It’s time to go beyond the gloss to adopt a more purposeful pout. Bold lipstick is back in a big way and this is how you should be wearing it.
Lend some colour to your look by adding a failsafe red lip, opt for ombré, or for a more understated look that still stands out, try your hand at blurred lipstick.
Return of Red
Give your daily look a certain je ne sais quoi with classic red lipstick. Here, you can channel a low-maintenance French girl vibe with a shade of muted red and simple skin, or go full va-va-voom with a bold red guaranteed to turn heads.
Ombré All Day
The ombré look is achieved by applying a gradient of colour across the lips, starting with the darkest tones by the outer edges and cupid’s bow, and ending in the centre with a light, almost-translucent finish. All you need is a lip liner, two shades of lipstick and a gloss. It might take a bit of practice but the end result is worth it.
Blurred Lines
For a more understated lipstick look, try your hand at the blurred trend. Here, simply apply your colour to the inner parts of the lips and use your finger to smudge to the edges, resulting in a blurry, ethereal effect with no defined lines. This look is simple, soft and super feminine.
Over the years, Gucci has staged its Cruise collections against some pretty epic backdrops, setting a scene that always feels more cinematic than the average runway. (After all, who better to bring the drama than this iconic Italian house?)
Now, for its Cruise 2025 collection, under Sabato De Sarno Gucci is looking to the iconic cultural hub that is London’s Tate Modern, flying in supporters of the brand, VIPs and celebrities from all over the world to witness the unveiling of its new offering.
Taking place tomorrow morning (Tuesday, the 14th of May) at 8am (New Zealand time), the show is set to be a spectacle of fashion, glamour and Gucci’s signature showmanship. We will be streaming the runway right here via our livestream link below, so all you have to do is return to this page at 8am tomorrow to witness all the fashion unfold in real-time. See you then.
In our pursuit of optimal health, we are faced with a seemingly endless array of powders and pills that promise to change our lives. But what should we actually be consuming in the mornings? Our nutritionist makes her recommendations.
Firstly, it’s true that the morning is the best time to consider establishing a solid supplement routine. From my years of experience working one-on-one with clients, the most common feedback I’ve received is that if they don’t take something first thing in the morning, then it often gets forgotten altogether.
Increasingly, more supplements are available in powder form, which not only allows the inclusion of multiple active ingredients, but also ensures that these ingredients can be present in more effective doses. Plus, a powder is super easy and efficient to add to a smoothie, water bottle or cereal, as opposed to having to take various tablets separately.
And while what you need to take will depend entirely on your personal health, diet, goals and lifestyle (what may be essential for one person, won’t necessarily be useful for another), generally speaking a fantastic morning supplement blend should address the basics to kick-start your day: energy and mental performance, immunity, skin health and gut health. These can all be covered by looking out for the following ingredients and nutrients. (Those seeking personalised recommendations should talk with a registered nutrition expert, or book with me at Belle Epoque Nutrition.)
Collagen
This is an everyday must for anyone over 25 years old as it promotes collagen production and boosts your total protein intake which is especially important for recovering from a morning workout, weight loss and ageing. Taking a collagen supplement that includes the necessary cofactors (such as zinc and vitamin C) for collagen synthesis is essential, to ensure that the collagen is going where it is needed most.
Greens Powder
I always recommend to my clients to eat eight servings of vegetables every day to get the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients the body needs. But for some (including me sometimes) this doesn’t always happen. For those who can’t, a good quality greens powder including ingredients such as broccoli sprout, milk thistle, spirulina, chlorella and wheatgrass is ideal.
Adaptogenic Botanicals
For most busy people, starting the day with anything that is going to help manage stress, anxiety, and balance mood is going to be beneficial. A few adaptogens I’ve found to have the most scientific support behind them include ashwagandha and rhodiola which can be found in powder form and added into almost anything.
Probiotics
From gastrointestinal health to immune support to hormonal, cardiovascular and mental health, probiotics are the heavy-lifters you definitely need to take every single day (especially given that most people are not consuming probiotic food regularly enough).
Challenge your perspective and elevate your surroundings with this selection of refined masterpieces. From the captivating and colourful to the big, bold, and brilliant, these are the most sought-after pieces to add to your collection.
The Art Market
Our Editors’ Picks
Abbey eyes seeing the back of the head neurons firing regret by Dale Frank, 2008 $155,000, Varnish on linen, 2000 x 2600mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
KORE TAITARA 2 by Jon Tootill, 2023, $9,000, Acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 1300mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Esk River I (after Gabrielle) by Kate van der Drift, 2023, $4,700, C-type photograph, framed, edition of 5 + 2AP, 1090 x 875mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Ripple (edition of 3) by Josephine Cachemaille, 2023, $850, Cast bronze, 80 x 160mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Briefly Gorgeous by Natasha Wright, 2023, $26,000, Oil on canvas, 1219 x 914mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Motif Architype by Ramon Robertson, 2023, $4,200, Plaster, concrete & steel rods, 720 x 220 x 170mm From Föenander Galleries
Pink Forest Blue Pool by Paul Davies, 2022, $20,000, Acrylic on canvas, 1220 x 910mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
Composition 10: with notations, additions and subtractions by Hugo Koha Lindsay, 2023, $2,800, Synthetic polymer and graphite compound on cotton duck, 450 x 600mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
Untitled Study by Nick Herd, 2024, $5,800, Oil on Canvas, 610 x 510mm From Föenander Galleries
His Mumbling by Sasha Mariana, 2023, $1,500, Charcoal on canvas, 604 x 802mm From Kaukau
Rock Melon Pop by Max Patté, 2023, $56,000, 1618 Diameter x 72mm, 90kgs, Automotive paint, acrylic paints, clear cast acrylic, epoxy resin, clear coat custom board, 2 way glass mirror, leds, 24v power supply, electrical cable, 240v plug From Lightworx Gallery
The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new spring exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, that plays muse. The associated dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’, taking inspiration from a 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard, whose narrative centres on a dwindling garden of flowers with the ability to slow down time. Attendees donned their botanic-inspired and dystopian-esque interpretations, some taking the story’s inspiration more literally than others (we’re looking at you, Zendaya), while others leaned into the Sleepy Beauty motif wholeheartedly.
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.
Met Gala 2024
Our Editors’ Picks
Anna Wintour Wearing custom Loewe
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Wearing Tom Ford and (Elsa wearing) Bulgari jewellery
Bad Bunny Wearing custom Maison Margiela and Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses
Demi Moore wearing Harris Reed and Cartier High Jewellery
Jennifer Lopez Wearing custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. High Jewellery
Kylie Jenner Wearing custom Oscar de la Renta
Gigi Hadid Wearing Thom Browne
Kendall Jenner Wearing archive Givenchy 1999
Greta Lee Wearing Loewe
Tyla Wearing Balmain
Karlie Kloss Wearing custom Swarovski
Omar Apollo Wearing Loewe
Dua Lipa Wearing Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co. jewellery
Mindy Kaling Wearing Gaurav Gupta
Madelyn Cline wearing custom Tommy Hilfiger
Emily Ratajkowski Wearing Atelier Versace FW01 Haute Couture
Riley Keough Wearing Chanel
Kaia Gerber Wearing custom Prada and Tiffany & Co. Jewellery
Lana Del Rey Wearing custom Alexander McQueen
Nicholas Galitzine Wearing Fendi
Lana DelLil Nasx Wearing custom Luar (covered in 50,000 Swarovski crystals)
Rebecca Ferguson Wearing Thom Browne
Irina Shayk Wearing custom Swarovski
Elle Fanning Wearing Balmain and Cartier jewellery
Zendaya Wearing Maison Margiela Couture and Bulgari Jewellery
Naomi Campbell Wearing custom Burberry
Nicole Kidman Wearing iconic 1950s couture gown by Cristobal Balenciaga — albeit, a recreation
Anok Yai Wearing custom Swarovski
Kim Kardashian Wearing custom Maison Margiela Couture
While children’s rooms are often more colourful and chaotic than calm and considered, when it comes to creativity, there’s a place for both. Cultivate a sense of discovery in a space that invites its inhabitants to explore and create in a pared-back setting — providing the canvas for endless imagination.
While you’ll never receive judgement from us for re-watching familiar favourites as the weather cools (we’ve got to find comfort somewhere), there’s something thrilling about discovering a captivating, cerebral or comic new release that gets your mind whirring and provides you with ample water cooler chat. We’ve rounded up an edit of the new films and series that have our attention this week, in a bid to provide you with some inspiration — enjoy.
A Man in Full
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:2nd of May
From the Emmy-winning creator of Big Little Lies comes A Man in Full — a star-studded drama based on Tom Wolfe’s novel of the same name. Jeff Daniels stars as Atlanta real estate mogul Charles Croker as he grapples with sudden bankruptcy and seeks to defend his empire against opportunists. Set in a racially diverse, late-century boomtown, Croker navigates his dwindling fortunes, a demanding second wife, and a staggering debt load. The limited series, coming to Netflix this week, offers a nuanced portrayal of Croker as his charisma wanes and allies abandon him. A captivating series which offers a unique satirical reflection on American hubris.
Unfrosted
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:3rd of May
Directed and co-written by Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted stars a comedic ensemble including Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, and Hugh Grant. Set in 1963 Michigan, amidst a breakfast revolution, the film delves into a cutthroat corporate clash over the invention of a groundbreaking pastry — the Pop-Tart. Seinfeld’s long-standing fascination with the iconic snack finally materialises in this tale of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for breakfast dominance. With witty humour and absurdity, the narrative explores the ridiculousness of grown men in suits obsessing over cereal. Premiering on May 3rd, Unfrosted promises a comedic journey through the evolution of a breakfast staple.
John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in L.A.
Where to watch:Netflix Available to watch:3rd of May
John Mulaney returns to the stage with his new Netflix live show, Everybody’s in LA. This eagerly anticipated comedy special promises to deliver Mulaney’s signature wit and humour as he navigates the quirks of Los Angeles life. With his sharp observational comedy and knack for storytelling, Mulaney invites audiences into a hilarious exploration of the absurdities of Hollywood culture and everyday experiences, delivering an evening of side-splitting laughter and relatable insights as the comic brings his unique comedic perspective to the stage once again.
The Sympathizer
Where to watch:Neon Available to watch:now
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer stars Robert Downey Jr. as a master of disguise — portraying all of the characters that make up the vague notion of ‘The Man’ in a tale of a Viet Cong spy infiltrating the South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles. Navigating themes of loyalty, betrayal, and cultural displacement with gripping intensity, this cross-culture satire explores a tapestry of complex characters and historical context, promising a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of self.
Challengers
Where to watch:In cinemas Available to watch:now
In Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, Zendaya dazzles as Tashi Duncan — a tennis luminary turned coach unapologetically driving her husband’s redemption. Mike Faist portrays her husband, a champion ensnared in a losing spiral, while Josh O’Connor embodies Patrick, his washed-up former friend and Tashi’s ex-lover. As Tashi orchestrates a risky comeback plan, the trio’s intertwined pasts ignite high-stakes confrontations on and off the court. Guadagnino’s signature flair for tension and desire infuses every scene, crafting a fiercely compelling drama. With each volley, Challengers explores the cost of victory, leaving audiences riveted by its sizzling intensity and poignant narrative twists.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the every day, we’ve got just the thing. This edit of new coffee table books is perfect for the escapists amongst us — offering hours of entertainment delighting in fashion, art, travel, and more, all without leaving the comfort of your home. From beautiful imagery to intimate details and untold stories, here are six inspiring coffee table books to acquire now.
Seen through the lens of Oliver Pilcher, this captivating visual journey offers an intimate portrayal of the city that never sleeps. Going beyond New York clichés, the book explores everyday moments and features iconic personalities like Zaldy Goco and Françoise Gilot, giving a glimpse into their creative spaces. Here, Pilcher captures the essence of New York’s diversity, showcasing the metropolis’ sprawling, iconic cityscape through the eyes of artists, writers, designers and chefs who call it home. A vibrant celebration of dreams and possibilities in The Big Apple, New York Chic is a must-have for any well-curated bookshelf.
Take a journey to the most unique, unknown, and remarkable hotels around the world in Secret Stays; an evocative new tome that presents 22 of the world’s most secretive spots. Illustrated by extensive, captivating imagery that celebrates the past and present of each property, within this book you’ll find secluded abbeys, ancient manors, modern homes, larger-than-life mansions, Japanese machiya town houses, and more, accompanied by anecdotes and meaningful insight into the history and best-kept secrets of the properties on the pages.
Delivering behind-the-scenes access to the red carpet looks that made global headlines, Barbie: The World Tour documents the outfits chosen by stylist Andrew Mukamal for Margot Robbie while promoting her groundbreaking film, Barbie. Shot by fashion photographer Craig McDean, Robbie is captured in dazzling outfits, from Schiaparelli to vintage Chanel, showcasing how cleverly Mukamal brought Barbie’s lauded fashion to life. Celebrating the cultural moment of the movie and 65 years of the doll’s captivating legacy, this book is perfect for fashion and Barbie fans alike.
Touted as the definitive exploration of Bulgari’s history of horology and jewellery-inspired creativity, this incredibly detailed and visually stunning book spans over a century of Swiss-Italian watchmaking achievements. Authored by Bulgari’s foremost specialists, Bulgari: Beyond Time comprises captivating illustrations and conversations with key figures, delving into Bulgari’s iconic watch collections to reveal the profound emotional connection each timepiece holds. Insightful essays from global luminaries add depth and cultivate a conversation about the future of watches. Bulgari’s commitment to forging meaningful links across centuries and even, beyond Earth itself.
In this vibrant monograph, explore the tapestry of Julian Schnabel’s artistic universe and his penchant for transforming everyday materials into compelling art. From broken plates to unconventional surfaces like market stall covers, Schnabel’s creativity is famously limitless, and this book offers an intimate portrait of the artist’s unique eye. Whether directing award-winning movies or crafting sculptures, Schnabel’s urgency to infuse life into his work is palpable throughout, making this edition a comprehensive celebration of his multifaceted oeuvre, and a collectable piece indeed.
Chronicling 150 years of maritime excellence, this book (penned by marine journalist Kevin Koenig) celebrates Benetti’s enduring legacy of luxury yacht construction, delving into its evolution from wooden sailing ships to cutting-edge giga-yachts and featuring iconic vessels like El Caran and Nabila. Via exclusive content and unseen photographs, Benetti gives insight into collaborations with renowned designers and prestigious clientele (including Zlatan Ibrahimović), each page reinforcing the brand’s commitment to Italian craftsmanship and sustainability.
Always on-trend, a trench is essential for transeasonal dressing. But not all styles are the same. From oversized to classically cinched, these are the coats to consider this autumn.
Set in a Lower East side tenement in the midst of Covid lockdowns, stranded strangers become friends, and neighbours become community in this heartwarming serial novel. Crafted by literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Celeste Ng, Fourteen Days reveals how, beneath the loss, the pandemic ultimately led to a stronger sense of community and connection.
A tale of family, justice, and the lies that tear us apart, this pulse-pounding new thriller is a sinister look at the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. When TJ, the family disappointment, finds himself with a chance to prove his worth after his ostensibly perfect brother commits a murder, he ends up entangled in a lethal web of deception that forces him to face his demons.
Set to become an instant classic, this inventive new novel by literary icon Julia Alvarez tells the tale of a writer laying to rest her litany of untold tales. Alma Cruz buries the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life; but they have other ideas, and her literary cemetery quickly becomes a mysterious sanctuary for the characters’ true narratives.
This joyful novel tells the tale of a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common: their failed marriages. When Daphne is jilted by her husband after discovering he’s in love with his best friend, she winds up roommates with the only person who could possibly relate: the best friend’s ex. The resulting saga is both hilarious and heartwarming.
In this lively tale of one woman’s quest for a new kind of freedom, an artist struggling with her identity at middle-age embarks on a journey of reinvention. Interrogating the sexual, romantic, and domestic life of a 45-year-old at a crossroads, All Fours is a brave and bold account of life lived as a woman, told in July’s signature bawdy and irreverent prose.
This inquisitive epic charts the astonishing story of a microbiologist who makes an extraordinary discovery that forces into focus everything she thinks she knows about life on our planet. With compassion and curiosity, In Ascension encourages introspection and illuminates matters of the heart, promising an unforgettable journey.
In this blistering, often unsettling and undeniably sharp novel inspired by the convicted con woman and serial killer, ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, Asako Yuzuki explores obsession, misogyny, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan. Through an unexpected bond between a journalist and her subject, Yuzuki tells a riveting tale that is both provocative and thought-provoking.
Orange presents a captivating follow-up to There There, delving into both the past and future, skilfully exploring the repercussions of historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School across a multi-generational tale. Alternating between moments of devastation and wonder, Wandering Stars is a captivating journey for the ages.
Ru Paul’s remarkable life unfolds from his formative years as a queer Black youth in San Diego to his exploration of identity within the vibrant punk and drag communities of Atlanta and New York. Along the way, he discovers enduring love with his husband and embraces sobriety, ultimately leading to his own self-acceptance.
Acclaimed biographer Brad Gooch charts the life of iconic American Artist, Keith Haring — from his initial chalk line scrawls on the subways of New York in the early 80s to the emblematic artist’s untimely demise, Radiant offers a tender glimpse into the magic of a visionary and timeless icon.
In her debut memoir, Jamison explores the intricate realms of motherhood, marriage, and familial bonds with poignant precision. Through vivid storytelling, she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and the healing potency of art in an introspective odyssey — offering a profound reflection on the journey to wholeness.
Crafted in propulsive prose that reads more like a thriller, Cuckooland tells an astonishing story of secrets and lies that reveals how fragile that truth can be. From the best-selling author of Kleptopia, this impressively well-reported work of non-fiction explores how globalisation and technological revolution have combined to imperil the foundation of free societies.
In her signature sharp, and addictive prose, best-selling novelist and essayist Lauren Oyler unpacks the role of cultural criticism in our ever-changing world, encapsulating a host of issues with tenderness and precision, delivering a masterful work of cultural criticism as only she can.
In a collection spanning six short stories and one novella, Amor Towles interrogates topics from the male ego to fate, and the pivotal role compromise plays in modern marriages. The novella, set in the midst of Hollywood’s golden age, tells the story of the indomitable Evelyn Ross who makes a snap decision that alters her life forever.
One of the greatest writers of our time delivers yet another glimmering anthology of stories and parables that unlock the mysteries of the human condition. Addressing the quandaries of the universe — Maktub inspires a journey of faith, self-reflection, and transformation as Coelho taps into universal truths about humanity.
Like Love offers a vibrant collection of essays spanning two decades of insightful work. From profiles to critical essays, Nelson explores themes of love, friendship, and queer issues, alongside tributes to cultural icons, offering a window into her personal evolution while exploring the impact of art and artists on her life.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
