The rising of the Pleiades (or Matariki) star cluster above Aotearoa’s winter sky marks the beginning of the Māori lunar new year — a time to gather with community to celebrate new beginnings while honouring the past. Matariki is an opportunity for fresh inspiration, creativity, a shift in perspective, and a chance to start anew.
Karakia Matariki honouring the unveiling of Puanga
As has become tradition, once again, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour has unveiled an immersive lighting installation in acknowledgement of this year’s Matariki ki te Manawa celebrations. Conceived by London-based Kiwi creative director Tuhirangi Blair (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) in collaboration with lauded local installation artist Angus Muir, the immersive display offers a creative exploration of the Māori concept of timekeeping through celestial navigation.
Dubbed Puanga, the installation sits as a simple but captivating cube structure within Viaduct Harbour’s Market Square, catching refractions of light as it bounces directly off a dichroic render in a stunning interplay of movement and colour. Once inside, viewers are taken on a kaleidoscopic journey of sight and sound, transported to the depths of the cosmos as internal mirrors distort time and space while multitudes of light reflect off every surface — the experience heightened by a luscious soundscape to evoke the essence of Puanga’s narrative.
‘Puanga’ installation, conceived by creative director Tuhirangi Blair in collaboration with installation artist Angus Muir in Viaduct Harbour
The story behind the creative work is one of magnitude and meaning, delving into the nuances of celestial storytelling in a captivating and informative way. “While Matariki (Pleiades) is widely recognised as the signifier of the new year, Puanga (Rigel) held significance for certain iwi (tribes) in the far north, Chatham Islands, parts of the west coast, and much of the South Island,” Blair tells us, “This wasn’t a rejection of Matariki, but rather a nuanced system where stars like Puanga, Tautoru (Orion’s Belt), and Pipiri (Canopus) worked together. For Ngāti Whātua (mana whenua of the Tāmaki Makaurau and Kaipara area), Puanga held particular importance.”
“Known as Puanga Kakaho (Puanga the Fair Haired), this star embodies a captivating yet contentious narrative,” Blair continues, “She desires to be the sole herald of the new year, constantly adorning herself to attract Tama-nui-te-rā (the Sun) and rise beside him in the month of Pipiri.”
Captured to striking effect within the cube’s four walls, the tale is given life via the shell which mimics the star’s colourful spectrum, the mirrored walls evoking themes of vanity, and the expansive LED light illuminating the narrative as it sits as a dazzling display vying for attention, mirroring Puanga’s efforts to outshine Matariki.
Viaduct Harbour stands as a beacon of creativity at the heart of Auckland’s urban landscape — the unveiling of Puanga only further solidifying the precinct as one of the city’s most important hubs of cultural connection.
Have a hankering for hand-pulled noodles? Craving juicy dumplings? Here in Auckland, a world-class Chinese food scene awaits to satisfy any and all cravings. Spanning a vast range of sub-cuisines, these eateries offer a delicious portal to a plethora of China’s regions and the delicious dishes that distinguish them. From hidden gems to beloved haunts, these are the best Chinese eateries in Auckland — in no particular order.
When it comes to Auckland’s yum cha scene, Viaduct Harbour’s Grand Harbour is an institution that has been a firm favourite among our Chinese community for two decades. It has cultivated a loyal following of customers and a strong reputation for being home to some of the best dim sums in town, with over 80 different varieties to choose from. For more delicious yum cha inspiration, discover our definitive guide to the best in town.
This place is one of Dominion Road’s hidden gems and one that hasn’t failed us yet. Wang Wang Spring Pancake specialises in pancake wraps, similar to the ones used for Peking duck. But here, diners are given the freedom to order whatever meats and vegetables they want to fill their pancakes with. We recommend the cumin lamb and shredded potato as well as the chicken and corn dumplings.
Since we’re on the topic of Peking duck, we couldn’t forget to mention Empress Garden. There’s no place that serves this delicacy quite like the Herne Bay favourite, starting from the heavenly crispy skin to the succulent, rich and fatty duck meat. The Yeung Chow fried rice is another Empress Garden staple that sees a medley of pork and shrimp woven into a bed of deliciously fluffy rice.
From the clever team behind Cafe Hanoi, located in the old 1885 Basement, Ghost Street has fast become a firm favourite for its menu of rustic, seasonal Chinese dishes from throughout the country, with a particular emphasis on those from the western cities of Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, and Xi’an. Following Krishna Botica and Tony McGeorge’s formula of combining Asian cuisine with a Western-style beverage offering, Ghost Street is an elevated yet approachable eatery that we can’t get enough of.
Locations:Auckland CBD, Rosedale, Northcote, Balmoral, Howick and Panmure
You have hand-pulled noodles and then you have Xi’An Food Bar’s hand-pulled noodles. Boasting a texture that’s chewier and bouncier than any other noodles we have ever come across, Xi’An is our go-to spot when we’re craving a bowl of comfort. The hand-pulled noodles with Xi-An style braised pork, otherwise known as the number 37, sees saucy, spicy pork alongside thick noodles, a match made in heaven.
Renowned for its spicy chicken casserole (Xinjiang Style Chicken) with hand-pulled noodles, served as a portion size that is large enough to feed a village, GoGo Music Cafe makes for a perfect dinner spot for a large group. Not to mention, the skewers go down an absolute treat with a bottle of refreshing Tsingtao beer.
The brainchild of well-known chef Nic Watt, Huami is SkyCity’s sophisticated Chinese restaurant that bridges the traditional and the modern. Go with the family for one of the best yum cha offerings in town, or take advantage of Huami’s a la carte menu for lunch or dinner.
Locations:Auckland CBD, Mt Eden, Albany and Somerville
Although Shaolin Kung Fu gained its popularity for its noodles and dumplings which are undoubtedly delicious, it’s the sautéed eggplant in spicy garlic that has us returning time and time again. The eggplant is so tender that it melts in the mouth and is glazed in a delectable sticky sauce that boasts rich notes of garlic and a subtle sweetness that tastes even better when mixed into a bowl of fluffy steamed rice.
With 45 years of experience up their sleeve, Newmarket stalwart Pearl Garden never fails to deliver the goods. While you can count on the prawn toast, prawn and chive dumplings and steamed pork buns to satisfy your savoury cravings, it’s the golden custard buns that have been crowned Pearl Garden’s must-try dish. Gooey yet not overly sweet, the custard filling is sure to have you coming back for more.
Tucked in a small pocket of shops at the far end of Sandringham Road, Tianze might be no-frills but we come back time and time again for its food. Go with a group, so you can try the mapo tofu, green beans (both available vegetarian on request), fried dumplings, cucumber salad, and crispy fried chicken in hot chilli sauce. Another favourite if you’re feeling more adventurous is the jellyfish and Chinese cabbage salad — a deliciously cooling and vinegary contrast to any hotter, saltier dishes.
Taking dan dan noodles to brand new heights is the North Shore’s Basu Lounge. What makes Basu’s dan dan noodles so special is the inclusion of thick and creamy peanut sauce which mixes into the chilli and lends a harmonious balance to the spice. Dumplings are also a speciality of Basu’s.
You can’t call yourself an Aucklander if you haven’t been to a BYO at Kingsland’s Canton Cafe. The ambience is fun and lively and most importantly, the food is on point. Showcasing a huge variety of meat, seafood, vegetables, rice and noodles, there’s something for everyone at Canton, but make sure to order the iconic black chilli prawns.
Locations:Commercial Bay, Mt Eden, Newmarket, Albany, Henderson and Eastridge
With outposts in Commercial Bay and at the city end of Dominion Road, Eden Noddles is the definition of an institution and a stalwart of Auckland’s dining scene. The 2022 Hospo Heroes winner of the Cheap & Cheerful category is a household name across Auckland, adored by those who appreciate the authentic art of hand-pulled noodles and the crafting of their famous and undeniably delectable dumplings. If you are yet to try the wonder of Eden Noodles, consider this a sign to do so now.
Home to the sauciest, most scrumptious BBQ pork bun in the city, Sunny Town could not go unmentioned in this list. You can see the chefs kneading and rolling the dough for the buns and their efforts sure do translate in flavour. Steamed only seconds before arriving at your table, although it’s hard to refrain, we suggest you take it slow to avoid any mouth burns from the juicy pork filling.
The boneless chilli chicken from Spicy House is arguably the most addictive dish on our dining scene. The lightly battered pieces of tender chicken are seasoned with a special mixture of different spices, as well as a light touch of sugar that makes the palate dance from sweet and savoury and keeps you going back for more.
Serving an epic fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, White + Wongs is renowned for its Chinese roast duck and selection of baos and dumplings, becoming a quick favourite of Aucklanders as well as garnering a strong South Island following for its Queenstown outpost. With two Auckland locations — one in Newmarket’s Westfield dining precinct and one in Viaduct Harbour, this institution never fails to deliver on flavour, and has all of the bases covered for a family-friendly meal.
Bamboo Kitchen is the creation of Norman Ah Num and his family who had always dreamed of being able to serve freshly crafted ‘Kiwi’ Chinese food to the surrounding community. With 40 years’ experience in cooking, and a menu made up largely of ‘mum’s’ recipes, Bamboo Kitchen serves up some of the best Chinese in town. Alongside the classics, you’ll find a fusion of Asian cuisines on offer — from Malaysian to Thai and Indonesian, all of which are delicious, but it’s the foo yoong, traditional chow mein, and sweet and sour pork that we can’t go past.
Modern Chinese with an Island Breeze is what you’ll find at Ponsonby Central institution, The Blue Breeze Inn. Known for their exceptional dumplings, exceptional baos, and traditional Peking duck, here, you’ll find an elevated, modern take on the Chinese food we all know and love, served alongside some of the best drinks in town.
Another Auckland institution when it comes to delicious, entirely satisfying Chinese fare, Barilla Dumpling serves up some of the juiciest, most moreish dumplings in town, alongside a comprehensive menu of traditional and inventive dishes that are sure to satisfy your Chinese cravings. From wonton soup to delicious shao-mai, sizzling black pepper beef, fried noodles and more, Barilla ticks all of the boxes and more, making a strong case for branching out from your go-to.
Biang Biang noodles are a Northwestern Chinese specialty, hailing from Shaanxi Province. The Xi’an province is known for its particular food preparation style which sees simple ingredients prepared in elaborate ways, creating interesting and novel flavour combinations and dishes. At Biang Biang’s two outposts (one on Queen Street, one in Mount Wellington), you’ll find flavourful, hand-pulled noodles in all manner of variations, served alongside hot and sour soups, specialty dumplings, and ‘rougamo’ — a pasty stuffed with spiced meats and vegetables.
Offering a novel dining experience, Guangzhou Hotpot invites guests to embrace the Cantonese hot pot style of eating and prepare their own meal at the table in a simmering pot of soup. In this shared eating experience, you’ll cook raw ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables in a boiling broth at the centre of the table, with the option to customise the broth and accompanying sauces to your particular tastes.
Showcasing the rich tapestry of regional Chinese flavours, from the fiery spices of Sichuan to the delicate subtleties of Northern cuisine, each dish at this Mount Eden go-to is crafted with passion, using only the finest and freshest ingredients — offering a modern take on traditional Chinese fare in a setting that blends X.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Infra, Choreography by Wayne McGregor
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.
To Hold, Choreography by Sarah Foster-Sproull
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.
High Tide, Choreography by Alice Topp
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.
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
Bon Jovi
Forever
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
Maya Hawke
Chaos Angel
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
NxWorries
Why Lawd?
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
New Podcasts
AdMission
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.
CEO Yourself
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.
Revisionist History
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.
Backstage Pass
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.
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.
Collagen Supports Your Gut
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.
Collagen Speeds Up Healing
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.
Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system
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.
And so is zinc…
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.
Before & After
Before
After — Patient treated with BELOTERO® Revive. Individual results may vary.
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.
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.
Sofia Ruutu
Danielle Laz
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
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.
NOUR HAMMOUR Dakota Leather Trench Coat from Muse Boutique
NOUR HAMMOUR Dakota Leather Trench Coat from Muse Boutique
NOUR HAMMOUR Birthday Shearling Coat from Muse Boutique
NOUR HAMMOUR Gotham Sleek Leather Coat from Muse Boutique
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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