With her quick wit and innate sparkle, it’s no wonder Anita Wigl’it was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow castmates during season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Down Under. The fabulous drag performer is also the co-owner and resident queen of Auckland’s Caluzzi Cabaret, and co-host of Warner Brothers TV show House of Drag. Here, Anita steps off the stage to share some artistic musings.
What do you look like?
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What makes you smile?
What makes you sad?
What’s your secret talent?
What’s your favourite song to perform?
Who is your favourite cultural icon?
What are you excited about?
What is something you’ve never done but would like to?
A lockdown baking favourite, banana bread is back on our radar with a delicious twist thanks to Amelia Ferrier from Melie’s Kitchen. Covered in both a chocolate and espresso glaze, this decadent loaf is just the ticket for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Banana Chocolate Chunk Loaf with Oozy Espresso and Dark Chocolate Glaze Recipe
Ingredients: Banana loaf 3 very ripe bananas ¾ cup caster sugar ¾ cup canola oil 3 eggs 1 ¾ cups self-raising flour 1 tsp vanilla extract ¾ tsp baking soda (sieved to remove any lumps) ¼ tsp table salt 150g milk or dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
Chocolate glaze 40g dark chocolate, roughly chopped ½ tsp canola oil
Espresso glaze 1 ½ cups icing sugar 2-3 Tbsp strong black coffee ½ tsp vanilla extract
To serve Handful of chopped, roasted nuts (optional) Edible flowers (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line a regular-sized loaf tin with baking paper.
2. Peel bananas and add to a large bowl. Mash well with a potato masher or fork, until no chunks remain. Add caster sugar, oil and eggs and whisk well, until combined. Add self-raising flour, vanilla, baking soda and salt measure and whisk again, until just combined. Fold through chocolate chunks.
3. Spoon batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake on the lower-middle oven rack for 45-55 minutes, until golden and risen. A skewer inserted should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
4. Leave to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Once the loaf has cooled, make the glazes. For the chocolate glaze, add dark chocolate to a small heat-proof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst until completely melted. Stir through oil and set aside.
6. For the espresso glaze, add icing sugar to a medium bowl followed by 2 Tbsp of the coffee, vanilla and a pinch of salt (a little pinch of salt is important as this glaze is quite sweet). Whisk well until combined, adding more coffee 1 tsp at a time, until the icing has a thick but drizzle-able consistency. Be careful as it can become quite runny quite easily if you add too much liquid.
7. To assemble, spoon coffee glaze over the top of the loaf, spreading it out to the edges and corners. Let the icing drizzle down the sides of the loaf on its own. Immediately drizzle over the chocolate glaze, then swirl the two glazes together on top with a palette knife or the back of a spoon.
8. Sprinkle over roasted nuts and edible flowers, if desired.
This spring, softly woven bralettes provide intimate wardrobe support — especially when you’ve skipped wearing lingerie with lockdowns of late. Worn with colour-coordinated outfits, they allow a peep into your style prowess. Look for natural fibres, like cashmere, and wear with confidence.
The genius of Frank Gehry is immediately apparent to anyone who has visited the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain or the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, but it’s just as easy to appreciate by taking a seat.
Frank Gehry
Before the blockbuster buildings, Gehry’s fascination with unusual materials hit an early high point with the Wiggle Side Chair. Take a look back at something worth looking down on, in the nicest possible way.
1929: Frank Gehry is born in Toronto and, after working as a radio announcer and truck driver, studies architecture at the University of California and Harvard in the fifties.
1969-1972: Having established his own firm in Los Angeles in 1961, Gehry saw a pile of corrugated cardboard outside his office and started to experiment. Inspired by a childhood spent exploring his grandfather’s hardware shop, Gehry set about creating the Easy Edges furniture series, highlighting the strength and versatility of cardboard.
“I discovered that by alternating the direction of layers of corrugations, the finished board had enough strength to support a small car, and a uniform, velvety texture on all four sides,” he told The Christian Science Monitor in 1972. “I found I could cut these edgeboard sections into geometrical forms, or bend them into sculptural, ribbon-candy folds.”
The shape is reminiscent of Verner Panton’s 1960 fibreglass Panton chair. Gehry’s cardboard pieces were originally designed for artist Robert Irwin’s studio but become popular when produced for the public.
1973: With the ever-growing popularity of the Wiggle Chair, Gehry was worried that it would overshadow his reputation as an architect and stopped production of the Easy Edges collection.
1982: Gehry stopped producing the noise-reducing and environmentally sustainable cardboard furniture, ceding the rights to Vitra. It was a fortuitous relationship with Gehry going on to design the Vitra Design Museum in Weil-am-Rhein, Germany, which opened in 1989.
Ivanhoe Home by Doherty Design Studio
Today: The Wiggle Chair is in New York’s Museum of Modern Art and continues to be used by interior designers to add impact with its unique silhouette and immediate aesthetic integrity. It is available in New Zealand at Matisse.
Around the world, September is the biggest month for fashion — with New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks unfolding one after the other. As the rest of the world returned to the street style schedule, there was a rambunctious range of looks that celebrated being able to dress up again. While we prepare our wardrobes for a return to outings and outfits (soon) we are inspired by the low-key yet luxurious looks that show an assured appreciation of style.
From Christopher Esber’s effortless dresses (available from Muse Boutique) to Chloé’s cult-status Woody tote (now online at Workshop) some key pieces are already on our shores. Snap these up from Auckland’s foremost, forward-thinking boutiques, and thank yourself later.
Right: Kat Collings wears Christopher Esber, brand available at Muse.
From left: Chloé Woody Tote available from Workshop; Filippa K Hutton Trouser available from Workshop.
Aissata Kourouma wears Ganni, brand available at Workshop.
From left: Nanushka Idris Twist Shirt available from Muse; Tibi Suit, brand available from Muse.
Designed, as its name suggests, to be a seat more suited to special occasions (and not to be exposed to the eroding effects of everyday use) the occasional chair is a thing of beauty. Sculptural and serene, it sits in the centre of the living space, or in the corner of a bedroom as a perpetual reminder to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish and put your feet up — even if it is only once or twice a week.
From sensual curves to jutting angles and delightfully awkward structures, the occasional chair comes in a variety of shapes and finishes, suitable for any kind of space. Here, we round up the 10 we’re coveting at the moment.
Long beloved for its ability to add sumptuous texture to an interior arrangement, velvet furniture is still making its presence felt — literally — with tactile charm. Double down on the sensory effect with a piece like Michel Ducaroy’s Togo sofa (pictured below); already distinctive for its bunched fabric rolls, the addition of velvet takes it to another level.
From top to bottom: Amsterdam sofa from BoConcept; Marenco sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex from Studio Italia; Bowy sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina from Matisse.
From left: Togo Fireside Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset; Healey Chair by PearsonLloyd for Walter Knoll from Matisse.
From top to bottom: Pukka Armcahir by Yabu Pushelberg for Ligne Roset; Utrecht Armchair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from Matisse; Ruché Armchair by Inga Sempé for Ligne Roset.
She’s been called New Zealand’s ‘encyclopaedia of design’, and working with a leading supplier of world-class furniture, Matisse, means Caroline Montague is a wealth of knowledge and style. We took the chance over lockdown to quiz her on her current inspirations and frequent fascinations.
My personal style can be defined as: Ironic Havelock North.
The last thing I bought and loved was: The austerely plain Lemaire low heels from La Garçonne.
An unforgettable place I visited was: The giant Sequoia forests in Northern California (currently a fire hazard).
The next place I’d like to go to: Anywhere with snow.
An object I would never part with is: My Andy Warhol silver Elvis Cowboy vase.
On my wish list is: An industrial/hospital-style bathroom.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: A cartoonist.
I am inspired by: Youtube declutterers.
My favourite app is: RNZ for the Concert Programme.
My guilty pleasure is: You can’t have too many furniture books.
My secret talent is: A well-placed backhand.
Private residence in San Sebastian, designed by Andrée Putman in 2005.
My favourite cultural/style icon is: Andrée Putman (French interior and product designer).
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Tom Stoppard: A Life by Hermione Lee.
I can’t miss an episode of: University Challenge, UK Version — Work that cardigan!
In my fridge you’ll always find: S.Pellegrino and not much else.
I recently discovered: I am more likely to show up for a personal trainer.
My favourite website is: 1stdibs.
From Left to right: Zissou in his Tire-Boat, 1911 and Bouboutte, Rouzat, 1908 by Jacques Henri Lartigue.
If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Jacques Henri Lartigue.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Amano — Lamb shoulder with roast potatoes, then rice pudding — an actual proper dinner.
The podcasts I listen to are: Matt Bradshaw’s Coffee Break Tennis.
The best gift I ever received was:Either a hardback set of Proust with the original Enid Marx covers or my apartment.
The latest music I’m loving is: I love Baroque Opera, especially Rameau and Handel — those very weird, avant-garde French and German productions add another layer.
Left to right: Aluminium Group chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller; Alanda Low table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, available from Matisse.
I’m obsessed with the work of: Konstantin Grcic (German industrial designer).
My favourite piece of his work is: Table B Concrete for BD Barcelona.
The one thing people should invest their money in when it comes to furniture is: What they absolutely love and cannot live without. I recommend always buying authentic, original furniture that can be used for a lifetime then handed on. Matisse, of course, has a superb selection of both classic and contemporary designs to meet your requirements.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Comfort is a visual thing.
The word ‘takeaways’ conjures different associations for different people. For some, it’s pizza that gets them daydreaming of dinner, for others, perhaps burgers. For those who immediately start craving a selection of dumplings or a warming, fragrant curry; fresh noodle salads or salty, spicy kimchi, these are the places you should be ordering from.
Saan.
Saan Should a craving for authentic Northern Thai cuisine hit you, look no further than Saan on Ponsonby Road. Offering its fragrant tiger prawn Pad Thai, Mussaman lamb curry, crispy pork belly, and wok-seared eggplant and tofu (to name a few), both contactless pick-up and delivery via Uber Eats are available. Saan’s opening hours for this service are Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Order online here.
Hello Beasty Viaduct Harbour’s Hello Beasty melds Japanese, Korean and Chinese flavours in its punchy, clean and vibrant dishes, and has a take-home menu of dinner packs for between two and four people, which include all the dishes you could desire for a scrumptious feast. Receive a delicious main like chargrilled Sichuan lamb shoulder with sides like broccolini, spring onion flatbreads and rice. Vegetarian options are available, plus individual dishes and sides like karaage chicken, sticky pork buns and chicken katsu sandos. Order online here and follow @eatupbeasty for updates.
Azabu Those with a hankering for Azabu’s supremely fresh Peruvian-Japanese fare will be pleased to hear a selection of its most popular dishes will be coming to a plate near you. Find sushi and sashimi, Nikkei steak, free range chicken karaage, crispy pork belly, prawn dumplings and more, available for pick-up from Azabu’s Ponsonby and Mission Bay locations. Order online here.
Ghost Street.
Ghost Street Recently-opened, subterranean Chinese eatery Ghost Street is all set to bring its flavourful fare to your dining room. A curated menu is available for both pick-up and on Uber Eats for delivery, including delicious dumplings, noodle and rice-based mains, dishes like soy-braised dong po pork belly and fried organic chicken leg with sweet soy black vinegar sauce, plus vegetables and even sweets to finish like Hong Kong-style egg tarts. Available Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Order online here.
Mr Hao Known for its sharing plates and spice-centric fare, look to the level 3 offering of this modern Chinese eatery to impart a kick to your dinner. Mr Hao has come up with a set of ‘comfort meals’ for pre-order, a combination of dishes that are designed to feed either two-to-three or three-to-four people. Dishes on offer include Hao’s spicy chicken wings, fried noodles, dumplings in spicy broth and more. Delivery is available from either of the Dominion Road or Albany locations. Order and see all delivery and payment details here.
Gochu Attention Gochu’s many fans, the Commercial Bay Korean eatery has two of its most popular dishes available for you to eat at home. Order Jason’s Fried Chicken and four-packs of the signature Milk Buns, both designed to reheat and enjoy within your own abode. You can pick-up from a collection point on the ground floor of Commercial Bay or arrange for delivery to selected suburbs. We’ll take ours with a Gochu x Checks t-shirt, thanks. For availability, delivery zones and ordering click here.
White & Wong’s Modern Asian eatery White and Wong’s has its Viaduct and Newmarket location open for contactless pick-ups. From dumplings to warming soups, starters like Peking duck, mains like curry and BBQ’d meats, and much more, you’re in for an at-home feast thanks to the restaurant’s extensive menu. Or if you would prefer to stay at home, you can find them on Uber Eats. Order online here, in person or over the phone.
1947 Inner-city Indian favourite 1947 Eatery has got your curry cravings under control, with a menu full of its most popular dishes available for pick-up and delivery via Uber Eats. Try something from the tandoor or the famous bang bang butter chicken — and the street samosa chaat and garlic naan is a must. Order online here.
Ebisu.
Ebisu Britomart’s elevated Japanese restaurant Ebisu is offering a curated range of its signature dishes including the Ebi Mayo roll, sashimi and sushi platters and the tuna ceviche roll for contactless pick-up online. There is also a new selection of Omakase (chefs choice) set meals, and a range of bottled cocktails, sake, Champagne and wine to add to your order. Children will be well looked after too, with the kid’s sushi platter also available. Order online here.
V.T Station Should a hankering hit you for Indian dishes that pack a punch of flavour, we suggest making Newmarket’s V.T. Station your first port of call. V.T. Station melds fresh ingredients and a street-food sensibility to create its moreish fare. Already adept at serving takeaways, choose from its substantial eat-at-home menu that you can order online for pick-up or delivery via UberEats. Order online here.
Bali Nights A culinary trip to Bali from your bubble just became possible thanks to Bali Nights’ level 3 menu — order delicious street food-style dishes such as beef rendang, nasi goreng and more online and over the phone for contactless pick-up. The team are also working on deliveries, coming soon. Bali Nights’ sister restaurant, Indonesian eatery It’s Java!, also has online ordering available on its website, plus deliveries through Delivereasy and Ubereats. Order Bali Nights online here. And It’s Java! online here.
Ginger When it comes to takeaways, Thai is one of our favourites for fresh and flavoursome fair. Ginger in Remuera is offering contactless takeaways and deliveries on its colourful menu — from classic ka ree puff and tom yum soups to sweet chilli snapper and papaya salad. The team encourages placing orders ahead for the following day, to avoid long expected wait times as its locals rush back. Order online here, or over the phone on 09 523 2626.
Gaja.
Gaja Ponsonby Central’s popular new Korean eatery has a delicious menu available for contactless pick-up. Find a takeaway-friendly selection of its moreish modern Korean fare, including kimchi and tofu or beef brisket Mandu (Korean-style dumplings); various renditions of Korean Fried Chicken; Dupbap bowls; noodles and more. The takeaway service will be running 7 days a week, 12pm — 8:30pm. Order online here or phone 09 600 3466.
Cafe Hanoi A hankering for the freshness and flavour of Vietnamese food can be satiated thanks to Cafe Hanoi’s at-home menu, available for pick-up from its Britomart premises or delivery via Uber Eats. On offer are fresh rice paper rolls, main dishes like wok-seared market fish and roast duck, curries and vegetable dishes, salads and more. Available Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Order online here.
Ockhee Open for both contactless pick-ups and delivery within a 3km radius from its base, beloved Ponsonby Road Korean spot Ockhee has us sorted with its flavourful dishes — from rice-based Dubbap and Bibimbaps, to that moreish fried chicken, noodles, sides and delicious soup kits. The level 3 offering is available Thursday to Sunday, 5pm — 9:30pm with last orders at 9pm. Order online here or call on 09-217-2020.
Tasked with bringing this majestic heritage house into the present day, the team at Alwill Interiors kept colour and mood at the forefront of their approach. Situated in Sydney’s Centennial Park, the home already contained exquisite turn of the century features which, having been lovingly restored, sing when paired with a Bauhaus-tinged modernity.
Fortuny petite floor lamp by Pallucco from Studio Italia.
While natural light was not abundant throughout, Alwill Interiors worked with this inherent quality to create moody spaces that exude a sumptuous romanticism. The main living space is bestowed with impressively large-scaled proportions, and gently curved furniture works to create flow, comfort and softness in contrast to the traditional in-built features. Rounded sofas and chairs invite residents to recline on their organic, cloud-like cushions, while oval rugs, pebble-shaped coffee tables and arched mirrors all hone in on the effect.
Varying shades of paint and wallpaper were utilised to create individual schemes for each room in the house, resulting in a home that offers shifting environments to reflect (and perhaps influence) the dispositions of those within it. In the study, hand-painted silk Wisteria De Gournay wallpaper adorns the walls with inky ambience, melding artful expression in a way that feels characteristically cohesive with the overall aesthetic. The living and dining areas lean into the heritage character with textural grey Porter’s Fresco paint, designed to replicate the plaster walls of ancient European buildings, while white walls and ceilings in both the hallway and the informal living room to the rear of the house assist in bouncing light around for a brighter, fresher effect.
Left: PACHA LOUNGE CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN FOR GUBI from Cult Design, Cloud pendant by Apparatus from ECC. RIght: GRACE DINING CHAIRS BY EMMANUEL GALLINA FOR POLIFORM from Studio Italia.
As well as delving deep into the impactful properties of colour, an understanding of scale and proportion was key to the success of this project. Soaring high ceilings and archways, an imposing fireplace and generous windows require furnishings and object d’art that can hold their own with the substantial quality of the aforementioned aspects. The Apparatus Cloud pendant mirrors the living room furniture’s curves without being too nebulous, its frosted glass orbs adding a contemporary centrepiece that is still in-keeping with the solidity of the home’s structure. Weighty coffee tables peppered throughout provide purposeful sturdiness, and generously-sized seating casts assured forms that avoid being too dinky.
Zefir chair by STUDIOPEPE for baxter, PARSEC DESK BY PIETRO RUSSO FOR Baxter from Cavit and Co.SCULPTURE BY CAROL CRAWFORD.
To introduce welcoming warmth into each space so as to remain comfortable for the young family who live here, plush rugs have been utilised with gratifying enthusiasm, each room’s iteration both complementing and offsetting the curation of furnishings. A long, sandy-hued rug stretches the full length of the entrance and hallway, and in the study an Italian Baxter rug, artisanally crafted from plant-based silk, adds beautiful texture underfoot.
Fundamentally, this home is a supreme showcase of what happens when the existing characteristics are comprehended so attentively, with comfortable and contemporary updates that still manage to celebrate its heritage rather than trying to impress upon it a detached aesthetic.
Such cohesiveness ensures the house will stand the test of time, as it has done so far, with a singular confidence that is never out of style.
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