With the arrival of winter, we all change our wardrobes by subtracting shorts and crop tops and adding jumpers and coats, but many of us are also tempted to mix up our skincare ensembles by editing out sun protection.
While the effects of the sun’s UVB rays are reduced in winter, with less chances of sunburn and redness, UVA rays continue to penetrate the skin. UVA rays are responsible for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface, can penetrate glass and clouds, are responsible for accelerating signs of ageing such as wrinkles and dark spots, along with skin cancers, and continue to cause damage in the colder months. To break it down, your skin is still suffering thanks to the sun in winter.
That’s why dermatologists recommend that you use sunscreen year-round and apply extra protection if you’re planning a trip to the ski slopes, where UV levels are higher and the snow is highly reflective. Don’t forget to reapply sun protection throughout the day and pay attention to lips, hands and other exposed body parts.
Here are our picks of sunscreens to keep your skin safe in winter.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula from Mecca, Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream from Inès, [W.]+ Protective Fluid from Sothys
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum from Sephora, Emma Lewisham Skin Shield from Spring Spa
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ from Smith & Caughey’s, Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen from Inès.
They may have been around since 2014, but NFTs exploded recently, as an extension of the Wild West world of cryptocurrencies. So, what exactly are non-fungible tokens and do you need some?
What are they? An NFT is a unique digital asset, bought and sold online and built in a similar way to cryptocurrency. The non-fungible aspect basically means its totally unique, unable to be interchanged with something of its kind — unlike something like bitcoin, which is fungible, and can be traded like money.
NFTs are not currency, however, they are used as the digital answer to collectables, such as digital art, buying unique digital assets such as the first tweet made by Jack Dorsey and exclusive one-off sneaker designs.
Paris Hilton collaborated with digital artist Blake Kathryn to create a range of NFTs.
Here’s the catch… Say you bought an NFT for an artwork, you’re not actually buying a physical piece of art, you’re buying a digital file of the artwork. What you’re paying for is a certificate of exclusive ownership, the “digital bragging rights” as Forbes describes it, and for many collectors, this is just as exciting.
There is a way you could display an NFT like an artwork, however, given that they are largely built around digital art. Infamous heiress Paris Hilton has jumped on the NFT bandwagon with gusto, having sold over $1.11 million of her own, and also has NFT artworks she has purchased displayed on digital screens in her home — just like something out of The Jetsons.
Mason Rothschild and Eric Ramirez’s animated ‘Baby Birkin’NFT.
Big money moves… The phenomenon is no small thing — the NFT for a purely digital artwork by artist ‘Beeple’ sold recently at Christie’s for a record-breaking $69.3 million USD, the third biggest sale of any artwork by a living artist. An NFT for a 3D animation of an Hermès Birkin bag (printed with an image of an unborn baby) also just sold for the equivalent of $23,500, which is more than an actual, physical Birkin bag retails for.
When an out-of-the-way burger joint doesn’t publish its address anywhere publicly and still sells out, you know it’s doing something right. Such is the case with Lucky Gs, the mysterious yet veritably Insta-famous burger purveyor, now slinging bun encased beauties from a new (still secret, sorry) permanent Auckland location.
Founded by Stan Gong almost a year ago, Lucky Gs was initially set up in an old Chinese takeaway shop on Rosebank Road. The tagline “NOT A BURGER JOINT BUT SERVING BURGERS” rings true, in that Gong’s original idea wasn’t going to be just burgers — he had envisioned setting up a luncheonette, serving filter coffee, pastrami sandwiches and cooked meals like hotcakes, kind of like an elevated Denny’s, he says.
This will still be on the cards by the new year, but seeing as the initial outing of burgers proved so popular, that’s the focus for now. Gong’s background is in the coffee industry, however his natural inclination to put 100 percent of himself into any project he undertakes means Lucky Gs has been his full-time gig since it began.
Lucky Gs serves its signature burgers alongside the likes of fries, fried chicken, and pineapple fritters.
While it was just friends and family that were initially across Lucky Gs first iteration, word soon got out about these mysterious, delicious burgers that could be found in West Auckland. The new location is still under wraps and can be ascertained via word of mouth, a tactic intended to keep Lucky Gs manageable with a firm focus on looking after locals first. Mutual respect between customer and purveyor is of utmost importance to everyone at Lucky Gs, and the basic filtering system is a way of trying to manage this as well.
Hype is a funny thing, though, and this evasiveness has had perhaps the opposite effect of what Gong intended — when they opened in their new spot, customers came from as far away as Hamilton, and he has regulars who visit from Takanini and Manurewa.
So, what makes Lucky Gs burgers so good? They’re not the super-stacked, over-the-top style that has been popular in recent years, but their beauty is in their relative simplicity. “We focus on balance, rather than excessiveness,” says Gong. “The perfect burger is in the ratios; you could give different people the same ingredients, but the result would be completely different every time.”
Lucky Gs uses smash patties for its hamburgers and cheeseburgers, a technique whereby the patty is pressed firmly down on the grill to flatten it, the Maillard reaction creating plenty of caramelisation in the craggy edges. They leave them slightly thicker than the usual smashed standard, for a more juicy burger. The Twice As Nice (perhaps an exception to the “not so stacked” rule) comprises two of these perfectly seasoned patties, with cheese, sauce, salad, and a soft, toasted bun – just the right amount of everything to fully satisfy.
While the Cluck n Luck and Thigh Guy chicken burgers are fast becoming Lucky Gs most popular, we have to say the vegetarian burger was one of the best we’ve ever tried. Eschewing faux meat substitutes, which are often of varying quality, it contains a hash brown, melted cheese, salad, jalapenos and Lucky Gs signature sauce.
Sides are also extremely delicious — shoestring fries come with an addictive ‘special seasoning’ that’s tangy, salty and peppery all at once. Pineapple fritters make a feature of the juicy pineapple with a thin tempura coating rather than the typical heavy batter, and a side of spicy fried chicken is an absolute must if you’re in the mood to truly indulge.
Vegetarian Pocket Rocket burger.
Unsurprisingly, given how they like to operate, Gong tells us they also have a secret menu — almost like a reward scheme for regulars, turn up enough and you might just be given the tip. All these aspects make things quite fun, almost like a game that you have to play to keep levelling up.
Ultimately, Gong and his team are trying to spearhead a new type of hospitality business; one that gives the same level of great service to everyone, no matter their background, but also expects the same courtesy in return from its customers. Musing on why he thinks they’re so popular, Gong attributes Lucky Gs success to these good intentions. “We treat everyone equally. It doesn’t matter if you wear a suit or are homeless — everyone’s important.”
Is there a new opening you believe should be on our radar? Let us know at [email protected]
Pro You founder Anna Thompson-Ford was working hard, playing hard, and getting by on convenience foods, when she became stressed and burnt out. The wick’s end was when she was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune condition that was attacking her body.
Thompson-Ford knew something had to change, but between reading the small print on wellbeing product packets and scrolling through endless conflicting information online, she decided she needed one special supplement to streamline her journey back to health.
In a career pivot, she set out to create a high-quality, locally made, sustainable supplement, not just for her but for all women who want to have it all, or at least have the best when it comes to their health.
“Our research showed many women face the same daily challenges: a lack of time, low energy, poor sleep, stress and anxiety symptoms. Our goal with Pro You was to come up with an all in one product to address these issues,” says Thompson-Ford.
Pro You founder Anna Thomson-Ford.
“But we wanted more than just a great product. We wanted to make women’s lives better and easier — for them to feel good and be on top of their health so they can do more of the things they love.”
Developed with the help of a New Zealand scientist, naturopath and herbalist, the Pro You Protein Blends are made with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
A whole new category of supplement, they combine a plant-based pea or whey protein powder with multivitamins including all of the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, as well as magnesium, zinc, ashwagandha, prebiotic acacia fibre and New Zealand organic flaxseed fibre. All in a 30g daily dose, the blend is proven to improve sleep, skin, hair, nails, mood, muscle tone, and mental clarity.
“We wanted to take a holistic approach, that’s why our blends are based on science, naturopathic principles and the health benefits of plants,” says Thompson-Ford. “All our high potency ingredients have proven health benefits with published research to back up their effectiveness.”
Sustainability is another focus for Pro You, with each blend presented in aluminium canisters that can be recycled indefinitely, and pouches that are home compostable. “I’m really proud of that,” says Thompson-Ford.
While getting ready for ski season, no doubt a flurry of planning has gone into perfecting one’s ensemble for ample time spent speeding down the mountain. While considerations for the main event may be more practical than fashion-led, when it comes to après ski, a certain degree of polish will help you create a feeling of differentiation for evenings spent catching up with friends and family, and perhaps a spot of wining and dining.
Even if you’re mostly rugged up in comfortable garb, a well-cut coat or jacket can instantly elevate your look, and that’s where Dadelszen excels. For the cold season, we love the local luxury brand’s outerwear in neutral colourways; less heavy than black, they have an inherent elegance that is both versatile and effortless.
Dadelszen’s Copenhagen coat is unbelievably sumptuous; pure Loro Piana cashmere rendered in the warm, camel-hued Honey shade with a leather waist belt and relaxed fit. Wear open and loose or belted with the snapdomes closed and collar up against a stiff breeze. Generously-sized pockets are ideal for enveloping both hands in their soft interior.
Left: Dadelszen’s Copenhagen coat; Right: The Pernille coat.
With a cropped silhouette that oozes textural cool, the Roosevelt jacket is reversible and can be worn with the oh-so-soft shearling side facing outwards, or the equally velvety, smooth finish turned out, depending on what look you are after. Imparting an injection of je ne sais quoi into both daytime and after dark ensembles, the Roosevelt manages to make a statement even in Beige.
For an all-occasion staple, the Pernille coat in the light Beige tone will pay dividends. With a minimalist, elongated silhouette, military pockets and a notch collar, as with all of Dadelszen’s pieces its fabrication, craftsmanship and cut is exquisite.
So, should you be looking to update your outerwear collection, we suggest you make your way to Dadelszen for some of the season’s most beautiful pieces that will keep you both feeling snug and looking stylish.
It’s always refreshing when an established brand evolves their approach. Beginning with her latest collection, respected New Zealand designer Helen Cherry is eschewing the typical seasonal schedule that drives the fashion industry (often to its detriment). She will now release updates of her quintessentially sophisticated silhouettes with a more thoughtful, calmly-paced schedule of small drops landing instore throughout the year.
As a brand that is so deeply entrenched in the style sensibility of Aotearoa’s women, Helen Cherry epitomises effortless elegance, and the new release (in store at Workshop this week) has seen its eponymous designer sharpen and refine the shapes so beloved by their wearers.
Trousers have always been a key part of Helen Cherry’s offering and, new to the repertoire, the classic cigarette pant is rendered in a beautiful graphite shade. The signature slim, tailored pant is cut from Italian wool suiting, with a mid-rise cut that sits at the perfect place on the waist. It is a match made in fashion heaven with the Rae blazer — with its relaxed yet refined fit, this tailored, double-breasted jacket is also available in graphite-hued, 100 percent Italian wool.
Left: Cashmere Cardi and Drew Skirt. Right: Berlin Jacket and Keaton Trouser.
Another favourite piece, the romantic Willa blouse is the perfect foil for the structure for the Rae blazer or Berlin Jacket; cut from a semi-sheer cotton-silk voile, this versatile shirt features a ruffled shirred collar and sleeve cuffs, offering just the right amount of softness year-round.
Also arriving with this well-timed release is a sumptuous grey or neutral cashmere set — lounge pants and a sweater that are sure to make any at-home relaxing all the more luxurious — and the sophisticated Drew skirt, a below-the-knee tailored staple that looks just as elegant with Helen Cherry’s cashmere cardigan, as it does a crisp button-down shirt.
To celebrate Helen Cherry’s beautiful new release, we are delighted to have a graphite Rae blazer and matching classic cigarette pant suit to give away to one lucky Denizen.
Roast season is well and truly here. Instead of creating a stack of dishes at home, we suggest you call upon the following establishments to do all the hard work for you — all that’s left to do is to enjoy the familiar Sunday ritual.
Ostro Ostro’s classic Sunday roast is a must when you’re craving some variety. Round out the weekend with an expertly-cooked grass-fed Scotch fillet, Hawke’s Bay lamb rump or crispy skin pork belly — paired with all the essential trimmings including duck fat potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, honey-roasted baby carrots and more.
The famous Ostro Beef Wellington for two is also available, via essential pre-order 48 hours in advance. Taking in those sweeping harbour views, what could be better than this cosy winter indulgence? Hot tip: be sure to take advantage of the free parking in Britomart carpark if you spend over $50 at any Britomart venue. Ostro Sunday Roast, $45pp or $110 for Beef Wellington.
Jervois Steak House.
Jervois Steak House Coming from the meat maestros, it’s no wonder this signature Sunday roast is one of the best in town. Enjoy Jervois Steak House’s roast Wakanui beef rump served with duck fat roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, airy-as-a-cloud Yorkshire puddings, and house-made gravy. Bookings are essential to ensure you don’t miss out. Jervois Steak House Sunday Roast, $45pp, minimum two people. Bookings essential with 24 hours notice.
Azabu.
Azabu Mission Bay Putting a decidedly unique spin on the traditional Sunday spread, Azabu Mission Bay is introducing its Harajuku Roast — replacing the Harajuku Brunch for the winter months.
Available for a minimum of four people, this set menu comprises a very generous offering kicked off by miso soup with silken tofu, wakame seaweed and spring onion, a choice of two of Azabu’s famed tostadas — tomato, shiitake, tuna or lobster — followed by the main event, the abundant Azabu platter.
Expect this platter to include crispy pork belly with a spicy miso glaze, lamb chuleta with smokey aubergine and coriander puree; and Nikkei steak with garlic chips, among various other mouth-watering sides and trimmings. A choice of Roku Gin, Ginger and Tonic or Asahi Super Dry rounds out this delicious Sunday meal to remember. Azabu Harajuku Roast, $49pp. Bookings essential.
Botswana Butchery While this sumptuous downtown eatery doesn’t necessarily have a dedicated roast on the menu, its entire offering centres on expertly cooked cuts from the butcher’s block — year-round. If you pull up your chair at Botswana and find yourself overtaken with a roast hankering, may we suggest ordering the Romney lamb rack or one of the mouth-watering beef fillets, with a side of duck fat potatoes or potato puree with chicken gravy, and the green beans with macadamia nut dressing?
Hotel Ponsonby.
Hotel Ponsonby Roll up to the always-buzzing Hotel Ponsonby on a Sunday and you’ll be treated to three scrumptious varieties of Sunday Roast. Order from roast free-range pork, roast beef or — ideal for vegetarian eaters — roast celeriac. All served with Yorkshire pudding, Dutch carrots, leek, roast potatoes and gravy, everyone at the table will be satisfied with their warming winter meal. Hotel Ponsonby Sunday Roast, $35, available from 12pm until sold out.
Grangers.
Grangers One for East Auckland locals, Grangers is putting on a roast dinner from 5pm every Sunday throughout the cold season. While the exact components of the roast will change week-to-week, expect a delicious selection of tender, beautifully seasoned meat, satiating potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and perfectly cooked veggies drenched in tasty gravy. We’ll be pairing ours with a beverage from Grangers’ substantial drinks list, and that peaceful view out to the Half Moon Bay marina. Grangers Sunday Roast, $22pp.Bookings essential on 09 533 0950.
Galbraith’s Alehouse Lovers of homely and humble pub fare, look no further than Grafton institution Galbraith’s Alehouse. Pull up in the cosy yet spacious venue on a Sunday and you’ll be able to order roast beef rump with a side of triple-cooked potatoes, buttery seasonal greens, gravy, horseradish cream and, of course, the requisite Yorkshire pudding. Washed down with one of the many craft and traditional beers on offer, it’s a meal that is sure to satisfy, every time.
Opening this weekend at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, an exhibition by significant New Zealand conceptual artist Bill Culbert promises to give a well-rounded insight into the breadth of works he created.
Most notably known for his use of light, the late artist explored various mediums from painting to photography, installation and sculpture. Born in 1935, he was a contemporary of Ralph Hotere (the two collaborated often) and spent his life traveling between London — where he studied at the Royal College of Art — the South of France, and Aotearoa.
While he passed away in 2019, Culbert continues to be a seminal figure in the landscape of conceptual art. The purpose of Auckland Art Gallery’s exhibit, titled Slow Wonder, is to introduce new, potentially younger audiences to the ceaseless aptitude for experimentation from a man whose mantra was “I like to make brains move.”
“Culbert’s audiences have been so enamoured with his light works that, ironically, these may have blinded us from a fuller appreciation of his practice,” says Auckland Art Gallery Curator, New Zealand Art, Julia Waite.
She continues: “Slow Wonder acknowledges the appeal of glowing bulbs, but the exhibition draws attention to the significant role of photography and the camera obscura, as well as to Culbert’s deft use of paradox and the underlying presence of scientific method.”
Culbert also favoured the use of found and recycled materials, a practice that is of prime relevance particularly today. Using objects like plastic bottles and light bulbs, he repurposed objects that are ordinarily discarded after use, elevating them from detritus to works of art.
Bill Culbert | Slow Wonder
Saturday 3rd July to Sunday 21st November 2021
10am–5pm daily
10am–9pm Fridays
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets
Get your gait on no matter how much of a battle the weather outside presents.
When the weather is nothing short of questionable, the world’s simplest sport is difficult. Running might supercharge the endorphins, massage out any stubborn creative blocks and act as a therapy session, but when you are cocooned in a feather duvet and the sun isn’t due to rise for at least another hour, it’s easy to see why bed conquers this much loved outdoor pursuit.
Mindset is what separates those who remain in the cocoon and those who charge out the door, facing rain, hail, sleet and wind. The benefits are largely psychological; battling the elements helps to keep the dreaded Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay, while the rush of endorphins encourages you to mull over life-altering decisions while you pound the pavement and frosty grass.
To get started, strategically organise running dates several days a week, as there’s no wimping out when a shivering friend is waiting. If that’s not doable, tell yourself that you can retreat indoors after five minutes if it’s really that bad. Chances are you’ll keep at it.
There’s more to see and do out running in the fresh, frigid air than there is burning rubber on the treadmill, but to keep from swaddling yourself in cashmere and watching box set after box set, you’ll need to be prepared. If it can be zipped up and zipped down, is waterproof and windproof — it’s suitable for a chaotic Auckland winter season.
Choose socks made from fabrics that wick away sweat, and if it’s really biting out there, running gloves too.
Once dressed, don’t go outside straight away, warm up inside to get the blood flowing. Run up and down stairs, pick up a jump rope, or prepare with a few leg swings. When you do start running, shorten your stride initially for more control while your body adjusts to the change in temperature. Do any sprint work or slippery hill climbs towards the end of your run when you’re really warm.
Our pledge to run through winter starts now and if you need to upgrade your running routes, check out our city guidehere. We’ll be the ones out there sporting frozen, euphoric grins on our faces.
Promising to further elevate New Zealand’s fashion landscape to a global standard, this morning it was announced that Westfield Newmarket will welcome nine new luxury boutiques — the majority of which will be opening before the end of the year.
Moncler, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors will be opening the doors to their very first, standalone boutiques. Louis Vuitton and prestigious family-owned, New Zealand jewellery company Partridge Jewellers will also be opening stores in addition to their existing flagships, rounding out what is a very enticing new retail proposition indeed.
Moncler 2021.
The sought-after additions will inhabit prime positions on Westfield’s ground floor level, opening in stages from August onwards — just in time for the seasonal ramp-up that occurs in the lead up to Christmas.
With their arrival responding to the growing demand from discerning local customers for premium, globally-acclaimed brands and collections, we couldn’t be happier to welcome this stable of high-fashion heavyweights, primed and ready to boost local style credentials from head to toe.
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