Fragrance has the power to influence our emotions and moods, so why not reach for something uplifting? Kate Spade New York’s newly-launched, eponymous fragrance is inspired by the fashion house’s vibrant, clever essence, which has celebrated women and their sense of individuality since its launch in 1993.
A joyfully feminine perfume, Kate Spade New York harnesses a combination of fruity and floral notes— in particular, wild strawberry. Perfumer Marie Salamagne of renowned Swiss fragrance company Firmenich aimed to pay tribute to the lush red fruit, capturing its unique scent and tempering it with rose essence.
A top note of bergamot adds a sparkling, citrus element, while the floral heart combines that rose essence with freesia. Base notes of ambroxan and cashmeran add a slightly musky, woody depth, ensuring this fragrance is not simply sweet frivolity.
For Kate Spade New York’s launch, dancer Maddie Ziegler lent her rhythmic talents in a free-spirited campaign capturing spontaneous celebration. Shot against the iconic New York City skyline, Ziegler and her friends embody the unbridled joy that comes with feeling authentically yourself — a sensibility we hope to channel, while smelling delicious in the process.
After having to be cancelled in 2020 due to unfortunate circumstances we’re all very familiar with, Auckland Writers Festival is back with a bang this year. Bringing us a smashing selection of the best writers and thinkers from here and abroad, the Festival is a place for all to celebrate the world of books and ideas, enriching the culture of our city from the 11th — 16th of May.
If you’d like some guidance on what to book from the excellent selection of sessions, here are the events we’re looking forward to seeing at the 2021 Auckland Writers Festival.
Left: Neil Gaiman. Right: Kazuo Ishiguro.
The Universe of Story: Neil Gaiman Famed British author Neil Gaiman will be here in person (he’s currently living in Hawke’s Bay with his partner, musician Amanda Palmer) to espouse on the art of storytelling that he’s beloved for the world over, following the recent publication of updated collection The Neil Gaiman Reader: Selected Fiction. Containing 50 of his short stories plus excerpts from American Gods, Neverwhere and more, the book showcases Gaiman’s range and prowess as one of the world’s most talented contemporary writers — one that has sold over 50 million books, no less. Catch him in conversation with author Nic Low on Sunday, 16th of May.
A Nobel Life: Kazuo Ishiguro Those who have read his books can’t help but love the restrained yet poignant prose of Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro. The author of acclaimed novels like The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go has released a brilliant new book that is, once again, garnering hefty praise. Klara and the Sun tells the story of an artificial being in search of the family that will fulfil the purpose she was created for. Through Klara’s eyes we see both beautiful and cruel aspects of human nature anew, and ask the question: what does it mean to love? See Ishiguro in conversation with Michelle Langstone via livestream on Saturday, 15th of May, discussing his life’s work.
Left: Patricia Grace. Right: Garance Dore.
From the Centre: Patricia Grace One of New Zealand’s most celebrated authors, Patricia Grace will be talking about the experiences that have shaped her life, books and distinctive voice following the publication of her new memoir From the Centre: A writer’s life — out on the 4th of May. Having penned multiple beloved novels, short stories, and children’s books including Potiki, Cousins (which has been adapted into a major film, in cinemas now) and Tu, Grace is sure to have plenty of wisdom and inspiring words to share, in conversation with Nic Low on Saturday, 15th of May.
A Question of Style: Garance Doré One of the original fashion bloggers that kicked off the influencer movement, Garance Doré’s story is far from predictable. Having found what others would deem the pinnacle of success in the fashion industry, Doré walked away from it all in 2015 shortly after publishing her first book — New York Times bestseller Love X Style X Life — to find what made her truly happy. With a weekly subscription newsletter sharing personal, philosophical and often hilarious insights about her life, Doré speaks with Wendy Petrie via livestream about her journey on Friday, 14th of May.
Left: Ai Weiwei. Right: Behrouz Boochani.
Conversations: Ai Weiwei The chance to hear directly from such an important, cultural figure is one we are excited about, as Ai Weiwei joins the festival via livestream to discuss his latest book Conversations. Chronicling candid discussions with critical thinkers, including Andrew Solomon and Evan Osnos, Weiwei touches on his relationship with China, the meaning of citizenship, how to make art, and technology as a tool for freedom of oppression. He will be talking to film-maker Chelsea Winstanley on Friday, 14th of May.
No Friend but the Mountains: Behrouz Boochani Sometimes, in life, it’s good to have things put in perspective, and Behrouz Boochani’s story is sure to help with that. The Kurdish-Iranian journalist became a political prisoner after fleeing from Iran in 2013, detained indefinitely in the Australian-run Manus Regional Processing Centre, Papua New Guinea. On a smuggled mobile phone, he chronicled six years in the centre, tapped out in Farsi in a series of single messages, and subsequently translated into English by Omid Tofighian. The result was his book No Friend But The Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison, which went on to win a host of literary prizes. Now resident in New Zealand, Boochani speaks with Julie Hill on Friday, 14th of May.
From left: Reb Fountain, Tom Scott, Marlon Williams, Moana Maniapoto.
A Celebration of Song: Reb, Tom, Marlon & Moana The craft of songwriting is often just as much of a beautiful mystery as authors penning novels. Three of Aotearoa’s most esteemed musicians Reb Fountain, Tom Scott and Marlon Williams, will join fellow singer Moana Maniapoto to dissect their artistry and inspirations. Completing the conversation will be acoustic performances, making this session one to prioritise for both literary and music fans on Thursday, 13th of May.
Curating the perfect wardrobe is all about nailing the basics. Build a solid foundation first, and then indulge in some of your more wild sartorial pursuits. To get you started, here is a list of simple essentials that will stand you in good stead for the season ahead.
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A Pair of Standout Sneakers
A Pair of Standout Sneakers
There are sneakers and then there are sneakers, and these ones from Prada are deemed (in our book, at least) essential for the casual ‘cool’ and intriguing detail they promise to bring to an otherwise straightforward outfit.
A casual, collared shirt should sit at the heart of your repertoire. Easy to wear with anything, this piece will lend a certain formality to outfits that call for more than just a casual look.
Every man needs a bag that says, ‘I’ve travelled’ without looking like it actually says ‘backward through a bush, that is.’ Cast aside the luggage you’ve been pulling off your top shelf for years, and invest in a smart, sleek-looking bag that will add to your sartorial prowess, not detract from it.
In an age when comfort has become key, an all-purpose sweater is non-negotiable. Opting for something that is a step up from slouchy without feeling too high-end means that you will be able to pair it with anything.
A scarf will prove perhaps the most useful accessory in your wardrobe, particularly in the face of changing temperatures. Whether used as sleek layering or a heavy-duty coverup this piece is as stylish as it is user-friendly.
Not only are they practical, sophisticated, and destined to give you an air of mystery, but dark shades will also be your best friend when trying to mask a previous night’s conviviality.
Secure, reliable and always there to pull things up when you’re feeling down, a classic belt is a must in any man’s wardrobe. Start with one in solid black leather before adding brown, beige, or more detailed iterations to your repertoire.
A lightweight jacket should always be on hand for days when one layer simply will not do. Opt for a style that is elegant and understated so as to be able to wear it with everything.
A box of Cadbury Roses is a Kiwi classic. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone in New Zealand who doesn’t have some kind of special ritual or memory attached to these colourful, chocolate morsels. For me, a box of Cadbury Roses conjures memories of my grandad, who used to always keep them by the side of his bed (and would occasionally offer me one, as a treat). It’s hardly surprising then, that as Mother’s Day rolls around again and we start thinking about all the little things we can do to spoil the important women in our lives, a box of Cadbury Roses chocolates is firmly on the list. And this year, the box we all know and love has been given a bold reimagining, thanks to local illustrator Bonnie Brown — also known as Studio Bon.
Commissioned by Cadbury to design a limited-edition Cadbury Roses box, specifically for Mother’s Day, Brown took to the project with a fresh, feminine perspective and her signature, vibrant style, creating a design that was eye-catching and sure to stand out on the shelves. “I was a bit nervous,” Brown divulges, when asked how she felt at the prospect of redesigning what has become such a recognisable box. “Kiwis immediately associate Cadbury Roses with that classic, bright blue colour so I knew I had to create something that stood out in the same way, but that also felt unique and special.”
Marking the first time Cadbury has ever collaborated with a Kiwi artist, the new, limited-edition Cadbury Roses are indeed special, and for more reasons than just the way they look. “The design was inspired by my upbringing in Nelson and Queenstown and having summers on the coast,” Brown explains, speaking to the undulating ribbons of colour that weave across the creamy, white background of the new boxes. “Projects like this are my favourite to work on,” she continues, “because there is a lot of creative freedom, but also real-world considerations to work within… and I like the challenge.”
Wanting to create something that would be perfect as a Mother’s Day gift, Brown’s contemporary twist on a Cadbury classic is a simple, delicious way to say thank you to those who have put so much of their time into raising us.
It’s no secret how much work goes into creating a delicious loaf of sourdough — many of us became well acquainted with the lengthy process during the first lockdown, and no doubt just as many decided it was best left to the experts.
For Maya Handley, a love for making sourdough began years before the concept of a pandemic had even entered our consciousness, leading her to create local micro bakery Kōpiko.
Now based in Oratia, West Auckland, Handley first began baking when she lived in the States for nearly 13 years — predominantly in New York. Having grown up in Auckland, Handley moved to America in 2005 where she initially worked in advertising before studying photography, pursuing a successful career as a freelance photographer in fashion and for architectural publications. Clearly, creativity runs strong in her family, as her sister Greta Villiger is Head of Design Pre Collection for fashion house Loewe.
It was during a regular trip upstate with her young family that Handley began making sourdough, mainly out of necessity due to the lack of well-stocked grocery stores in the area. What she found was the gentle rhythm of the loaf-making process reflected many of the aspects she loves in photography.
“It suited my personality and I was already in that mode of paying close attention to light, working within the constraints of the frame and my chosen device,” she tells me. “With bread making, it’s also quite repetitive and requires paying attention to subtle changes in something with three ingredients. Shifts in temperature, how it feels, the humidity on the day — all of these make a difference to the final outcome.”
As her bread fan base grew, Handley decided to enrol in Artisan Bread Making at the International Culinary Centre, learning from bread coordinator and chief instructor Johnson Yu, and upon returning to New Zealand in 2018 she established Kōpiko bakery.
Left: Maya Handley.
Of chief importance to Handley’s loaves is the use of 100 percent local grain that has been stored without chemicals (many grains are stored with chemicals to preserve it for a longer amount of time). She also incorporates the whole grain into her bread, upping the nutritional value immensely. “Most bread, even wholemeal bread, has large proportions of sifted white flour which sifts out the germ and bran,” she says. “The wheat germ is what contains the majority of the mineral and vitamin content, while the bran contains the fibre. Getting rid of these removes much of the nutritional potential of bread.”
Add to this the slow fermentation process, which helps the grain to be more easily digestible, plus the use of only sourdough starter and no instant yeast, and you have some of the most nutritious bread we’ve ever tried. It’s also extremely tasty, with a complex and savoury flavour that provides the perfect base to any topping from simple butter and sea salt to avocado, peanut butter and more.
So, how can you get your hands on a loaf of Kōpiko bread? Handley has created a genius business model whereby bread is available to purchase online by subscription on a weekly, fortnightly or one-off basis. This in turn allows Handley and her assistant baker Bridget McCarthy to plan exactly how many loaves they need to bake, and avoid any food waste.
Kōpiko’s seeded rye sourdough
Forget queuing in a store — Kōpiko delivers to a wide range of Auckland suburbs, from out west to central suburbs like Grey Lynn and Herne Bay, to Kingsland, Morningside and Mt Albert. They also set up at The Shed Collective food market in Oratia, and Titirangi Village Market every week — the markets are usually where they will test out new flavours in development, like an instantly popular oat porridge sourdough that sold out in half an hour.
While setting up Kōpiko has certainly been a labour of love, Handley says the process thus far has been extremely rewarding. “I didn’t know how much satisfaction I would get from seeing happy customers and having people come each Saturday to get their bread,” she enthuses. “That’s really rewarding and makes the work feel so worthwhile.”
She was stoked that people were trying their hand at sourdough baking during lockdown, because it has certainly fostered a wider appreciation for the craft. “I’ve noticed at the markets, people saying “oh my gosh, I had no idea how long it takes to make a loaf of sourdough,” she laughs. “Now people know all the effort and care that’s gone into making it. It’s like anything you try yourself, it gives you a greater appreciation for people that do it for you.”
Sumptuous and sexy, velvet has long been associated with luxury. From its tactile softness to the deep, jewel-like tones in which it is often rendered, this fabric might feel like the ultimate expression of opulence, but that does not exclude it from the modern home. When used correctly, a velvet piece is the perfect way to lend depth to a monochromatic, contemporary space — here’s how.
1. Subtle centrepiece Choose a velveteen pouf like this Amami one by Moooi to inject a soft sophistication into your living room.
2. Sculptural seating If your style is more bold, try adding an eye-catching piece like Gan-Rugs’ Grapy (by Kensaku Oshiro) to your space. As much a conversation-starter as it is a genuinely comfortable place to put your feet up.
3.Understated addition A more subtle approach might be to inject a swathe of velvet via a piece like Reflex’s Plisse Bench Seat. While it doesn’t cry out for attention, it will most definitely get it.
4. Just a touch If you would rather just dabble in this trend, employ it with a lighter touch. Accessories like Coco Republic’s Sara Scatter Cushion will offer a hint of velvet without ever feeling too much.
5. Everyday luxury Why not embrace velvet in something you walk past and use everyday? A piece like the Poliform Mad armchair will offer comfort and luxury in equal measure.
Soul Bar & Bistro is a stalwart for a reason. From its Viaduct Harbour location to its iconic dishes (hello ham-off-the-bone macaroni cheese) which seem to hold evergreen appeal, Soul is certainly a safe bet. But it’s actually much, much more, particularly when it announces (as it has done recently) a menu switch up — something we are very excited about, and you should be too.
Soul’s new dishes, conceived by the restaurant’s talented Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle, arrive just as autumn feels like it’s starting to set in. And with more blustery days than blue skies on the horizon, what better time than now to indulge in some truly heart-warming, satiating and delicious food?
From left: Duck and pumpkin tortelloni in duck leg brodo with orange oil; Hawke’s Bay lamb rack with Jerusalem artichoke and peanut rayu.
On the main menu, starter dishes like creamy burrata with pickled green walnut tapenade and sourdough and Ruakākā kingfish with citrus ponzu and finger lime, sit alongside larger dishes like duck and pumpkin tortelloni in a mouthwatering duck leg brodo with orange oil, Hawke’s Bay lamb rack with Jerusalem artichoke and peanut rayu, and an opulent crayfish capellini with caviar à l’américaine.
Even the dessert and vegetarian menus have been given a good shake-up, with a number of dishes landing on the former that we cannot wait to sink our teeth into. While you’ll be pleased to know that the gold leaf Snickers bar parfait has not gone anywhere, it now sits alongside a Granny Smith galette with apple butter and caramelised milk gelato, a passionfruit créme brûlée served with candied pistachio and curds, and a melt-in-your-mouth warm chocolate pudding with Frangelico and hazelnut icecream.
From left: Passionfruit créme brûlée with candied pistachio and curds; Warm chocolate pudding with Frangelico and hazelnut ice cream.
Vegetarians, prepare to delight in Soul’s new risotto Bianco with Jerusalem artichoke chips, or its tempura broccolini with broccoleaf and shiitake xo. Or if you’re feeling a little extra, perhaps the truffle capellini with cultured cream and parmesan will prove more up your alley.
However you choose to indulge, Soul Bar & Bistro’s selection of tasty new dishes offer something for everyone and have us booking a table, stat.
High-end hosiery is a non-negotiable as we prepare our wardrobes for winter. Not only will a good pair of tights extend the lifespan of your favourite summer pieces, but it will also prove one of the most useful accessories in your sartorial toolbox. This is how we’ll be wearing ours.
With sandals Worn with a pair of tights, our favourite sandals no longer need to be relegated to the back of our wardrobes over the winter months.
Under a mini Hair-raising hemlines are here to stay. We will be wearing ours with some sophisticated stockings for a look that feels entirely season-appropriate.
To add some pizzazz An outgoing mood might call for tights that are a touch bolder than the traditional styles. To change things up, we will be reaching for coloured, patterned or monogrammed hosiery.
Left to right: Saint Laurent black floral-jacquard tights from Net-A-Porter, GG Pattern tights from Gucci, Marine Serre black crescent moon fishnet tights from Browns Fashion, Falke pantyhose from Smith & Caughey’s
When we found out Grownup Donuts had opened a new outpost in the CBD, needless to say we were immediately trying to think of excuses to leave the office and travel over to that side of town.
Fabricated errands or not, we suggest you follow suit to the new site at number 2, Anzac Ave, for some of the best doughnuts in Auckland.
Founded by Daniel and Annie Black, Grownup Donuts started life as a regularly appearing stall around the city’s markets, and has now expanded to three permanent locations — Henderson Valley, Wairau Valley, and the new central city spot.
The company’s sweet delights are unique in that they are handmade every single day by the team of passionate bakers (who work, impressively, from 3AM), and are filled to the brim with original fillings. The philosophy centres around decadent treats that are supremely flavourful, but aren’t overly, artificially sweet or oily — crafted without added colours, preservatives or additives, these doughnuts are the real deal.
While the flavours change fortnightly, you can expect the likes of Belgian chocolate with roasted macadamia butter, or raspberry cheesecake; black sesame cream custard, passionfruit cheesecake — and much more.
Plant-based eaters can also rejoice because Grownup Donuts offers vegan flavours, which include mouthwatering combinations like crème brûlée with coconut cream, Belgian chocolate coconut and strawberry jam.
If you’re based in the city for work or study, or find yourself there in your downtime, and have even a slight sweet tooth, we suggest you make your way to the new store.
Available as a single serve filled doughnut, or in multiples from four and up to 100, bringing a box back to the office would ensure you suddenly have a lot of new friends. Although, we wouldn’t blame you if they didn’t make the journey.
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9AM — 6:30PM (unless sold out prior) Saturday & Sunday: 10AM — 5PM (unless sold out prior) Closed Monday & Tuesday
Grownup Donuts 2 Anzac Avenue (on the corner next to the barbershop, access via Beach Rd)
If novels or non-fiction aren’t quite piquing your interest, why not turn your attention to these memoirs? Spanning tales from Hollywood royalty to an intimate examination of identity, these books make a compelling read.
The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone After a massive stroke stopped her career in its tracks, one of the world’s most recognisable actresses had to undergo a slow and arduous journey back to health. Set against the backdrop of a notoriously unforgiving industry, this memoir is a tale of triumph in the face of life-changing adversity.
Everybody Else is Perfect by Gabrielle Korn In this collection of deeply personal essays, the former editor-in-chief of Nylon offers a behind-the-scenes peek at what many would have said was a ‘perfect life.’ Touching on topics like internet feminism, commercialised body image and sexuality, this memoir is as darkly funny as it is achingly authentic.
Aftershocks: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Identity by Nadia Owusu Abandoned as a baby in Tanzania, Nadia Owusu has inhabited many languages, homelands and identities in her life, drawing on this to pen a moving and timely memoir. It is the intimate story behind a hot-button topic — immigration and the division it seeds, as much in one’s own identity as in our contemporary discourse.
Consent: A Memoir by Vanessa Springora A powerful memoir from the woman who, thirty years ago, was the young teenage muse of one of France’s most celebrated literary figures, this story is one that explores how the relationship between a 13-year-old girl and a man in his fifties (who happened to be a notable writer) could remain so unexamined. Searingly honest and devastating in its revelations, this book is Springora reclaiming her story, shattering the silence of complicity.
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