While talking about party season now might feel early for some, for others, private rooms have been booked, outfits considered and plans already made. After all, summertime is fast approaching and with it, the inevitable onslaught of Christmas parties, end-of-year dos and elegant evening soirées. Now is the perfect time to think about pulling together your party ensembles, and what better place to start than footwear? Elegant, flattering and fit for any occasion, these chic evening shoes will give any after-dark attire a sophisticated edge.
From left: Givenchy G Woven Sandals from Faradays. Claude Sandals from Saint Laurent. Jimmy Choo Meira sandals from Jimmy Choo.
Alexandre Vauthier Fall 22 available from Faradays.
From left: Isabel MarantAnelia heels from Workshop. Aalexandre Vauthier Jacqueline Sandals from Faradays.Idylle sandals from Christian Dior.
For your next overseas adventure, why not opt for a cosmopolitan escape to one of the world’s most iconic cities? Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles promise something for every cultural persuasion. Here we introduce the newest luxury hotels in which to relax and unwind after long days of exploration and discovery.
Embodying romance like nowhere else in the world, Paris is a city that will sweep you up into a lasting love affair. Expect to make precious memories at one of these luxurious new hotels.
Saint James Paris With just the right amount of fun and whimsy, but still romantic by nature, the only château hotel in Paris is a proud statement of splendour. Saint James Paris offers a take on chic country life in the beating heart of the City, with 50 spacious rooms set in a historic boarding house, and an expansive garden offering reprieve and fresh air. Complete with a Guerlain spa and a Greco-Roman-inspired pool, the hotel is poetic but refuses to take itself too seriously. Here, an Art Deco spirit is at home in the bold ode to Parisian architecture, while a spectacular dining contribution from a Michelin-starred chef leaves little to be desired.
Bulgari Hotel Paris Bulgari’s Parisian flagship is the latest in the hotel collection from the luxury jewellery house, taking up residence in the City’s lauded Golden Triangle. Among the rooms and suites, the Bulgari Penthouse is the crown jewel, offering sweeping views over the City and the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights at night, as well as a rooftop garden, and its own private dining room and wellness centre. This level of luxury is emulated throughout the hotel, with fine dining restaurants, and a lounge that feels akin to a members club, although little can top falling asleep to the absolutely dazzling master suite view.
Soho House Paris Set in Paris’ former red-light district, a short stroll from the fanfare of Moulin Rouge, a welcome addition joins the global Soho House roster — Paris’ first permanent taste of the fanciful lifestyle it offers. Alongside all the hallmarks of the renowned brand, comes an impressive art collection with more than 150 paintings — an ode to the City’s history of fostering the creative arts. In this exquisite evolution of Soho House, the Parisian haven is as palatial and fantastical as we would expect from the much-loved group.
Cheval Blanc Paris Cheval Blanc comprises a small collection of five-star hotels in far-flung French territories, yet it is the new Parisian destination that serves as a place for romance to bloom and history to endure. Among the 72 rooms and suites are some of the most beautiful balconies in the city, with outlooks that extend to all of the beloved landmarks. In fine French form, Cheval Blanc considers culinary arts in the highest regard, with five hospitality destinations (Plenitude holding three Michelin stars), alongside rejuvenating wellness experiences at the Dior Spa — an integral element of any stay.
Nestled in the heart of London’s elegant, urban landscape, these new hotels will keep you close to the City’s incredible culinary and cultural scenes, while offering the perfect end-of-day escapes.
NoMad London Designed for travellers, vagabonds and those who prefer life spent out of a suitcase, NoMad’s newest outpost taps into the history and cultural depth of London to deliver the kind of warm, welcoming vibe and understated luxury we have come to expect from this international, boutique hotel chain. Set in the iconic Grade-II-listed building known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, this hotel was designed in collaboration with New York-based studio Roman and Williams, and (thanks to its Covent Garden location) is the perfect base from which to explore London’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes.
One Hundred Shoreditch Located in the centre of the perpetually-cool East-London suburb of Shoreditch, where clubs and culture collide, One Hundred Shoreditch is a new hotel where guests come to play. Found a stone’s throw from the famed Colombia Road Flower Market and inspired Whitechapel Gallery, a stay at this hotel offers the true London experience, full of vibrant restaurants, eclectic galleries, and bustling bars and pubs. Sporting 258 bedrooms and suites, six restaurants and a Peloton studio (complete with its own concierge service), this independent hotel offers an escape like no other. In its opening year, One Hundred Shoreditch is committing itself to environmental endeavours, working towards both B Corp certification and a sustainable guest experience, so when you do eventually sleep, you can do so soundly.
Little compares to the magnificence of New York. Home to both grandeur and grit, this iconic city is always an inspiring place to visit, and is all the more enticing for these exceptional new hotels
ModernHaus Soho If life is said to imitate art, then there is no location more alive than this new hotel in the heart of Soho. ModernHaus is a destination of light-filled spaces and divine furnishings, set against Soho’s iconic cobble stones and cast-iron buildings. The 114-room hotel draws on the artistic heritage of its famous neighbourhood, with an extensive modern and contemporary art collection and Bauhaus-inspired architecture that marries clean lines with large windows that look out over New York’s iridescent skyline. And with a new restaurant, Veranda, by renowned chef George Mendes on site, as well as a rooftop bar and pool inspired by Picasso’s blue period, leaving will be nearly impossible.
Image: Nikolas Koenig.
Image: Nikolas Koenig.
Aman New York Renown for offering luxurious wellness experiences in far-flung exotic locations, Aman’s first foray into the urban space comes in the form of its latest property in New York. With over 83 suites and 22 branded residences, Aman New York offers tranquillity in the heart of the Big Apple; its 5th Avenue address a mere two blocks from Central Park, with its design emblematic of the architecture of 20s New York. Boasting a three-story, flagship Aman Spa, offering the most divine rejuvenation experiences in the city, this hotel has been the group’s greatest investment in a single location to date — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
A city that celebrates success and embodies a lust for life that is palpable and appealing, days spent in this sprawling metropolis are best when ended at hotels that offer luxury and comfort.
Downtown L.A.Proper Hotel Following in the footsteps of its beloved Santa Monica sister, Downtown L.A Proper builds on its own unique heritage in a way that celebrates all things definitively downtown. A far cry from the casually chic Venice Beach or glamorous Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA is a more industrial, gritty area that offers an entirely new experience of the City of Angels — something that renowned designer Kelly Wearstler wove through her highly-considered design. The makeover ties together the building’s past and present, from a state-of-the-art members club to a community recreation centre, and now a world-class hotel, offering culture, luxury and world-class dining, all in one place.
Pendry West Hollywood Should you be seeking your own version of Selling Sunset, Pendry’s latest West Hollywood location opens out onto the iconic Sunset Strip. Embracing Californian modernism and the glamour of the Hollywood Hills, the 149 rooms and suites here offer the signature LA experience, including views of its stunning, sweeping cityscape. Pendry’s offerings are synonymous with the LA lifestyle, where entertainment and celebrity-studded parties meet divine wellness and laidback rejuvenation. In the dining arena, Wolfgang Puck returns to his roots with fresh dining and beverage venues designed especially for the address. And with a rooftop pool to top-off the experience, every element of this stay is LA in the most sophisticated way.
Short Stories Hotel Behind an unassuming hedge in West Hollywood is Short Stories, a 66-room hotel set in a recently-refurbished, 1960s build, reminiscent of the area’s history. The hotel’s food and drink offering is a particular highlight, where a collection of interconnected dining spaces celebrate a cultural melting pot of flavours. From the courtyard lounge to the pool terrace, Stories Bar to the full-service restaurant, and a number of private dining spaces, Short Stories offers living, lounging, lunching and everything decadent that comes in between.
Coffee is undeniably one of life’s little pleasures, made better with the addition of perfectly frothed milk. When Nespresso debuted its Vertuo system last year, it garnered a nationwide following for a good reason — the machine boasts café-quality brews that rival those of Kiwi baristas. Delightfully, Vertuo’s capsule offering has just been extended to the Barista Creations for Milk range, promising perfect all-day-long coffee moments.
We know that New Zealanders love their coffee with milk (whether dairy or plant-based) for an exceptionally smooth, sometimes sweet touch. And Barista Creations for Milk are highly complementary to this way of living — each capsule’s flavour is masterfully blended and roasted to complement and enhance the addition of milk.
For those wondering which of the Barista Creations for Milk best suits their tastes, Bianco Piccolo is a rich, nutty coffee that brings out the milk’s creamy texture, best poured in a short cup (think lattes). Bianco Doppio has a sweet and caramel-like profile enhanced by milk, making it ideal for the iconic New Zealand double-shot flat white experience at home. Lastly, Bianco Forte is impressively intense, with rich, roasted and cereal-like notes that endure with just a dash of milk.
Ultimately, something just feels indulgent about a perfectly crafted coffee with milk. The Barista Creations for Milk finesse the experience, and not just because of the sleek, dome-shaped capsules made specifically for the Vertuo system. The intelligent machine reads each capsule’s barcode to extract the perfect brew, whether you desire a flat white, cappuccino, latte or iced coffee — the list goes on. All you need to do is place your chosen capsule into the machine and extract the coffee with the touch of a button. Next, froth the milk with your Nespresso milk device and add it to the coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just getting started, we can tell you that Nespresso’s Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk . For those who prefer their coffee sans milk, rest assured that the Vertuo does it all, from long blacks to third-wave coffee, like Carafe Pour-Over style. To guide your at-home café-quality coffee further, Nespresso’s array of recipes will elevate the experience.
Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk are available online and in-store at Nespresso Boutiques.
When you think of a croissant, flakey, buttery pastry is the first thing that comes to mind. Without the buttery flavour, it’s never quite the same — until now. Thankfully, we’ve stumbled across Auckland’s first-ever plant-based patisserie, Maison des Lys, serving vegan croissants every bit delightful as their traditional predecessors.
You may have noticed the line of people wrapped around the block in Grey Lynn on Sunday for Maison des Lys’ soft opening, news of its brick-and-mortar excitedly splashed across social media feeds. Much of the loyal crowd first encountered Maison des Lys’ stall at The Shed Collective Markets, in operation since 2020. Two years later, while the patisserie still plans to continue its hotly anticipated market appearances, the new location provides Owner and self-taught Pastry Chef Drissilla David a dedicated space to create her confections, channelling her love for her native France through patisseries with a plant-based twist.
Right: Pain Au Chocolat.
A serendipitous series of events encouraged Drissilla to fulfil her vision of a vegan patisserie. The humble yet beautiful space has been a labour of love (much like the pastries it serves), taking nine months to come to fruition. Having previously worked at a local architecture firm, Drissilla dedicated a year during maternity leave to formulate the perfect plant-based croissant. In her home kitchen (and dining room, where up until very recently, she was still baking), she rolled the pastry by hand and produced batch after batch of dough in her beloved cake mixer. The game-changer finally came about a year into the process when she discovered the perfect butter alternative. Made with a blend of shea, coconut, rapeseed and almond oils, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s the real thing. We’ve done the diligent task of putting them to the test, and honestly, we can’t taste the difference.
After Drissilla executed the plant-based basics, anything became possible. Take the ham and cheese croissant, a Kiwi bastardisation of the French delicacy and a beloved treat. Maison des Lys offers a plant-based take, a delicious snack-on-the-go that Drissilla reiterates is one of the most popular offerings, known to sell out frequently alongside her almond croissants. Her favourite, however, is the pain au chocolate — not fresh out of the oven but served cold — and with an eightthirty coffee that’s of course brewed on site.
Drissilla David of Maison des Lys.
Every day you can expect the Maison des Lys cabinet to be stocked with the classics, alongside danishes, pastries, and delicacies inspired by seasonal produce. Think savoury croissants stuffed with pesto, spray-free tomatoes, vegan feta, micro greens and truffle oil, or their sweeter counterparts overflowing with Biscoff. Coffees are served with dairy milk alternatives, and should you be lucky enough to nab a table, the Great North Road corner spot makes the perfect place for people-watching.
Despite never undertaking any formal viennoiserie training, Drissilla showcases an intrinsic knowledge and appreciation of the complex process. Anyone who has ever tried to make croissants will understand just how intricate it can be, and at this Grey Lynn address, the pastries are truly of the highest calibre. As Drissilla tells us, “they’re not just for vegans; they’re really delicious pastries too.” Having tried them fresh out of the oven, we’re inclined to agree — and we recommend visiting ASAP.
Opening hours: Friday, 7am until 1pm. Saturday — Sunday, 8.30am until 1pm. Initially closed Monday — Thursday.
With the shows in Paris having just wrapped up for another season, fashion month has officially drawn to a close, giving us all a clear indication of what will be trending come Spring/Summer 2023. This season, the fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris served up an array of memorable moments (although none so memorable as Bella Hadid’s spray-on dress), unexpected twists (like the 68 pairs of identical twins that walked Gucci’s runway), street style in spades and breathtaking collections from the world’s most lauded fashion houses.
Here, we give you a rundown of some of the best shows and best looks from the Spring/Summer 2023 season.
Exploring the dialogue between fashion and power, Maria Grazia Chiuri tapped into the spirit of historical figure Catherine de Medici (renowned Italian noblewoman turned French queen). It was De Medici who was widely credited with introducing corsets, platform heels and Italian lace to the French court, all elements that Grazia Chiuri played with in her SS23 collection. From hoop cage skirts overlaid with black raffia lace to New Look skirts given a modern twist to relaxed corsetry, worn over flowing shirts — the nods to De Medici’s legacy were plain, and yet each was grounded firmly in the context of today — a balance Grazia Chiuri has always managed so well. The show itself was set within a grotto, constructed expertly by French artist Eva Jospin, while Grazia Chiuri called on Dutch choreographers Imre and Marne van Opstal to put together a live dance performance while the models walked.
Wanting to speak to ideas of identity and otherness, Gucci’s iconoclastic designer Alessandro Michele tracked down 68 sets of identical twins to present his new collection (apparently Michele’s mother was a twin) in a show that was captivating and surreal. Taking this idea to another level, Michele actually constructed his show in Milan in two parts – whereby it wasn’t until the very end that a partition dropped to reveal another whole audience and runway, as the twins finally came together to walk side-by-side. As for the collection itself, Michele presented clothes with his signature eclectic stamp, from Hollywood glitz to embroidered chinoiserie to stoic tailoring to sleek activewear — it was a masterclass in pulling disparate ideas together in a kind of post-modern harmony (but this is what we expect from Michele, after all) but more than that, felt like a comment on the importance of us all coming together to face the challenges of the world.
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons said that they were excited by the idea of ‘clothes shaped by humanity’ in creating their SS23 collection for Prada. As such, the collection unfolded to reveal its delicious layers, boxy silhouettes opened up to reveal classic nighties, and dresses made using the same kind of paper that covered the set felt innovative and full of promise, peignoir tapped into Prada’s archive which was followed up by the kind of knitted sweaters and skirts that one might imagine Mrs. Prada herself wearing every day. It was subtle, sophisticated and nuanced, and went against the ‘go-big-or-go-home’ grain that we had seen at a number of other houses for SS23.
Set around a giant fibreglass anthurium, Jonathan Anderson’s SS23 collection for Loewe made comment on artifice in nature. The fake-looking flower not only set the scene for the runway but it was used on bodices and shoes — a provocative, new take on florals for spring that felt more dangerous than dainty. Elsewhere, exaggerated hip-silhouettes, ultra-mini dresses and experimental pieces made using materials like fibreglass and metal spoke to the designer’s well-known penchant for boundary-pushing, all of which sat alongside the kinds of supple leather pieces and oversized shirt dressing that feel inherently ‘Loewe.’ Proving once again his role as fashion provocateur, Jonathan Anderson delivered an SS23 collection that made us sit up and take note.
Tapping into the idea of fusion energy and its promise of a cleaner energy future, Gabriela Hearst arranged the seats of her Paris show to mimic the shape of a tokamak (a giant, round device that companies like Helion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems are using to try and harness fusion energy) and turned the Pavilion Vendôme into what felt like an industrial rave – sending clothes down the runway that married retro warehouse party vibes with power-plant uniform motifs. From recycled, sustainable fabrics (always expected from this designer) to strong, utilitarian silhouettes, Chloé SS23 offered a multi-sensory show scape of colours and textures that was futuristic, complex and compelling. Brand is available locally at Workshop.
A brand known for its ‘glamazonian’ aesthetic, Alaïa’s new SS23 collection saw designer Pieter Mulier offer a more contemporary take, with complex techniques like draping, wrapping, touching and knotting made to look utterly simple, all underpinned with Alaïa signatures, like knitted, figure-hugging dresses and suggestive stilettos (featuring heels in the shape of a naked woman’s legs) which were actually reissued Azzedine originals from 1992. Of course, there was also a raft of statement-making accessories (something Mulier does so well). Ultimately, each look felt undeniably glamorous and yet totally wearable, a balance on which this brand has long built its reputation. Brand is available locally at Faradays.
Set under drizzly skies, Matthew Williams’ SS23 collection for Givenchy drew from the historic codes of this beloved brand, married with the streetwear flavour of the designer’s own palate and built with the input of iconic Carine Roitfeld — who also styled the show. Perhaps guilty of trying to speak to too disparate a spread of consumers (or do too much), Givenchy’s new collection still ended on a high note, with a series of exquisite evening dresses — designs that had apparently been reworked from Givenchy archival pieces. Brand is available locally at Faradays.
It was a muddy, dark, post-apocalyptic scene that greeted attendees of Balenciaga’s SS23 show — in which models stomped through dirty puddles in a set that designer Demna indicated was a follow-on from his last show, set in a snowstorm. (When snow melts, it turns to mud.) Opened by Kanye West in military garb, the show saw models with battered and bruised faces wearing clothes that had been purposefully made to look battle-weary and worn. Mud splashed the hems of longer dresses and caked shoes. And while there were a number of graffiti tees, oversized hoodies and casual silhouettes at the start of the show, it closed with a number of evening-wear pieces, looking somewhat out of place in their terrifying landscape. Ultimately, the show was the expression of Demna’s pessimism — an outlook you can understand given his upbringing and past experiences and yet, perhaps it was also a sharp reminder to us to not be so apathetic, and perhaps that’s exactly what we needed.
It is undeniable that Isabel Marant has created a singular look — one that is very recognisable for its strong feminine edge and often thigh-grazing silhouettes. It is French cool girl at its most, well… cool, and SS23 was certainly no exception. Drawing inspiriting from the dawn of her brand (the late 90s, early 00s) Marant’s new pieces married grunge elements with boho detailing, all wrapped up in shapes that spoke of much much warmer climes. Where Marant has always shined is in her ability to treat outwardly casual pieces to a level of craft that goes well beyond the ordinary (think tiny tiny pearls sprinkled across a camisole or macramé woven onto organza). It is almost an allegory for the women she dresses. From perfectly-tapered trousers to oversized jackets to racer-cut tanks and little dresses, this collection was Marant at her best and an ode to her unique attention to detail. Brand is available locally at Workshop.
From the atmospheric candles that lined Versace’s set to the clingy-black jersey dresses that opened the show to the models sporting unmistakable, eyeliner-heavy makeup, Donatella Versace’s SS23 collection felt sexy, confident and slightly rebellious. Opening the show was a raft of solid-black looks, which then opened out to the bright, often-fuscia block colours that have become so synonymous with the brand. This season’s prints included zebra stripes, tropical flowers and logo mania, while shown alongside Versace’s evening-wear silhouettes was a line-up of denim that felt more casual than anything the brand has done for a while. Bella Hadid was a goth bride in all-purple, while Paris Hilton closed out the show in a barbie-pink, chain-mail dress.
Having invited his longtime friend, French artist Philippe Parreno to create an installation that would form the set for his SS23 show, Nicolas Ghesquière set a dramatic precedent for his new collection for Louis Vuitton, before the show had even started. Of course, the clothes that followed matched the drama and scale of their surroundings, with oversized, almost-alien proportions and exaggerated silhouettes. Take the huge zipper pulls from HoYeon Jung’s opening look — the biggest ever manufactured, apparently. This idea was furthered by the looks sporting exaggerated necklines or hips, or oversized straps and accessories. Ultimately, it was an expression of the idea that Ghesquière seems to always do so well, that of strong femininity, and it certainly felt like it met the moment.
While we love RevitaLash Cosmetics for its unparalleled lash-enhancing serums, it is a company whose ethos and values are on par with its reputation as one of the best in the industry. And this October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the brand is inviting us to support its philanthropic vision of a world without this disease, all while helping us up the ante on our daily beauty routines.
It’s hardly surprising considering that the company — a true industry disruptor — is built on sincerity. Back in 2006, ophthalmologist Michael Brinkenhoff M.D. saw an opportunity to produce a lash serum for those who needed it the most. At the time, his late wife Gayle had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at just 32, and began treatment.
Most of us have seen how harrowing chemotherapy and radiation can be. For many, hair loss throughout the treatment process brings with it unnecessary stress at such a vulnerable time. Watching his wife experience this firsthand, Dr Brinkenhoff began the formulation process of RevitaLash Cosmetics’ now iconic lash serum we all adore. And sixteen years on, supporting those living with breast cancer remains a significant driving factor at the heart of the company (reflected in the more than $4million they have donated to breast cancer research and support), even as it continues to surprise us with new and innovative products.
And so, each October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), RevitaLash Cosmetic’s recognisable blue boxes don a pink sleeve, which reflects the company’s commitment to the cause. Here in New Zealand, the brand supports Look Good Feel Better, a local initiative that runs programs and workshops to help those navigating the effects of cancer treatments. For every pink sleeve product sold throughout the month, a month’s supply of lash or brow product will be donated to those who need it the most.
RevitaLash Advanced & RevitaBrow Advanced
Here in Auckland, we can also support the brand’s valiant efforts by booking a spot at the annual Eat Drink Pink affair at Harbourside, a delicious affair for a very good cause. The experience benefits Pinc & Steel, who, in turn, offer support to Auckland women with breast cancer through their incredible cancer treatment rehabilitation programmes. (Tickets and further details can be found here.)
On top of that, this year internationally, RevitaLash Cosmetic’s sales will be diverted to supporting the City of Hope’s Ethiopia Breast Cancer Initiative, with the vision of bringing breast cancer screening and treatment to women and their families in places that suffer some of the highest mortality rates from the disease in the world.
“It’s vital to us to help change the state of breast cancer in Ethiopia — with ripple effects felt around the world,” shares Dariel Sidney, Gayle Brinkenhoff’s eldest daughter (and the company’s VP of Philanthropy). “As a cause uniquely close to our hearts, the entire RevitaLash Cosmetics family is passionate about directly improving the lives of those dealing with a difficult diagnosis, and ultimately eradicating breast cancer.”
So as Breast Cancer Awareness Month arrives once more, we always strive to find ways to support the women and families affected by the trauma of the disease. Whether investing in a self-care routine that gives back to women in times of vulnerability or treating ourselves to a delicious day out, we find ourselves grateful that RevitaLash Cosmetics makes supporting such a deserving cause all the more beautiful.
Capturing the escapism and vibrancy of 1970’s club culture in Manhattan, Tiffany & Co.’s new campaign ‘Lose Yourself In Love’ features pop-culture icon and singer Beyoncé, the accompanying film set to the finale track ‘Summer Renaissance’ from her lauded album Renaissance. Drawing on a sample from Donna Summer’s everlasting ‘I Feel Love’, ‘Summer Renaissance’ epitomises the soul of New York City, a place Tiffany & Co. has long called home.
Styled by Marni Senofonte and Patti Wilson for the campaign, Beyoncé wears head-to-toe custom creations and iconic pieces from the luxury house. These include a Tiffany Setting engagement ring in platinum with an internally flawless, round brilliant diamond of over 10 carats and pieces by legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger. The dancers in the film also wear Tiffany & Co. adornments in unexpected and innovative ways, making a whimsical case for the unconventional use of jewellery.
Through Grammy-Award-winning director Mark Romanek’s interpretation, the campaign film evokes the Studio 54-era thriving disco in New York City, showcasing joyful expression and Tiffany & Co.’s creative prowess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAe4H5LcjpE
‘Lose Yourself In Love’ is also a reflection of Tiffany & Co.’s ongoing partnership with Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z. Titled Tiffany Atrium, the initiative funds scholarships for students in creative fields at historically black colleges and universities to serve underrepresented communities better.
Ultimately, the campaign is an amplification of Tiffany & Co.’s enduring brilliance and uplifting ethos. The custom Tiffany HardWare necklace created for the campaign will be available to purchase — a true collector’s item that, like the respective legacies of Tiffany & Co., Beyoncé, and New York City, will continue to endure.
In our three-part series on Hawke’s Bay, we delve into everything this beautiful destination has to offer, from delicious food to exciting happenings, and all the most special places to stay. Offering a truly multi-faceted experience to anyone who visits, Hawke’s Bay will quickly feel like a home away from home — provided you know all the best places to go. That’s where we come in.
Hawke’s Bay has far more to offer than food and wine alone. For visitors to this region, we suggest exploring all the beauty and culture and exciting happenings going on in the wider Hawke’s Bay area, by squeezing in a tour here or a festival there, or even a round of golf if you’re that way inclined — the perfect activities to pad out your day between visits to delicious restaurants, wineries and local markets. Here are our suggestions.
Returning this November, Hawke’s Bay’s signature culinary festival is promising a mouth-watering lineup of local and international attractions. The hugely-popular Food and Wine Classic will draw some of Hawke’s Bay’s most talented producers, artisans, chefs, winemakers and craft brewers to showcase their superior culinary skills. A number of talented individuals from the wider Australasia region will also descend on Hawke’s Bay, as it transforms into the ultimate, foodie festival, playing host to a week of exquisite long lunches, intimate dinners, carpark parties, workshops, collaborations and a celebration of New Zealand’s best craft beer. Kicking off on the weekend of November the 3rd with one of the first fixtures being the anticipated Grand Long Lunch (at which guests will be treated to five courses designed by five of New Zealand’s leading chefs) the Summer Food and Wine Classic will run until November the 13th, packing in a huge number of fascinating, exciting and utterly delicious events that you don’t want to miss.
Oenophiles should not pass up this exquisite new premium experience at Church Road Winery. Designed as the ultimate tribute to Church Road’s founder Tom McDonald, this in-depth, intimate wine tasting lasts for about an hour and a half and takes place in the winery’s atmospheric, underground museum. There, visitors will be guided through the current and past TOM vintages, garnering unique insight into the history, philosophy and character of Church Road’s globally-renowned, flagship range.
Hawke’s Bay is known for its extensive heritage trails, aimed at showcasing the region’s rich cultural, scenic and historical highlights, and encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in beautiful nature. With a range of trails to choose from (there have been 17 created since 1991) and visitors able to guide themselves along the paths via helpful signs and readily-available brochures, this is the perfect activity to truly understand what makes Hawke’s Bay so incredibly special. Lovers of history are sure to enjoy the Ongaonga Walking Tour (through the historic Ongaonga village, established in 1865 although falling to ruin in the 1900s), while those seeking nature will love the Waimarama Heritage Trail, peppered with breathtaking, natural features and historically significant moments.
If you didn’t already know, the East Cape and Hawke’s Bay Coast are the first places in the world to see the sunrise, which makes a sunrise tour something that feels particularly special and an experience that we absolutely recommend. Gannet Safaris Overland offers private experiences to Hawke’s Bay’s magnificent gannet colonies, where visitors will get up close to the spectacular birds and witness their nesting, preening and performing their courtship dances, all against the striking backdrop of a rising sun. To top off the experience, you will be offered a gourmet breakfast as part of the tour, made to enjoy while looking over a vista you’re unlikely to forget.
Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the par 71 golf course at Cape Kidnappers is globally renowned — hailed by those in the know as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Set high up on Cape Kidnappers’ cliffs, against its jaw-dropping coastal backdrop and spanning 6,569 metres, this course is designed to challenge golfers of every skill level, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on even those who have played extensively.
What would a trip to Napier be without some kind of tour of its striking Art Deco architecture? An attraction that has long drawn the crowds to this beautiful town, comprehensive tours can be booked via the Art Deco Trust, and include pick-up in a vintage, 1930s car, a scenic architectural tour, a tour of the Tony Bish ‘Egg’ Barrel room, and a wine tasting at the Urban Winery before a gin-tasting at Napier’s renowned National Distillery Company next door.
Discover the beauty of Hawke’s Bay from the back of a two-wheeler by embarking on one of the many local, guided cycling trails. Taking advantage of the trails that span the region, a guided, multi-day cycling tour will see visitors take in an impressive amount of Hawke’s Bay’s natural beauty, as well as enjoying some of the area’s delicious food and wine via a number of tasty stops along the way. Able to be customised to suit any desire or ability, these tours promise a fun, physical activity that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in everything Hawke’s Bay has to offer.
Heading to Hawke’s Bay? Consult Denizen’s Insider Guide on all the best places to eat and drink in the region here, as well as Denizen’s Insider Guide on the absolute best places to stay here.
To flout the mid-century modern archetype that is synonymous with Palm Springs is a bold statement for any home in the desert, which is why a project like Desert Palisades could only have been undertaken by someone with a clear vision and a clever eye. It is hardly surprising then, that it was Brett Woods (of Los Angeles-based architectural studio Woods + Dangaran), who conceived the four-bedroom house as a weekend getaway spot for his family that would offer a true escape from the city. As such, Desert Palisades has been carefully designed to work in harmony with its surrounding landscape and to offer a fresh perspective on the Palm Springs we know.
Surrounded by rocky boulders, the Desert Palisades home stands proudly on a hillside that offers views over the city below. With a facade that combines generous glass windows with large brass panels (designed to patina with time) the structure is as striking as it is perfectly suited to its unique landscape, where the exterior invites light reflections that make it shimmer and almost disappear at times and the long, linear shape punctuated with natural materials hints at the area’s mid-century pedigree.
Capitol Complex chairby Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.
Piedra Black and White Onyx sconce by L’Aviva Home.
That said, Woods was clear on wanting to create something that felt like the antithesis of Palm Springs’ iconic design language, an objective that informed the home’s material palette and finishes. Here, many of the interior design cues have been taken from the landscape, including the use of travertine flooring, muted tones like sage green, dusty pink and sandy brown, and materials like walnut, teak, leather and natural stone. On details like lighting and furniture, pieces such as L’aviva Home’s Piedra Collection sconces and a modern re-edition of Cassina’s Capitol Complex Armchair deliver a kind of contemporary sophistication that really anchors the home in the now.
And while it might defy the area’s common architectural tropes, this home truly embraces its Palm Springs locale via a paved terrace and swimming pool that offer outdoor living at its finest. Here, the use of concrete acts as a connector between the interior and exterior spaces, from the exposed CMU blocks on internal walls to the use of concrete around the pool, the considered use of this material actually saw the home receive the Concrete Masonry Design Awards’ Grand Award earlier this year, a testament to the architect’s unique, innovative vision.
Both a warm family home and a bastion of cool, contemporary design, Desert Palisades embraces a new kind of Palm Springs lifestyle without disregarding its context completely, and is the ultimate place to escape.
Since the unfortunate, Covid-forced closure of La Cigale Markets in Parnell, there has been a market-shaped hole in our hearts that few things have managed to fill. But lovers of sourdough and stracciatella can finally celebrate in style with the announcement that the beloved foodie market is set to return this weekend, with a fresh new face at the helm and a delicious new approach to boot.
Rebranded as Parnell Gastro Markets to reflect the variety of cultures and cuisines on offer (it is no longer French-skewed), the markets will continue to offer much of the same delicious splendour that made them so beloved by Aucklanders for nearly 25 years, and will be open on both Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future.
Expect to see the return of a number of favourite stallholders from the past that have been missing their usual spot, alongside a new cohort of vendors — many of whom have only been running their food businesses since lockdown.
Realised via the devoted vision of new owner Richard Casey, who recently opened the neighbouring Buono Deli (also serving up some of the most delicious, authentic Italian foods), and a few neighbouring friends, the Parnell weekend market promising to make a triumphant return to its former glory. Wholefoods refillery GoodFor, who closed its Parnell store earlier this year, will even be there every weekend with their entire refillery offering in tow — ruling out the need for a trip to the supermarket for your pantry essentials.
On the odd chance you don’t find what you’re seeking in the market stalls, of course, Buono Deli will be on hand to cater to all of your gourmet foodie needs, and then some. And as far as pastries and produce are considered… I, for one, can’t wait to get back to this beautiful weekend spot.
Opening hours: Saturday — Sunday, 8.30am until 2pm.
Parnell Gastro Markets
69 Saint Georges Bay Road,
Parnell, Auckland Central
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