Practical and chic, a cosy coat is an enduring luxe look, and as we look to our wardrobes for cold-weather solutions that don’t compromise a well-considered outfit, a plush jacket stands above the rest for its timeless style and textural quality. So why not unleash your inner animal?
With a range of health benefits, the ancient practice of yoga has long been an essential part of our exercise routines. Whether it’s a sweat session you’re seeking, or a moment of soulful solitude, our city offers an abundance of studios that cater to a range of needs. And as we settle into winter with health top of mind, there has never been a better time to trial Auckland’s best yoga studios.
Location: Newmarket
Encouraging mindful movement even as the heart rate soars, Sweat Yoga’s offering is loved city-wide, with both yoga and pilates working in tandem to give its dedicated disciples a varied schedule. Founded by teacher and Bikram convert Bruce Simons, this studio has been built on the belief that yoga can change your life. Sweat’s classes, including vinyasa and HIIT pilates, promise to bring the heat this season.
Location: Grey Lynn
The Scrap Yard’s beloved Basecamp has built itself a dedicated following, not just because of its architecturally designed fit-out or close proximity to Ozone Coffee Roasters (for a post-session brunch), but because of its unique approach to many styles of yoga. We particularly love the Thursday evening Yin and Nidra class for the ultimate zen movement, and Friday’s post-work restore session with the addition of Reiki. Bliss,
Location: Grey Lynn
Connecting body to breath, and beyond, Eastwest Yoga celebrates a variety of modern and traditional yoga, from vinyasa and ashtanga to kirtan and meditation. Founded by mother-daughter duo, Sheryn Gieck and Amelia McCombie, the goal of every welcoming, well-balanced class is to find inner calm.
Location: Ponsonby
While Ponsonby’s Sala prides itself on being more than simply a yoga studio — and it truly is — yoga forms the core of its offering, and it truly is second to none. Sarah’s highly sought-after classes combine challenging poses with profound mindfulness to push you to better your body and soul, and the Reformer Flow classes offer the perfect balance of strengthening and lengthening. You can also book in a sauna for an extra health boost pre- or post-class.
Location: Takapuna
For those seeking solace on the North Shore, Takapuna’s Flourish Yoga is an uplifting destination with the intention to work out mind, body and spirit. Each teacher has been carefully selected for their contribution to Flourish’s ethos, where an intimate space for connection is held in the highest regard. What we love about this space is the short walk to nearby Slöwe Studio, where you can continue your wellbeing practices with a restorative sauna.
Location: Queen Street
Located smack bang in the heart of the city, Hot Yoga Works is a dedicated space devoted to hot yoga and pilates, offering city-dwellers a place to find sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of city life. The purpose-built studio has a sophisticated temperature-controlled heating system to keep the room at optimal heat, with fresh air circulation and a consistent temperature to give you the best possible workout. The heat fast-tracks all the benefits of your practice, increasing strength and flexibility.
Location: Newmarket
Centred on community, Begin Wellness offers a number of unique classes that inspire meditative movement. From Tibetan sound healing to solo Latin dance-inspired classes, to more traditional practices, here, there truly is something for everyone — offering a novel experience.
Location: Takapuna
Those dwelling on the shore would do well to add a class at the newly reopened Golden Yogi to your weekly wellness routine. Celebrating the fact that everyone is unique and in a different place or space in their life, this welcoming spot offers a wide range of styles — from more traditional Vinyasa and Hatha practices to Pilates fusion, pregnancy-specific classes, and even a bespoke class crafted with teenagers in mind.
Location: Remuera
Not your typical yoga studio, OYF offers a unique variety of 45 and 60-minute group yoga and fitness fusion classes with intense cardio and core workouts, balance training, flexibility and strengthening, complimented by deep breathing, relaxation and a calming of the mind all in state of the art FAR Infrared heat therapy.
Location: Hobsonville
For those wanting to practice yoga out west, Hobsonville’s Kanuka Yoga Space is a welcoming, light-filled studio offering classes influenced by Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. Here, alongside all of the regular classes, teachers offer a unique fusion of yogalates, bringing together both the strength of pilates and the relaxation of yoga — a perfect pairing for fitness enthusiasts.
Location: Grey Lynn
This suburban studio offers all the makings of a blissful yoga experience. Here, classes draw from traditional Hatha and Vinyasa practices — offering a moment of reprieve from many of the sweat-styled classes found around the city. What we truly adore, however, is the Kundalini yoga sessions, that bring together elements of mantra, breath and meditation alongside movement.
Location: Remuera
This yoga space in Remuera offers a refined schedule that considers all the needs of its students. Contemporary Yoga classes merge the Eastern and Western schools of thought, to offer a highly individualised approach to the practice that meets our modern needs.
Location: Matakana
While The Space may be a little further afield, this Matakana studio is the perfect place to drop into for a class over the weekend or while you’re away at the bach. Bringing together the foundations of yoga, meditation, and pilates, the approach to movement is unique, but one that has garnered a dedicated following.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is presenting a spectacular trio of ballets for its 2024 winter season showcase. Solace: Dance to feed your soul, in association with Ryman Healthcare, will light up stages in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch from the 1st to the 17th of August, with work by three of the world’s most innovative and celebrated artists, Wayne McGregor (Britain), Sarah Foster-Sproull (Aotearoa New Zealand) and Alice Topp (Australia).
RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall says, “I’m looking forward with such anticipation to our Solace season, in which our dancers and audiences alike will experience the incredible capacity of dance as a language for diversity of expression, and the unbelievable physical capacity of the human body for movement.”
Wayne McGregor’s Infra, from the Latin word for ‘below’, delivers an illuminating portrait of city life. This abstract ballet delves beneath the surface to present a moving mediation on human interactions. Infra, which premiered at the Royal Opera House in London in 2008, features twelve dancers moving through solos, duets, and ensembles, accompanied by Max Richter’s elegiac score, which mixes melancholy string melodies with electronic sounds.
Sarah Foster-Sproull’s To Hold is her fifth original work for the RNZB. It explores the intricate wonders of the human form: shape shifting, endlessly inventive. Eden Mulholland’s score adds a powerful sense of primal transformation, pushing and pulling the dancers through the space. The work is enhanced by costumes designed by Donna Jefferis, whose pieces draw inspiration from the high-fashion tailoring and pleated designs of Issey Miyake, elegantly framing the body while supporting the complex choreographic structures.
Completing the programme is High Tide, a poignant new creation by a favourite in New Zealand, RNZB alumna Alice Topp. Inspired by the music of Ólafur Arnalds, this ballet reflects on the cycles of life, touching upon themes of growth, fear, and reconciliation. High Tide examines the shadows and lights of existence, represented through the unique stage design by Jon Buswell, which transforms the space into a living sculpture, emphasising the fluid and ever-changing nature of life itself.
Solace: Dance to feed your soul delivers a nourishing, cup-filling experience this winter, combining the creative genius of leading choreographers, composers, and designers. This season of reflection, beauty, and profound human connection, showcased through the artistry of dance, will be a highlight of the cultural calendar in 2024.
Tickets are available now at rnzb.org.nz.
In an ode to its longstanding relationship with ballet, Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its new Extraordinary Dials collection, where the poetry of dance and the march of time come together in breathtaking harmony.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ connection with the ballet can trace its origins to Paris in the 1920s, when the renowned jewellery Maison’s Founder, Louis Arpels, would frequently visit the Opéra Garnier, located a short walk from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Place Vendôme boutique. This passion for ballet was something he passed on to his nephew Claude, and so began the Maison’s generational affiliation with the art of classical dance.
Fast forward to now, and the enchanting world of ballet has continued to be a significant influence on Van Cleef & Arpels, in both its jewellery collections and notably, in its timepiece creations too. And now, as part of its haute horology offering, the Maison is unveiling its Extraordinary Dials collection, comprising two incredible watches inspired by the rich tapestry of ballet and finished with the Maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship. So intricate and exceptional are these timepieces, in fact, that they truly transcend the realm of mere accessories, becoming veritable works of art that dance upon the wrist.
“With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit.”
Drawing from the ethereal grace of dance, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us into a pas de deux with two watches that draw on iconic 19th-Century ballets: Casse-Noisette and La Belle au bois dormant. With meticulous attention to detail, the Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette and Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant watches weave tales of romance and enchantment, capturing the essence of these timeless performances in miniature tableaux.
The Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette pays homage to Marius Petipa’s beloved ballet, first performed in 1892, through a symphony of colour and movement. Against a backdrop of winter hues, the ballerina and her prince, each with a rose-cut diamond face, come to life in a spectacle of painted costumes that appear in graceful motion. Here, the dial has become a canvas where 70 different colours, finishes and enamelling techniques (some of which were only developed in 2023) converge, culminating in Van Cleef & Arpels’ richest creation to date. Each element, from the shimmering diamonds to the coloured sapphires, blue tourmalines, onyx, sugilite and lapis lazuli contributes to a mesmerising ballet of light and shadow.
Meanwhile, the Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant transports us to the magical realm of Princess Aurora and her century-long sleep. Against a rose gold castle backdrop, the princess and her prince charm us with their tender embrace, while ribbons of white gold, diamonds and champlevé enamel unfurl like delicate tendrils of ivy. Lilac flowers bloom in a celebration of the awakening, their matte vallonné enamel petals juxtaposed with the brilliance of sapphires. With each passing moment, the dial becomes a more vibrant tableau, capturing the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky’s score and Petipa’s choreography in a single glance.
At the heart of these extraordinary timepieces lies Van Cleef & Arpels’ unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. In its Geneva workshops, the Maison’s artisans employ ancient métiers d’art techniques alongside cutting-edge developments to bring each dial to life. From the intricate sculpting of shaped enamel to the meticulous fusion of sealed enamel, every step of the process is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ dedication to excellence. To marvel at these exquisite creations is to be reminded that time itself is a precious gift — one to be cherished and celebrated in every moment. With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit. And in a world where time feels more fleeting than ever, these watches remind us that beauty, like ballet, is eternal.
With winter well and truly upon us (meaning more time spent at home than elsewhere), there’s no better time than now to update your favourite playlists with some recently-released tunes, from DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou’s highly anticipated debut album to Bon Jovi’s joyful return and Maya Hawke’s indie folk compilation. And if long walks or road trips are on the agenda, we have also lined up a selection of addictive podcasts to subscribe to for some entertaining and informative listening.
Embark on a sonic journey with artist, producer, DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou as she unveils her highly anticipated debut album, I Hear You. One of the most hotly-awaited debut records in recent years, this ten track LP is the culmination of years of work for the Korean-born artist, who’s uniquely revered as both an underground icon and global sensation. Featuring previous successful singles including the 2023 chart-topping global hit (It Goes Like) Nanana and I Believe in Love Again (a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz), the work sees Gou stepping into the next level of her artistry and boldly claiming her voice through the kaleidoscopic lens of ‘90s house music. A timeless debut.
Song to start with:
1+1=11
Music legends Bon Jovi released their new album Forever this June — the group’s 16th studio effort. As the band celebrates their 40th anniversary, Forever sits as an ode to joy, exploring the depths of the journey to get there. Bon Jovi once again teams up with his two remaining founding bandmates in a masterpiece of timeless, quintessential rock.
Song to start with:
Legendary
Actress-musician (and daughter of Ethan Hawke & Uma Thurman) Maya Hawke has released her third studio album which promises to further sharpen her storytelling prowess. The indie folk compilation weaves a tapestry of teasing electronics, muscular guitars and heavy reverb, and is her most progressive, telling work yet.
Song to start with:
Missing Out
Eight years since their collaborative debut — a highly acclaimed LP titled Yes Lawd!, NxWorries (the dynamic duo of Anderson. Paak and Knxwledge) are releasing a soulful sequel. Why Lawd? features the likes of Dave Chappelle, Thundercat, and H.E.R., taking the pair’s genre-bending musical talents to stunning new heights.
Song to start with:
86Sentra
From what Taylor Swift and The Wiggles have in common to modern-day Mad Men, iconic ad guru Russel Howcroft and industry up-and-comer Freddie Young tell the uncensored stories behind the world’s most talked about brands, ideas, campaigns, and industry transgressions, offering insight into some of the greatest creative ideas and businesses along the way.
Sharing practical advice from incredible women in leadership positions, CEO Yourself, hosted by lauded businesswoman Hermoine Olivia, deep dives into a slew of inspirational guests’ CEO prowesses, allowing us to connect the dots, adopt their humbly shared learnings and, ultimately, take charge of not just our careers, but lives.
Now in its 10th season, Revisionist History is multi-bestselling author and journalist Malcom Gladwell’s journey through the overlooked and often misunderstood corners of history. Every episode re-examines something from the past — spanning events, people, ideas and more, offering the past a second chance at a future.
Local and international
directors, actors, creatives,
and designers pull back the curtain on New Zealand’s vibrant theatre scene, sharing insights and inspiration, juicy anecdotes from the rehearsal room, and laying out what it takes to bring plays to life — from ideation to writing, casting, directing and, ultimately, putting on a good show.
Whether navigating black diamond runs or merely swilling mulled wine, this season’s enduringly chic ski wear has you covered. From a stylish ski suit, perfect for making an unmistakable mark on first tracks, or chic knitwear in which to cosy up when a day on the mountain is done, we have rounded up everything you need to pack for a successful winter getaway.
While we’ve heard of the benefits of collagen supplementation on skin appearance and health, there is also evidence to suggest it has a positive effect on your immune system. With added vitamin C and zinc in its Beauty Blends, a daily dose of PROCHAINE might be just the thing to keep winter colds and flus at bay. Here, Nutritionist Sarah Mitchell Weston steps us through how to harness the power of collagen to bolster our immunity — just in time for winter.
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is housed in the gut? It makes sense then that gut health and a strong immune system are closely linked. Optimal gut health relies on a diverse gut microbiome and strong gut lining. Collagen contains certain amino acids – in particular glycine, proline and glutamine – which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. Glutamine, in particular, is a key fuel source for the cells that line the intestines, known as enterocytes. These cells play a vital role in forming a barrier between the contents of your intestines and the rest of your body. When this barrier is compromised, it can lead to leaky gut syndrome, allowing harmful substances to enter your bloodstream and trigger inflammation and immune responses.
Ever notice how your skin feels stronger and more elastic when you use collagen? That’s because it’s a major component of connective tissue. When you have a wound or injury, your body needs to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. Collagen plays a crucial role in this process by providing structure and support to the new tissue forming at the site of the injury. It acts as a scaffold for other cells involved in wound healing, such as fibroblasts, which produce additional collagen and other proteins necessary for tissue repair. Additionally, collagen helps regulate the inflammatory response and promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which are essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissue.
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. It helps stimulate the production and function of white blood cells, which are your body’s first line of defence against infections. White blood cells, such as lymphocytes and phagocytes, rely on vitamin C to effectively identify and destroy pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Additionally, vitamin C enhances the function of various immune system components, such as the skin’s barrier function and the production of antibodies, which are proteins that recognise and neutralise harmful invaders.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various aspects of the immune system. It’s involved in the function and development of immune cells, such as white blood cells and T-cells, which are key players in fighting off infections. Zinc also helps regulate the production of cytokines, which are signalling molecules that coordinate the immune response. Additionally, zinc is necessary for the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, which act as physical barriers against pathogens. Overall, zinc supports immune function by enhancing the body’s ability to mount an effective defence against harmful invaders.
For many of us, a well-rounded skincare routine can include minor cosmetic procedures such as natural-looking injectables. Often utilised to give the impression of a more youthful visage, what previously may have been an area of beauty kept under wraps and relegated to the ‘overly done’ cohort, injectables are now being embraced by many. This is thanks to a new raft of treatments that subtly enhance natural beauty without radically changing your appearance.
One such option is BELOTERO® Revive — a skin-boosting dermal filler that deeply hydrates and revitalises skin without drastic volume changes, lauded for its ability to reinvigorate lacklustre skin.
It works by combining two powerhouse ingredients — hyaluronic acid and glycerol, to provide deep hydration from within for up to nine months*, delivering that ‘fresh from holiday’ glow and reviving skin’s natural vitality. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, its purpose is not to add volume, but instead deliver a natural-looking boost to rejuvenate your complexion.
The injectable format allows for a more targeted approach — with product distributed specifically where it is needed, enabling it to work beneath the skin to provide deep hydration and target the effects of sun damage, improve overall firmness, enhance skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation and restore natural radiance.
BELOTERO® Revive has the ability to improve the skin’s texture and helps to achieve that all-important (and ever-elusive) glow. This is achieved via a combination of hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to provide unmatched levels of hydration, and glycerol — another potent hydration agent that binds water to lock moisture in your skin. The synergy of the two powerful ingredients delivers incredible hydration, boosting the skin’s moisture levels resulting in a healthy, more youthful visage.
For more information on BELOTERO® Revive and how to find your local clinic, see here.
For anyone who covets the intoxicating, opulent taste of truffles, you will be pleased to know that the time has come, once again, to celebrate gastronomy’s black gold in all its glory. Whether showcased in a dedicated dining experience or shaved over a bowl of handmade pasta, the truffle takes centre stage across a number of exceptional dining venues in Auckland, offering a raft of irresistible creations that celebrate the best of the season.
At Ben Bayley’s beloved Commercial Bay restaurant (where seasonal, locally-sourced fare is given an innovative, culinary twist), fresh truffles can be added to any dish on the menu for an additional $10. Promising to enhance this restaurant’s already-impressively interesting and balanced flavours, Ahi’s optional truffle topping is the perfect way to elevate your next meal here.
One place that is leaning into truffle season in a big way is Esther, the delicious restaurant set at the base of the QT Hotel in Viaduct Harbour. Esther’s infamous truffle lunch is returning from the 5th of June. A treat for all the senses, guests are invited to dig into a six-course menu laced with extra truffle oomph. Chef Sean Connolly has created a menu that sets the divine delicacies centre stage for midday dining throughout June and July, for just $69 per person. There is also a truffle Negroni on offer and an additional wine match offering for an elevated experience. Available Wednesday to Friday, between 12–3pm, while in season.
Rooftop at QT are also taking truffles to the top, slinging truffle pizzas, sliders and truffle cocktails not to be missed.
Celebrating the return of truffle season in suitably sophisticated style, Onslow has added a mouthwatering new dish to its menu for a limited time. Here, a delectable, creamy Truffle Risotto has been added to the lunch menu from Wednesday through Saturday, harnessing the season’s freshest truffles. Only available for a short time, find this delicious dish on Onslow’s lunch menu. This is one you certainly don’t want to miss out on.
Parnell’s Rhu is offering a bespoke truffle dish this season that is exactly what we’re craving at this time of year. A decadent grilled cheese with mushroom pâté has been added to the menu as the perfect winter warmer to pair with freshly shaved truffle, which is available to add to all dishes on the menu. With some menu items better suited to this opulent accompaniment than others, a toastie oozing with cheese and creamy mushroom pâté is a great place to start, trust us.
Meticulously designed to highlight the exquisite aromas and flavours of the truffle in different ways, The Lodge Bar & Dining are offering two bespoke, truffle-themed dishes sure to satisfy. The first, a simple pasta, has been crafted to put the truffle front and centre, pairing 52-yolk spaghetti with Black Quail Estate Perigord truffle, roasted garlic, thyme, and cream, while, those seeking something a little more adventurous will find it in the warm truffle custard, paired with truffle jus, sweetbreads and herbs, offering a true expression of winter. Available for a very limited time, we suggest you plan your visit soon so not to miss out.
Taking their infamous melt to new heights, Darling on Drake have reimagined their OG favourite sandwich with the season’s decadent delicacy in mind. The truffle and brie patty melt (served with a side of truffle fries) isn’t for the faint-hearted, piled high with a handmade smash patty, mortadella, brie, pickles, sauce, and a healthy shaving of fresh truffle, between layers of thick-cut white bread. The definition of a winter warmer.
Celebrate truffle season at Sìso throughout June with the eatery’s delectable ‘Shuffle in for a Truffle lunch’ offering. From now until the end of the month, those partial to the winter delicacy will be treated to a bespoke, two-course menu centred on truffles hand-dug by head chef Michael at Ohiwa Truffle Farm, paired with a glass of Church Road Series wine. And for those looking to put their own spin on things, freshly shaved truffle can be added to any dish you wish from Sìso’s a la carte menu, at any time of the day, offering endless opportunities for indulgence.
At Remuera’s Spiga, the truffle season offering keeps beautiful Italian food at the forefront, where diners can indulge in a special Tagliolini with truffle butter, Jerusalem artichoke purée, and freshly sliced truffle on top. Set to take the always-excellent experience of dining here up a notch, this indulgent dish will allow you to partake in this tasty season in style.
One of the best places to go for a taste of delicate truffles is always Elmo’s. This Ponsonby Road hotspot pulls out all the stops in honour of truffle season, and this year is shaping up as the best yet. From what we’ve heard, delectable handmade pasta and pizza will take centre stage, along with a creamy, decadent burrata, with delicious seasonal dishes yet to be unveiled. We recommend booking a table at this Ponsonby Road hotspot immediately.
Where better to celebrate the indulgence of truffle season than at one of our favourite Auckland dining destinations? Viaduct Harbour’s Bivacco is embracing winter truffle season wholeheartedly, offering a number of tasty ways to celebrate the arrival of these delectable morsels in fitting fashion. A number of exceptional dishes highlighting freshly shaved Périgord Truffles are joining the menu — from decadent mushroom and truffle arancini with parmesan and chives to a delicate beef carpaccio with truffle, salsa verde, pickled baby onion, chive and ricotta salata on the Antipasti section, to mushroom pizza with truffle, gorgonzola, walnut and rocket, and the unmissable new hand-cut pasta with egg yolk, prosciutto, truffle and chives, there’s something sure to appeal to even the most discerning truffle connoisseurs amongst us. Or, if you prefer to stick to your go-to when visiting, but still want to indulge, simply add freshly shaved truffle to any dish you please. Here for a good time, not a long one, these dishes are giving us every excuse to book a spot at this waterfront eatery over the coming weeks. You should too.
There’s no reason to stray from your dining routine over truffle season if you’re set on your go-tos. In fact, if Andiamo is your go-to neighbourhood haunt, you can still pull up a chair and order your favourite dishes, only now, those dishes can be enhanced with fresh shavings of locally-sourced truffle for just $10. Or, if you’re looking to go all in, turn your attention to the eatery’s ‘Andiamo Recommends’ menu centred on Te Kairanga’s exceptional wines and, you guessed it, truffle. Here, the likes of truffle risotto with fried enoki mushroom and crème fraîche (best when paired with the 2021 Te Kairanga John Martin Chardonnay), pizza with charred leeks, walnut, goats cheese and truffle honey, and truffle parmesan fries, of course. The best bit? You’ll be treated to two courses (with the option to add sides for the table), and an exceptional glass of wine, all for a modest $40. So, what are you waiting for? Book a table today.
Take in the stunning sights of the city while indulging in any of The Sugar Club‘s delectable dishes, with the addition of black truffle — available across all menus at any time of the day. With fresh truffle shaved at the table, adding a delightful spectacle to your dining experience, truffle season at The Sugar Club is not to be missed. Only available for a limited time, we suggest getting in quick.
When Erin Conry Webb and Nour Hammour founded their Parisian label Nour Hammour in 2013, they had a singular goal: to create the perfect leather jacket. It was a rather lofty ambition, but as you peruse the brand’s recent collection of thoughtfully tailored designs in neutral tones and supple leather, they appear right on track. Simultaneously androgynous and alluring, the contemporary cuts would slip effortlessly into any woman’s forever wardrobe. So, it is interesting to think that it all began with a biker jacket.
It was the early 2010s. Stacked rings, smokey eyes and over-the-top embellishment reigned, and the women — who met while studying for their masters — quietly launched a business making bespoke, studded leather jackets. Channelling the moto chic culture of the time, the personalised pieces were soon draped over the shoulders of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and a slew of off-duty models. The über-adorned designs earned a legion of fans right from the outset, but for Nour Hammour, it was just the beginning.
As time and taste moved on, the brand left the rebellious biker look behind and evolved, carrying its audience along with it. Forgoing trends in favour of enduring design, the handcrafted outerwear now strives to ‘empower and elevate.’ These tenets carry across every facet of the female-founded brand, which has worked tirelessly to forge a fresh path in the male-dominated leather industry.
In a trade that favours large-scale production, Nour Hammour is unafraid to break the mould. Establishing manufacturing methods that honour craft and heritage, it remains steadfast to its ambition to be ‘more unique, ecological and inclusive,’ even launching a female-led workshop in Istanbul. Production is now split between Turkey and a petite Parisian workshop—the same one that made the brand’s very first jacket over a decade ago.
The label’s other key motivator is sustainability. Nour Hammour has an admirable ‘zero-waste’ approach, and while leather is an inherently sustainable material, the brand makes significant considerations to reduce its environmental impact further. Case in point, it doesn’t hold any inventory; every jacket is cut and constructed when ordered. This means excess fabric remains at a minimum, and anything that is left over or offcut is collected by other artisans and repurposed.
Available exclusively through Muse Boutique, owner Olivia Vincent Healy first discovered the brand via forever icon Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, drawn to the elegant outerwear for its “luxurious and timeless” appeal. Destined to be the ideal companion for this winter and many more, Nour Hammour is outerwear to be prized and passed down. As co-founder Conry Webb says, “Leather is the only material that gets better with time.”
Nour Hammour is available exclusively at Muse Boutique
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