Often overlooked, particularly when it comes to the finer details, bathrooms are arguably the room of the home that we turn to most frequently to find solace and repose. From sinking into a hot bath after a long day, to washing the day away in a striking shower, a well-designed bathroom should sit as a refined retreat within the home — reflecting the needs of its inhabitants.
Matisse, who we have long turned to for all things bathroom design, particularly when it comes to bespoke tapware, have recently welcomed Gessi to the fold — further building on its extensive offering, offering 20% off the entire range for the month of October*. Gessi, specialists in Italian-made designs, have been synonymous with innovation and luxury for over three decades, revolutionising bathroom design with a unique ‘Haute Culture’ approach. From tapware to mixers and fixtures, Gessi is renowned for their luxurious, innovative textures and a wide variety of finishes, blending material, form, and technique to create cultural value.
With a design philosophy which combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Gessi’s products, from sleek faucets to sculptural bathtubs, embody artistic expression and practical elegance. Sustainability is key, with eco-friendly practices and water-saving technologies integrated into every design, making Gessi a favourite in luxury hotels and residences worldwide.
With myriad finishes to select from, from woven stainless steel to imprinted surfaces and polished or matte options, Gessi offers the versatility to easily upgrade any bathroom without the need for a complete overhaul.
The brand’s Origini Collection draws inspiration from the pristine beauty of untouched landscapes and the rhythmic flow of water, transporting the essence of nature into the heart of modern bathroom design, while, for those seeking something precious that plays on customisation, the geometric and sinuous volumes of the Anello Collection are sure to add a elegant and feminine touch to any design-led space.
With an innate ability to instil beauty into everyday objects, Gessi’s striking products are crafted with exclusive techniques and highly artisanal processes. From textured applications to Lacquered, Galvanic, PVD and GHRC, the maker’s materiality is distinct and incomparable.
The Venti20 Collection captures this essence wholly, inviting rediscovery of the grace and invigorating spirit of the Roaring Twenties, drawing inspiration from the remarkable era with its unrivalled elegance and decadence.
Whether you’re seeking to make a full-scale change, or a small-scale upgrade, Gessi is the obvious choice — with some of the most statement-making and high-quality fixtures and finishes on offer, merging art, technology, and sustainability in an extensive collection sure to transform even the simplest of bathroom into a luxurious retreat.
As one of New Zealand’s most revered hair stylists and makeup artists, Kiekie Stanners is well-versed in the art of using hair styling tools to effortlessly achieve the most glamorous of looks. For this issue’s cover shoot with actress Lydia Peckham, Stanners opted for two contrasting but equally stunning looks — styled using Shark’s range of powerful and versatile hair tools. Here, she talks us through the easy recreation of Lydia’s slick and straight look, using Shark’s styling tools at home.
Slick and Straight
Achieve The Look
Kiekie Stanners, hair stylist and makeup artist
“To achieve Lydia’s slick, straight look, I spritzed the hair to dampen. Following this, I used the Shark SpeedStyle with the Styling Concentrator attachment to blowout the hair in small sections, starting with lower layers first, followed by sectioning and parting the hair at the front to ensure a smooth, sleek finish. Once the hair was sleek and straight, I switched attachments to the RapidGloss Finisher for the ultimate smooth and shiny finish. Here, I took small, 5cm sections of hair, gently lifted it with a tail comb, and ran the tool over the section from the scalp down, smoothing the hair downwards from roots to ends. To finish, I ran a smoothing cream over the hair to highlight the shine, focusing on the parting and smoothing over the crown.”
Slick and Straight
Get The Look
SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer from Shark
ORIBE Supershine Moisturizing Cream from net-a-porter
PHILIP KINGSLEY Finishing Touch Flexible Hold Mist from Sephora
Vincent Van Duysen’s modern kitchen masterpiece for Molteni&C epitomises the star designer’s sophisticated and refined signature aesthetic.
Creating a dynamic and elegant kitchen environment, Vincent Van Duysen’s VVD Kitchen showcases the interplay of alternating materials and the balance of solids and voids that contribute to a sophisticated yet lively space.
Details such as the reimagining of the recessed handle with a modern and sophisticated twist, and emphasising the contrast between slim side and end units, along with using substantial, thick worktops that feature stone sink bowls, break the linearity of the design.
Generous pull-out trays, open-ended drawers, and under-top trolleys enhance functionality, while an aluminium, load-bearing structure allows for compositions that are completely suspended from the floor.
Innovation is a hallmark of this design, seen in the technological details such as the built-in LED strip light and the aluminium profile that discreetly shapes the door handle for improved grip. The innovative pivot hinge enables doors to open 180°, maximising the usability of internal spaces. The addition of Bright wall units, featuring transparent glass doors and soft-closing micro-hinges, gives the kitchen a new architectural look, combining practicality with refined aesthetics.
Celebrating 25 years, Ashoka diamonds stand as a pinnacle of rarity and craftsmanship in the world of fine jewellery. Renowned for their distinctive cut, which less than one percent of diamond roughs qualify for, these rare and covetable stones are celebrated for their unique shape and meticulous faceting. Prized for their brilliance, each exquisite gem is not only a symbol of opulence, but a testament to artistry and precision.
Here, we round up our editors’ picks, from striking trilogy rings to statement-making necklaces.
Stretching on for 7.3km from Mount Eden to Mount Roskill, Dominion Road boasts an array of cafes and restaurants. And with so many options available, simply choosing one place to go is an almost impossible task. As such, we have rounded up a list of some of our favourites, whether you’re in search of a morning coffee, a lunchtime drop-in, or a delicious dinner and drinks.
Keep in mind, however, that while we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll like at one of the places we recommend, spontaneity and taking chances are two key factors to getting the most out of Dominion Road. So just as we underwent a process of trial and error, if you come across an off-the-beaten-track spot that you want to try, we encourage you to do so. The real beauty of this road is that it contains some of the most delightful hidden gems in the city.
Although Dominion Road is renowned for its varied options when it comes to Asian cuisine, it’s also home to one of the best French bakeries in Auckland. La Voie Francaise has become a destination spot with punters lining up out the door on weekend mornings just to get their pastry fix. This bakery is also one of the rare ones in town that makes a kouign-amann, which is a croissant that has been coated in sugar and caramelised to provide the ultimate crispy, buttery experience. 875 Dominion Road
Dominion Road locals swear by Forage Cafe because apparently, the baristas at this place brew the best coffee in the neighbourhood. This spot also has a variety of sandwiches, sweets and savoury dishes on offer that change regularly, and seasonal salads that can be served with a choice of spiced lamb, shredded chicken or halloumi. 90 Dominion Road
Try something different and have a Chinese style breakfast at Bunhut. Rather than falling back on the classic eggs on toast, step out of your comfort zone and opt for a jian bing guo zi. It’s a Chinese savoury crepe made from a light batter and fried egg, slathered with hoisin and chilli sauce and then filled with shredded vegetables and a fried bread stick. If you’re wanting something sweet, however, a simple red bean steamed bun accompanied by a warm glass of soy milk will do the trick. 563 Dominion Road
Should a craving for excellent Turkish food hit you, we recommend you hot-foot it to Paasha Turkish Kitchen, stat. Prioritising high quality ingredients and truly mouth watering grill techniques with their shish kebabs, hot flat bread wraps, pita pockets and more, this spot is the place to go for some of the best Turkish takeaway in town. 261 Dominion Road
Noodles are, after all, what most people come to Dominion Road for and Chongqing is one of the best places to get them. The broth of these noodles is less oily than other places we have tried but still contains the same amounts of spice and flavour. The rice noodles with braised beef is a dish you can never go wrong with. The beef is so tender that it melts in your mouth while the chewy texture of the noodles contrasts against the soft, succulent meat. 215 Dominion Road
Opening during lockdown adjacent to their stalwart eatery on Dominion Road, Cazador Deli — much like the eatery itself, stands out for its incredible game offering. Unsurprising, then, that the deli also knows a thing or two about the makings of an epic sandwich. There’s plenty to choose from, and the options are ever-changing, and the best bit is you can grab some tasty supplies for dinner while picking up lunch. 854 Dominion Road
There are dumplings and then there are soup dumplings, otherwise referred to as xiaolongbao. Restaurants that serve this delicacy are hard to find in this city due to the fact that making them requires a high level of skill. Filled with rich meat soup, usually made from pork, the little xiaolongbao pockets from Jolin Shanghai are freshly made to order and boast thicker skins than traditional soup dumplings which imbues them with a chewier texture. 248 Dominion Road
Upon first glance, you might think that Tasca is just a little cafe. What you don’t see, however, is that this Spanish eatery has an olive garden and spacious courtyard out the back, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch. In terms of food, while there are many flavourful and delicious options, be sure to order the calamares — you’ll thank us later. 338 Dominion Road
Another delicacy that has people driving to Dominion Road is spicy dumplings. Sha Xian Snack’s dumplings are unique because diners are given the option to change their dumpling filling instead of having to settle for predominantly pork. Sha Xian Snack also serves an oyster pie which is a deep-fried morsel packed with pickled vegetables and a juicy oyster — truly a one-of-a-kind dish. 285 Dominion Road
Those seeking a buzzing, local spot in Mt Eden needn’t look further than welcoming gastropub The Bridgman, having taken over an iconic site in April last year. Opened by Sean Lee (with business partner Andy Barnett) The Bridgman is just what Dominion Road needed for a long time, and offers an elevated bar and bistro experience that has made it a popular watering hole for locals. With a delicious menu of satiating dishes (think a fresher take on traditional pub fare) and a comprehensive cocktail and drinks offering, this gastropub is the perfect drop-in for drinks with friends or an after-work bite. 234 Dominion Road
Take a break at casual eatery and bar, Ralph’s. With a variety of Parrotdog beers on tap, a wide selection of Garage Project brews and an impressive snack and burger menu, Ralph’s is the go-to spot for a quick refuel. The jalapeño poppers and curly fries are both absolute must-tries, but if you’re wanting more of a meal, make a beeline for the Easy Cheesy Wagyu beef burger. 225B Dominion Road
Despite being one of the newest kids on the block, esteemed chef Gleber Chaparro’s Parro has already carved out a solid reputation for serving up some of the city’s best eats. Mediterranean-inspired, Parro’s succinct, inventive menu comprises show-stopping mains and small plates for sharing, alongside an excellent wine list of predominantly natural wines, curated to perfectly accompany the tasty bites on offer. 359 Dominion Road
An intimate space that elevates the idea of the classic pizza parlour, Ooh-Fa is the second spot from the culinary minds behind Pici and has been perpetually popular since opening. From its comfortable, warm atmosphere (thanks to the woodfire oven and low lighting) to the considered menu of delectable pizzas and sides, this 22-seater restaurant is the perfect neighbourhood spot to drop into and catch up with friends over a slice or two and some delectable wine. We recommend booking to secure your spot. 357 Dominion Road
Plabita Florence’s intriguing, plant-based restaurant reopened it’s doors last year, much to the delight of local gastronomes. Serving an array of groundbreaking, plant-based cuisine that uses unexpected flavours and unique ingredients to harness the potential of vegetarian food in a way that no one has before, Florence’s Forest is a feast for the senses, and promises a culinary experience unlike anything else in the city. 243 Dominion Road
This iconic spot hardly needs any introduction, but if you haven’t visited Eden Noodles Cafe, we suggest you ask yourself what you’ve been doing this whole time. With locations now in the CBD and in Albany, diners city-wide can enjoy the signature sichuan-laced dishes from Eden Noodles — but we always love visiting the bustling Dominion Road outpost (provided the queue isn’t too long). Sign us up for some thick noodles with dandan sauce, some vegetarian dumplings in spicy sauce and, of course, a cucumber salad. 105 Dominion Road
Nestled smack bang in the middle of Dominion Road, Kookoo is a delicious dining destination serving authentic Korean cuisine with a few tasty twists. There are a number of inventive dishes worth indulging in, but the hero of the menu is without a doubt the Korean-style whole chicken, marinated for 24 hours to ensure tenderness and flavour and served with sticky rice. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer and great company, and perhaps a side of kimchi fried rice. 245 Dominion Road
You don’t know what spicy food is until you’ve sampled the highest spice level at Hot & Spicy Pot. At this restaurant, what goes into your dish is all up to you. Just grab a stainless steel bowl, some tongs and get creative. With a variety of vegetables, noodles, meats and seafood on offer, all you need to do is pick and mix your favourites, tell the chefs how spicy you want to go and let them do the rest. Be warned though, that even the medium level of spice at this restaurant has been known to leave people teary-eyed, so you can only imagine what the effect of the top tier might be. 605 Dominion Road
Cheap and cheerful is the best way to explain Gogo Music Cafe. Although it has a few branches around Auckland, the one on Dominion Road is the original, the biggest and quite frankly, the best. Take a big group and order a bowl of the spicy chicken casserole with hand-pulled noodles, the $1 lamb skewers and some Tsing Tao beer. Devoured among Gogo Music Cafe’s loud and buzzing atmosphere, it’s a fun and memorable experience. 559 Dominion Road
Having joined the line-up at the start of last year, Mr Hao offers authentic bursts of Shanghai-inspired flavour with dishes such as the Numbing Chicken, a dish which sees gently fried chicken drowning in a delicious sea of chillies and numbing Sichuan peppers. Inspired by Shanghai’s late-night bar scene, Mr Hao is just the place for a relaxed get-together. Alongside the infamous Numbing Chicken, you’ll find a range of tasty skewers, noodles and irresistible grilled seafood, plus a refreshing tea cocktail on tap. 365 Dominion Road
This place is one of Dominion Road’s hidden gems and one that hasn’t failed us yet. Wang Wang Spring Pancake specialises in pancake wraps, similar to the ones used for Peking duck. But here, diners are given the freedom to order whatever meats and vegetables they want to fill their pancakes with. While everything is delicious, we recommend the stir fried shredded potato, the dry fried green beans with pork mince, and the fried eggplant with mushrooms and tofu. 704 Dominion Road
The chilli fried boneless chicken served here has made quite a name for itself and after you taste it, you’ll understand the hype. The chicken is seasoned with a copious amount of chilli and is perfectly cooked so that once you sample it for the first time, you’ll be addicted for life (seriously). The fried rice is also an excellent dish and is elevated to new heights when pork hock is added, seeing a thick, tasty sauce poured over the bed of fluffy rice. 557 Dominion Road
Forget being one of the best restaurants on Dominion Road, Cazador is one of the best spots in Auckland full stop. This restaurant serves unique dishes that showcase ethical ingredients and sustainable cooking principles by making use of all parts of the animal being served, instead of only offering cuts like the breast or belly. The menu changes depending on the availability of ingredients but the charcuterie platter is a staple and for good reason. Combined with its seamless service and lush ambience, Cazador is a must for any Aucklander. 854 Dominion Road
A cosy and compact Japanese eatery, Udon Works is home to some of the best noodle soups in town. Simple yet delicious, a big bowl of their warming broth with some thick udon noodles will leave you feeling like all is right with the world. Udon Works also has a menu of cold noodle dishes and delicious donburi with rice, with a variety of vegetable, meat and seafood options available — plus some of the best tempura we’ve tried. 633 Dominion Road
Take a trip to Meet Fresh for a Taiwanese take on dessert. Taiwanese desserts tend to be lighter, less sweet and lean more towards the refreshing side rather than being too sugary. The mango shaved ice is a fruity delight but if you want something more decadent, the freshly made waffles are always a good idea. 533 Dominion Road
Despite what the name of this bakery might indicate, it is certainly not your run-of-the-mill cake shop. The Gateau House specialises in South Korean pastries which include red-bean-filled buns that are topped with cookie crumble alongside a wide variety of delicate cakes. Our favourite is the kumara cake — a light and fluffy sponge layered with whipped cream and sweet potato mousse. 375 Dominion Road
There’s no better time than spring to rethink your skincare and beauty regime with the changing seasons in mind. From a brightening mask that enhances skin in minutes, to a potent peel, a serum-based sunscreen, and an LED mask that takes its scientific cues from NASA, these are the season’s must-have skin essentials.
01. Brightening Mask
This glow-inducing in-shower mask will take dull, dry, and lacklustre skin from zero to hero in three short minutes — harnessing the potent power of fine, crushed ginseng.
02. Potent Peel
Touted as a powerful but gentle brightening exfoliator Verso’s efficient enzyme peel gently exfoliates and rejuvenates, for smoother, brighter, more refined skin.
03. SPF Serum
This ultra-lightweight broad spectrum SPF50+ serum sunscreen, rich in skin loving actives, both shields the skin and leaves it with a luminous glow.
04. LED Mask
Utilising advanced tech borrowed from NASA, this high performing mask is a non-invasive yet impactful way to promote overall skin rejuvenation at home.
Summertime Glow
Our Must-Haves
01. Brightening Mask
Sulwhasoo White Ginseng Radiance Refining Mask from Sephora
This season’s London Fashion Week wasn’t just about showcasing the latest trends for Spring 2025. It was a landmark year marking the event’s 40th anniversary. This milestone coincided with a period of change for the industry, with both established and emerging designers facing financial challenges.
But amidst the obvious obstacles, London’s fashion scene thrived. At Denizen we always have an affinity to homegrown talent Emilia Wickstead who continues her reign as the go-to for Royals and London socialites alike. While other favourites were the work of independent designers who’ve launched their brands in recent years such as Nensi Dojaka who stood out among the city’s ever-present multicultural influence. London icon Burberry continued its evolution under the creative direction of Daniel Lee, while JW Anderson stole the show with a collection that pushed the boundaries of fashion itself.
Here are our top picks from London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025.
Spring 2025 Read-To-Wear
Emilia Wickstead
New Zealand-born, British fashion sensation Emilia Wickstead’s show was a playful dance between feminine elegance and rebellion. Moving on from the industrial basements and darker tones of her last season, the Spring/Summer 2025 collection masterfully blends her signature sleek femininity with a touch of unexpected rebellion.
Drawing inspiration from photographer Gisèle Freund’s portraits of intellectual powerhouses, Wickstead creates a “girl gang” ready to conquer the world. Think precise tailoring and elegant lines, punctuated by pops of colour and playful details like fringing and floral prints. Boyish knits offer a touch of androgyny, while oversized tassels on sandals add a touch of whimsy.
The collection offers an array of looks for the modern woman who isn’t afraid to be both powerful and playful. It’s a testament to Wickstead’s talent for creating clothes that feel both timeless and excitingly fresh.
Spring 2025 Read-To-Wear
JW Anderson
Never one for the expected, Jonathan Anderson’s namesake JW Anderson SS25 collection was an exercise in pushing boundaries. Removing the basic definitions of fashion, Anderson instead chose to challenge the norms, by creating playful deconstructed looks that had you questioning ‘Is that a dress?’ which was clearly the idea.
Anderson, a creative chameleon, approaches fashion as a language. This season, there was a clear focus on optical illusions; magnified, distorted details created a sense of playful surrealism. The collection feels liberated, yet still self-reflective with looped fringing echoing past seasons, and maintaining the brand’s signature cool.
Oversized silhouettes juxtaposed with mini-skirts with a daring transparency resulted in a statement look for the fearless JW Anderson devotee. Layering remains key, with each piece in the collection designed to be a building block in what is a unique sartorial story.
Spring 2025 Read-To-Wear
Nensi Dojaka
Nensi Dojaka’s triumphant return to London was a love letter to sensuality. Stepping back into the historic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Dojaka reaffirmed her mastery of lingerie-inspired design, bringing a sultry edge back to the London scene.
The collection saw a subtle evolution from her signature structured style. Gone were the strictly linear seams, replaced by flowing ruffles, soft pleats, and thigh-high slits. This move towards fluidity was underscored by a palette of delicate pastels, a refreshing departure from her previous starkness.
Dojaka understands the modern woman’s desire for versatility. While past collections paired her designs with sky-high stilettos, here we saw models in demure flats, hinting at a more relaxed interpretation of her aesthetic. Duality was key, showcasing clothes that can effortlessly transition from a night out to a luxurious night in.
The highlight was a capsule collection with Calvin Klein. Here, Dojaka’s signature pieces were reimagined for both evening wear and loungewear, proving the perfect fit for the lingerie giant.
This season was an affirmation of Dojaka’s burgeoning brand. From the star-studded front row to the industry heavyweights in attendance, the buzz was undeniable, her empowering designs and remarkable potential for bigger things were very clear.
The Calvin Klein collaboration is a win-win. For Dojaka, it’s a chance to test the waters for her own lingerie line. For Calvin Klein, it’s an infusion of fresh energy and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Either way, Nensi Dojaka is poised for a bright future.
Spring 2025 Read-To-Wear
Burberry
Daniel Lee’s Burberry seems to be hitting its stride. The show, held in the National Theatre’s industrial space, mirrored the collection’s palette — clean and modern with a focus on showcasing his technical brilliance with an adventurous type of casual romance.
Standouts included reworked trench coats with unexpected cuts and proportions and a play on the brand’s classic check. The collection felt fresh yet respectful of Burberry’s heritage, with obvious touches to early 2000s Burberry. Reimagined parkas layered over sequin dresses and draped jersey looks whispered of past trends but with a modern twist. The menswear mirrored this theme, hybridizing utility with heritage. Think technical jackets and safari parkas, perfect for those who want heritage style with a modern edge. Cargo pants were reinvented in silk and cotton, stripped of excessive pockets and given a contemporary slouch. Lee’s understanding of Burberry’s core pieces shines through, particularly in the reworked trench coats. But it’s the shrunken biker jackets and party-ready parkas that show how this outerwear can work beyond traditional settings. The collection may be a sleeper hit, with the dresses and blouses becoming the pieces that truly define Lee’s Burberry vision. Time will tell if this new collection will secure a dedicated fan base, but for now, it’s clear Lee is building a strong aesthetic code for the brand.
As soon as the weather begins to improve, it’s to the outdoors that we rush — gathering friends and family to celebrate the changing of seasons over shared meals and drinks al fresco. Hosting is one of life’s greatest joys, and taking the time to perfect a table setting is a surefire way to elevate any occasion.
Understanding our collective desire to imbue our homes with artistry and elegance, The Studio of Tableware has curated one of the country’s most exquisite ranges of luxury homewares, with a particular emphasis on glassware, and in celebration of spring, the online retail destination is offering discounted prices on all things glass via an unmissable sale.
Here, you’ll find a host of striking vessels that not only improve the visual impact of your libations, but enhance and elevate the drinking experience, with glasses that go beyond their functional purpose to cut to the heart of the beverages for which they have been designed. From sleek and modern designs to ornate and traditional styles, whether adorned with intricate patterns or more understated, this coveted selection offers something for every beverage and any occasion.
As such, our editors have earmarked their must-have items in this covetable sale, and we’d suggest getting in quickly while the prices are still hot.
The 37th America’s Cup sees the inclusion of both Women’s and Youth events — developed to create new, accelerated, inclusive pathways for the growing global talent pool of female and young sailors. Taking place this month and next, these races are set to be some of the highlights of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, attracting the next generation of foiling superstars who have the perfect platform to showcase their talents to the world.
The 37th America’s Cup
Women’s Race
The Puig Women’s America’s Cup — fittingly sponsored by champions of women in sport, Puig — is the first time women’s teams will compete, and it’s set to be one of the highlights of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona. 12 teams from 12 countries composed entirely of women will race, with six invited teams from Spain, The Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia joining the six established, official participants representing New Zealand, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, the United States and France. The winning team will take ownership of a striking trophy following the final on October 13th, which was designed by architect and designer Patricia Urquiola to aptly commemorate this historic moment in women’s sport.
Puig Women’s America’s Cup 5th — 13th October
Liv Mackay, Skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand’s Women’s crew
The 37th America’s Cup
Youth Race
The third time Youth teams have been invited to participate in the America’s Cup, this year’s race will see teams from all participating countries battle it out for top spot in the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup. Teams from both the Women’s and Youth events will race in one-design AC40 foiling monohulls — with controls, sails, foils and mechanisms standardised, so as to ensure the emphasis is firmly on race-craft, positioning and foiling technique. Promising a fast and furious competition, the AC40 has top speeds of around 45 knots (85km/h), and four fixed positions: two pod-seats on each side of the hull.
Unicredit Youth America’s Cup 17th — 26th September
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