Combat wet-weather woes with Denizen’s guide to the best rainy-day activities in Auckland

26 Aug 2019

When wet weather strikes, ditch the sofa and Friends reruns and instead, duck for cover inside one of these cosy hideaways.

Boutique bookstores
Rain is falling. It’s hitting the windows in a rhythmic, hypnotizing fashion, conjuring whale-song-esque relaxation feels. You’re curled up in an armchair with a great book in one hand and a soul-warming cup of tea in the other. Idyllic, no? In a day and age blighted by social media addiction, it can be hard to remember the last time we took a breather and immersed ourselves in a good old-fashioned book. From the Jervois Road drop-in Novel, to the comprehensive selection at The Women’s Bookshop to Mount Eden gem Time Out, there are a number of places to go to find your next page-turner perfect for a day like today.

Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery is home to a panoply of significant New Zealand art, making it the ideal place to take cover. Plunge into the contemporary, historic and modern works that are a mainstay, or immerse yourself in one of Auckland Art Gallery’s brilliantly thought-provoking exhibitions (currently it’s the incredible Frances Hodgkins European Journeys — on until 1st September). Open seven days a week, Auckland Art Gallery is a no-brainer for downcast weather days.
Wellesley Street East, CBD

Go to the cinema
The Capitol Cinema, to be exact. This Dominion Road gem offers the classic, old-school cinematic experience and is always showing a range of interesting, current and blockbusting movies. And, if the rain has subsided when you emerge from the movies, head to one of Dominion Road’s many delicious dining destinations for a feed unlike any other you’d find in Auckland. But be sure to consult our definitive dining guide to Dominion Road first, here.
610 Dominion Road

Eat your way through the rain
Whether it’s to get some work done, to catch up with a friend or to simply sit for a few hours with a book and some delicious food, Auckland’s hospitality offering is comprehensive. From Ozone’s all-day menu and perfectly-brewed coffees to Andiamo’s cosy ambience and delicious, Italian food, if you feel overwhelmed with the vast and varied array, see our round-up of the best new openings of 2019 so far.

Wintergardens
It may be raining outside but fear not; inside the Winter Gardens awaits a light-filled paradise. Saturated blooms blossoming from lush green palms adorn the glass walls and vast gardens, while still waters shimmer under the glare of the overhead lamps. Visiting the Auckland Domain Wintergardens is like stepping out of rainy Auckland and immersing yourself in a lush, tropical nirvana, complete with an on-site cafe for a relaxed afternoon pick-me-up. The best part? Admission is free.
Wintergarden Road, Parnell

Meditation Auckland
As if you need an excuse, Meditation Auckland is offering free ‘Learn Meditation’ courses. With the daily grudges of city life combined with the dampening effects of miserable weather, a meditation session might be just what your strained mind, body and soul are pining after. A typical course involves two guided meditations focusing on breathing and concentration techniques, lead by class givers who have studied under the guidance of Sri Chinmoy, (an Indian spiritual leader who totally knows his stuff).
Class locations in various places around Auckland, for the full list, check here.

Go to the ballet
The RNZB’s Bold Moves is on at the moment and is offering the ultimate temporary escape from this blustery weather. Featuring works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe and Andrea Schermoly, this compilation of incredible pieces moves through definitive danceworks from different decades and is a captivating exploration of how dance has captured the zeitgeist over the years.
On until 15th September, buy tickets here.

Culture

The books worth escaping into this winter

Culture

Your guide to the best events and experiences this July

Culture

From architecture to adventure: The coffee table books worth collecting now

The French tip and other noughties trends that are sneaking back into fashion

23 Aug 2019

Last week our Advertising Manager, Fliss, came into the office with a new look on her nails. As someone who takes pride in her paws — we’ve recruited her on numerous occasions to be our in-house hand model (her best work here) — her nails are almost always done and when it comes to manicures of the moment, she’s generally in the know. But her recent proclivity for a particular style has me saying two words I didn’t think I would ever use post-2010 — “French. Tip.”

When I was younger, my mum would take me with her when she was getting her nails done and I’d insist the kind ladies in the spa give my mini hands the ‘French tip’ treatment. It was 2005, I loved The Simple Life and I was OBSESSED with having fingers that each ended in a little white line. Off I would trot, proud as punch of my glossy digits, waving them about and slinging them through the belt-loops of my low-slung Urban Angel jeans. Me and almost everyone else from that strange, bedazzled decade.

Eventually, the French tip fell out of favour (as these things usually do), after tragic, reality-TV-types started giving their ‘tips’ far too much real estate on their nails. The overly square, more-tip-than-nail look spoke to the tackiness that seeped its way into the zeitgeist of the early noughties. And perhaps it was because it became so synonymous with bad taste that I was certain it would never emerge again.

But I was wrong. There we were on a crisp Monday morning and Fliss’ nails were adorned in a style I had long sworn off — and they looked good. Granted, the French tip of today has evolved from its first outing. Fliss, for example, had hers done with a fine, burgundy line. Others I have seen on the likes of Instagram are definitely more subtle and refined than the styles of old. But it seems this is just another in a string of noughties comebacks, harking the return of a decade that I truly didn’t think had the sartorial merit to warrant a second coming.

That said, here are some of the unexpected noughties styles set to make a bold return — and like it or not, we’re getting on board.

Left to right: Halter necks, flip flops, low-rise jeans, zebra print, cargo pants.

Coveted

Tiffany & Co.’s Paradise Birds chapter brings Blue Book 2026 to life

Coveted

The luxury skiwear concierge taking the hassle out of ski holidays

Coveted

The jewellery designed for movement, ease and everyday elegance

Flexible style: How to wear athleisure without looking like a try-hard

21 Aug 2019

The whole wearing-activewear-while-not-doing-anything-active trend is something that it’s taken some convincing for us to get on board with. And now that it’s been mainstream for a while, it’s a movement that has started to feel a little stale.

Don’t get us wrong, the idea that we can get away with wearing clothes that are comfortable and practical on a day-to-day basis is great. But we’re sick of watching it cause individual style to morph into a spandex-clad, homogeneous version of its former self.

Now that Spring is around the corner and we inevitably start thinking more about how we can fit exercise into our daily routines, there is a growing impetus to find ways to dress that are casual (without looking like we’ve just rolled out of bed), versatile and easy to transition from a morning walk to a coffee date to work. Athleisure, therefore, is a logical look to start embracing.

So, in a bid to cultivate a wardrobe of athleisure pieces that will do their job while still allowing us to express our individuality and not fade into the (Instagram) crowd, we have looked around to find pieces that fit the athleisure mould, but in a more refined way.

Left to right: Ganni Isoli sweatshirt from Workshop, Ragdoll LA Vintage sweatshirt from Superette, Oversize sweatshirt with Gucci Tennis from Gucci

Clockwise from top left: Adidas x Alexander Wang AW Body Run sneakers from Workshop, Dior Fusion high-top sneakers from Dior, Iro Paris Curve Raw sneaker from Superette International, Jil Sander Connors sneaker from Muse Boutique, LV Archlight Sneaker from Louis Vuitton

Left to right: Technical nylon leggings from Prada, P.E. Nation Strike short from Superette, Ernest Leoty Romy corset top from MATCHESFASHION, Ribbed bralette from Georgia Alice, Cotton canvas and plexiglass visor from Prada, No Ka’oi overcome striped stretch shorts from Net-A-Porter

Coveted

Tiffany & Co.’s Paradise Birds chapter brings Blue Book 2026 to life

Coveted

The luxury skiwear concierge taking the hassle out of ski holidays

Coveted

The jewellery designed for movement, ease and everyday elegance

Video: Driving Miss Duncan is back to put the new Land Rover Discovery through its paces

21 Aug 2019

So, is the new incarnation of this hallowed marque the ultimate family vehicle? Watch to find out.

Our automotive series Driving Miss Duncan is back. And this time, Denizen’s resident car expert, Rachelle Duncan is taking the new Land Rover Discovery off the beaten track in search of some farm-grown, organic produce.

Over the course of her intrepid day trip — between picking up veggies, stopping for a cup of tea and trying to corral a cow into the Discovery’s boot — Miss Duncan discovers that the fifth generation of this much-loved marque has seriously upped the ante on all its bells and whistles — without losing any of the charm that made it such a lauded family car in the first place.

For one, it looks sleeker than previous incarnations. The rear of the car pays homage to the Discovery’s rich lineage, with its asymmetrical back and offset number plate, while the body feels more elegantly proportioned and modernised thanks to touches like sleek wraparound LED headlights. It has also lost a whopping 480 kilograms thanks to a new monocoque body that is 83 percent aluminium.

And even though it’s still relatively big-boned, the new Discovery whips around town with agility and grace, its ride is smooth and it sports a sophisticated look that makes it feel as at-home on unsealed country roads as it is on the mean streets of Herne Bay. Not to mention the fact that a 360-degree camera and ingenious parking assist feature make this car a breeze to park — even in the heart of the city.

The luxurious interior, with features like an infotainment touchscreen, heated seats (in every row), stacks of USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot, is almost as impressive as the car’s storage. It boasts 2,400 litres of load space, seven comfortable seats (the third row can be put up and down using the Land Rover InControl app), and an ample boot with the option of a pet ramp designed to get the family dog in and out with ease.

From its ‘Automatic Terrain Response’ that makes driving on unpredictable ground a breeze, to the way the Discovery meets the demands of family life, this SUV is, as Miss Duncan discovers, capable of handling anything.

www.landrover.co.nz/discovery

Culture

The books worth escaping into this winter

Culture

Your guide to the best events and experiences this July

Culture

From architecture to adventure: The coffee table books worth collecting now

From platform soles to cowboy boots — how to get on board with the retro shoe redux

20 Aug 2019

There is a phenomenal footwear regression that has been influencing the trends of the last few seasons. It propelled the ugly ‘dad’ sneaker into fashion’s favour, heralded the return of snakeskin and has recently brought forth from the archives the revival of a noughties fave — the jandal.

And while some find it hard to get on board with the fact that styles like the cowboy boot are ‘back,’ we thought it high time we made a case for embracing the footwear of the moment, turning to one of our go-to stores for shoes that speak to the trends but in a modern and inherently wearable way.

From loafers that evoke the elegance of the 50s and 60s, to bold Western silhouettes, Scarpa’s new styles are helping us put our best feet forward when it comes to not only staying on top of the trends but also cultivating a collection of shoes that will ultimately prove timeless.

Clockwise from top left: Joseph Ripley loafers, Mulberry Cornwall loafers, Elena Iachi Cyrus boots, Robert Clergerie Arena platform sandals and Joseph Bardot boots all from Scarpa

www.scarpa.co.nz

Coveted

Tiffany & Co.’s Paradise Birds chapter brings Blue Book 2026 to life

Coveted

The luxury skiwear concierge taking the hassle out of ski holidays

Coveted

The jewellery designed for movement, ease and everyday elegance

Lust List: 11 things we want to add to our wardrobes right now

It’s been a while since we’ve given our wardrobes a refresh. Perhaps it’s the cold weather — we’d rather spend our money on comfort food and skin treatments — or maybe it’s because this time of the year is particularly busy. That said, we’ll never say no to some online shopping. And as such, have compiled a running list of everything we’ve been ‘adding to cart’ of late. For a spot of sartorial inspiration, look no further…

← GO BACK

SEE ALL SLIDES |

Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

From Muse Boutique

Ganni Callie Western boots

From Workshop

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

From Simon James

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

From Muse Boutique

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

From Simon James

Ganni Patent jacket

From Workshop

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

From Superette

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

From Muse Boutique

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

From Workshop

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

From Scarpa

C&M Lara blazer

From Superette

Coveted

Tiffany & Co.’s Paradise Birds chapter brings Blue Book 2026 to life

Coveted

The luxury skiwear concierge taking the hassle out of ski holidays

Coveted

The jewellery designed for movement, ease and everyday elegance

Allpress celebrates 30 years of coffee and culture with a birthday blend and a retrospective exhibition

15 Aug 2019

In the last three decades, Allpress has grown from humble coffee-cart to iconic brand. Started by Michael Allpress in Auckland in 1989, this innovative company has had a huge hand in transforming the coffee culture in New Zealand into the refined, world-renowned industry it is today and is now taking its unique, flavoursome brews to the world.

Allpress’ original coffee cart in Victoria Park Market in 1989

As part of its anniversary celebrations, Allpress has installed a retrospective exhibition in its Auckland gallery space (Allpress Studio) that opened today and will run until 5th October. Tracing the evolution of Allpress via audio, video, photography, art and intriguing things from Allpress’ archives, the exhibition will even contain a recreation of the original 80s cart was set up in Victoria Park Market.

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, three events will also take place at the Studio, where notable New Zealanders who embody the same kind of entrepreneurial, disruptive and adventurous spirit as Allpress will lead interesting talks.

Marking the 30th anniversary, Allpress has also collaborated with Bennetts chocolate to produce three limited-edition bars — Double Espresso, JAFA and Flat White — alongside releasing a special, 30th Anniversary coffee blend based on the first one that it ever created.

Allpress Studio

8 Drake St
Freemans Bay
Auckland

nz.allpressespresso.com

Gastronomy

Ember and Mt Beautiful are hosting a one-night winemaker’s dinner worth booking now

Gastronomy

New Auckland bar The Halligan opens at Hotel Indigo

Gastronomy

SOUL is shaking up Dry July with a menu of non-alcoholic cocktails

Karen Walker launches a luxurious new Bridal Atelier collection just in time for wedding season

14 Aug 2019

While it’s surprising that a designer as prolific as Karen Walker hasn’t branched into bridal before, after being introduced to the iconic designer’s elegant new Atelier collection, it seems that the wait was worth it.

Offering an end-to-end bespoke service for blushing (and brazen) brides-to-be, Walker has created a collection of 12 dresses and five suits, to sit alongside an impressive line up of engagement and occasional rings — each one an entirely new design and each made to the exact specifications of the wearer.

The dresses, while clearly cut from the inimitable Karen Walker cloth (some of the designs have been directly inspired by archival looks), carry their own distinct identity, where shape, length, volume and structure have all been explored to offer a diverse range of silhouettes.

Sourcing many of the textiles from Gratacós, one of the world’s great couture fabric houses, designs can be rendered in the likes of floral lace, glass-beaded embroidery, dotted tulle, bubble jacquard and a particularly luxurious crêpe de Chine.

The jewellery, in a similar vein, has been crafted to reflect the special and personal nature of a wedding day, with 14 new styles designed to sit singularly or stacked together.

From delicate tiara shapes to eye-catching starbursts, stones like champagne, black and white diamonds, morganite, peach and grey moonstone, onyx and rutilated quartz can be used to brilliant effect, leaving any bride with a piece she can treasure forever.

www.karenwalker.com

Coveted

Tiffany & Co.’s Paradise Birds chapter brings Blue Book 2026 to life

Coveted

The luxury skiwear concierge taking the hassle out of ski holidays

Coveted

The jewellery designed for movement, ease and everyday elegance

With Maison Kitsuné landing at Superette, we’re taking style cues from the Paris-meets-Tokyo brand

14 Aug 2019

You might be aware of Maison Kitsuné. You might even own one of its recognisable sweaters or tees. But what did you really know about the intriguing label started by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki? Considering that Maison Kitsuné recently appointed a new Creative Director, Yuni Ahn (previously Design Director at Céline), an appointment taking its collections to a whole new level, as well as the fact that the brand is about to arrive at Superette International, we thought we’d delve a little deeper into its intriguing DNA.

Maison Kitsuné was a fashion concept born from the brand’s in-house record label, Kitsuné Musique, which has built a reputation for seeking out and showcasing new and untapped talent. A series of coffee shops — Café Kitsuné — also falls under the Maison Kitsuné umbrella, a far-reaching, uniquely creative umbrella that represents the kind of lifestyle we all want to lead. One where style is simple and multi-tasking a breeze.

The brand embodies the cultures of its owners. On one hand, the reputation Parisians have for being creative, effortlessly chic and handling the daily trepidations of life with enviable grace is clearly where Maison Kitsuné’s unfussy elegance, tricolour motif and air of laid-back ‘cool’ come from. On the other, its carefully chosen fabrics, meticulous attention to detail and penchant to temper fashion with practicality seems to draw from its Japanese influences.

Maison Kitsuné is the ultimate brand for elevating the everyday. In the 16 years since it started, it has garnered a loyal following all over the world for the unique way it puts contemporary twists on the classics and manages to balance daring, playful details with timeless finesse. It has also made a name for itself via a series of lauded collaborations with brands that include New Era, Oliver Peoples, Ader Error and even the NBA.

All of that said, we were very excited to learn that Maison Kitsuné would be joining the line-up at one of our favourite, multi-brand stores — Superette International. Its FW19 collection harks back to Kitsuné’s musical roots in the way that it speaks to the 90s (albeit in its own, distinctly refined way). With technical fabrics and sophisticated silhouettes offering pieces that we want to wear every day, we’ll be reaching for this label when we’re after something easy, classic and timeless — especially when we’re short on time.

Reminding us to embrace the laissez-faire elegance of the French and the precise practicality of the Japanese, Maison Kitsuné is a welcome addition to our wardrobes.

www.superette.co.nz/international

Coveted

Tiffany & Co.’s Paradise Birds chapter brings Blue Book 2026 to life

Coveted

The luxury skiwear concierge taking the hassle out of ski holidays

Coveted

The jewellery designed for movement, ease and everyday elegance

Act Natural: These pared-back pieces are perfect for the modern, minimalist home

14 Aug 2019

Minimalism is an idea often bandied about in the world of design. Spoken of as a sure-fire way to achieve a chic interior, pieces made with barely any fuss and even fewer frills have grown in popularity in recent years.

But the movement has evolved from its monochromatic origins to become more about carefully-curated, natural materials and clean finishes with a heavy focus on timber and rattan. The natural look, when done right, offers a masterclass in elegance and is the ultimate way to give your home a refined base onto which you can put your own, distinct stamp.

From the Offset table by Resident to Mattiazzi’s Leva chair, Simon James has a range of furniture to ensure any space is beautifully dressed. In a bid to help you keep your home looking minimalist in a sophisticated and altogether natural way, these are some of the best pieces to start with.

Bit Table by Massproductions from Simon James

Lap Low shelving two bay by Case from Simon James

Offset coffee table by Resident from Simon James

Underline table by Simon James from Simon James

www.simonjamesdesign.com

Design

Inside the Marais apartment-gallery where hospitality becomes architecture

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Culture

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coveted

Coveted

So, is the new incarnation of this hallowed marque the ultimate family vehicle? Watch to find out.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Culture

Coveted

Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

Christopher Esber Deconstruct dress

Ganni Callie Western boots

Ganni Callie Western boots

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

Georgia Alice Giselle crop

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

Victoria by Victoria Beckham Creature embroidered sweater

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

Sophie Buhai Pearl Orb clip-on earrings

Ganni Patent jacket

Ganni Patent jacket

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

Camilla & Marc Bernardi Jacket

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

Pascale Monvoisin Cauri diamond bracelet

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

Rotate No. 7 pleated knit lurex dress

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

See by Chloé Essie sneakers

C&M Lara blazer

C&M Lara blazer

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coveted

Gastronomy

Coveted

Coveted

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Design