The undisputed hero of cold-weather dressing, a good jacket will make all the difference to an otherwise unremarkable outfit. Sensible and sleek, here are the styles to consider.
The Teddy Sumptuous and warm, this tactile style is as beloved for its comfort as it is for its slightly bulky look. Here, Prada has innovated the classic Teddy jacket by crafting it from recycled polyester and adding panels and exposed zips where the pockets sit, leaning into that sporty, functional aesthetic.
Left: Be inspired by Dior Men’s Pre-Fall 21 collection; Right: Workshop Denim Men’s Woollen Chore Jacket.
The Utility Taking its style cues from military garb, the utility jacket has become an ‘it’ piece — and it’s easy to see why. From its flattering, masculine shape to its practical pockets this trans-seasonal jacket will sharpen up any look.
The Bomber Another jacket inspired by military-style, the bomber is the perfect in-between. Not too casual, not too formal, this style is made to suit your vibe, whatever that may be. This season, emulate Louis Vuitton’s new version by eschewing neutrals and choosing something in a bolder pattern or colour. You won’t regret it.
The Overcoat The classic overcoat is, without question, something every guy should have in their wardrobe. Whether you throw it over your work attire or a tracksuit on the weekends, this versatile piece will stick with you through any season.
The Tailored Coat Every man needs one spectacular coat in their wardrobe. Tailored to fit your shape and style perfectly, this defiantly formal coat will lend you an air of sartorial superiority and promises to make heads turn every time.
The Leather The ‘bad boy’ of outerwear has undergone an image upgrade. While it certainly hasn’t lost its edge, the leather jacket has evolved from the uniform of motorbike enthusiasts and tough guys to a piece that feels right at home in the high-fashion space. Be aware that a proper leather jacket is designed to last for far more than one season, so quality is everything.
Multi-hyphenate Carly Black is based in Auckland where, by day, she works as an Account Manager for Coffee Supreme looking after around 70 cafes in the Coromandel, Northland and Auckland. She also spends “every spare minute” doing freelance illustration or graphic design work — mostly for independent, owner-operated hospitality businesses or winemakers. You probably recognise her charming illustrations from the signage of K’ Rd pasta favourite Pici, or maybe you’ve seen her cheerful, keep-cup-toting sandwich on the Ol’ Mate food truck.
Here, Black gives us an insight into her tastes, including her favourite places to eat, some great podcast recommendations and more.
What I do for a job described in one sentence: Account manager for Coffee Supreme by day, freelance graphic designer and illustrator by night.
My personal style can be defined by: Someone recently described my style as normcore. Generally I aspire to look like a piece of moss. Lots of greens, and mustards, browns and textured pieces. I also can’t seem to walk past a piece of corduroy without buying it.
The last thing I bought and loved was: A set of Temuka salt and pepper shakers from David N White Gallery in Wellington.
An unforgettable place I visited was: I did a camping road trip around the East Cape this summer with the dog. I loved it. I saw Te Waha o Rerekohu in Te Araroa — the oldest Pohutukawa in New Zealand — she’s six hundred years old.
The next place I’d like to go to: I’d love to do a South Island trip this winter. Maybe the Inland Pack Track on the West Coast. I think Kaiser [Black’s two-year-old whippet] would appreciate being left at home under the heat pump for that one.
Clockwise from top left: Carly Black illustration; Coffee Supreme mug; Plastic Bouquet album; Natural wine with label designed by Carly; Niki de Saint Sculpture.
The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: My first reference is and always will be Niki de Saint Phalle. She was introduced to me by my German mother — three of her sculptures are in my home town of Hanover, in Northwestern Germany. I love naïve art in general. It’s nostalgic and joyous. Most of my illustrations look like someone’s doodled on the page in math class, and I love that quality of it.
My favourite app is: I’ve gotten into cryptocurrency quite recently, the last six months, so I do find myself glued to my wallet app, Exodus.
My guilty pleasure is: A really great bottle of natural wine paired with something deep fried.
My secret talent is: Looking like an extrovert when I’m the biggest introvert you’ll ever meet.
My morning routine is: Wake up, feed my dog Kaiser, share a cup of Coffee Supreme™ with my neighbour Hazel, who is also conveniently the owner of Fur & Forest, a dog pack-walking company. Very quickly get ready for work and then head to one of the cafes I look after for a catch up and another cuppa.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Jars and jars of pickled things, brined things, chutneys, anything to reduce my food waste.
My favourite room in my house is: My living room is south-west facing, so I get the dreamiest golden hour and sunsets. Ponsonby always gets the best sunsets.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: This is such a difficult question. Like Gogo Music Cafe on Dominion Road is it for me. Spicy chili and cumin covered meat skewers, and giant wheat noodles with chicken curry never ceases to impress me. Close runners up are Pici and Ockhee.
The podcasts I listen to are: Oh man I always get embarrassed by my podcast choices. This American Life, Philosophize This!, CBC’sMissing & Murdered is a really good introspective podcast series on indigenous women who’ve gone missing.
The last music I downloaded was: ‘Plastic Bouquet‘ by Marlon Williams with Kacy & Clayton.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Off grid on some self-sustainable land somewhere south.
I have a collection of: Coffee mugs. So so many coffee mugs.
My favourite way to unwind is: Heading off into Riverhead Forest with Kaiser for a couple hours. There’s no reception or internet coverage, bonus.
With winter officially in full swing, it’s time to activate hibernation mode and queue your watchlist with an addictive assortment of new content. From thrilling true crime dramas to fabulous biopics, these fresh TV shows will see you in good stead over rainy days and chilly nights.
The Mosquito Coast Justin Theroux and Melissa George star in this new Apple+ series, adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name. The drama unfolds as Allie Fox (played by Theroux), a radical idealist and brilliant inventor finds himself on the run from the United States government, and must escape with his family to Mexico. Made in seven parts, this exhilarating series promises to have us on the edge of our seats, and is the perfect watch for winter. Watch on Apple TV+
https://youtu.be/yCgdWHwEnrg
Halston Starring Ewan McGregor as the titular character, this new Netflix miniseries follows the hedonistic lifestyle of iconic fashion designer Halston (Roy Halston Frowick) in the 1970s and 1980s. With super-producer Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, The Politician, Ratched and more) at the helm, this glitzy, fashion-filled affair captures perfectly the legacy of a legend. Watch on Netflix
Physical In this upcoming Apple Original series, Rose Bryne stars as Sheila Rubin, an outwardly dutiful 1980s housewife with a darkly-funny side who finds solace from personal demons in the world of aerobics. Following Sheila’s trajectory as she moves from aerobics fan to fully-fledged fitness and lifestyle guru, this dramedy is one we’re particularly looking forward to. Watch on Apple TV+
https://youtu.be/Q4nwFSSTUZc
Nine Perfect Strangers Another miniseries starring Nicole Kidman (fast becoming the genre’s most prolific practitioner), Nine Perfect Strangers was adapted from a novel of the same name and follows a wellness retreat that goes horribly wrong. Promising a similarly captivating and dark drama to Big Little Lies (the novel was penned by the same author, after all) this series is one we’re eagerly waiting for. Watch on Amazon Prime
Solos A new Amazon series featuring eight acclaimed actors (including Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Anne Hathaway) this captivating, seven-part, character-driven anthology explores the wondrous truths of what it means to be human, concluding that no matter how isolated or physically separated we are, we will always be connected. Watch on Amazon Prime
Loki Marvel’s god of mischief is set to hit our screens with his very own series on Disney Plus. The story follows Loki (played by Tom Hiddleston) as he pops up throughout human history via his own method of time travel, to influence major historical events. Expect as many moments of chaos as moments of comedy as this lovable rogue finally takes the spotlight. Watch on Disney+
The Underground Railroad From the director of Academy-Award-winning Moonlight this new Amazon series follows the journey of Cora, a young slave in the antebellum South, who escapes a Georgian plantation in a bid for freedom — pursued every step of the way by a notorious slave hunter. Watch on Amazon Prime
https://youtu.be/miQqyfO66uw
Mare of Easttown This gripping new HBO show stars Kate Winslet as a small-town detective, bent on solving a local murder while trying to balance her personal life as it crumbles around her. With stellar performances and an unmissable plot, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away. Watch on Neon
A well-stocked cellar is (we think) one of life’s great pleasures, and an Amisfield subscription service is ensuring you’ll never be left wanting when the occasion arises to source a bottle of exceptional wine from within the comfort of your own home.
The acclaimed Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door boasts one of the largest, single-estate vineyards in Central Otago, and Amisfield Wine Club is dedicated to offering wine connoisseurs, gastronomes and casual enthusiasts alike the opportunity to access a superior cellar offering with a large number of perks.
With no joining fee — just a commitment to purchasing two cases of 12 bottles per year — Amisfield Wine Club is a truly accessible way to sample the vineyard’s exquisite vintages. Members of the Amisfield Wine Club receive discounts on all Amisfield wines and at the restaurant itself, plus a personal allocation of new-release wines, access to exclusive pre-releases and select cellar and limited edition wines.
You can expect invitations to Amisfield events and a highlight is one complimentary wine masterclass per year for you and three guests — an in-depth, educational and informative wine tasting session, with an overview of the history of Amisfield Estate and the Central Otago region.
In further exciting news, 2021 is Amisfield’s first vintage from which all of the grapes (and subsequent wines) will be certified as organic, by BioGro New Zealand. The culmination of a five-year process, full organic status is no mean feat, and Amisfield’s organic conversion is part of a multitude of ongoing sustainability initiatives at Amisfield. The conversion has resulted in soil health and biodiversity improvements, plus greater differentiation of flavour profile from block to block as the vines are able to assert their own unique personality into each exquisite wine.
That being said, there’s never a better time to join Amisfield’s wine club, and with complimentary freight available for every subscription delivery in New Zealand and Australia, it’s a brilliant way to treat yourself — or another lucky recipient.
You must be 18 years or older to subscribe to this service.
Once again taking the lead in the bid to reduce plastic waste and offer cleaner, safer products for the home and body, Ecostore has just launched its new Cleaner Concentrates — and they’re genius.
Packed in tiny glass bottles with recyclable lids (creating 90 percent less plastic waste), the formulas are 10-times concentrated and are designed to be combined with tap water in reusable spray bottles. When mixed with water, they boast the exact same cleaning power as Ecostore’s regular 500ml spray cleaners.
“Every time our customer uses the new ecostore refill concentrate bottle, they use 90 percent less plastic waste because each spray head lasts for 24 refills,” says Ecostore group CEO Pablo Kraus. “This can make a 1.46kg of plastic saving and we can divert 6,450kgs of plastic waste from landfills each year.”
There are currently three variations of Cleaner Concentrate available, all made from plant-based ingredients and enabling the user to tackle different areas of the house with ease.
The Multi-Purpose Cleaner Refill Concentrate is an effective antibacterial cleaner that makes cleaning oil, food, dust and dirt a breeze. It can be used on hard household surfaces, bench tops, appliances and walls — while the Glass Cleaner Refill Concentrate is perfect for leaving a streak-free finish on windows, mirrors and glass surfaces.
The Bathroom and Shower Refill Concentrate cuts easily through dirt, soap scum and hard water spots using citric acid — a safer alternative to Benzalkonium Chloride that is proven to kill common household germs and bacteria.
The release of these new products couldn’t have come at a better time, with World Environment Day on Saturday 5th of June prompts us to once again be reminded that we have a long way to go in terms of reducing our plastic footprint. But by embracing this inspiring new initiative from Ecostore we can play a small part in the wider cause.
When it comes to individual progress, an accumulation of small actions carried out consistently everyday makes a difference, and with Ecostore’s Cleaner Concentrates, you can be sure that you can keep both your home and your conscience spick and span.
A good book in one hand, a cup of something warm (or strong) in the other — if you were to say there’s no better way to spend a dreary winter day, we’d tend to agree. From electrifying debuts to magical masterpieces, curl up this winter with these compelling reads and let peak happiness ensue.
Open Waterby Caleb Azumah Nelson Centred around two Black artists who fall in love after meeting at a pub in London, this story follows the ups and downs of their relationship as they seek to make their mark on a city that simultaneously embraces and isolates them. Hailed as an exquisite debut, and praised for its poignant insight, tender treatment and soulful intensity, Caleb Azumah Nelson’s tale is as much about a powerful and sometimes painful love story as it is an exploration of race and masculinity and has cemented the author as a force to be reckoned with.
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz Jacob Finch Bonner is a once-promising novelist who, having fallen short of success, has taken to teaching an MFA programme. But everything changes after an arrogant student boasts about his first novel before suddenly dying, an event that sees Jacob commit to a life-changing lie.
Peacesby Helen Oyeyemi From this award-winning author comes the magical story of a couple who embark on a sleeper train that they soon discover is no ordinary locomotive. Vivid, inventive and spellbinding, this novel is about what it means to be seen by another person and will keep you enthralled from start to finish.
Animal by Lisa Taddeo Another notable debut, this book follows the story of a woman who, after a lifetime enduring the cruelty of men, decides to turn the tables. Described as an astonishing masterpiece, this novel offers up a visceral depiction of female rage and is electrifying and gripping in equal measure.
Should We Stay or Should We Goby Lionel Shriver After watching her father die from Alzheimer’s, Kay Wilkinson and her husband Cyril make a suicide pact, to be carried out when they turn 80. But then, they turn 80. Equally serious and hilarious, Shriver’s narrative combines 12 parallel universes to explore how Kay and Cyril’s future could possibly turn out.
For Claudia Li, creativity has always been effortless. The Auckland and New York-based fashion designer grew up with a legacy of artists on her mother’s side and an art dealer father, from whom the urge to craft was intrinsically nurtured from a young age.
“Creativity wasn’t something they taught me,” she says, “it was baked into the way they lived, and it was normal.” This extended to a love of fashion, and when it came time for Li to study, fashion design seemed like a natural next step. Now, Li is one of the industry’s most exciting independent designers with a host of accolades and experience already under her belt.
Claudia Li.
Raised between New Zealand and Singapore, Li moved to London, aged 19 to study at Central Saint Martins and was then recommended to the Parsons MFA programme which prompted a move to New York. “That was one of the best career-defining decisions I have ever made,” she says.
What followed were stints on the design teams for Brandon Maxwell’s Haus of Gaga label and at JW Anderson, and in 2015, Li debuted the first collection under her own, eponymous label at New York Fashion Week.
Claudia Li Fall 20.
With its bold, colourful and irreverent aesthetic, Claudia Li the label has been worn by a host of powerful celebrities, tastemakers and even politicians — Michelle Obama, Karlie Kloss, Eva Chen, and Bella Hadid, to name a few. In 2017, Li was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Art and Style honouree.
Although Li’s CV boasts the kind of work experience most designers would dream of, one of the main things she’s learned is also fundamentally simple. “I’ve learned so much from my past experiences, but I think the most important lessons I learned are to be kind and be grateful”, she says.
Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner wearing Claudia Li.
“I really love the fact that everyone on my team is genuinely kind and down to earth. I am really lucky to have such an amazing team and together we’ve created an awesome working environment which is essential to produce great work.”
Having returned to Auckland due to the pandemic, Li says the past year has been both challenging and enlightening. “I’ve been rethinking the whole system we base our business on. How, when and what we create. How, when and what we sell,” she says. “I think in some ways, the pandemic ‘pause’ really made the noise go away, at least for me.”
An accelerating system of ‘more, next, new, fast’ needed to be rethought, says Li, and she’s now working on moving her brand forward in a more conscious way, working with her New York team and establishing more of a base in New Zealand as she does so.
Essentially, Li is aiming to do much more than just feed into the never ending appetite for newness. Designing is her way of sharing a narrative and sparking connection. “Some of us don’t just want to sell clothes, we’re also trying to connect with our audiences on an emotional level. We’re trying to tell our stories.”
You’d never call them complacent, as the duo behind Culprit, Little Culprit, Lowbrow and Nook has just opened a sweet new coffee shop in the central city. Named Double Double, the freshly minted cafe is located right next to Elliot Stables, a java-slinging oasis in the middle of it all.
The opportunity to open Double Double came about a few months ago, says co-owner Jordan MacDonald, and what solidified it was the layout of the space when they checked it out initially. “It had great bones,” says MacDonald, “with a brick wall, high stud and a banquette that we could see would be beautiful re-covered.”
The interior is small — only around 10 seats — and there’s no kitchen, meaning it’s a slightly more low-maintenance affair than their other restaurants. However, they’ve made sure the offering is still characteristically delicious with toasted sandwiches, baked goods from Ponsonby bakery Il Forno (where Lowbrow’s buns are made), Coffee Supreme coffee, and some outrageously good sweet treats invented by MacDonald and co-chef and owner Kyle Street.
Double Double’s toasted sandwiches are all made with Il Forno focaccia, and you’ll find flavours like Truffle & Cheese, comprising truffle salt, gruyere bechamel and mushroom paste; a mortadella, swiss cheese, rocket, red pepper and mayo iteration; chicken schnitzel with rocket, mozzarella and tomato kasundi; and grilled eggplant, red pepper jam, mozzarella and rocket. There will also be specials and the menu will likely change seasonally.
The sweets selection is like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. Cornflake Crack Brownie is a heavenly combination of chocolate brownie base topped with a caramelised cornflake layer. Peanut butter and jam drop cookies are like a supreme version of a Shrewsberry biscuit, and there’s a pretzel loaf cake with golden syrup icing, a gluten-free sweet granola slice — and more.
Like the sandwich selection, the selection may change depending on what’s popular and/or seasonal. We can confidently say this will be a must-visit for breakfast and lunchtime punters who are after some of the tastiest coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats in town.
Fostering a spirit of community and connection has long been a cornerstone pursuit for Maggie Hewitt, founder of lauded New Zealand fashion brand Maggie Marilyn. This philosophy was shown to be more starkly important than ever throughout the last year, and when it came to designing her latest ‘Forever’ capsule additions, it was from a renewed emphasis on togetherness that Hewitt drew her inspiration.
This concept also became the catalyst for Maggie Marilyn’s exciting debut presentation at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021, where the brand is showcasing its new capsule with a beautiful cinematic creation A Brave New World — today at5PM NZT. As the name would suggest, this feature explores the changed frontier we’ve now found ourselves in, gradually trying to emerge from the pandemic with optimism, empathy and inspiration.
The Bridgerton dress.
Maggie Marilyn founder Maggie Hewitt.
Shot across 120 acres of countryside at The Range in Byron Bay and directed by Duc Thinh Dong, A Brave New World drew on some of Australia’s brightest talents to create a spirited visual showcase for Maggie Marilyn’s latest designs. Producer Lauren Barge, photographer Dan Roberts and stylist Emma Kalfus lent their skills to the project, which features an enchanting cast of models and muses including Shimma Marie, Mahalia Handley and New Zealand’s own Manahou Mackay wearing the brand’s covetable pieces.
A palette of rich, chocolatey brown and buttery yellow is punctuated by enchanting pops of azure blue and shimmering gold; sumptuous cream and signature prints. We love the effortless silhouette of the Bobbi Boyfriend Pant and the matching chocolate Make A Livin’ blazer; the ankle-grazing George Carey coat in either check or bubblegum pink, and the showstopping Bridgerton dress.
The Bobbi Boyfriend pant.
Kingi.
For this collection and its subsequent showcase, Maggie Marilyn also partnered with two like-minded designers — footwear brand Nelson Made and jewellery designer Mineraleir — to create limited-edition, consciously made accessories that solidify the capsule’s aesthetic right down to the finer details.
True to Maggie Marilyn’s core pillar of sustainability, the new Forever pieces are timeless, intended for wear all year round. They are crafted from traceable and organic or repurposed fibres, made in New Zealand with a focus on responsible manufacturing and ethical practices. Once again, the brand has created pieces that will both add an exciting dose of freshness to our wardrobe, while being cherished for years to come.
In celebration of this highly-anticipated launch, Maggie Marilyn has offered to give one lucky Denizen reader the ultimate shopping experience worth $2,500. With this you’ll receive a personalised shopping session with Maggie Marilyn’s Head of Retail where you will walk away with a mixture of new Forever and Somewhere pieces followed by a delicious lunch for you and a friend at Kingi, Britomart.
Queenstown’s award-winning sensory experience, Luma is back after a year’s hiatus. Bringing together illuminated art, light sculpture, performance and community events over four days during Queen’s Birthday weekend, the event promises to enliven the Queenstown Gardens on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Working with over 500 contributors, from the established and renowned New Zealand light artist Angus Muir, to up-and-coming artists such as Christchurch creative Drew Hill, Luma is now in its seventh year, and it just keeps getting better.
As Muir notes, the Queenstown Gardens is a spectacular location thanks to its natural lack of ambient light, serving to highlight the installations that much more. While in 2019, Luma attracted nearly 60,000 domestic and international visitors, there’s hope that the 2021 iteration may be witnessed by even more.
So, if you’re thinking of spending your Queen’s Birthday weekend in Queenstown, we suggest you commit soon, as this cornerstone arts and culture event will be one you won’t want to miss.
Luma Festival
5pm-10pm,
Friday 4th — Monday 7th of June
Queenstown Gardens
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