It’s a good problem to have when your neighbourhood bakery business is quite literally bursting at the seams. That was exactly the situation for Kim Mundy and Peter Gardner of Workshop Bread Company, the formerly Sydney-based duo behind Hobsonville Point’s popular Gourmet Gannet. They just needed the space to let it grow.
“We had been looking for more production space for some time. When Olaf’s Bakery in Mount Eden came up for sale, it presented a unique opportunity,” says bakery owner Mundy. “Not only does it allow us to keep up with the demand, but Mount Eden Village has a similar community vibe to Hobsonville. That’s always been at the centre of why we love doing what we do.”
Step into Mount Eden Village and you’ll spot Workshop Bread Co. in a prime spot, right across from the iconic Frasers. The air is thick with the sweet aroma of jalapeño and cheese brioche, buttery Portuguese tarts, and black dorris plum galette, drawing in everyone and their dog. Classic favourites like housemade croissants and bread twists are crafted fresh each morning, while their 25-year-old sourdough starter is old enough to buy you a drink.
Gardner, once an engineer and now a master of dough, honed his craft in one of Sydney’s largest sourdough bakeries. It’s no wonder the pair are devoted to perfecting the fundamentals. Early risers and weary-eyed parents can grab a coffee from 7:00 am, Tuesday through Sunday. You can peek straight into the kitchen to see bakers shaping sourdough and folding croissants in the diffuse morning light.
“Our cafe menu is designed to celebrate our bread. Our mushroom shakshuka with toasted sourdough has quickly become a customer favourite. Similarly, our bacon and egg hot roll, served on our own ciabatta with house-made spicy tomato jam, is also a top-seller.”
With community woven into everything they do, Mundy and Gardner weren’t surprised to see their latest venture quickly embraced by Mount Eden locals. Launching their new spot — open for dine-in and takeaway — came with its share of hurdles. Even so, the couple is eager to share their irresistible baked goods with a whole new audience.
“Our ingredients are minimal,” adds Mundy. “It really is true that all it takes to make great bread is flour, water, salt and time. I think our country white sourdough shows that.” She adds, “Our dedication to quality also extends to the coffee we serve, which is Supreme. Running a business with two young kids means you need a lot of good coffee on hand.”
As for what locals can expect next from the Village’s newest resident? A full dine-in and kids’ menu is already underway.
Workshop Bread Co. isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel — but it might just be the next best thing since sliced bread for Mount Eden locals. “We bake by hand, the traditional way,” says Mundy. “There are no shortcuts — just a dedication to good, honest, and generous food.”
Packed with potential, the springtime knit steps confidently into the season of happy hour drinks and afternoons on and off the green. Demonstrating its casual-cool aptitude, opt for lighter-weight merinos or versatile crochet collars that hit all the right sartorial notes. Think versatility, breathable fabrics, and ease of wear. Our seasonal edit transitions from day to night with sophistication.
A new era begins for Design Warehouse with the opening of its expansive new showroom at 25 Nugent Street, Grafton.
Since 1989, the family-owned brand has been synonymous with timeless outdoor furniture, blending craftsmanship, premium materials, and enduring style. The impressive new 2,800m² space joins a neighbourhood of international design destinations, offering an elevated environment in which to experience the brand’s full collection.
Each piece is crafted from the finest outdoor materials — including Grade-A teak, powder-coated aluminium, marine-grade rope, and high-performance fabrics with UV protection and water-repellent finishes — purpose-built for New Zealand’s diverse climate.
With summer just around the corner and the season for outdoor entertaining with friends and family fast approaching, Design Warehouse’s latest collections have arrived at the perfect time. Whether you’re refreshing a coastal retreat or elevating your city terrace, every piece reflects a commitment to thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and enduring quality.
Discover the new showroom and explore the full collection, all fully assembled, in stock, and ready for nationwide delivery.
Jessica McCormack has built an empire on her unique ability to inject diamonds and jewellery with attitude, creating pieces that pair as effortlessly with everyday denim as they do with couture.
There’s a reason her designs appear, often without fanfare, on the world’s most stylish women. A scroll of Instagram might see Sienna Miller in Gypset hoops and a white tee, or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wearing a Ball n Chain necklace with a pear-shaped diamond pendant. Zoë Kravitz, the brand’s official ambassador, is equally an icon of nonchalant, cool-girl style. Each wears McCormack’s jewels the way they wear everything: with an insouciance that feels utterly authentic. This always-present but never overbearing nature makes McCormack’s pieces part of the woman, not just her outfit — fine jewellery that celebrates life as it unfolds, from career wins and bold beginnings to the once-in-a-lifetime milestones worth marking forever.
It’s a philosophy McCormack lives by, “Love and romantic milestones have always been celebrated with jewellery,” she says, “but today, people are much more open to the idea of commemorating success and transformation in the same way.”
From top left: Jessica McCormack 0.50ct Heart-Shaped Gypset hoop earrings, 2ct Diamond Gypset hoop earrings from Simon James
With three London boutiques, (Carlos Place, Sloane Street, and a new location in Harrods), and a New York store that opened on Madison Ave earlier this year, McCormack and her team see clients worldwide seeking something to symbolise the moments that matter. “Most of our clients are self-purchasing women celebrating promotions, graduations, and important friendship milestones,” she explains. “When a client associates a piece of JM jewellery with their personal achievement, it’s incredibly rewarding for us.”
“The Gypset hoops are our most iconic piece; they’re often right at the top of people’s wish lists.”
That combination of deeply personal meaning and enduring style is what makes her work resonate so powerfully. “We’re naturally associative,” McCormack says. “Having a piece of jewellery that brings back fond memories is a lovely thing.” This explains why her collections often become part of a lifelong story, evolving alongside the wearer. “I have clients who have built collections over the years that celebrate their achievements,” she notes. “Some have beautiful ring stacks with gold Bamboo and Rope rings alongside eternity bands. Others have collected Ball n Chain pendants; I love seeing them layered together, mixing a Diamond pendant with a Hello Sailor Starfish.”
While each piece is designed to stand alone, McCormack has always been conscious of creating jewellery that can grow with its owner. When asked if the idea of lifelong layering was intentional, she says, “Yes, definitely. You can start with something simple, like a diamond button-back or pearl necklace, and build upon it over time.” That longevity is matched by a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring each jewel will stand the test of time and endure for generations. “The quality of the craftsmanship is absolutely vital,” she says. “It’s what makes the piece last and allows it to be worn every day. Finding an exceptional stone to lead the design can transform it into something unforgettable.”
For milestone gifting, some pieces have become go-tos among her clients. The Gypset hoops are often chosen to celebrate work promotions or personal milestones, “They’re our most iconic piece, and so they’re often right at the top of people’s wish lists,” McCormack says. For big birthdays, necklaces take centre stage, “Ball n Chain necklaces are particularly popular because you can then begin to collect the pendants. They make the perfect present, and you become the easiest person to shop for at Christmas!”
Her Beaches collection, with playful yet elegant designs, also resonates with milestone buyers. “The Conch Shell ring or bangle would be the perfect gift to celebrate a birthday or personal achievement,” she suggests, noting that these designs strike a balance between whimsy and timelessness.
“Many of my clients are self-purchasing women who reward their own goals, which I think is really powerful.”
McCormack’s ethos also taps into a wider cultural shift; the rise of self-gifting as a form of self-recognition. “I see more and more people wanting to mark personal milestones that might not have been traditionally celebrated with jewellery before,” she says. “Many of my clients are self-purchasing women who reward their own goals, which I think is really powerful. It is a nod to the idea that one can celebrate their success without being viewed as proud or boastful, it’s now about recognising your own journey and achievements.”
This unapologetic, personal, effortlessly chic attitude is precisely why McCormack’s jewellery has become shorthand for a certain kind of woman: stylish, independent, sentimental, and unafraid of tradition. It’s also why her Instagram is such an effective calling card, showing diamonds styled with everything from vintage denim to sharply tailored blazers. As McCormack puts it, “Our role is to create pieces of the highest quality that are beautiful, timeless, and effortlessly wearable every day.”
Jessica McCormack offers more than just jewellery; her pieces are tangible symbols of life’s most meaningful moments. “An important piece of jewellery often feels appropriately significant enough to mark an important life achievement,” McCormack reflects. “And when that moment is remembered every time you put it on, it becomes priceless.”
Jessica McCormack Lemon Drop Sapphire Pendant from Simon James
Jessica McCormack Emerald-Cut Sapphire Button Back Ring from Simon James
Jessica McCormack Signature Ruby Button Back Necklace from Simon James
Jessica McCormack Asymmetric Emerald-Cut Emerald & Diamond Gypsets from Simon James
There is something almost religious about our pull toward Soul Bar & Bistro during the spring and summer months. Like clockwork, once the weather turns, the allure of our favourite convivial terrace is almost too much to bear.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Few institutions on Auckland’s dining scene can lay claim to the culture or clout of Soul. This is waterfront dining at its very best. The cult favourite stands firmly on its own after 24 years of culinary consistency. This speaks, perhaps, to the dedicated team and stellar service that keep us coming back year after year. The popular viaduct locale has played host to countless milestones over the decades, from birthday celebrations to showers of every iteration, to long-awaited reunions and family get-togethers that, after much deliberation, finally make it out of the group chat.
crumbed pork with kumquat mostarda and chilli sambal
It’s met with excitement, then, to learn that Soul has just updated their tried-and-true dining menu. The update comes right on time for the long-awaited season of outdoor dining and plentiful holiday get-togethers. Alongside some firm favourites and hero dishes with a devout following, lean into seasonal updates like the tuna crudo with watermelon gazpacho, rockmelon, and mint. Try the succulent crumbed pork and kumquat mostarda doused with chilli sambal — a fast favourite among Soul staffers, we’re told.
curious croppers tomato salad with hummus, garlic yoghurt
Classic Italian mainstays receive a boozy refresh, like the Negroni rigatoni: pasta with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce inspired by the flavours of the classic apertivo. For lighter lunch alternatives to share, preferably over a glass of chenin blanc, we suggest market fish served with sundried tomatoes, almonds, and a bright vinaigrette.
Negroni rigatoni with meatballs, tomato and basil
If you’re bringing your appetite, sink your teeth into the sublime Hawke’s Bay rack of lamb. It comes with falafel, labneh and smoky eggplant kasundi. This flavour-filled, Greek-inspired dish can transport you to Crete with a single mouthful. While the new menu boasts several shareable sides and snacks, we’d be remiss not to call out the beef tartare by name. It’s beautifully balanced with a dollop of oyster mayo on a golden potato galette. For the sweet tooth among us, we can attest that the new dessert additions leave no crumbs. The strawberry tres leches cake, complete with pillowy matcha sponge, is the kind of dish you’d devour among friends as the afternoon slips away with what’s left of the sun.
left: vanilla bean crème brûlée with apple crumble and rhubarb ice cream. Right: strawberry tres leches cake with matcha sponge and strawberry gum jam
Soul Bar is the kind of place where the shoulders drop and memories are made. This is where champagne is always a good idea. Here, the best of the Auckland gastronomy scene comes to the fore. If you’ve been ruminating about where to dine now that better weather is finally upon us, consider lunch beneath the flowers firmly in the calendar.
There’s a special kind of synergy that happens when design, sustainability and community intersect. For visionary property developer Patrick Fontein, his new Mangawhai Hills development is the rare kind of project that encompasses all three.
Patrick Fontein
Fontein has spent the last decade researching how the best master-planned, future-led communities work — and how their lessons could shape a self-sustaining, regenerative community here in New Zealand. “Across the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, I’ve studied neighbourhoods where infrastructure, ecology and design work seamlessly together,” Fontein says. “We’ve brought that integration home, in a way that reflects New Zealand’s landscape and values.”
Situated just over an hour out of Auckland’s CBD and sprawled across a breathtaking 185 hectares of natural landscape, Mangawhai Hills presents a new blueprint for how New Zealanders can live well.
Far from another set-and-forget coastal property development, Mangawhai Hills has been conceived with purpose. From day one, every element of this new residential community has been shaped to work with time, not against it. The site has been master-planned with urban-design-led precision, ensuring each home, street and green space connects seamlessly with the land around it — environmentally, architecturally and socially.
Stage One sections, ranging from 1,100 – 1,800 square metres, have just been released to the public for the first time – large, solar-ready sites immersed in native bush and rewilded wetlands, connected by over 15 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. Around half the site is devoted to native restoration and open space, ensuring the landscape remains the heart of the community.
Architectural concept of Patrick Fontein’s Mangawhai Hills project
To ensure the landscape is honoured from start to finish, design guidelines provide a timeless coastal aesthetic that marries with the environment — homes that sit within the land, not on top of it. A simple design-review process safeguards character, consistency, and long-term value. The result is a neighbourhood that will feel curated, considered and deeply connected to place. “Good design isn’t just what you see – it’s how a place works decades from now,” Fontein says. “Every decision here is made with that horizon in mind.”
Mangawhai Hills stands as a mission-driven initiative that goes far beyond strictly residential. Think of a future where design and ecology not only comfortably coexist but future-proof for the generations to follow.
Fontein and his team are pursuing an ambitious goal for the community: full independence across five essential systems—water, wastewater, energy, carbon, and stormwater. Each has been proven internationally, but their integration and adaptation for New Zealand conditions make Mangawhai Hills a genuine first in this country.
From launch, each site is connected to on-site water, wastewater, and solar networks, allowing the community to operate with minimal external impact — and with the confidence that resilience is hard-wired into its infrastructure.
Mangawhai Golf Club
What surrounds Mangawhai Hills is every bit as appealing as what lies within. Just 95 kilometres north of Auckland, Mangawhai has become one of Northland’s most dynamic lifestyle destinations — celebrated for its beaches, golf, boutique eateries, vineyards, wellness offerings, outdoor pursuits, and creative energy.
“Mangawhai is close enough to stay connected to Auckland, but far enough away to truly switch off and feel the land around you,” Fontein says. “That balance – between access and space, community and coast – is what makes it special.”
With limited Stage One sections now available to purchase, ranging from 1,100 to 1,800 square metres, with house-and-land options also offered, Mangawhai Hills invites you to be part of a community shaped by design, grounded in nature, and built to last.
Finding the right chef to lead a global kitchen is rare. This was the case for SkyCity’s culinary director, Lee Sugiandi, who, after a worldwide search, appointed Huami’s new head chef, He Jia.
Originally hailing from Nanjing, China, He Jia’s storied culinary career includes honing his craft at internationally recognised kitchens, including Hakkasan at Emirates Palace, the Shangri-La, the Four Seasons, and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Most recently, He Jia led the kitchen at the world-renowned Mr Chow. The passionate chef’s culinary interest was first sparked in childhood, as he closely shadowed his father in the kitchen, himself a talented chef who cooked for former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.
Huami’s new Head Chef, He Jia
In addition to welcoming a brand new visionary behind the scenes, guests can expect a range of new additions to an already robust pan-Asian menu. While hero dishes like the crispy Peking duck and tobasco prawns aren’t going anywhere in a hurry, new additions include wok-fried New Zealand beef in black pepper sauce, succulent Hokkaido scallops in XO sauce, and sautéed green river shrimp. Among the vegetarian offerings, wild mushrooms with macadamia nuts or spinach egg tofu with oyster mushrooms serve as hearty meat-free alternatives.
teriyaki lobster tail with manuka honey pepper sauce
“Our goal is to be the very best Chinese restaurant in New Zealand,” explains chef He Jia. “We’re focused on technique and tradition working hand-in-hand, and I can’t wait to welcome guests through our doors.”
“He Jia stood out immediately,” adds Lee, of the anticipated new appointment. “His dishes have real character, and he brings that same artistry into every plate at Huami.”
Huami’s Yum cha lunch spread
Huami is SkyCity’s grand homage to Chinese gastronomy, wrapping authentic flavours in contemporary style. The menu spans regional Chinese delights: from fluffy bao that burst with broth to fiery kung pao seafood. The dining room is lavish yet inviting — rich jade tiles, an open duck oven, and the spirited clatter of a busy dim sum service. With an extensive wine and baijiu list and impeccable service, Huami elevates Chinese dining to special-occasion territory while keeping every bite comfortingly authentic.
double fresh chilli quick wok beef tenderloins
The inspired new menu items — now available for guests to enjoy — are positioned as a “journey through China”, combining elements of Cantonese and Shanghai cooking through modern techniques and unique flavour profiles.
“Each dish draws inspiration from regions across China,” says He Jia. “From the bold spice of Sichuan to the refined balance of Huai Yang cooking that I learned from my father — every flavour adds to the story.”
Stay on schedule (and sartorially sound) with a carefully curated wrist stack. Our edit of heirloom-worthy arm candy takes the guesswork out of timeless timekeeping and luxury jewellery combinations.
From the iconic to the decidedly trend-forward, the right watch and bracelet combination should reflect both your style and sensibility. Here are six of the very best stacks, bound to stand the test of time, from now until eternity.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller Watch from Partridge. Lock narrow bangle from Tiffany & Co.
Cartier Panthère de Cartier watch from Partridge. Love bracelet from Cartier
As we barrel towards the end of the calendar year, an itinerary packed with cultural events keeps us satiated for the remainder of spring. From exceptional exhibitions and creative collaborations to local theatre, live comedy, and major headliners, here we present our November Culture Guide — the only reference you need to satisfy your creative cravings and unleash your inner thespian.
When & Where:Saturday 15th November, Spark Arena, Auckland
For the first time ever, Lenny Kravitz lands in Aotearoa with his Blue Electric Light Tour — taking to the stage at Auckland’s Spark Arena on November 15th. Fans can expect all of the iconic hits from the Fly Away singer, alongside new favourites, and that signature Kravitz swagger. Don’t miss out on securing tickets to what’s set to be a career-spanning, high-octane show from the rock legend himself.
When & Where:Tuesday 11th November — Saturday 15th November, Q Theatre, Auckland
Bringing her one-woman show direct from London, celebrated New Zealand thespian Ellie Smith will take over Auckland’s Q Theatre, presenting her solo show, Life on a Loop, from November 11th until November 15th, produced by Peach Theatre Company. Written by and starring Smith, Life on a Loop is a “tender, funny and deeply human look at life in a rest home, told through the eyes of a devoted carer with a big heart.” Smith’s long-awaited return to the local stage marks a milestone moment for New Zealand theatre. Prepare to laugh, cry and be utterly entertained.
When & Where:Thursday 30th October — Saturday 20th December, various locations country-wide
The Royal New Zealand Ballet reimagines The Nutcracker for a Kiwi summer, set against the nostalgia of pōhutukawa blooms, barefoot cricket, and ice creams by the bach. Choreographed by Ty King-Wall, this magical production blends Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with uniquely local traditions for a dazzling festive season.
When & Where:Saturday 8th November until March 2026, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
A must-see for art historians, Pop to Present features a staggering back catalogue of American pop art, on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Opening with an iconic 1948 drip painting by Jackson Pollock, this unparalleled collaboration will feature 52 compelling works that have shaped American art and culture, dating back to 1945. Guests can expect an up-close and personal view of works by Andy Warhol, Benny Andrews, Rosalyn Drexler, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko, Kiki Smith, Clyfford Still, and Cy Twombly, among others. Officially open to view from Saturday, November 8th, Pop to Present will be exhibiting at the Auckland Art Gallery until March 2026.
When & Where:Tuesday 4th November — Sunday 23rd November, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland
Auckland Theatre Company’s revolutionary stage adaptation of the landmark Witi Ihimaera classic Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking, will officially open on November 4th, at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre. Seamlessly weaving te reo Māori and English, the Katie Wolfe-directed play tells the story of Tiri Mahana — a kuia born on the day the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. While intersecting dialects, Woolfe’s all-star cast — masterfully led by Miriama McDowell — confronts race relations, shame, language loss, and sovereignty, while uplifting mana wāhine and celebrating the strength of whakapapa. Expect a no-holds-barred political examination of our history, inviting audiences to “walk alongside Tiri as she faces the turning points that shaped our nation.” Tiri is poised to be one of the most talked-about and poignant theatre events of the year.
When & Where:Saturday 29th November, Western Springs Stadium, Auckland
Marking the first stop on their global Inhale/ExhaleTour of 2025, summer festival favourites Rüfüs du Sol will set Auckland’s Western Springs ablaze on November 29th, taking fans back to where it all began. Experience the whole back catalogue of anthems alongside their groundbreaking new album, with all of the atmosphere and energy we’ve come to expect from the electronic trio. The live set will feature a carefully curated mix of new tracks,Music is Better,Lately, and Pressure, alongside iconic crowd favourites like Innerbloom and Underwater.
When & Where:Auckland: Sunday 23rd November, Monday 24th November, Auckland Town Hall Wellington: Wednesday 26th November, Thursday 27th November, St James Theatre
Boasting a metier that includes some of the most influential alt-rock albums of the past three decades, indie music darlings the Pixies will perform four consecutive New Zealand shows, in Auckland and Wellington, this November. Fans can expect pure nostalgia during night one, with albums Bossanova (1990) and Trompe Le Monde (1991) played from start to finish, followed by a career-spanning set that also highlights their new album, The Night The Zombies Came. The critically acclaimed band behind anthems such as Where Is My Mind will first play Auckland’s Town Hall on November 23rd and 24th, followed by Wellington’s St James Theatre on November 26th and 27th.
When & Where:Throughout November until May 2026, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
Visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to experience Louise Bourgeois: In Private View, a celebration of the life and work of the prolific French-American artist. This free exhibit — on show now until May 2026 — brings together a selection of works sourced from a private collection, available to the public for the very first time. The exhibition spans over six decades of Bourgeois’s highly influential career, from early paint studies to a fabric piece from the final year of her life. Widely known for her sculptures and installations, Bourgeois’s work explored the surreal and the subconscious, often drawing from her own personal experience.
When & Where:Saturday 30th November, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland
Hot off a Glastonbury headline, groundbreaking British artist Loyle Carner will perform in New Zealand for the very first time, taking to the stage at Auckland’s Town Hall on November 30th. Carner, whose unique style blends introspective jazz elements with contemporary British rap, has enjoyed a multitude of career highs this year, including a coveted nomination for the Best Rap Act at the 2025 Brit Awards. With a back catalogue that explores the layered complexities of new fatherhood and childhood memory with positivity and an upbeat flow, Carner’s easy-listening new album, Hopefully!, is well worth a spot on your summer playlist.
Pierre Bonnard, Compotier des Pommes (Bowl of Apples), 1930
When & Where: Throughout November until February 2026, The Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland
For the modernists among us, prepare to marvel at a 15-piece donation of iconic works, courtesy of the estate of New York-based philanthropists, Julian and Josie Robertson. Works include Modernist masterpieces by the likes of Braque, Cezanne, Dalí, Derain, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso, and will be free to view until February 2026.
Immerse yourself in outer space this Spring at Auckland’s Stardome. Among this month’s cultural offerings is an immersive starry-eyed experience set to Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. On Tuesday nights throughout November, join a presenter-led, 360-degree interactive session exploring Ngā Whetū o Kōanga (The Stars of Spring) to gain an introductory understanding of Māori astronomy and the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Little ones will be delighted by the return of Starry Storytime, back by popular demand on November 15th at 10 am. The relaxed parent-and-baby sessions will feature read-alouds of beloved children’s stories, such as Flit the Fantail by Kat Quinn.
When & Where:Throughout November, Sanderson Gallery, Auckland
Aptly named to celebrate his seventy-fifth year, mixed-media sculptor Ray Haydon’s Seventy Five will exhibit at Sanderson throughout November. The forthcoming exhibition explores the artist’s expansive metier, spanning over two decades. Haydon’s practice, which utilises negative space through flowing, spiralised lines of bronze, corten steel, wood, and carbon fibre, captures the very essence of movement and the dynamic nature of the three-dimensional. Among the standout pieces on show is Advance — a scaled-up version of an early piece Haydon exhibited with Sanderson in 2005. The stunning work is made of bronze and finished with the patina of Māori greenstone or “Pounamu” and loosely inspired by the work of iconic American sculptor Richard Serra.
When & Where: Thursday 6th November — Sunday 9th November, Academy Cinema, Auckland
Auckland’s Academy Cinema will play host to The Japanese Film Festival from November 6th to November 9th. Throughout the anticipated three-day event, six Japanese films will be screened (with English subtitles), spanning diverse genres. Among this year’s standouts is Yudo — an offbeat, Wes Anderson-esque comedy penned by Oscar-winning screenwriter Kundō Koyama (Departures). Set in a provincial bathhouse called Marukin Hot Springs, the film explores the revered Japanese ritual of bathing with unexpected humour and wit. Through sharp dialogue and visually stunning cinematography, the film examines the unusual guests while exploring the tension between business partners and brothers, Shirō (Tōma Ikuta) and Gorō (Gaku Hamada). Piqued as the “perfect entry into the quirks of discipline in Japanese culture,” we highly recommend a watch.
When & Where:Thursday 20th November — Tuesday 9th December, Foenander Gallery, Auckland
Seek creative respite at Föenander Galleries Summer Edition, opening November 20th through December 9th. The show will feature an impressive cohort of like-minded collaborators, including artists Jess Swney, Andrea Bolima, Nick Herd, Roger Mortimer, Monica Rani Rudhar, and Monique Lacey. From tactile canvases to smaller painterly studies and thought-provoking textiles, relish in the unique opportunity to surround yourself with this calibre of artistry under the same roof.
When & Where:Friday 21st November, Civic Theatre, Auckland
Taking centre stage at Auckland’s Civic Theatre on November 21st, New Zealand’s seminal dance troupe Black Grace will perform a double bill. Audiences will experience If Ever There Was A Time — a world premiere by director Neil Ieremia, ONZM, alongside the late choreographer Paul Taylor’s seminal Esplanade, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Esplanade is one of modern dance’s most influential works, and November marks the very first time a local dance company has been licensed to perform it. Dynamic, diverse, and profoundly moving — don’t miss the unique opportunity to enjoy Black Grace’s artistry firsthand.
With its 2025 holiday campaign, Tiffany & Co. reaffirms its place as the ultimate house of love and luxury — starring actor Anya Taylor-Joy in a cinematic celebration of connection, heritage, and timeless beauty.
Few boxes in the world hold as much meaning as Tiffany’s — the iconic Tiffany Blue symbolises not just luxury, but pure emotion. In its 2025 holiday campaign, Love Is a Gift, the storied jeweller turns that feeling into film, enlisting global ambassador Anya Taylor-Joy to lead a dazzling ode to love in all its forms.
Shot in Los Angeles by director Jonas Lindstroem, with stills by Carlijn Jacobs, the campaign unfurls like a cinematic love letter — equal parts glamour, sentiment and modern storytelling.
Taylor-Joy, radiant and effortlessly poised, embarks on a journey from New York to London, Tokyo and beyond, tracing the paths of Tiffany’s Blue Boxes as they pass from hand to hand, heart to heart.
Anchored by the campaign’s central motif — a flowing white satin ribbon — the narrative captures the many expressions of love: romantic, familial and self. Each moment finds its visual echo in the jewels Taylor-Joy wears, from the sculptural forms of Tiffany HardWear to the elegance of the Lock, T and Knot collections. There’s also a luminous preview of the Bird on a Rock collection — a signature design reinvented for a new generation of collectors.
Yet what makes the campaign so compelling is its intimacy. Amid the grandeur of the season, it reminds us that the most precious gifts are not material, but instead felt in the exchange itself — a sentiment sealed in Anya’s closing words: “And whether shared with another or with ourselves, love, in all its facets, is the most precious gift of all.”
Concluding on the snow-dusted streets of New York City, outside Tiffany’s iconic Landmark store, Love Is a Gift captures the rare balance of nostalgia and newness that defines the house today. It’s a campaign that doesn’t just celebrate jewellery — it celebrates the emotion that inspires it.
Tiffany & Co. once again proves that love, like craftsmanship, never goes out of style.
Minotti’s 2025 Sofa Collection celebrates the brand’s mastery of modern living with two new silhouettes that perfectly balance artistry and comfort. Each piece captures the Italian atelier’s signature ability to merge form and function, creating interiors that feel both deeply personal and effortlessly refined.
The Bézier system, designed by Studio MK27, redefines modular seating with fluid, organic lines that can be endlessly configured. Inspired by parametric curves and Brazilian modernism, its sculptural rhythm transforms any space into a living landscape.
Meanwhile, the Coupé Sofais a statement in sculptural simplicity. Defined by rounded, overlapping volumes and an elegant nod to 60s and 70s design, it offers an invitingly deep seat enhanced by an ergonomic incline, padded headrest, and tailored lumbar support. Subtle tone-on-tone stitching and couture-inspired details reflect the house’s uncompromising craftsmanship.
The complete 2025 Collection is now available to view at Minotti Studio, ECC Auckland
As we finally start to thaw out and look ahead to long lunches and revived spring menus, preferably with a seat in the sun, there’s no time quite like the present to fill the calendar with November dining events. From annual wine pop-ups to much-anticipated culinary collaborations, we like to think of spring as the perfect precursor to the festive season ahead. In a bid to keep you well-fed from start to finish, consult our dining guide for the best foodie happenings to know about (and book into) throughout November.
Celebrate spring’s most appropriate pairing — flowers and champagne — at a special afternoon of Bubbles and Blush. Huami’s Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar transforms into a floral atelier, part sensory escape, part social indulgence. Guests are invited to create something beautiful, guided by the floral artistry of talented florists from Blush, with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne in hand, set against a lush garden backdrop. Expect a fun afternoon of fragrance, florals, and effervescence, as you sip, snip, and savour delicious dim sum while crafting your own arrangement to take home. Book here.
Saturday 22 November, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm Limited seats available $95 per person
– Guided fresh floral workshop, with an arrangement and a posy bowl to take home – Glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne – Hand-crafted dim sum basket
After a typically wet and weary Auckland winter, warmer climes and lighter spring menu edits usher in a welcome change. In keeping with their expansive local wine list (conveniently available by the glass) and a plethora of gastro offerings to boot, Somm’s October menu edit has arrived at precisely the right time. What’s more, to kick start the summer season in one of our favourite seaside locales, Somm Sundowns has officially returned, offering an extended happy hour menu from 4 pm until 6 pm daily.
‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels from Knead on Benson
‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels, courtesy of Remuera’s favourite local bakery. Available from October 27 right up until Christmas, this year’s seasonal selection includes a nostalgic runlist of tried and true gems — think house-made fruit mince tarts, the biscuit selection, Christmas cake and the almost too-pretty-to-eat gingerbread tree.
SkyCity’s epic food festival, Served, will return this November. Among this year’s seasonal standouts, the Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar at Huami will return on November 5, running right through until February 1. Sip and savour a PJ flute or bring your appetite and indulge in the Bird Cage Platter for $45, including four standout dishes from the dim sum menu.
It’s the season for giving — and dining out has never felt more rewarding. From November 1 to December 31, 61 of the country’s favourite restaurants are joining forces for the 13th annual DineAid Christmas campaign, proving that a little generosity can go a long way. The initiative encourages diners to add a $3 donation to their bill, or $1–$3 to a featured dish or cocktail, with every cent going directly to City Missions across Aotearoa.
Thanks to the generous backing of Precinct Properties, one hundred per cent of donations raised will help fund food banks and community kitchens through City Missions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, reaching more than 135 distribution points nationwide. It’s a deliciously simple way to do good while enjoying a long lunch or festive dinner out.
Founder Mark Gregory says, “We’re so grateful to the restaurants and diners who show up for DineAid each year — their kindness makes a tangible difference to families in need.”
So this festive season, eat, drink and give generously — because every bite counts.
The DineAid Christmas Campaign runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025. For a full list of participating venues, click here.
Treat your resident whiskey connoisseur or brush up on your own knowledge at one of Ayrburn’s Whiskey Flights. Guests will enjoy a range of artisanal drops from time-honoured distilleries in both Ireland and Central Otago. Designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, the full flight allows guests to sample the very best on offer, alongside a curated selection of cheeses and gourmet chocolate. No booking required, settle into Ayrburn’s Vintner’s Bar and let the atmosphere take hold. Available from 11:30 am, 7 days a week.
A firm fixture on our spring calendar, the one-and-only Maison Vauron is back with their hotly anticipated Rosé Market Day — just in case that European holiday was starting to feel very far away. This free event will take place on Saturday, November 8, and features over 20 rosé wines from boutique producers across regions like Provence, Méditerranée, Bandol, Bordeaux, Loire, Beaujolais, and the Languedoc. Guests will be treated to live music, an array of French food trucks, and cheese from La Fromagerie, served alongside fresh cafe fare from L’Atelier du Fromage. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday.
Nothing says “summer’s beckoning” quite like a Spritz. Kicking off on Friday, the 7th of November and scheduled to run for seven full weeks, Campari will take over Bar Ziti’s iconic laneway for the Campari Laneway Sessions series. Expect resident DJs from 5 pm until 8 pm every Friday, a curated selection of spritzes and aperitivo hour between 4 pm and 6 pm.
One for the entire family to enjoy, Kohi Beach will resume its Fish & Chips Pop-up from the end of October. Make full use of the extended daylight hours and treat little gourmands to the full line-up of Kiwi classics — think fish burgers, prawn toasts, hot chips and cray rolls.
Officially reopening to a steadfast and true loyal following on Wednesday, October 22, the beloved Auckland eatery has quite literally never looked better — with a fresh new spring menu to boot. Diners can expect to be thoroughly impressed by the additions, including the melt-in-your-mouth bruschetta toasts topped with smoked fish, green tomatoes and capers, or the deliciously shareable Vitello Tonnato with rose veal, tuna mayo and caper berries. Sitting neatly alongside hero dishes with cult followings, the newest gastronomic delights further bolster a menu that, quite frankly, needs no introduction.
Our go-to for a well-balanced Bibimbap or impromptu takeaway night, Gaja has fast become one of Auckland’s best Korean eateries. What’s more, the Ponsonby Central mainstay has just released a new, improved spring menu, featuring no dishes over $20. We suggest you gather your friends and indulge in Seoul’s authentic flavours.
Bar Magda’s fourth vintage — 2024 Magda “heart breaker”
Tucked down a Cross Street staircase, Bar Magda feels like a sultry little secret — a low-lit lair where Aotearoa’s seasonal bounty meets Filipino soul. Chef Carlo Buenaventura’s menu never misses, and with a $65-per-person set menu and no corkage fee, it’s high time to pay a visit (if you haven’t already). What’s more, this hidden gem has recently introduced their very own vintage, the 2024 Magda — a tannin-rich, chilled red blend, produced by Brood fermentation in Nelson, in collaboration with chef Carlo — we strongly suggest keeping Bar Magda in steady rotation.
Enjoy High Tea in the Libraries and devour an array of sweet and savoury delights
Offering a curated combination of art, design, and culinary delights, High Tea in The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart is back, featuring a whole host of contemporary delicacies crafted by executive chef Andrew Lautenbach. Drawing inspiration from his favourite childhood sweet treats, guests will be welcomed to the space with a glass of No1 Family Estate Assemblé, followed by a selection of teas from Zealong. An afternoon in The Hotel Britomart, devouring an array of sweet and savoury delights — sounds heavenly.
Wine-lovers, mark your calendars. Lawson’s Dry Hills’ chief winemaker Marcus Wright and Kingi’s head chef Stefania Palermo will come together to host a casual, free-flowing tasting on November 26 in the Kingi courtyard. For $57 per person, guests can expect tailored food and wine pairings alongside insights into both the vineyards and intricacies of the winemaking process, celebrating the very best of the Marlborough region.
In a bid to keep spirits high until summer, make a beeline to Commercial Bay to enjoy the welcome return of Advieh’s Happy Hour. Available daily from 3 pm until 7 pm, the new and improved menu includes an impressive lineup of cocktails and bar snacks. Hero libations include the Wild Dahlia Roots — a refreshing combination of gin, crème de cassis, pomegranate shrub, lemonade, coconut and lime foam. Chef’s kiss.
Treat yourself to flavours from around the globe in the very heart of Auckland’s CBD, with Silo Park’s beloved Auckland Night Market, now back in full force. Open every Saturday from 4 pm until midnight and Sunday from 4 pm-11 pm, the city comes to life throughout summer withcolourful stalls, live music, and a mouth-watering array of street eats.
Set against one of the city’s most breathtaking backdrops, the much-loved Queens Rooftop is turning up the excitement this November, all to champion a worthy cause. From November 28 at 12 pm to November 29, DJ Tim Richards will spin non-stop for 24 hours. The aim: raise $10,000 for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
All weekend long, Queens will come alive with music and community happenings, from a ticketed late-night party to a sunrise breakfast featuring Allpress coffee, Morning Made matcha, and a rolling Bloody Mary cart. The festivities will finish strong with the Queens Record Fair, where crate-digging and good vibes take centre stage.
Queens is also joining forces with DineAid this November and December, giving $1 from every Balter sold at Takapuna Surf Club and Queens Rooftop to support food banks this Christmas. There’s never been a better reason to raise a glass as the festive season approaches.
Getting thirsty waiting for that longed for tipple? Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re served swiftly, time and time again.
Be on your game. Space is at a premium when you are bar side. There is only a fleeting moment before the tiny slice of space left behind some other reveler is swallowed up by a bar goer with better reflexes, so it’s best to be nimble.
Once you’ve established prized bar real estate, it’s time for initial eye contact. Please don’t linger and stare seductively, quick eye contact will suffice. Bartenders have seen every trick in the flirt-to-get-drinks book. Try and wink, snap fingers or worse yet, bang on the bar, and you’ve got yourself a 20 minute wait. Also, no gesturing wildly please, you’re not haggling at a fish market. Bartenders have remarkable peripheral vision, so when you think they haven’t seen you they are probably just ignoring you.
Finally, once you’ve got their attention, remember that simple drink orders communicated clearly and politely always win over awkward winks, brash yelling, absent manners or complex mixology.
Few libations hit the spot like an ice cold beer. Whether you prefer yours in a chalice or straight from the green bottle, what could possibly elevate such a sacred experience, you ask? Try the perfect food pairing. Enter The Stella Artois Serve.
As far as we’re concerned, the best way to elevate the art of beer drinking is with good food, and despite years of affirmation, that doesn’t have to mean a greasy pub meal or hot chips doused in vinegar.
Throughout the month of November, two beloved upscale eateries — and culinary institutions in their own right — will partner with Stella Artois, to each create an individual dish in perfect harmony with the 600-year-old legacy beer brand’s signature flavour profile.
Jervois Steak House’s T-bone Steak
For Aucklanders’ the inimitable Jervois Steak House will be on a mission to reaffirm their position as purveyors of the perfect steak, offering diners a melt-in-your-mouth T-bone cut, served New York style, finished with a lick of bone marrow butter and creamed spinach, to be washed down with a perfectly poured chalice of Stella Artois. As if we needed any further convincing that JSH is indeed a cut above the rest.
Here, steak is more than simply a cut of meat — it’s an ancient art form, an out-of-body experience. Charred edges, succulent centres, rich marbling, paired sauces, sides that transgress from best supporting to main characters — it’s the whole picture.
Harbourside’s Thyme and Lemon crumbed chicken with Lemon Risotto
For those slightly further afield in Tauranga, beloved family-owned-and-operated Harbourside is offering a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired take on the ideal Stella Artois pairing. Their spin on what makes the perfect accompaniment? Try thyme and lemon crumbed chicken served on a bed of preserved lemon risotto, finished with a caper and currant butter sauce and a side of fresh bocconcini. Chef’s kiss.
Harbourside Chef Cameron Ward
Holding pride of place and overlooking the glittering Tauranga Harbour, head chef Cameron Ward serves his dish interpretation by utilising seasonal produce heroes and fresh flavours. Tender chicken is coated in a delicate thyme and lemon crumb, delivering a golden, crisp exterior that gives way to succulent, juicy meat.
Already salivating? You’re not alone. Visit Jervois Steakhouse and Harbourside Eatery to secure your November booking to try either restaurant’s The Stella Artois Serve.
Poliform’s Phoenix kitchen merges architectural precision with Italian elegance, elevating the heart of the home.
The Phoenix kitchen by Poliform embodies a vision of living where refined design meets everyday functionality. Defined by clean lines and subtle proportions, it conveys a sense of timeless modernity, while offering complete flexibility through modular configurations and exquisite material choices. Integrated handles, slim profiles, and seamless surfaces create a light, architectural aesthetic that feels both discreet and sophisticated.
Beyond its beauty, the Phoenix is designed for living — ergonomic layouts, intuitive storage, and customisable finishes adapt perfectly to contemporary lifestyles. As a centrepiece, it exemplifies Poliform’s philosophy: the kitchen as both a functional hub and a statement of style.
With Halloween now upon us, it’s high time to make sure that all family members are costume-ready for October 31 — that includes any four-legged friends.
From food-inspired fits to Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl, there are few things in life that’ll spike your dopamine quite like trawling for dog-friendly Halloween costumes. Here are a handful of this year’s standouts.
Pirate
A pirate pug? Adorable. This one lends itself to the perfect owner-pet coordinated costume moment. Bonus points for the little Captain Hook paws.
Life of a Showgirl
Channel Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album and go full Showdog this spooky season. Nothing turns heads at the local dog park quite like top-to-toe sequins.
Dirty Martini
Serving as both an homage to the classic cocktail and a powerful way to reframe the dreaded cone, this dirty martini costume never gets old and is surprisingly easy to achieve.
Sometimes, a short work week calls for an impromptu takeaway dinner that hits all of the right notes with none of the fuss — think a crowd-pleasing mac & cheese or an even heartier bolognese. Enter, Needo — your trusty local purveyors of freshly-made pasta to-go, now with a brand new outpost in Auckland’s Mt Eden.
From its food truck conception back in 2013, the Mt Eden eatery marks Needo’s fourth locale to date, joining a line-up that includes Auckland’s CBD, Commercial Bay, and Manawa Bay. The formula here is relatively simple: wholesome and hearty portions of freshly-made pasta alongside pizza by the slice and a handful of trusty salads and sides, boasting the kind of quality, convenience and nostalgia previously reserved for a home-cooked meal.
Needo Mt Eden. Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti
The menu here reads like a run-list of tried and true favourites; think creamy carbonara and mushroom spaghetti, heaped with nutty parmesan cheese, or the red sauce-dominant pomodoro macaroni, best mopped up with warm garlic knots or buttery garlic brioche.
POMODORO Macaroni
If the mood for casual Italian strikes, we suggest leaving dinner plans up to the pros and making a beeline for Needo’s new outpost. While diners are welcome to stay and enjoy the relaxed yet contemporary atmosphere at all four Needo restaurants, the grab-and-go convenience here makes it easier than ever to enjoy homemade quality Italian in the comfort of home. No judgement here.
Few Auckland eateries hold the culinary clout of the Michael Meredith helmed Metita. In fact, it’s hard to believe that the SkyCity eatery was only established two years ago.
To celebrate Metita’s second birthday, the award-winning restaurant will partner with Apéro’s chef Leslie Hottiaux, in a milestone event that brings together two highly acclaimed chefs at the very top of their game.
Left: Leslie Hottiaux of Apéro. Right: Wood-Fired Duck Breast
On Wednesday November 12th, from 6pm onwards, Metita’s guests will be treated to an 11-dish French Polynesian feast of epic proportions, featuring a menu that blends the very heart and soul of the Pacific, heralding chef Meredith’s Samoan lineage, with the refinement of French cuisine — reminiscent of what you’d expect from the K-Road mainstay. On arrival, guests will receive a cocktail and a series of reimagined snacks, followed with a menu that delights the senses at every turn. It’s a fitting culmination of culture and craft from two of the country’s finest.
Metita
“When I thought about how to celebrate Metita turning two, I wanted to do something that truly reflects what I love most about food — connection, collaboration, and culture,” says chef Meredith.
“For me, Apéro has always been one of Auckland’s most special restaurants. Leslie and Mo have created a space that feels honest and soulful and Leslie’s cooking has this ability to transport you somewhere else entirely. So, to mark our second birthday, Leslie will join me in the kitchen, blending French cuisine with the warmth and depth of Pacific flavours, to create something unique.”
Left: Tuna, buffalo curd with watermelon. Right: Michael Meredith
A culinary collaboration of this calibre doesn’t come around all too often, so be sure to secure your tickets for what’s destined to be one unforgettable night.
Bookings are now open for Wednesday, 12th November. Secure your spot here.
What happens when you task three chefs at the very top of their game with creating a snack to pair with the world’s most renowned champagne? A bite-sized morsel of magic, that’s what.
From Friday October 31st, executive chefs Gareth Stewart, Ryan Moore and Paul Froggatt will each curate a bite-sized snack in collaboration with Dom Pérignon’s iconic 2013 Vintage — a well-balanced champagne that epitomises the luxury Maison’s unwavering commitment to creative and harmonious assemblage.
All three chefs will create their own signature bite to be served at their respective eateries — Advieh, The Wine Room, and ROKI Collection Queenstown — as a complimentary amuse bouche to sit in harmony with the standout vintage, orchestrating a single moment of culinary perfection.
With any glass of Dom Pérignon 2013 purchased from October 31st until December 10th, diners will be invited to experience this exclusive and collaborative culinary series firsthand, receiving a single chef-crafted bite at any one of the three venues. To really elevate the experience, buy a bottle of Vintage 2013 and receive up to six chef-crafted bites to be savoured among friends.
For Dom Pérignon, the pursuit of a vintage means an unyielding commitment to the harvest from a single year, immortalising a moment in time through process and precision. It’s this commitment to both legacy and time-honoured tradition that has solidified the luxury champagne house and its place in the history books.
The 2013 release is no exception. Widely recognised as a vintage with a signature profile that’s both luminous, expressive and full of contrast — it’s little wonder why this bottle deserves a bite-sized moment all of its own.
Here’s what to expect at all three eateries from October 31st onwards.
Chef Ryan Moore’s Signature Bite: Kingfish Rösti, Preserved Lemon, Nori Mustard, Shiso, Caviar.
The Wine Room by David Nash is Freemans Bay’s definitive wine-lovers’ retreat — blending boutique cellar, tasting theatre and intelligent bar fare. Executive Chef Ryan Moore has mastered the culinary offerings here, with his bite-sized kingfish rösti no exception. Hints of shiso and the acidity of preserved lemon take the traditional kingfish and champagne combination to all new heights.
Chef Paul Froggatt’s Signature Bite: Seaweed tempura of Green Asparagus wrapped in Dandelion, Sorrel, Aioli and fermented Lime with a Roast Chicken Hollandaise.
Offering a delightfully seasonal take on what might best elevate Dom Pérignon’s 2013 flavour profile, ROKI’s chef Paul Froggatt expertly cuts through the richness of the asparagus and creamy hollandaise, bringing the flavours of the South Island to the plate in one single and sublime mouthful.
Chef Gareth Stewart’s Signature Bite: Egg n’ Chips — Agria cooked in Wagyu Beef Tallow, Smoked Yolk, Caviar.
An inspired twist on the classic champagne and caviar combination, chef Gareth Stewart’s interpretation is bound to delight the senses. The saltiness of the caviar, starchiness of the potato and beef tallow paired with the subtle effervescence of Dom Pérignon’s 2013 vintage, create a heavenly contrast.
In Celtic tradition, the night of Halloween marked the worlds of the living and the dead becoming misty and blurred. From devil-worship to well-dressed cults, immerse yourself in the mingling realms of fashion and frights this October 31st, with our pick of the most stylish Halloween movies of all time.
Rear Window (1954)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window may have found its thrill in the themes of voyeurism, but watching Grace Kelly’s stylish turn is what really entices us to this acclaimed film. As fashion model Lisa Fremont (who is the girlfriend of a home-bound photographer who suspects one of his neighbours is a murderer), Kelly is dressed by revered costume designer Edith Head in the elegant height of 50s fashion — from the Parisian New Look complete with a pearl choker to a flowing silk and chiffon nightgown. Style level: 9/10 Spook level 5/10
The Birds (1963)
Yes, another Hitchcock — but as any aficionado will know, The Birds is one of the director’s most masterful movies. Adapted from a short story by the equally epic gothic writer Daphne du Maurier, it is a full-colour horror to cacophonous sound effects. Tippi Hedren donned the now iconic Chanel-inspired ‘eau de nil’ green skirt suit for the main scenes of running-scared socialite Melanie Davis. As well as its sleek fashions, the film has stood the test of time thanks to its cinematography technique and chic. Style level: 8/10 Spook level 6/10
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Scream queen Winona Ryder returns to the big screen in this reimagined cult classic. Almost three decades after the original 1988 film hit cinemas, Lydia Deetz returns, this time as a mother, struggling to protect her teenage daughter (played by Wednesday‘s Jenna Ortega) from a haunting of her own. With Tim Burton returning to the director’s chair and featuring much of the original cast that includes the likes of Michael Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, the 2024 remake boasts a stellar line-up, with the addition of Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe. As far as the wardrobe goes — expertly led by costume designer Colleen Atwood — expect plenty of 1980s nostalgia, goth-glam peplums, wide stripes and suiting (synonymous with Ryder’s own personal style). Style level: 8/10 Spook level: 5/10
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Another carefully executed remake, the follow up to the beloved 1993 original sees the return of our favourite trio of witches, with Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica-Parker and Kathy Najimy all reprising their original roles. Designer Salvador Perez takes the reigns from original costume designer Mary E. Vogt, paying homage to the first film with sumptuous fabrics, lush velvets, plenty of corseting and chiffon. The sequel picks up 29 years after the sisters were resurrected by the Black Flame Candle, and follows Salem teenagers Becca and Izzy, as they prepare to celebrate Halloween and Becca’s 16th birthday. Naturally, the plot thickens and misadventure takes hold of the witchy town of Salem once the witches get involved. Style level: 7.5/10 Spook level: 3/10
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Starring Mia Farrow as a wide-eyed Rosemary, this psychological thriller had a notable impact on both cinema-goers and fashion designers. The sixties shifts and pinafores became emblematic of the era, with references since seen in the collections of Miuccia Prada and Joseph Altuzarra. While the film is slow to start — especially for modern movie watchers — the subject matter (being impregnated by the devil) is certainly disturbing, and it has some of the most suspenseful scenes we’ve seen. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 7/10
Carrie (1976)
The film that catapulted Sissy Spacek and John Travolta to fame, Carrie is a horror for the ages. It follows what happens after the titular character unleashes her telekinetic powers at her school ball, after being humiliated by her classmates. The most profound pink gown ever worn to a prom, it starts as a soft silk slip before it becomes blood-soaked. Talk about killer style. Style level: 6/10 Spook level: 6/10
The Hunger (1983)
Capturing the timeless beauty of Catherine Deneuve, the cruel elegance of David Bowie, and the open sensuality of Susan Sarandon, The Hunger created the most stylish vampire love triangle on-screen (and there’ve been a few). For Tony Scott’s directorial debut, no expense was spared on the costuming, which included Yves Saint Laurent suits and historical costumes by the Tirelli tailoring house. Okay, so the ’80s effects are not so riveting now, but the perverse fear portrayed will still get your heart racing. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 4/10
Heavenly Creatures (1994)
One of the most haunting films in recent memory, the Peter Jackson classic stars a young Kate Winslet alongside our very own Melanie Lynskey. The film documents the true crime story of the notorious 1954 Parker–Hulme murder case in Christchurch, New Zealand, examining the relationship between teenage girls — Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme — ahead of the brutal killing of Parker’s mother. Wardrobe designer Ngila Dickson perfects the cinched ’50s silhouette throughout, bringing an ultra feminine quality to a truly gruesome crime thriller. Spanning cinematic genres and eerily disturbing from start to finish, Heavenly Creatures stays with you long after the final credits roll.
Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 5/10
Death Becomes Her (1992)
In an eternal quest for youth, rivals Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn become undead Beverly Hills style icons in this cult classic film. As well as their iconic gowns, Isabella Rossellini’s dark-arts character, Lisle Von Rhuman, manages to wear the witchcraft that is bejewelled crop tops. While it’s much more fun than fright, this ahead-of-its-time feminist film is worth a watch. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 3/10
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993)
Francis Ford Coppola’s naughty-nineties horror starring Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves and Anthony Hopkins takes from the original Dracula novel, and dresses it up to a vampish vampiric effect. Like most cult classics, it’s a camp feast that keeps our attention through the co-ordinated costuming more than anything else — especially Dracula’s bride’s outlandish lace coffin-gown. Style level: 6/10 Spook level: 4/10
Practical Magic (1998)
While it’s categorised as a romance fantasy, there are elements of Practical Magic that are certainly horrifying. Based on the novel by Alice Hoffman, it sees sister witches — played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman — become deathly unlucky in love. At the peak of 90s style, Kidman’s character, in particular, has become a bewitching style icon. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 3/10
American Psycho (2000)
As the best dressed potential serial killer we know, Patrick Bateman sure knows how to select a sharply tailored suit, and a transparent raincoat to boot. Christian Bale really throws himself at his immoral investment banker character who dresses to kill — making him fashionable fodder for a last-minute Halloween costume too. While the film is much more enjoyable to sit through than the more despicably detailed novel by Bret Easton Ellis, it’s still not for the faint-hearted. Style level: 8/10 Spook level: 8/10
Suspiria (2018)
A remake of the menacing ballet thriller of the 70s, the latest Suspiria from Luca Guadagnino tells the story of the ambitious characters and coven through show-stopping costumes. With something much more sinister playing out behind the scenes at the dance academy, there are clues in every detailed item of clothing worn by Susie, played impeccably by Dakota Johnson, and Madam Blanc, terrifying embodied by Tilda Swinton. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 8/10
Midsommar (2019)
This folk horror is one of Ari Aster’s most watchable scary movies, its sunny disposition and a stellar performance by Florence Pugh distracting from its scarcely interspersed, gory scenes. From the interesting interiors to one very stylish long-lunch in the meadow, the mise-en-scène is simply mesmerising. Inspired by traditional Swedish festival costumes, the folkdräkt, the white embroidered smocks have garnered a fashion-following, despite their more sinister symbolism in the film. Style level: 8/10 Spook level: 7/10
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