Is there anything quite as satisfying as tucking into a flavourful, vibrant plate of Mexican ? Luckily, in Auckland there are certainly no shortage of tasty taquerias and casual cantinas to find your fix, from cheap and cheerful to more elevated takes, and a veritable spectrum in between. Here, we round up a (non-exhaustive) edit of some of the best in the game, perfect for indulging in when the craving strikes.
A landmark new residential offering, Pillars is set to redefine luxury living across two distinctive addresses: the urban elegance of College Hill, and the refined intimacy of Dublin Street.
Responding to the duality of our urban lifestyles, Pillars feels perfectly aligned as the development Auckland has been waiting for. A bold, design-led offering that responds to the growing desire for homes that are both architecturally striking and genuinely liveable. Conceived by award-winning developer Precinct, this exclusive collection of 20 two-three bedroom homes (with additional media rooms) unfolds across one of the city’s most picturesque ridge lines with it’s vantage point serving a visual symphony of both shimmering water, and our vibrant cityscape.
The coveted, top of the ridge site spans 2,364 square metres between College Hill, Freemans Bay and Dublin Street, St Marys Bay, affording the best of both worlds, with the vibrancy of Ponsonby on your doorstep, and the serenity of St Marys Bay in your backyard.
Embracing this theme of duality, the architecture and interior design, conceived by Jasmax, expresses two distinct interpretations of modern luxury, each tailored to its streetscape and united by a shared commitment to enduring design and exceptional craftsmanship. Each home is crafted with meticulous detail to enhance the rhythms of modern life while offering a sanctuary of calm, comfort, and privacy. These are homes that are still connected to the vibrancy of urban life, yet refined by a quiet elegance that feels entirely homely.
At 99 College Hill, Freemans Bay, 16 light-filled apartments are set across four levels, many capturing awe-inspiring, sweeping harbour and city views that continually transform from sunrise to sunset, when the glittering lights of our vibrant skyline come to life.
Elevating its presence further, the building’s sculptural façades, fluted concrete detailing, and generous balconies echo the rhythm of urban living. Refined, expansive, and effortlessly connected, these homes balance bold architectural presence with quiet, everyday luxury and ease. The curved, fluted forms of the exterior create a striking silhouette from the street, while also providing natural rhythm and privacy to the homes within. Taking everyday luxury lifestyle elements into consideration, details such as the depth of the balconies have been carefully conceived, maximising on the spectacular view while encouraging outdoor living.
Inside, Jasmax has curated homes that feel as timeless as they do contemporary. Dual-aspect floorplans allow sunlight to move fluidly through the interiors, while open layouts invite a sense of ease. Soft material palettes lend each interior a sense of calm, warmth and permanence, while modern essentials, such as secure parking with EV infrastructure, private lift access, abundant storage, and sustainability features that prioritise health, comfort, and long-term efficiency, are seamlessly integrated across both addresses.
Four of the ground-floor apartments open onto private, landscaped gardens, ideal for those who want to rightsize, but not compromise on outdoor space.
For those seeking a more intimate expression of contemporary living, Pillars of Dublin in St Marys Bay offers just four boutique homes. Situated along one of Auckland’s most iconic villa-lined streets, here, the neighbourhood’s heritage cues are reimagined through a modern lens.
Pillar-like vertical accents reference the past; gabled rooflines and deep-set balconies hint at tradition. And yet, every material detail, from the botanical landscaping to the sumptuous interiors, speaks to a new era of understated luxury.
This address is a quiet revelation, one that feels at once connected and discreet. Designed with scale, privacy and light in mind, each home unfolds with clarity and grace. The north-facing living areas extend to lush gardens or elevated balconies, inviting a sense of openness rarely found in inner-city homes. Inside, the flexible floorplans cater to a range of lifestyles, with two-three bedrooms plus a media room, generous storage, and subtle zoning between private and shared spaces.
The architecture carefully respects the character of the street, but elevates it through refined detailing and contemporary composition. Ribbed concrete and GRC panelling create texture and rhythm, while internal finishes balance sculptural form with natural tactility. While the interiors lean warm and welcoming, with natural textures, soft tones, and an enduring palette setting the perfect backdrop for daily life. Sustainability, too, has a part to play, with the use of eco-certified materials and high-performance insulation ensuring year-round comfort and long-term efficiency.
The result is a series of homes that are deeply rooted in their context, yet quietly progressive in their execution. Places that speak to the elegance of the past while embracing the freedoms of modern life.
At its core, Pillars is designed for how people live now. Flexible enough to adapt to our evolving needs, yet timeless in its aesthetic. Whether you’re seeking the lock-and-leave freedom of apartment living, or simply looking to be closer to the vibrancy of Ponsonby, these homes offer a lifestyle of elevation without compromise. The outlooks are impressive, the detailing exquisite, and every line, surface and proportion has been designed to enhance daily life.
*All images are artist‘s impressions only. Subject to final design.
Far from flirty or frivolous, this season’s collections are giving the most traditionally feminine hue a bold reimagining.
It’s high time to consider pink — from bubblegum to blush — back, in a major way. From structured tailoring to stiffer denim or a cashmere cardigan, the shade we’re currently coveting is anything but cutesie. There’s the simplicity of Harris Tapper’s Garbo Dress, powder pink power suiting à la Alex Perry, and LOEWE’s Low-Rise Barrel Jean all currently vying for our attention.
Not totally sold? Start small and dip a toe in the colour pool by first accessorising with fine jewellery or reach for that patent leather clutch. Baby (pink) steps before you’re rose-tinted everything.
Wine expert David Nash of Studio Nash and The Wine Room shares his expertise on why fine wine is a sound investment.
Once upon a time, your typical fine wine investor had to fit a certain profile. Nowadays, things are opening right up, explains The Wine Room‘s expert and connoisseur, David Nash.
“Until very recently, the wine world was a closed society,” Nash begins. “You had to earn your stripes just to meet the gatekeepers and buy serious investment pieces.”
“At The Wine Room, for example, you can use our concierge service when taking a cellar space underground. This taps you into a global network of access and a knowledge base of what to buy and when,” he notes. “We encourage new clients to attend our wine dinners to learn about the rarity and why these wines are so exceptional and sought after. This kind of experience is attracting a financially savvy (and much younger) buyer, plus a lot more women than ever before. It’s the best part of launching on Auckland’s College Hill, seeing this new wave of people getting the wine bug. Any wine industry report will tell you that young people don’t drink wine. Believe me, they do, they just don’t want to do it in the way the industry has prescribed for the past 100 years.”
Below, take heed of Nash’s top tips for anyone looking to dip a toe into the ever-illusive world of investing in fine wine.
Think of wine as a liquid investment — and one that’s already proven its resilience.
“The first major positive, fine wine or rare whisky, unlike equities, is an asset that you can lend against; it’s one of the only markets that has maintained or increased in value during volatile economic times,” Nash notes. “Over the past two years, investment in wine gave better returns than gold and crude oil. So it’s no wonder that people are switching to it as a portfolio diversifier. The other positive? You can drink it.”
Consider your returns.
“When you think about the major market crashes in the late 1980s, 2000s and Covid era up until now, a solid long-term 10 percent return would have been rather pleasant for those in the know.”
Cellar and store correctly to reap the rewards.
“It’s hard to think of any other consumable product that in most cases, will get incrementally better over time,” Nash explains. “There’s a pretty euphoric moment that follows opening up a prized bottle someone may have inherited with some serious age. The cork comes out in one and it’s pure liquid gold inside.”
Do your due diligence.
“Similar to buying a house, the seller of an investment piece must disclose everything they know about the wine and how it was stored,” Nash explains. “Upon purchase, you can request a condition report. You would be horrified at the incredible bottles that have been hiding in a hall cupboard, the dusty garage, or worse, under the house for twenty-something years. These conditions will dull the wines if not render them to vinegar. At The Wine Room, we have double redundancy in temperature and humidity control, fixed at the perfect conditions for long-term storage. We can certify these conditions for investors, so they can re-enter the market with the confidence that they can reach maximum return.”
Diversify your portfolio.
“I see a lot of very impressively sized cellars around the world, and you can instantly see, ‘oh, 1990 to 2000 was your Pinot Noir era.’ Or error. Buying too much of one thing or one producer based on an experience or passion. I know there are a few New Zealand producers who have marketed wines for a long time now as serious collectors’ pieces — now all that wine is hitting the market at the exact same time, fifteen years later. Prices have dropped due to the sudden influx.”
Start local.
“As New Zealanders, we’re in the box seat to take advantage of these gains,” says Nash. “Producers like Kumeu River, Bilancia and Felton Road are three good examples — producers that are at the ceiling of how much wine they can produce vs global demand. So what’s next? The market will drive the prices up. All three of those producers could sell all their top wines before they’re even made. I always buy as much as I can from these producers.”
Consider the holy trinity — vintage, brand and scarcity value.
“While critics and wine scores do play a role, in the true fine wine space, many producers choose not to engage too heavily with reviews as it can be dangerous. A critic is just one opinion — many are experts, but an unjust review can have a lasting impact.”
Lean on the experts and do your homework.
“For novice investors looking for guidance, start with one of our many wine dinners. All are either hosted by myself or by the very best winemakers in the country who are incredibly generous with their knowledge and have a fantastic way of making wine easy, accessible and fun. When guiding clients in building a cellar that balances both pleasure and potential, we have the traffic light system in all the cellars we set up. Green, grab and enjoy anytime with anyone. Amber will increase in value over time and offer serious drinking enjoyment. As for red? Consider these bottles very special wines that you should consider holding.”
Forecast what’s next.
“In terms of trends, the classics still reign supreme as there is a global market for them. Bordeaux is falling out of fashion with collectors, despite historically being the foundation of a great cellar. Personally, I believe in looking to the sides as a great investment strategy. What are the winemakers drinking? They usually have their great finger on the pulse of what’s next. Germany, South Africa, South America, Japan and China — all savvy regions that could seriously skyrocket in time.”
Victoria-based designer Sally Knibbs of Sally Caroline utilises natural stone and the versatility of mixed metals in this playful seaside residence, located on the fringes of Melbourne’s leafy Middle Park.
Sally Knibbs of Sally Caroline‘s directive was clear when tasked with reimagining a bayside Melbourne residence — optimise the view and soften sharp edges for a young family of four. Yet Knibbs’ approach throughout the 760 square-metre Middle Park home is anything but simplistic. Layered textiles, hand-rendered stonemasonry and molten metals collide, bringing depth and dimension to a previously angular and otherwise restricted architectural home.
The interiors atelier paid close attention to the heart of the home — the kitchen — reworking the floor plan in a bid to herald the horizon line and better highlight the home’s spectacular outlook, a calming combination of cityscape and coastal views.
The result? A masterclass in nuanced, natural materials (think sheets of warped stainless and solid blocks of green veined marble) all while ushering in the coastline.
In the kitchen, Knibbs reoriented the focal point to face the bay. The space, now anchored by a monastic kitchen island hand-crafted from solid blocks of Arebescato, Brescia Green and Menta marble, speaks to both the designer’s penchant for natural stone and the necessity of modern family living. The stainless steel cabinetry is finished with bronze pulls, adding both artistry and warmth.
Upstairs, Knibbs looked to the light, removing heavy banquette seating in favour of a whimsical lounge setting, now positioned toward the bay to offer unobstructed views of the water. The dining den — now located to the northern side of the split level property — opts for warmth and convivial togetherness over fuss and formality. The designer leaned on materials wherever possible, cladding custom pieces in leather, bronze or stainless steel, to better reflect the home’s unparalleled outlook.
Custom pieces by the designer’s own studio decorate all three floors — leather-clad or hammered in bronze — in keeping with Knibbs’ own design sensibility. A whimsical perspex artwork by Sydney-based Dale Frank, a sourced rug by California core Kelly Wearstler and a tattooed credenza by Tyler Hays of American design studio BDDW all feel ultimately at home in a space that finely balances coastal calm, creativity and craftsmanship.
In the heart of Parnell, Elysian introduces a rare opportunity. Developed with Crosson Architects with interiors by Sarah Foote, the luxury residences sit across five levels, including two sweeping penthouses, setting a new benchmark for apartment living.
For many, the appeal of downsizing is not about living with less — it’s about living with more freedom. More time, more ease, more connection to the things that truly matter. In Parnell, Elysian presents an opportunity that speaks directly to this shift: 16 luxury residences, including two landmark penthouses, designed to offer permanence, privacy, and a new way of living well.
Developed with Crosson Architects with interiors by Sarah Foote, Elysian has been conceived as a place where quality and longevity take precedence over excess. Clad in stone with bronze-toned detailing, the architecture feels timeless; within, interiors are intentionally calm and effortless, allowing each home to reflect the lives and personalities of its residents. “Quiet luxury is the foundation,” notes Foote. “These are spaces designed for ease, with materials and layouts that will feel just as relevant decades from now.”
For downsizers, the penthouses crown the experience. Spanning 308m² (including a 66m² terrace) and 295m² (including a 54m² terrace), they combine expansive scale with low-maintenance ease. Minimum 2.9-metre ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glazing open the homes to uninterrupted harbour views, while wraparound terraces offer privacy and seamless indoor-outdoor living — without the upkeep of a standalone house. Here, the shift to apartment living doesn’t mean compromise; it means gaining a new level of light, space, and simplicity.
Lifestyle here extends far beyond the residences. The Residents’ Retreat by Studio Red Wellness includes a mineral pool, sauna, yoga and pilates studio, and private treatment room, ensuring health and wellbeing are part of the everyday. The executive garage makes daily life practical, with EV charging at every park, e-bike power, and even a detailing bay. In shared spaces, art by Max Gimblett and custom furniture by Tim Webber further the sense of luxury living, weaving in yet another element of considered design.
Equally compelling is the location. Elysian places residents at the heart of Parnell, within walking distance to galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and green spaces. It is a neighbourhood that offers connection and culture, yet the residences themselves provide sanctuary — a lock-and-leave lifestyle that balances vibrancy with retreat. For many moving from larger homes, this blend of accessibility and security is key: the chance to simplify, without sacrificing the richness of daily life.
Every detail speaks to the needs of those trading in the burden of maintenance for a home that is secure, connected, and uncompromising in its quality. Kitchens with Poliform cabinetry and Gaggenau appliances, oak flooring by Forté, and stone selected and fabricated in Italy are designed for longevity as much as beauty. Bedrooms are sanctuaries with generous storage and ensuites complete with dual basins, freestanding baths, and precision-planned layouts.
Elysian is more than a place to live — it’s a way to live lighter, without losing the depth and character of home. For those ready to embrace the next chapter, these residences offer a sense of permanence, the ease of a lock-and-leave lifestyle, and the kind of luxury that becomes more rewarding with time.
Completion is set for late 2026. To experience Elysian and its rare penthouses, visit the display suite at 114 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell.
We love a birthday month — and so too, it seems, does Britomart’s Kingi. To celebrate turning five, our go-to inner-city eatery for a seafood-centric power lunch is offering five-dollar Te Matuku Oysters (naturally) alongside five-dollar affogatos or matcha from Wednesday, October 8 — with the option to upgrade to something a little headier.
In keeping with the festivities — and to beckon in the warmer weather — those who visit throughout October will be offered a glass of The Landing Rosé and a trio of snacks for $39.
To further sweeten the offer, anyone who purchases a glass of The Landing Rosé at Kingi during birthday month will automatically go into the draw to win an intimate tasting and lunch at The Landing. What’s more, throughout October, Kingi’s donating $1 for every cocktail spent directly to the Breast Cancer Foundation — in case you needed any further incentive to visit.
As Paris Fashion Week barrels towards a close, we’re dubbing this season one for the debutantes. Notable debuts took centre stage — Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga, Jonathan Anderson at Dior and Matthieu Blazy for Chanel — while sartorial stalwarts made triumphant returns, dominating the City of Lights and its iconic landmarks, one arrondissement at a time.
There were supersized starchy bows and billowy silhouettes at Saint Laurent, draped tailoring at Louis Vuitton and peplumed pinstripes and coordinated minis at Stella McCartney. A visual feast of prints, hemlines, cinched waistlines, demure darting and sheer fabrications decorated the runways and sauntered down city streets.
For the fashion fandom, the FROW did not cease to disappoint — notably Greta Lee, Jenna Ortega, Rosalia, Johnny Depp, Kylie Jenner and Robin Wright sat front and centre, while Dame Helen Mirren leant her voice to Stella McCartney’s off-beat homage to mother nature, featuring sinuous tailoring and a spoken rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Come Together.’
Givenchy and Schiaparelli embraced the barely there trend and leant all the way into the naked dress while others — think Miu Miu and Chemena Kamali’s Chloé — harped back to their respective brand DNA with the sixties’ shift and romantic ruching. The ateliers at Victoria Beckham, Celiné and Chanel approached menswear and casual suiting with the kind of ease and confidence that’s become synonymous with all three, while Valentino and ALAÏA took a rose-tinted lens, cladding models in sequins, delicate lace appliqué and full plumage.
Since opening the doors to what was then Design Central in 2019, director Lindy Messam has witnessed the changing nature of our interior design landscape. Responding to this, Messam and her team have taken the decision to evolve into Obery, a destination atelier where materiality, artistry, and vision converge. Conceived as more than a showroom, this elevated atelier offers an immersive environment for exploration, connection, and discovery. It’s here that New Zealand’s most considered designers and architects are invited to engage deeply with a curated assemblage of rugs, handmade surfaces, and soon-to-be-released collections in sculptural furniture and lighting — each of which centres on quality and artistry, with an emphasis on unique materiality.
Rooted in the vision that shaped its name, Obery (named for founder and CEO Glenn Obery) is defined by a commitment to craft and creative collaboration. “Our heritage lies in the vision and expertise that shaped our name,” says Messam, “innovation emerges through the unique, handmade surfaces we champion and the artistry woven into each piece. Within Obery’s atelier, these threads converge, offering an immersive place where craft and creativity can be experienced in tangible form.” In this space, tradition and experimentation are not opposing forces, but parallel threads, each enriching the other.
In fact, creative director Jane Mason describes the studio’s evolution as one shaped by dualities: “New Zealand design leans into intimacy, heritage, and craft. Yet we’re equally inspired by a bolder creative lens; one that embraces scale, composition, and expressive form.” Obery bridges these perspectives through an offering that feels both grounded and expansive, inviting new interpretations of space, texture, and tone. The experience in Obery’s atelier is intentionally tactile. Sunlight drapes across heirloom rugs and unique hard surfaces, while artist-led furniture and lighting highlights the boldness and depth of each piece’s materiality, revealing unexpected nuance. Here, designers are encouraged to pause, linger, and engage. Every piece has been curated not simply to be placed, but to hold presence. The resulting atelier is less a presentation of objects, and more a series of immersive moments.
As its collection grows, so too does Obery’s ambition to shape a richer, more layered design experience in Aotearoa. “We envision Obery as a destination atelier,” Mason explains, “a space for brand discovery, inspiration, and collaboration, where the design community can explore, experiment, and create with confidence.”
For those seeking to work with objects of depth, Obery offers not only the tools, but the setting to transform creative intent into enduring design.
There’s something irresistible about bread pulled fresh from the oven — especially when it comes in the form of manoushe, Lebanon’s answer to the perfect breakfast flatbread. So it feels fitting that Elie Assaf, the exceptional chef behind Lebanese Grocer, has opened a new pop-up window next door dedicated entirely to just that.
Za’atar Bakehouse by Lebanese Grocer is as simple as it sounds: a hatch, a hot oven, and a short list of flavours designed to transport you straight to the streets of Beirut. Think gooey Manoushe Cheese & Za’atar, or Lahm Bi Ajeen, a wagyu beef-topped flatbread that reimagines the iconic Lebanese staple. Assaf calls it “our take on the iconic Lebanese breakfast flatbreads from my childhood” — and it’s clear this is food made with nostalgia as much as skill.
Open on an ad-hoc basis (with the next outing happening Saturday, October 4th from 10am until sold out), the Bakehouse is very much a catch-it-while-you-can experience. Those in the know will already be glued to Instagram for updates, because like everything Assaf touches, it’s destined to sell out fast.
For Aucklanders who have already fallen in love with Lebanese Grocer’s shelves of pickles, za’atar, and housemade ba’alawa (not to mention the exceptional shawarma come lunchtime), this new venture feels like a natural, and delicious, evolution.
If you’re dreaming of a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal, consider the new issue of Denizen Modern Living your guidebook. Our annual design issue explores the evolving language of contemporary design — softer, sensorial, and rooted in self-expression. From the interplay of art and interiors to the honest beauty of raw materials, these pages celebrate spaces that prioritise authenticity, comfort, and individuality.
Whether you’re building, renovating, or simply seeking inspiration, this issue offers ideas to help you design for not just how you want to live, but how you want to feel at home.
Get down to business with this season’s dominant dress code — à la Don Draper. From sharp tailoring to chic accessories and classic layers, this edit will see you settling back into the office post-holidays in commanding style.
When introducing a statement stone to your home, benches are no longer the benchmark. Travertine, the stone of the moment, is particularly at home in the bathroom, bringing quiet luxury to sculptural basins, monolithic vanities, and even rendering entire rooms for a look that’s both luxe and enduring.
Plumbline’s design-led range of basins are a simple yet impactful way to integrate a statement stone into your bathroom, with the capacity to completely elevate an interior vision with one simple addition.
This festive season, Santa is setting up shop at an alluring new destination, bringing festive cheer to Aucklanders as SkyCity transforms into the city’s newest Christmas tradition. With the closure of Smith & Caughey’s iconic Santa’s Enchanted Forest, families searching for a magical holiday moment need look no further than the Sky Tower, where Santa’s Magical Wonderland awaits.
From the 15th of November through to Christmas Eve, the Sky Tower’s ground floor is transformed into an enchanted forest, complete with twinkling lights, softly falling snow, and whimsical characters ready to spark delight. Ascend to Level Seven, and you’ll find Santa himself, welcoming families with a warm smile, a festive bauble gift, and a keepsake photo of their visit.
And, at SkyCity, the festive experience stretches well beyond Santa’s chair. Interactive installations keep little ones entertained at every turn, while the Scotty Sky Tower show promises a fabulously festive performance for kids and parents alike. Sweet tooths will marvel at SkyCity’s gingerbread house display — an edible reimagining of Auckland’s landmarks, handcrafted by SkyCity’s exceptional pastry team. Add to this the precinct’s larger-than-life nutcrackers, hundreds of decorated trees, and Christmas-themed dining and hotel offerings, and you’ve got an immersive celebration to rival anything the city has seen before.
Tickets start from $35 and are expected to sell quickly, so families are encouraged to book early to secure their spot. Whether it’s your child’s very first Christmas or a new family ritual in the making, Santa’s Magical Wonderland at SkyCity offers a chance to step into a festive storybook, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Secure your spot, here.
Whether you’re marking a personal milestone or choosing a meaningful gift, art is a worthy investment. Here, gallerist Elle Föenander shares her advice on artists that resonate through different life stages.
Föenander Galleries is a contemporary art space in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, dedicated to showcasing thoughtful, concept-driven work from both emerging and established artists across Aotearoa and beyond. Since founding the gallery seven years ago, Elle Föenander has been the driving force behind its curatorial vision and artist relationships, and has built a trusted reputation among collectors.
With a deep understanding of both artists and collectors, Elle is perfectly primed to guide those looking to collect — or gift — art at key milestones in life: the 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Drawing on the gallery’s evolving collector base and her own experience, here, she shares insights into how to mark these moments with works that resonate across a lifetime.
“Your 30s can be a time of self-definition: professionally, personally, and aesthetically. Collecting or gifting art at this stage reflects curiosity, emerging taste, and an appetite for discovery. Many collectors in this decade are drawn to bold works that offer immediate visual impact or speak to themes of identity, transformation, and belonging. There’s often a sense of alignment with artists of a similar generation, a shared energy, ambition, and cultural lens. Emerging talent is often accessibly priced, and collecting can become a journey taken in tandem with the artist’s career.”
Swney’s abstract textiles are nuanced, domestic-scaled works that balance soft power with conceptual depth.
Densley textured surfaces which celebrate the materiality of paint, these considered works offer recognisable subject, but playful approach the finite and transient beauty of life.
Dreamy, immersive painting that captures emotion in movement and texture.
“Sensibilities can broaden by your 40s. What once felt unfamiliar may resonate. There can be a deeper sense of commitment to home, to values, to story. Art collecting in this decade often becomes more contemplative. Works that unfold over time, reward repeated engagement, and hold personal or philosophical weight tend to appeal. Material sophistication and conceptual depth come into focus. Collectors may feel more confident in taking risks, embracing large-scale painting, sculpture, or mixed media — while refining their own visual language.”
Rigorous, elegant works that fuse form, rhythm, and surface.
Expansive paintings and installations that explore memory, longing, and metaphysical space.
“In your 50s, collecting can become deeply personal. Choices are shaped by lived experience, and often by the desire to live surrounded by what resonates most. Art at this stage can become part of your legacy, something to reflect with, to live alongside, and perhaps to pass on. Works are often chosen for their endurance, emotional richness, or spiritual weight.”
Luminous, contemplative works rooted in te ao Māori cosmology and material finesse.
Highly personalised mythology, which documents the local coastline while employing imagery that finds its roots in European literature.
Showcasing standout designs from Tom Dixon, Articolo, Flos and more, ECC’s dedicated lighting showroom is open after a thoughtful reimagining by Rufus Knight. The space embodies the design destination’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and enduring design, offering an immersive experience that reflects the quality and creativity ECC lighting has long been known for.
There are few dishes as iconic or comforting as a perfectly prepared biryani. At Cassia, award-winning chef Sid Sahrawat gives this Indian classic his own contemporary twist with Biryani Thursdays, a weekly ritual designed for sharing. For $49, guests can enjoy chicken biryani served in a traditional clay pot, paired with a choice of three sides. The portion is generous enough for two, making it an ideal midweek date or a flavoursome dinner with a friend.
Available exclusively on Thursdays from 5 – 9.30pm, the dish requires 48 hours’ pre-order — a nod to both the craft and patience behind biryani itself. Expect tender chicken, spiced rice, and layers of flavour that reflect Sahrawat’s signature approach: marrying the traditional recipes of his Indian upbringing with contemporary flair and local New Zealand ingredients.
Since opening, Cassia has carved out a reputation as one of Auckland’s most innovative dining destinations, celebrated for its ability to reimagine Indian cuisine while remaining authentic to its roots. Biryani Thursdays continue that story, offering guests the chance to slow down and experience one of India’s most loved dishes, imagined through a modern lens.
Spaces are limited, so plan ahead, and let Thursday nights at Cassia become your new culinary ritual.
skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/cassia
Milan Fashion Week SS ’26 was alive with an energy that felt unmatched in recent memory; this was the most exciting fashion week we’ve seen in a long time (thanks, in large part, to the debutants). Gone, it seems, are the days of formulaic design, monochromatic palettes, and cookie-cutter collections — Milan signalled a return to a distinct voice and vision.
Prada set the tone with sharp tailoring and a killer palette, softened by fluid, almost poetic silhouettes with an edge, while Fendi leaned into craftsmanship (and the swinging 60s), layering texture and unexpected cuts with a playful edge. At Bottega, under the fresh vision of Louise Trotter, bold, sculptural leather stood took centre stage, reaffirming the House’s largely unrivalled mastery of tactile luxury.
Elsewhere, Dolce & Gabbana returned to unapologetic sensuality, celebrating body and form with lace, structural yet sexy silhouettes, and a distinctly laid-back luxe sensibility, while Versace embraced a punchy futurism with high-shine finishes and power shapes that looked destined for after dark.
Max Mara brought the calm counterpoint — elegant restraint through sleek suiting and buttery neutrals that reaffirmed its timeless appeal. Together, the season felt like a reset: houses reclaiming their heritage while fearlessly stepping into the a bold new chapter.
The latest, elevated take on the boho bag gives the free-spirited staple a sophisticated upgrade. From classic Chloé to slouchy suede from The Row, these are the season’s must-haves — any of which would make the perfect request from Santa.
Reform has redefined reformer Pilates with a method rooted in innovative programming, functional movement, and genuine inclusivity. With multiple studios up and down the country and a loyal following, the Reform approach is simple: train for real life.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” say Reform’s Auckland franchise owners, “but we are serious about how we move.” Every class is defined by intent, variety, and challenge. “At Reform, our classes are designed to promote better movement, not just in the studio, but in real life.” Whether it’s a stronger golf swing, gardening without pain, lifting kids with confidence, or simply moving through daily life with more ease, “We train for what matters most outside of class.”
Clients return for the depth of benefit they feel, even if they can’t always name it. “Our movement protocols work in layers, creating impact far beyond the obvious.” Every class leaves you a more efficient mover, and over time that compounds into an addictive reward system. The sessions are challenging, so you leave knowing there’s more to strive for. The most common feedback? People simply feel better. “We share incredible client stories — and while we’re not front-line responders, we know we advocate for both longer life expectancy and better life fulfilment.”
Each class follows a proven protocol: warm-up, ramp-up, and grounding finish. “Across this, we train the full spectrum of movement — postural control, balance, deceleration, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, and responding to load — leaving the body energised, not exhausted,” they say.
Rooted in reformer Pilates, Reform blends the latest science with conventional strength protocols. No gimmicks, no trends, just intelligent programming, functional strength, and a deep respect for how real bodies move through real life. “The challenge is always optional — a tool, not a test — and we celebrate those who move best for their ability, not just the best in the room.”
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