — never losing hope that one day, it will happen for them too.
Your Broccoli Weekly While news and current affairs move at such a pace that it is often impossible to keep up, this podcast offers a welcome simplicity. Taking three of the top stories from a week and giving them each a brief but thorough run down, this is the kind of pared-back news we need right now.
Invisibilia An exploration of the invisible forces that shape our behaviour, this fascinating podcast combines stories with science to tackle subjects like hacking, biological anomalies and immortality.
Back Issue Telling the stories behind formative moments in early 2000s pop-culture, hosts Tracy Clayton and Josh Gwynn dive into nostalgia to explore and dissect the Zeitgeist asking ‘why do we still love this?’
The Treatment Film critic Elvis Mitchell hosts in-depth conversations with a range of impressive, influential figures in the realm of movies and entertainment. A master at extracting insights and delving into the minds of his guests, Mitchell has created a truly fascinating show.
Dare To Lead with Brené Brown Based on her New York Times bestseller of the same name, Brené Brown’s new podcast offers a guide for leaders at every level and comprises a mix of solo episodes and riveting conversations with change-makers and innovators.
Things You Can’t Ask Yer Mum Best friends (and social media influencers) Lizzy Hadfield and Lindsay Holland host this laid-back, relatable podcast in which they discuss the topics you really don’t want to bring up with your mum and offer sage, friendly advice.
As autumn’s inclement weather sets in, we turn to food to make us feel good. And in Auckland, we truly are spoiled for choice when it comes to dishes that inspire a change in mood (particularly when grey skies are getting us down). From melt-in-your-mouth meat to perfectly-charred vegetables to moreish sweet treats, here are eight dishes offering us the kind of comfort we need right now.
Sticky Date Pudding from Hotel Ponsonby There’s sticky date pudding and then there’s this sticky date pudding — an unapologetically indulgent take on the dessert we all know and love. Served with custard designed to be poured over the top, this sweet and warming dish is the perfect end to any meal at Hotel Ponsonby, although we would argue that it’s good enough to go for alone.
The Lodge Bar & Dining’s Gunner Game Pie.
Gunner Game Pie from The Lodge Bar & Dining
Is there anything better than a hearty pie on a cold day? We don’t think so. Neither does The Lodge Bar and Dining at Commercial Bay, whose Gunner Game Pie is not only a signature dish but is quite possibly one of the best iterations of the classic meat pie we have ever had. With a rich and decadent filling of game meats, delivered in a mouthwatering casing of house-made flaky pastry, this pie is comfort food at its finest and is best when enjoyed with a glass of pinot noir.
Euro’a Spicy Pork Bo Sam.
Spicy Pork Bo Sam from Euro Bar and Restaurant
Set to add some spice to your life, this slow-cooked, smoky barbecue pork belly is served with a line-up of tasty accoutrements, crisp lettuce and warming rice. Designed to share with friends and best ordered slightly ahead of time, this exquisite rendition of pork has our tastebuds tingling
From left: Culprit’s Brussels Sprouts and Green Onion & Goat Feta Souffle.
Green Onion & Goat Feta Souffle (and Brussels Sprouts) from Culprit
We know that this is technically two dishes, but they’re both part of Culprit’s ever-changing Trolley Derby menu and equally as comforting in our books. The souffle is twice-baked and served with a reduced cream sauce with toasted walnuts, shaved pear and quince jelly to make it savoury tasting and texturally intriguing, while the Brussels sprouts (nothing like the ones your mum made you eat) are charred to perfection and served with jalapeno yoghurt ranch and Lowbrow’s ‘O.G spice’ vinegar.
Candela’s Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake from Candela
Even if you aren’t a cheesecake lover, this delicious iteration is honestly one of the best things we have ever eaten — browned on the outside, smooth and creamy with every bite and served with a tamarillo sauce that cuts through the richness of the dish. Despite arriving in a portion size that lends itself to sharing, don’t be surprised if the next time you dine at Candela, you order one to yourself. We certainly aren’t judging.
Wagyu and Pork Bolognese from Non Solo Pizza
House-made, al dente pappardelle is slathered in a mouthwatering First Light wagyu and pork bolognese to create a dish that never fails to hit the spot. Warming, satiating and with some superbly balanced flavours, this reimagining of the classic bolognese has become our antidote to autumn.
Grand Harbour’s Dim Sim.
Dim Sum from Grand Harbour
When it comes to Grand Harbour’s famous Yum Cha, it’s impossible to whittle it down to a single dish. There is something so comforting about heading into this Viaduct Harbour favourite on a crisp day with friends and family and ordering towers of dim sum until you feel like you can barely move. The more the merrier, we say.
Siso’s Lamb Shoulder.
Lamb ‘kleftiko’ Shoulder from Siso
Taking the idea of a classic roast and giving it a tasty upgrade, Remuera’s hottest new spot is serving up expertly-cooked lamb shoulder, served practically falling off the bone alongside preserved lemon and garlic baby potatoes. An enticing prospect on any day but particularly in this blustery, autumnal weather, this is one dish we’re prepared to cross town for.
Founded in Switzerland in 1860 and still family-owned today, Chopard is a jewellery house of immense pedigree. Its clients, over more than a century, read like a who’s who of historically and culturally significant figures — from members of royal dynasties to members of Hollywood’s glitterati — and it’s a history that has made Chopard’s jewellery and watches some of the most sought after in the world.
Recently, Chopard announced a new ambassador for its Happy Sport watch, and in our opinion, the pairing solidifies the brand’s status as an undisputed icon. In shoulder-tapping renowned actress Julia Roberts to be its new face, Chopard is not only speaking to its own, deep-seated attachment to cinema but has found the perfect person to embody the spirit in which this watch was created.
First conceived in 1993 by Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director, Caroline Scheufele, the Happy Sport stands for joie de vivre and a free-spirited charm, both qualities that Roberts has in spades. (Lest we forget the actress’ unforgettable red carpet moment at Cannes Film Festival in 2016, where she walked the carpet in an elegant black dress, an eye-catching 52.76-carat emerald necklace and matching ring by Chopard and no shoes.)
As Scheufele herself said, “it could be nobody else! Julia Roberts was the only person I felt could convey the spirit I see in Happy Sport.”
Having matched icon with icon, Caroline Scheufele has launched new versions of the watch that has endured for decades, even pairing Roberts with inimitable film director Xavier Nolan to bring the campaign for ‘Happy Diamonds’ to life. It really is a testament to the timelessness of Chopard that its pieces can speak to the same level of luxury this brand has stood for since its inception, while still feeling entirely at home in a contemporary context.
Available locally from Partridge Jewellers, Chopard is a mainstay for any lover of jewellery or arbiter of luxury. And whether Julia Roberts’ new role has inspired the desire for a watch upgrade, or you would simply like to experience the irresistible energy of Chopard for yourself, we highly recommend a trip into Partridge, where we promise you’ll fall in love with the simple, enduring elegance of this historic brand.
In a post-Coronavirus world, technology that streamlines consumer experiences — emphasising contactless systems over those that might have previously involved shared payment facilities or queues — will prove invaluable. And if Kiwi tech entrepreneur Will Chomley’s recent triumphs are any indication, it would seem that demand is already starting to heat up.
The Founder and CEO of New Zealand-based tech company Imagr, Chomley is making waves globally with technology that is promising to revolutionise the grocery shopping experience.
An idea initially born from Chomley’s distaste for waiting in line, Imagr’s seamless system of smart carts utilises the world’s most advanced image recognition tech to offer an adaptable and user-friendly end-to-end autonomous system. And it’s a world first.
Simply put, the Imagr technology creates models of products using lightning-fast imaging. Those products are put into a store’s database. A shopper will then connect their phone to one of the store’s smart shopping carts, which will use Halo technology to register every item placed in the cart, connected to a running list on the shopper’s phone.
Imagr’s smart cart.
When they’re finished, the shopper can skip the traditional checkout by paying through an app. No lines, no card-swiping, no barcodes. And while Chomley’s original incentive for creating Imagr still holds (after all, who wants to queue?) his technology has been imbued with a whole new meaning in light of the conditions this pandemic has placed on people’s daily lives.
“The pandemic has put more pressure on retailers to provide low contact solutions for checkout,” Chomley says, “and with Imagr, retailers get to own, operate and scale the solution themselves.”
Recently, it was announced that Imagr had partnered with Japanese H2O Retailing Corporation to implement its technology in one of the chain’s Osaka supermarkets. The 9,000 square foot store was equipped with Imagr’s smart carts, and instantly became the largest, vision-only, autonomous checkout deployment of its kind in the world.
At the moment it’s just one supermarket, but all going to plan, Chomley hopes to have Imagr implemented in more of H20’s 152 stores.
Beyond its implications for social distancing, Imagr’s technology is unique for the way that it is encouraging rapid innovation in a sector where systems have remained largely unchanged since their inception. If Chomley’s vision is to be fully realised, it will mean a complete overhaul of the way we shop — and if you ask us, it’s about time.
Now seeking to raise $25 million through a private investor pool, Chomley has his sights set on further international expansion, a promising horizon for this Kiwi trailblazer.
Greenwashing; when a company tries to portray itself as more environmentally minded than it actually is, has intensified in recent years as consumers have warmed to sustainable and organic products and services. Brands, trying to capitalise on that trend, often try to outdo one another with eco-credentials.
But in the rush to be seen as green, companies often exaggerate claims, or simply make things up. Ecostore Groups CEO, Pablo Kraus gives his insight into the local greenwashing game and what we as consumers can do to be more aware of it.
“In the self care aisle of the supermarket we are bombarded with countless ways to save the planet, to the point that it’s becoming difficult to find a product that’s not pushing an ethical claim.
Driven by consumers keen to do their part, the green space has become a highly profitable arena, but we need to be doing more than just buying bottles featuring pictures of happy healthy critters or smiling babies. It’s up to individuals to be more informed about what they buy, and why.
A recent study showed that New Zealand is globally well ahead of the game, with 30 percent of us wanting to buy sustainable, responsible products. In Australia it’s 30 percent of consumers are thinking green and surprisingly China has the largest group of conscious consumers, at more than 600 million people.
Ecostore Groups CEO Pablo Kraus
Many companies see this as a tantalising opportunity, which has led to a significant rise in greenwashing, where brands provide misleading information about their products’ environmental impact.
Ultimately the choice to go green is in the hands of you, the consumer. By arming yourselves with more information, you can make the right choices for the betterment of both yourself and the planet.
To determine if a brand is legitimately ethical, it comes back to authenticity and credibility. Whether brands are being transparent. Do they for example disclose all of their ingredients? Can they back up their claims? Where was their product manufactured? Where and how do they source their ingredients? And do they have a clear purpose as a business and a brand?
Understanding which companies have a clear purpose should drive purchasing decisions’. Do their ingredients contribute to making safer products? Are they sustainable and renewable, making products safer for our environment? And does the company have a transparent supply chain?
Ecostore was founded on the precautionary principle 27 years ago. If there is any doubt about an ingredient, a material we use, a company or a service we use, we will find a safer alternative. Today we continue to proudly develop, manufacture and pack our home, body and baby care products at our own carboNZero certified factory in Auckland and share them with the world.
Ultimately the environmental responsibility is in the hands of the consumer. By understanding and recognising the red flags of greenwashing, and choosing products that can actually back up their bold claims, manufactured by companies that are genuinely committed to the eco cause, consumers endorse brands that are doing the right thing for us all. This choice impacts the future of our planet and will reverberate through generations to come.”
The 5 Sins of Greenwashing
1. Compostable Packaging The intention may come from the right place but consumers need to refer to the packaging and either dispose of this in a home compost, or seek out a commercial composting facility.
The most important thing for consumers to understand is that compostable packaging cannot go into your recycling bin, because if it ends up in landfill it releases methane gas, which is 80 times more potent than CO2, a key contributor to climate warming.
2. Natural packaging Natural materials used alongside conventional packaging, such as a bamboo lid on a plastic bottle, can create the illusion of eco credentials. These products contaminate the recycling stream and divert straight to landfill with the rest of the plastic attached to them. Instead, look for fully recyclable, reusable or closed loop products.
3. Where is it manufactured? Products produced internationally have a far greater carbon footprint than locally-made NZ products. If the product is produced by a third party manufacturer, which may make products for companies that test on animals, you could also unintentionally support something that doesn’t align with your values.
4. You get what you pay for Good quality is never cheap and cheap quality is never good. Making products that are better for the environment is not easy nor is it cost-effective. Any brand claiming to look out for the environment, at a much lower price point, should be treated with suspicion. Either it doesn’t actually work or it could be using a harsh natural chemical that’s bad for your health and the planet.
5. The natural tag Just because a product claims to be natural, doesn’t make it environmentally friendly. As an extreme example, oil comes from the ground and is therefore natural, however when it’s released into the environment the impact can be severe.
When it comes to household cleaners and cosmetic products keep an eye out for Benzalkonium Chloride, a chemical used for its antibacterial properties. This organic salt is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, a cause for concern considering these products are often washed down the drain. At Ecostore, we eliminate the need for harmful Benzalkonium Chloride by formulating our products with a low pH to provide anti-bacterial/disinfection.
Another example, Cocamide DEA/MEA, is derived from the reaction of coconut oil and an organic chemical compound and can be found in many shampoos and cosmetic products. It is also a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
At Ecostore we prefer to use APGs, Sodium Coco Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Amphoacetate as our surfactants, which have comparatively milder effect on the skin and your health.
Having become an unexpected high-fashion hero, the sweater vest is the perfect trans-seasonal layering aid to invest in right now. For styling inspiration, look to street style snaps from the contingent of Scandi-cool girls, plus the collections of Dior, Gucci, Ganni and more.
Whether worn oversized as a solo statement piece on a warmer day, or layered over a shirt and under a coat for when the chill sets in, a sweater vest is no longer the domain of your granddad’s closet — it’s a bona fide styling staple.
Landing a coveted spot on The New York Times bestseller’s list would be a career highlight for any author. Achieving this with a debut novel at the age of 21? Sounds like fiction. Unless, of course, you’re Chloe Gong, a Pennsylvania-based student and writer who grew up on Auckland’s North Shore.
Her novel These Violent Delights debuted at number three on the Young Adult Hardcover bestseller’s list last November, solidifying her as well and truly one to watch in the international literary world. Gong was, rightfully, “super thankful and pleased’ with this result.
“When I set out to be traditionally published, all I wanted was to reach as many readers as possible—reach the teen readers in particular who wander the shelves of their library like I did, looking for some new world to sink into,” she says.
“I’m so happy that word-of-mouth travelled so well in the weeks leading up to release and helped the book shoot up to number three on The New York Times list. Of course, it’s set high expectations, so I can only hope to keep working hard and writing good stories from here!”
These Violent Delights is a reinterpretation of a classic. Having always adored the themes and language of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Gong had wanted to do a blood-feud-meets-rival-gangs story for her first novel.
“I only really delved into the play after deciding I would do a reimagining,” she says. “Knowing that the story I had in mind was way too similar to the very touchstone text that’s foundational in Western literature as the original blood feud story—Romeo and Juliet—I decided to embrace approaching Shakespeare’s original themes, but with an entirely new lens.”
Set in 1920s Shanghai (Gong’s city of birth), These Violent Delights centres on 18-year-old Juliette Cai and her first love and rival Roma Montagov. Imaginative, vivid and fast-paced, the book has garnered widespread fans and praise from readers.
“Though the setting changes and the characters are altered in These Violent Delights, Romeo and Juliet’s original themes about daring to love in a place filled with hate remains, and I wanted to bring these ideas into the stories I was telling,” says Gong. “Plus, some of Shakespeare’s lines in that play are just so beautiful, and I wanted a go at weaving it into my prose.”
Having written the book in about a month during a summer break back in New Zealand, Gong then signed with an agent and the manuscript was sold at auction to Simon & Schuster. She worked with her editor to separate it from one manuscript to two — and the sequel has already been announced. Named These Violent Ends, the second of the duology is coming this November.
Until then, Gong will be graduating this year from the University of Pennsylvania, where she is double-majoring in English and international relations, and while she would usually be returning to New Zealand during her breaks, says that will be difficult this year. “So I guess I will see wherever the wind takes me…”
One major lesson Gong has learned throughout the whole process is to take all writing-related advice with a grain of salt. “Especially online, there are a thousand different people trying to offer a thousand different perspectives, and a lot of them will try to claim that their way is the only right way.”
There is no right way, she says, only a way that works uniquely for every different person. Evidently, Gong has tapped into a way that is working very well for her.
Chloe Gong is participating in the Auckland Writers Festival this May, within the 2021 Schools Programme. Find more information and tickets here.
For chef Croydon Cole, one of the joys of cooking for people is seeing their faces when they try something new, or something extraordinarily delicious. At Smokin Cole BBQ, his Grey Lynn eatery that specialises in the irresistibly charred flavours of American-style BBQ, chances are he sees these expressions a lot.
Located at the intersection of Surrey Crescent and Richmond Road, Smokin Cole opened in December 2019 and has been bringing its smoky charm to the neighbourhood ever since. Cole’s experience is vast and varied, having worked in kitchens for around 30 years both in New Zealand and abroad.
Spending 15 years as a private chef aboard super yachts, Cole has travelled widely, indulging in the cuisines of more than 80 countries. A solo motorcycle trip across the United States provided the opportunity to sample the delicious BBQ joints from South Carolina all the way around the southern part of the country — “I went up and down 14 different states just eating, basically”, he laughs.
Having been approached to help out some friends who owned the site where his venue now sits, Cole saw the opportunity for what he originally thought would be a pop-up. However, when a huge woodfire cooker and smoker became available through a friend, he couldn’t let the opportunity pass — thus, Smokin Cole was born.
Left: Buffalo chicken wings.
When asked what appeals to him about the style of cooking, Cole says one of the best things is it’s a labour of love. “It’s all about the time you put into it. I love how you can turn something that’s really tough to eat, into something that people drool over.” There are no shortcuts with these meat cuts, with most of them being cooked and smoked for several hours. It also takes skill to get it right, he says. “You can’t hide anything behind it.”
Working with his ‘pit master’ Ants Tutavake, Cole creates a menu of varying meats and vegetable-centric sides that can be mixed and matched depending on what the diner feels like eating. “A lot of places already have pre-made platters for BBQ, but I designed my menu so you design it yourself.”
Left: Chef Croydon Cole; Right: A selection of Smokin Cole’s slow-cooked meats and sides.
The meats are all offered by the 100-gram, and overall the menu is brilliant for sharing — hot tip, come with a bigger group as you’ll want to sample everything. From Memphis ribs to beef short rib; pulled pork, Buffalo chicken wings and Cole’s signature ‘meat candy’ (pork jowl, smoked for up to eight hours and served with pickled kamo kamo), the offering is a carnivore’s heaven.
Surprisingly, Smokin Cole does actually cater quite well to vegetarians too (just maybe not vegan eaters) with jackfruit options like loaded nachos, truffle mac ‘n’ cheese or cauliflower cheese, smoky corn, slaw, fries and more. Everything is also gluten free (aside from one or two pasta dishes).
The eatery is fully licensed, with Asahi beer on tap and Jess Farrelly taking care of thirst-quenching cocktails and front of house. With its backyard BBQ vibe and excellent culinary offering, we suggest you make Smokin Cole a priority on your foodie hit list.
When you really think about it, your bed is the piece of furniture on which you will inevitably spend most of your time. Too often, we wax lyrical about the importance of a sculptural sofa or an eye-catching coffee table when really, we’ve been neglecting the piece that (because it’s usually hidden away in a bedroom) is given far less attention. And it’s a crying shame.
In considering which bed to buy, practicality is (of course) an important factor. After all, a comfortable slumber is crucial if you’re to tackle your days with aplomb. But it’s not the only thing to think about. Here, we would like to argue that alongside comfortability and structure, style should be as high on your list of bed criteria as anything — and these impressive beds from Sarsfield Brooke are proving why.
Sheila bed by Opera Contemporary.
As the central piece of the bedroom, a well-chosen bed will set the tone of the entire space. For those with more decorative tastes, beds like the 9639 model by Angelo Cappellini of Italy with its ornate, geometrically patterned headboard will prove the perfect piece to rest weary heads.
Whereas those wanting something more contemporary might instead opt for a piece from the Opera Contemporary of Italy range, like the Alba bed with its sleek double headboard detailed with leather cords, or the Dorothy, with its unmissable, quilted headboard that extends beyond the bounds of the bed’s structure.
If you’re after something that combines sumptuous details with a more modern feel, look no further than Opera Contemporary’s Sheila bed, with its subtle diamond quilting and bold, unapologetic shape.
Whatever your taste, Sarsfield Brooke boasts a wide range of unique, carefully designed beds to suit any kind of space, with most available in a variety of fabrics and finishes. So if you’ve been considering a bed upgrade, don’t sleep on it.
We’re excited, because The Dusty Apron (known for some of Auckland’s most high-quality, delicious baked goods) opens a new retail arm of the business in East Auckland tomorrow.
Previously only available in wholesale form on the menus of well-known eateries like Homeland, Saint Alice, Soul Bar & Bistro and Park Hyatt Auckland’s restaurants, The Dusty Apron founder Paul ‘Dusty’ Leaming and his business partner Stephane Bleriot have opened Dusty’s Depot as a customer-facing shop for fans of their tasty treats — of which there are many.
Dusty himself is an ex-car mechanic-turned expert baker; he re-trained in New Zealand and San Francisco at the renowned San Francisco Baking Institute, before landing the role of head baker at Amano. He then moved on to set up The Dusty Apron as a commercial business two years ago, slotting into an empty former bakery in St Johns.
The demand for a retail outlet or cafe has been there for a long time, he says, but there has been no space to do it in — until now. Fortuitously, Dusty Depot’s location is only 100 metres up the road from the main bakery, in what used to be the old Simkin Ave dairy.
Dusty’s Depot is inspired by the French way of having a ‘depot de pain’ in a tiny village — essentially a shop that stocks freshly baked bread, delivered from the bakery in a nearby, larger village. Servicing and welcoming the locals, and making sure they’ve always got a place where they can get top quality goods without having to travel so far.
Dusty and his team of bakers — Nancy Au, Dan Wilson and Sophie Peters — supply the Depot with fresh loaves of bread, pastries and sandwiches each day, while Bleriot takes care of everything front of house. Ozone coffee is on hand to pair perfectly any of the baked goods.
From left: Dusty, Nancy Au and Dan Wilson
They’ll have all the classics like croissants and Danishes, and original treats like the ‘Moira cinnamon bun’, a decadent delight named after one of Dusty’s first bakers that started with him. For both Dusty and Stephane, an emphasis is placed on supporting and highlighting local suppliers and farmers, and making people feel welcome no matter who they are.
“We’ve got a real sense of community here”, says Dusty, who recognises the importance of there being high-quality offerings throughout wider neighbourhoods as well as in the central suburbs. “There are plenty of amazing eateries in the city, but just to be able to go into your backyard and get a fresh croissant and a coffee, is a really cool thing.”
Dusty’s Depot 44 Simkin Avenue, St Johns Opening Hours:
Thursday to Sunday, 8AM until sold out
Building a stylish autumn and winter wardrobe requires pieces that will offer protection against the elements, while complementing and elevating an array of cold weather ensembles. We dare say there is no outerwear garment as chic and versatile as a trench coat, and local label Dadelszen has given this perennial classic a luxurious update
The Stephanie trench coat — named in homage to iconic supermodel Stephanie Seymour — is rendered in a lightweight, supple lambskin, ideal for trans-seasonal wear as it is unlined. Featuring a notch lapel and detachable belt, the leather is subtly perforated throughout, lending a sports-luxe feel and breathable comfort.
The beautiful hazelnut tone of this coat is a more understated and uplifting alternative to black, more complimentary with a variety of skin tones and wearable with both neutrals and bold shades. The perfect sophisticated outer layer for over a T-shirt — we love Dadelszen’s unisex Brando cotton and cashmere version — the Tuscan silk shirt, or Aspen cable knit cashmere sweater on a chilly day.
For him, the cooler seasons are set to be just as stylish thanks to pieces like Dadelszen’s Perfecto biker jacket. Carrying all the key elements of a classic biker jacket, with a far sleeker silhouette, it is cut in deer leather by expert artisans and lined with silk.
From left: Dadelszen Langsford long sleeved tee; Dadelszen Perfecto biker jacket.
Everyone needs a reach-for layer, and the sell-out Langsford long-sleeved tee is back in shades of midnight blue, obsidian black and Nordic grey. Crafted from 70 percent cashmere and 30 percent, it’s an unbelievably soft wardrobe essential.
The Stephanie trench coat has arrived at Dadelszen’s showroom only recently, yet has been sprinting out the door. So, if you want to get your hands on this, and other timeless, exceptionally crafted pieces from a brand that specialises in made-to-last luxury, we suggest you make haste.
From the work of an iconic writer to the exploration of a seminal decade in a person’s life, these fascinating non-fiction books will have you turning pages long after the lights are supposed to be out.
Let Me Tell You What I Mean By Joan Didion A collection of mostly early works, penned between 1968 and 2000 and brought together for the first time, this new compilation offers up a number of moments of journalistic gold from the American who launched her career in the 60s after winning an essay contest sponsored by Vogue magazine. Her writing in the 60s and 70s engaged audiences in the counter-culture of the Hollywood lifestyle.
The essays in this new book exemplify Didion’s unique foresightedness, which has seen topics she discussed in the last century still feel as prescient to today’s reader. (Alicia and The Underground Press addresses the inherent biases in mainstream media — particularly poignant in today’s landscape.)
Addressing a range of topics, from her admiration of Ernest Hemingway, to her rejection from Stanford University, this fascinating book paints an early picture of what would become Joan Didion’s iconic oeuvre.
But You’re Still So Young: How Thirtysomethings Are Redefining Adulthood By Kayleen Schaefer Questioning why we measure adulthood by markers established 50 years ago, Kayleen Schaefer explores what being in your thirties means today. Through the stories of a number of thirty-somethings, Schaefer discusses the challenges that many face in their third decade, and underlines why it’s never as bad as it seems.
The Panic Years By Nell Frizzell Renowned journalist Nell Frizzell delves into the period of a woman’s life when every decision she makes seems coloured by the underlying question of whether or not to have a baby. Refreshingly honest and deemed ‘vital reading’ for any millennial woman, this book is as informative as it is reassuring.
A Swim in a Pond inthe Rain By George Saunders In the pages of this new work by The New York Times best-selling and Booker Prize-winning author awaits a literary masterclass. Examining what makes great stories work and what they can tell us about ourselves, Saunders looks deeply at four iconic Russian writers, whose work he uses to explain great writing, its effect on the mind and how creating and consuming stories lies at the heart of how we all connect.
Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness it By Ethan Kross Forcing us to think about how we talk to ourselves (hint: it is usually not very nice) award-winning psychologist Ethan Kross explores the hidden power of our inner voices, and how they can be harnessed for good. Meticulously researched, this compelling read will have you completely rethinking everything you say, even if it is all in your head.
North Shore locals rejoice — celebrated brewery Brothers Beer has opened a new outpost in Birkenhead, and it’s an excellent place to park yourself for a pint and a selection of tasty eats. This is the sixth Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ location in Auckland, following on from successful venues in the central city, plus Mount Eden, Ōrākei and Onehunga.
Located at 6 Rugby Road in a lovely neighbourhood area that overlooks the harbour, the main bar has taken up residence in a building with over 100 years of history (it was previously the Hellaby’s butchers that operated from 1912) and the renovated interior incorporates exposed timber beams and brickwork, while a new outdoor, all-weather glass conservatory has been added.
As for the beverage and culinary offering, there are 15 taps of Brothers Beer craft beer from the Mount Eden brewery, as well as a curated selection of wines, ciders, kombucha and cocktails. Juke Joint BBQ’s specialty is Southern Style cuisine, with a sharing menu featuring slow-cooked meats and vegetables, such as 14-hour smoked beef brisket, tender spiced lamb shoulder, and smoked and fried chicken.
With its large, sun-catching covered courtyard and comfortable interior, Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ Birkenhead is family and dog-friendly, and is sure to be a popular addition to the area.
One of Auckland’s most prestigious and anticipated live auction events is making its way south, and it’s set to be an unmissable occasion for those with an eye for special pieces of utmost quality and provenance.
Hosted by premier auction house Webb’s, the auction will span the arts, decorative arts, fine jewels, watches and fine and rare wines categories, and will include some of the most exquisite pieces we have laid our eyes on.
The leading items will be auctioned at Arrowtown’s Millbrook Resort at 2:30PM on Sunday, 18th April, and these include works by celebrated artists Gordon Walters, Pat Hanly, Judy Rae and Max Gimblett; Ralph Hotere, Karl Maughan, Fiona Pardington and more.
If you aren’t going to be down south this weekend, it is also possible to both view the entire catalogue and bid online, or over the phone.
From left: Gordon Walters, Untitled (1978), 2018 screenprint on paper, 2/100 1055 x 805mm; Cartier Tank Solo Wristwatch; George Nakashima Conoid bench.
Among the selection of sought-after design items are pieces by George Nakashima and Pierre Jeanneret, while fans of exceptional jewellery and watches will delight in adornments from the likes of Cartier and Naveya & Sloane.
Bottles from revered makers like Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Ardbeg will also be available within the rare wines & whiskies selection, and all-in-all this auction will be an excellent opportunity for Queenstown to experience the superlative treasures represented by Webb’s, in the flesh.
A preview event for the auction will be held on Thursday, 15th April, from 6PM until 8PM, with auction viewings taking place on Friday, 16th April and Saturday, 17th April from 10AM until 4PM. A final viewing is scheduled for Sunday, 18th April from 10AM until 2PM, prior to the auction at 2:30PM. Find the full catalogue online here.
South, A Queenstown Auction Event by Webb’s Sunday, 18th April, 2:30PM Millbrook Resort 124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371
Estimates for the items pictured above: Gordon Walters EST. $6,000 – $9,000 Cartier Tank Solo Wristwatch EST. $2,600 – $3,200 George Nakashima Conoid bench EST. $65,000 – $75,000
Just in time for the weather to cool and for us to start craving warming food and soul-nourishing activities, acclaimed Dominion Road restaurant Cazador has concocted a very attractive proposition indeed.
In collaboration with The Capitol Cinema, every Wednesday night this winter sees the Cazador team putting on their Movie Night Menu — three delicious courses to enjoy before soaking up some culture in the form of a film at The Capitol.
The menu will change regularly throughout the season, but currently diners can expect the likes of house-made charcuterie, followed by a grilled pork chop with romesco, spring onion and lemon, or a vegetarian option of coal-roasted cauliflower, kale, raisins, pine nuts and sumac. For dessert, dark chocolate and brandy mousse with candied orange and toasted nuts will be a perfectly decadent finish.
At only $50 per person for three exquisite courses and a movie, this offering is an absolute steal. Currently showing at The Capitol are several acclaimed films on our must-watch list such as Cousins, The Father, French Exit — plus, a selection of iconic films from the past including Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, The Birds and more.
So, next time you’re planning a date night or friendly catch-up, we suggest reserving yourself a seat at The Capitol, and a table at Cazador.
A symbol of effortless style, the slip-on Penny Loafer is more timeless and comfortable than it’s ever been. While it’ll serve you well for myriad occasions and with almost any ensemble year round, the loafer especially comes into its own in autumn and winter.
Able to be styled with socks or tights, trousers or skirts, dresses or denim, the loafer is the undisputed versatile shoe of choice for fashion-forward dressing in 2021, prioritising aesthetics without sacrificing comfort.
The Curve was an idea conceived by Victoria Harris after she started taking note of the number of friends approaching her for advice around finance and investing — an industry in which she has worked for over 10 years (she is currently a portfolio manager at Devon Funds Management).
Launched last year with the help of her business partner Sophie Hallwright, this platform — now comprising an Instagram and a website — has cultivated a fast following for the way it offers clear, concise information and advice around investing, skewed specifically to a female audience.
“The Curve came about to provide a platform for women to learn more about investing in a non-scary environment,” Harris explains. “I wanted to create a forum where people could ask questions without feeling judged and where there wasn’t any confusing industry speak or intimidating jargon.”
So far, The Curve’s growth has been organic, driven by a groundswell of interest from women of all backgrounds and experience levels who want to up their financial literacy.
Harris has done a few speaking events (which proved hugely popular) and reveals how off the back of that reception, she and Hallwright are now gearing up to launch a podcast. Speaking about her decision to use The Curve to target women specifically, Harris explains how passionate she is about encouraging diverse participation in a space that has historically been dominated by men.
After all, if women earn less (on average) than men, take time out of their earning careers to have children and statistically live longer, it is clear that theirs is a demographic that should be thinking harder about making money work in more efficient ways.
Sophie Hallwright (left) and Victoria Harris.
But where to start? For most, investing feels a world away, but as Harris points out, it’s actually about listening to the world around us.
“What I often say to people is look around you,” she explains, “there are so many investable companies that we use every day, and when you actually stop and observe, you’ll start noticing those big trends that can drive investor behaviour. Think about when we all started converting to iPhones, or the rise of certain products and services because of the recent global lockdowns… if you’re seeing those trends, then it’s likely that everybody else is too. So next time you find a product that you love using, look it up and see if it’s listed and start doing some research around whether you want to dip your toe into investing.”
This cuts to the heart of The Curve’s success so far, capturing the way this platform grounds finance and investing in the real world, addresses its complexities in a conversational way and gives women not only the confidence but the practical tools to start.
Looking forward, Harris reveals that alongside events and the launch of The Curve’s podcast she has been running staff education workshops for various corporations — demand for which, she tells me, has been growing. “I would also love to run in-person courses with small groups,” she says, “and potentially speak to girls in schools”.
With a clear mission, Harris’ work with The Curve is undeniably important for the financial empowerment of everyday women and is something we will continue to follow with interest.
Eden Terrace often seems fairly off-the-radar when it comes to dining out, but the Uptown suburb, while compact, is overflowing with excellent food and drink offerings for any occasion and inclination. From legendary sandwiches to fine dining stalwarts, here are the places you should be eating in Eden Terrace.
From left: Coffee Pen; Benedict’s Cafe.
Start the day Coffee Pen This sweet cafe is tucked away down Basque Road, and has a cult following for its delicious cabinet food, excellent coffee and warm, welcoming atmosphere cultivated by owners Yasuji and Fumi Hisai. Pull up in the sunshine at one of the outdoor tables, and enjoy a delicious piece of cake or a tart with your hot drink.
Benedict’s Cafe Boasting an all-day menu filled with enticing dishes, Benedict’s Cafe (previously Benediction) on peaceful St Benedicts Street is a real gem. Owners Emma Zhao and Jay Yang have created dishes that often tie in tasty Korean flavours, like a kimchi pancake with tiger prawns, or a bulgogi beef bowl. They also offer some classic Kiwi brunch fare like bacon eggs Benedict (only fitting, given the location), and pancakes with berries and vanilla mascarpone.
Goodness Gracious This cafe and bagelry has three locations city-wide, and its Eden Terrace spot is always humming at brunchtime — on the weekends, especially. Peruse the large selection of New York-style grilled bagels with delicious sweet and savoury toppings, and get your caffeine hit with a cup of in-house roasted coffee.
From left: Mizu Bread; Hero Sandwich House.
Lush lunch options Hero Sandwich House It’s well-known that the maestroes at Hero Sandwich House are behind some of the best sandwiches in the city, and with good reason. From sourdough sammies filled with the likes of chicken, bacon jam and cheddar, or the Philly cheese steak roll, Hero’s offering will always have you walking out happier (and far more full) than when you went in.
Mizu Bread These guys also specialise in sandwiches, but they’re completely different to Hero’s. Mizu’s famed chicken katsu sandwich is a thing of beauty, with juicy pieces of crumbed chicken in teriyaki sauce, ensconced in cloud-like white milk bread. The egg sandwich is also unmissable, and it’d be rude not to indulge in one of Mizu’s delicious desserts.
Bian Sushi & Donburi You can’t beat a classic, and Bien Sushi never lets us down. Whether eating inside its humble, no-frills space or taking away, Bian’s sushi selection may not be as fancy as somewhere like &Sushi, but it’s always delicious all the same.
From left: Burger Geek; Ramen Do.
Easy dinner destinations Ramen Do Open for both lunch and dinner six days a week, Ramen Do’s bowls of warming noodles and broth are some of the best in the city. The Hokkaido Miso Ramen is the star of the show, featuring a complex and flavourful soup topped with pork, a jammy egg and some vegetables. They also do a selection of Donburi, with meat, fish and vegetarian options available, and tasty sides like gyoza dumplings and agedashi tofu.
Burger Geek The founders of this Symonds Street joint pride themselves on not taking any shortcuts when it comes to their burgers. Grinding their own, special blend of Wagyu and Angus beef each day, the proof is in the final, mouth-watering result. On the menu, find a variety of beef-based burgers, plus free-range chicken and a couple of vegetarian burgers. Hot Wings are also available, and some indulgent sides like jalapeno poppers, mac ‘n’ cheese balls and beer battered onion rings.
Kokoro Kitchen — 37 Symonds Street Another great sushi spot that also offers Donburi, Bento boxes, noodles like Udon, Ramen and Yakisoba, and more, Kokoro is open for both lunch and dinner. Fans of affordable, approachable Japanese fare will know that this eatery is the place to go.
From left: Forest’s fried feijoa dessert; Sid at the French Cafe.
Special occasion spots Sid at the French Cafe Eden Terrace’s collection of fine dining restaurants is impressive indeed, and Sid at the French Cafe is famed for its elevated fare and impeccable service. Whether you’re after a private dining room for an event, or are out to celebrate, this stalwart will ensure it’s an occasion to remember.
Kazuya A truly enduring presence on Symonds Street, Kazuya’s artful plates combine European and Japanese culinary traditions. Evening diners can choose a five-or-seven-course degustation, which will be presented with quiet ceremony rarely seen these days. Kazuya also has a less fine-dining but still tasty lunch offering from Thursday to Saturday, called Kozzy Ricebox — a fresh and tasty combination of vegetables, rice and your choice of protein, to takeaway.
Lillius.
Lillius Run by Fraser McCarthy and Shannon Vandy, Lillius is a modern fine dining restaurant with a focus on highlighting local growers and producers, and hyper-seasonal ingredients. The menu is ever-changing, which keeps things exciting, and there are both a la carte and tasting menus available — both of which are usually spectacular.
Forest Founded and run by innovative chef Plabita Florence, Forest is a plant-based experience unlike anything else in this city. Sourcing the majority of her ingredients locally, and aiming to minimize waste as much as possible, Florence does things with vegetables we’re sure you’ll have never seen before. For example: A dessert of fried feijoa rolled in feijoa skin sugar, with roast cauliflower and Earl Grey ice cream, popped caramel barley, and sorrel syrup.
Good for a brew Galbraith’s Alehouse Open every day, rain or shine, we love Galbraith’s for an easy and casual meeting place to grab a drink with friends. Fireplaces inside and out ensure it’s always cosy, the perfect, unpretentious place for a pint and a bowl of hot chips.
Model wears Sutcliffe Jewellery diamond tennis bracelets, Modern Love diamond bracelet, Sapphire Headliner blue sapphire and diamond ring, Artful Adornment black spinel ring and 16ct blue sapphire ring
The power of a well-chosen piece of jewellery to anchor or elevate an ensemble should not be overlooked. Consider the effect you wish to have — whether it be adding detail and dimension to a daytime look, or making an impact for after-dark dressing — and the perfect piece to help you achieve this. It might be a delicate necklace or a spectacular cocktail ring; sparkling diamonds or a bold statement stone.
Applying equal amounts of skill, expertise and a finely-honed eye for beauty to each piece, no matter how big or small, the team at Sutcliffe Jewellery know more than most about how important jewellery is for channelling a mood and capturing a moment. While Brent Sutcliffe’s pieces are undeniably, jaw-droppingly beautiful, they’re also versatile and are sure to be reached for time and time again.
Consider the following suggestions, a reminder to never forget the final step: essential jewels for every occasion.
Day A fine necklace like this sweet butterfly pendant from the Blossom by Sutcliffe range, would be a never-take-off staple piece to accentuate a daytime ensemble. It is also beautiful when layered with other necklaces and pendants.
Night Allow an elegant, sophisticated bracelet to catch the light during an evening soirée or dinner. This divine Diamond Trail tennis bracelet comprises a handcrafted, 18-carat white gold chain that grasps a collection of brilliant cut white diamonds. Effortlessly aligning itself to the wrist, it comes together in the bow of a pear-shaped diamond clasp.
Glam An occasion that denotes more than the regular soupçon of glamour, calls for something utterly breathtaking. The Azores ring certainly fits that mould, an emerald and tsavorite garnet bouquet, handcrafted as all Sutcliffe’s pieces are. A 4-carat, cushion-cut emerald sits on a masterful setting for maximum presence, amidst a bed of brilliant cut diamonds and tsavorite garnets.
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