Inspired by ideas of landscapes and capturing natural beauty, The Rug Company’s Supertextures collection is an ode to timeless tactility. Crafted from undyed New Zealand wool, each rug tells a story through its intricate design where geometric motifs shine against a backdrop of fluffy cut-pile and flatweave techniques. Here, each rug boasts a tile-like effect, reminiscent of ancient mosaics, which makes the collection feel both untethered to contemporary trends and perfect for the modern home.
Available exclusively from Design Central, the Supertextures collection marries luxury with sustainability, and craftsmanship with contemporary design. If you’ve been looking for a way to warm up your home for the coming seasons, look no further than one of these exquisite pieces.
Given that Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’, it’s hardly surprising that Viaduct Harbour, our vibrant and bustling waterfront precinct, sits at the heart of our urban landscape. A testament to the City’s longstanding affinity with maritime culture, Viaduct Harbour has evolved over the past 30 years, from a practical gateway for seafarers to a dynamic and diverse hub of culinary delights, luxurious accommodations, captivating events, thriving businesses, full-time residences, and more, and the offering just keeps getting better.
Left: Beasty sashimi from Hello Beasty. Right: Soul Bar & Bistro
Bivacco
Central to Viaduct Harbour’s allure is its thriving dining scene, a line-up of restaurants, eateries and bars that cater to every kind of palate, whether you’re seeking a sophisticated dinner out, after-work drinks with colleagues, a celebration with friends or a quick, easy bite. From the iconic stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro (and its sprawling, sun-drenched terrace) where culinary excellence meets waterfront elegance, to the flavoursome Asian-fusion fare of Hello Beasty, to the contemporary Italian offering at Bivacco (not to mention its incredible, wrap-around corner site) and the refined ambiance of Park Hyatt’s Onemata, Viaduct Harbour promises unforgettable dining experiences for any occasion.
Beyond its culinary delights, this precinct also gives Auckland’s residents and visitors access to the pristine waters of the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. Boasting its own marina that bustles with activity, Viaduct Harbour offers daily adventures via charter boats to those who want to explore Auckland’s stunning coastline from a unique perspective. Whether it be via a leisurely cruise or an exhilarating sailing excursion, visitors can find a quintessential ‘City of Sails’ experience to suit their desires. Those seeking a more intimate voyage can arrange a private luxury charter, where the day will be entirely tailored to individual preferences, ensuring an unparalleled glimpse of the Gulf at its best.
Left: Sofitel Spa. Right: Park Hyatt
QT Auckland
Complementing its maritime allure, Viaduct Harbour’s curated offering of luxury accommodation speaks to the welcoming hospitality this precinct has become known for. At the QT Auckland, for instance, discover a chic, urban oasis where luxurious rooms await and incredible dining experiences can be found in its ground-level restaurant, Esther. Over at The Sofitel, timeless elegance permeates every corner, while the Sofitel Spa provides a sanctuary and escape from the bustle of the city. Similarly, Park Hyatt is the perfect place to book for a waterfront getaway, offering generous rooms and acclaimed dining.
But Viaduct Harbour’s appeal extends beyond its culinary and maritime offerings, where the precinct has, in recent years, embraced a burgeoning art scene that adds a layer of cultural richness to its landscape. From Jeppe Hein’s mesmerising Long Modified Bench in Waitematā Plaza to Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) and LandLAB’s striking Te Mata Topaki lookout structure, the precinct is adorned with captivating works of art that invite contemplation and discovery. Phil Price’s Cytoplasm sculpture stands as a testament to the intersection of art and innovation, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative spirit that animates Viaduct Harbour’s vibrant community.
Te Mata Topaki lookout structure
From its cuisine to its accommodation to the incredible access it offers to the Gulf, Viaduct Harbour really is the ultimate waterfront precinct, where connections are forged, and world-class experiences abound. Whether you choose to dine while overlooking panoramic views of the water, embark on a maritime adventure, or immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of its art scene, Viaduct Harbour is a rich representation of the best of Auckland’s waterfront lifestyle. With its irresistible blend of luxury, convenience and natural beauty, it is a place in which locals feel right at home, and visitors can embark on journeys of exploration and discovery. It’s ongoing evolution continues to prove how Auckland’s Viaduct waterfront is truly one of the best in the world.
Sitting pretty at one of Auckland’s most iconic addresses, 131 Queen Street is a masterfully transformed commercial office building offering an unparalleled working environment, a vibrant hospitality precinct, and Andrew Krukziener’s magic touch.
Here, a sense of elegant grandeur prevails — perfectly befitting its heritage address. In fact, the building was originally home to one of the country’s finest department stores, Milne & Choyce, who traded successfully from the site for over 70 years. The cutting-edge structural design featured mushroom headed octagonal columns which provided minimal intrusions into the trading floor and a fully glazed store front.
131 Queen Street
Since the 1840s, Queen Street has long been Auckland’s centre point, connecting the harbour with the CBD, offering a vibrant arts precinct, and housing the City’s most striking heritage buildings. It’s this last fact that captured the attention of Andrew Krukziener, with the visionary developer adding another Queen Street heritage site to his incredibly impressive oeuvre — furthering his ambitious reimagining of the historic street. Over the past decade, this vibrant and centrally-located end of Queen Street has seen a complete transformation — with many of the world’s most renowned luxury brands finding a home amongst the character buildings.
Simply named for its address, 131 Queen Street is a luxurious city office development set in one of the City’s most character-filled heritage buildings, boasting what is arguably the most striking lobby in the Auckland. The opulent touches and historic architecture speak to the rich history of the 1924 building, while Krukziener’s reimagining of the space ushers it into the modern day.
Left: Restored original elevators. Right: Andrew Krukziener
Here, the architecture is enriched by ornate, sculptural detailing — from grand columns to steel arched windows and Art Deco motifs, animated by refined materials and textures. The building’s 4.2-metre ceilings, European wide board oak flooring and expansive windows make for an exceptional foundation, while its elegant yet relaxed feel makes for a more than perfect working environment.
Labelling Krukziener as a visionary feels fitting, given his incredible foresight when it comes to development, and the part he’s played in progressing Auckland’s built environment. Responsible for the purchase and development of over 130 residential and commercial buildings throughout Auckland over the last 38 years, with projects totalling more than NZ$1.5 billion, the developer pays special heed to the preservation of historical buildings through discerning renovation. He has restored and redeveloped many recognised landmarks in Auckland City including the Old Magistrates Court Building at The Metropolis, the Contemporary Art Gallery on Lorne Steet and DFS Galleria on Customs Street. These days, the revitalisation of Queen Street is where Krukziener’s attention is turned, with 131 Queen Street raising the bar.
The entrance lobby.
When approaching the ten-story heritage building, Krukziener looked to the iconic Art Deco architecture of New York for inspiration to craft a design narrative that pays homage to the site’s history while bringing it into the present.
The Office Lobby is where Krukziener was able to evoke the grandeur of the 1920’s — marble, macassar ebony and bronze have been artfully crafted alongside custom-designed chandeliers and wall sconces. The original bronze elevator signage was even uncovered during the works and repositioned to the office lobby. Whilst creating impeccably detailed interiors is the element of the project Krukziener most enjoyed, the first step was a hefty seismic upgrade. Strengthening the building to 100 percent New Building Standard (NBS) from the foundations to the roof was achieved with the installation of post tension steel bars imported from the United Kingdom, paired with new sheer walls and GRP wrapping of the columns. Seismic engineer, Ioannis Prionas of Tekton Consulting Engineers worked alongside Krukziener to minimise the intrusion of the new elements — so successful was he, that the new steel bars look as if they have supported the building for the past century. The heritage elements including the intricate plaster and steel facade were preserved, the canopy restored to its original design and new custom-designed features were created by craftsmen in Auckland from bronze, plaster, timber and stone.
131 Office Space
In the offices there is a symphony between modern technology and striking character features. A new air conditioning plant was designed to provide state of the art control to tenants — but it’s the bathrooms, clad with the deepest green marble and fitted with traditional tapware and fixtures, together with octagonal mirrors and bronze door hardware that are the most commented on.
The lower-level floor plates have been divided to create offices ranging in size from 150 square-metres to 400 square-metres. The lofty stud height and expansive windows flood the spaces with natural light.
The National Business Review followed Krukziener when he decided to move his offices to 131 Queen Street — the two businesses have been neighbours since 2009, with professional service companies Accenture and Cyber CX also both leasing full floors on the upper levels of the building, joining boutique investment bank Montarne and Five V Capital. The top two levels — the finest character spaces in Auckland, are available for lease, both boasting private terraces overlooking Queen Street towards Albert Park and the harbour.
Left: Entrance lobby details. Right: View from 131 Queen Street
The Ground Level will house luxury retail and on Level One a food and beverage destination is being created, starting with a sophisticated whiskey bar to be run by the team behind The Jefferson. Award-winning hospitality designers, Izzard Design are responsible for transforming Level One into a culinary meeting place. Drawing inspiration from global metropolises where city centres are vibrant hubs of activity around the clock, here you’ll find a diverse mix of elevated eateries as well as a boutique, luxury tearoom, offering both tenants and central city visitors a taste of New Zealand in an entirely unique setting.
131 Queen Street sits as a beacon of style offering businesses an exceptional base right in the very heart of the City. The combination of innovation, sophistication, and entrepreneurship that Krukziener has employed in his latest project is just what our city centre needs to usher in the new era of downtown Auckland.
To secure one of the few remaining luxury office spaces at 131 Queen Street contact Ollie Mawson on 021 740 031.
Britomart favourite Bar Non Solo has recently relaunched their workday lunch special, making it the ultimate spot for those seeking a mid-day escape. As we all know, stepping away from the daily grind is vital to boost productivity and creativity, and what better way to unwind than with a delicious meal accompanied by refreshing libations?
Right: Spicy Salami Pizza
From Tuesday to Friday, Bar Non Solo has introduced an unbeatable lunch special, featuring one of their famous dishes alongside a choice of wine, beer or spritz, all for a mere $25. Ideal for those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal during their hectic workday, this express lunch deal is as suited for a quick catch-up amongst friends as it is for sharing with colleagues.
Here, you can take your pick from a variety of handmade pasta, seasonal pizzas, and salads, paired perfectly with an ice-cold Peroni, Aperol Spritz, a glass of Idle Hands wine, or a signature mocktail. Savour fresh Bucatini with crab, chilli, garlic, oregano, and pangrattato, Spicy Salami Pizza with tomato and fior di latte, or Bar Non Solo’s signature Caesar Salad with white anchovies. With many more delicious dishes to choose from.
Left: Crab Bucatini
And the lunch special is only the tip of the iceberg. Bar Non Solo has added a host of new menu items, launched a member’s club, and added to their aperitivo hour offering, making it the ultimate spot for City-siders seeking an all-encompassing local.
Head-to-toe, monochrome tones of white and cream will not only create crisp, confident looks but will add a touch of lightness to your style as we head into the cooler months. Here, we have rounded up a curation of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will have you mastering this season’s modern monochrome, and promise to give your autumn wardrobe a necessary lift.
In sixteen years Denizen has established itself as the leading destination for those looking for a fix on the art of living well locally. We pride ourselves on producing unique, intelligent content that focuses on the positive, and keeps our vast audience of taste-making New Zealanders satiated and entertained.
We are currently looking for an experienced full-time, in-house writer who can produce a wide range of work — from short, sharp, witty dialogue for our website at a rapid-fire pace, to executing long form in-depth articles on a variety of topics for our quarterly magazine. The suitable candidates need to have an utter obsession with the finer things in life, living and breathing the content that we feature, and possess an understanding and affinity with luxury brands.
Applicant’s interests should be broad and include food, fashion, design, culture, travel and architecture, along with an unwavering desire to create engaging content, and seek out new undiscovered stories. The successful full-time writer will form part of an incredibly passionate and committed team who work hard, but also regularly enjoy the fruits of their labour by dabbling in the art of living well.
Applicants must have a tertiary qualification in the field of journalism or communications, with a minimum of two years working in a role that has a strong writing focus.
The most significant night in cinema has been and gone for another year, leaving us with plenty of unforgettable fashion moments to mull over. As the biggest stars in the world lined up on the Oscars’ red carpet, it was clear that the style code for the event was old Hollywood elegance with a modern and ever-so-slightly undone edge. Silhouettes were figure-hugging, colours were used to striking effect, hair was sleek and understated, opera gloves were back in a big way, and black-and-white, it seemed, was the colour-combination du jour.
From Emma Stone’s flattering, ice-blue peplum dress by Louis Vuitton, to Emily Blunt’s striking Schiaparelli gown with surreal, floating shoulder straps, to Carey Mulligan’s custom, couture Balenciaga (a recreation of an iconic 1951 design by Cristobal Balenciaga himself), the looks at this year’s Oscars were thoughtful, glamorous, statement-making and bold. These were our favourites.
While there are plenty of ways to update your interior space, from pendant lighting to soft textiles, one of the easiest ways is with some strategically-applied furnishings. Here, we delve into the trend of curved dining chairs, a style that promises to bring an air of soft serenity to any kind of space. Whether finished in a minimalist or modernist, or even wonderfully eclectic style, not only do these chairs look good but their rounded backs are so comfortable, you’ll want to linger long after the last plates have been cleared. Discover our essential edit of curved dining chairs below.
Introduce an element of whimsy into your space with an ethereal, cloud-like pendant. Carefully made with near-translucent materials cleverly shaped over metal frames, these eye-catching lights promise to cast your home in an otherworldly glow.
Inspired by The Grand Tour, a historical odyssey through the major cultural centres of Europe, Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high jewellery collection takes us on an incredible, sweeping journey where history, geography and gemstones collide.
London
The journey of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Grand Tour begins in London, where Canova’s statue at the sumptuous Chatsworth House inspired the Dea Eterna Clip, boasting an oval-cut 3.47-carat pink sapphire, blue sapphires, lapis lazuli, a grey cultured pearl and diamonds. The Josiah Necklace and Earrings were inspired by the heart of London, where baguette and round-cut diamonds drape around the neck or hang elegantly from the ears, culminating in remarkable oval-cut sapphires. Elsewhere, the rose gold Elizabeth Earrings (their name derived from the iconic monarch) with detachable pendants, feature two triangle-cut pink spinels, alongside coral and sparkling diamonds.
Elizabeth earrings with detachable pendants, Cornucopia clip & Schäppel ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
The mythological horn of plenty inspired Van Cleef & Arpels to create the Cornucopia Clip where a rubellite immediately attracts the gaze, surrounded by diamond leaves, amethysts, rubies and spessartite garnets and finished with bouqiets of sapphire flowers, spessartite garnets and diamonds. The Escale Antique bracelet is another marvel inspired by Rome, fashioned from rose gold, it boasts emeralds, tsavorite garnets and diamonds in an intricate, botanical pattern.
Over to Naples where Van Cleef & Arpels’ Ninfe Necklace depicts a floral crown, like those in the mosaics of the ruined Nymphaeum in Herculaneum. Comprising links of gadrooned rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires, the centre of the creation is a composition of leaves in rose and white gold, diamonds and red and pink ‘angel-skin’ coral. These surround a striking cushion-cut rubellite, subtly accentuated by two oval-cut rubellites. The Symphonie Florale Clip, was inspired by the hanging gardens of Ravello, and boasts white and rose gold, a breathtaking collection of spessartite and tsavorite garnets, a pink, mauve sapphire and diamonds.
Ninfe necklace, Symphonie végétale clip & Escale sur la baie bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels
Transporting us to The Alps as winter ends, the blossoms come into bloom and Edelweiss gently awakens, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Etoile des Glaciers Clip features a stunning cluster of sapphires, white and yellow diamonds, designed to represent a rare and protected plant species that only thrives in high-altitude environments.
Regina Montium necklace with detachable pendant & Etoile des glaciers clip from Van Cleef & Arpels
Inspired by the refined ladies-in-waiting of the court of Louis XV, Van Cleef & Arpels created the Eclat Mystérieux Necklace with Traditional Mystery Set emeralds, mauve sapphires white cultured pearls and diamonds. While its Lucendi Earrings suggest an elaborate, 18th Century chandelier and are rendered in rose and white gold with two oval-cut rubellites, mauve sapphires and diamonds. Elsewhere, its jaw-dropping Noeud Royal Ring heroes a cushion-cut pink sapphire set in white gold and surrounded by diamonds.
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.
