The art of timekeeping was front and centre at this year’s Geneva Watch Days

8 Sep 2025

As the European summer season comes to a close, watch enthusiasts gathered on the shores of Lake Geneva for Geneva Watch Days, a more intimate, public-facing event that has become a key rendez-vous on the horological calendar. Launched in 2020 by Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of LVMH Watches and Bvlgari, the event champions inclusivity and collaboration, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary watchmaking. Open to all and free of charge, it’s a platform for both renowned brands and independent players to showcase their craft.

Octo Finissimo Lee Ufan x Bvlgari from Bvlagri

Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani and Lee Ufan

For Bvlgari, Geneva Watch Days is an opportunity to present bold new interpretations of its signature timepieces. The Octo Finissimo Lee Ufan x Bvlgari epitomises this dialogue. Born from a creative exchange between Product Creation Executive Director Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani and South Korean-born, Japan-based artist Lee Ufan, the watch draws on one of Lee’s defining motifs: the contrast between a static rock and the infinite reflections of a mirror. The result is a titanium-cased and braceleted timepiece with a mirrored dial delicately accented by black hands, limited to 150 individually hand-finished pieces.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon watch from Bvlgari

Alongside this, Bvlgari unveiled the Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon, a technical and aesthetic triumph. Carved from deep blue Italian marble, just 4.85 mm thick, and paired with a hand-wound BVL 268 calibre, the artful timepiece blends sculptural beauty with mechanical mastery.

Bvlgari has also revisited its Aluminium line in 2025, now cast in bronze. The new Bvlgari Bronzo GMT and Chronograph harness the alloy’s living patina, evolving over time to reflect the wearer’s own unfolding story. Distinctive, tactile, and full of Italian flair, they exemplify the Maison’s blend of heritage, savoir-faire, and contemporary boldness.

At Geneva Watch Days, Bvlgari proved once again that horology is as much about emotion and art as it is about precision and time.

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How to curate the ultimate bookshelf

5 Sep 2025

There’s an art to demonstrating literary shrewdness from a glimpse of one’s shelves. Here’s how to establish yourself as a worldly, erudite and well-read individual.

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but to judge a person by their books, well that’s perfectly acceptable. On display for all and sundry to see, you could persuasively argue that no other personal accoutrement is as revealing as the tomes that weigh in on your coffee table — moreover, the literary masterpieces that reside on your shelves.

Irrespective of how dusty they might be, one would hope to find your worldly perspective reflected in a well-rounded literary assemblage. There are some titles whose presence is simply obligatory; The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Lee Harper’s To Kill A Mockingbird, and Papa Hem’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. But then come those solely there to impress; Homer’s Iliad, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and inevitably something by one of Russian greats — perhaps a copy of Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov that when your date picks it up, you proceed to inform him/her that it’s Hillary Clinton’s favourite piece of literature. Never mind if its spine hasn’t once been broken.

While a few heavy-hitting volumes are all but imperative in the name of gaining some literary kudos (William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury might be a step too far), these ought to be broken up by subject matter more fanciful too. A splice of Truman Capote will demonstrate your deep-seated romanticism, and from who else could you have learnt that ‘the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it’’ but for Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

A heavily dog-eared copy of Shantaram — once taken on an intrepid escapade in a former life, i.e. your 20s — will serve as the marker of someone well-travelled while Keith Richards’ Life might be your only (vicarious) escapade into the world of rock stardom.

It always pays to have some poetry on hand — Wordsworth and Coleridge’s aptly titled Lyrical Ballads ought to do the trick, while an antique copy of The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (the second most widely read collection of stories in the world after the Bible) reveals all those who remain young at heart.

Though barely touching on the subject of coffee table books, a genre largely reserved for the very best of art, design and fashion, therein lies a trove of culture-loving insinuations for observers to pass judgement on. In light of as much, and with the giving season ahead, the following are some excellent titles that will help demarcate an astute taste in books.

The List

20 Shelf-worthy Books

1. A Short History of Nearly Everything
by Bill Bryson

2. Lolita
by Vladimir Nabokov

3. The Human Stain
by Philip Roth

4. 1984
by George Orwell

5. The Art Museum
by Editors of Phaidon Press

6. The Tipping Point
by Malcolm Gladwell

7. Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by Richard Bach

8. Catch-22
by Joseph Heller

9. Life
by James Fox and Keith Richards

10. The Bible
by various authors

11. Papillon
by Henri Charrière

12. Poolside with Slim Aarons
by Slim Aarons

13. Moby-Dick
by Herman Melville

14. The Catcher in The Rye
by J.D. Salinger

15. The Origin of Species
by Charles Darwin

16. The Penguin History of New Zealand
by Michael King

17. Andy Warhol “Giant” Size
by Editors of Phaidon Press

18. White Teeth
by Zadie Smith

19. The Interpretation of Dreams
by Sigmund Freud

20. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by C.S. Lewis

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The best movies to watch with Dad this Father’s Day

5 Sep 2025

This Father’s Day, give Dad the gift he really wants (quality time with you), and strap into a movie you know he’ll love. From dad-centric classics to high-octane newcomers and everything in between, these are the films we suggest watching with the old boy this weekend.

Father of the Bride

Steve Martin at his dad-of-the-year peak. Watching George Banks panic over his daughter’s wedding is both hilarious and strangely relatable — because every dad who has headed down an aisle knows that mix of pride, love, and mild terror.

Top Gun: Maverick

Tom Cruise returns as the ultimate ace, mentoring a new generation of pilots. Fast jets, father-figure vibes, and plenty of high-octane fun — it’s a no-brainer.

Meet the Parents

Robert De Niro as the ultimate overprotective dad? Classic. Ben Stiller’s hapless character navigating his in-laws’ terror-testing rituals makes for laughs that hit home for anyone who’s met the parents.

Fight Club

Edgy, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable, while Fight Club might not be an obvious choice, it certainly is a cult classic, and anyone who likes to push boundaries will no doubt see themselves in the captivating storyline.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith delivers a deeply moving (read: tear-inducing) performance as Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman, and father determined to provide for his son against all odds.

Big Daddy

Adam Sandler’s Sonny Koufax might start off as a carefree bachelor, but fatherhood quickly flips his world upside down. Big Daddy is silly, heartfelt, and reminds us dads can show up in the most unexpected ways.

The Godfather

A classic that will always go down a treat, the original 1972 The Godfather always warrants a rewatch. Power, loyalty, family — it’s intense, iconic, and Don Vito Corleone will forever be the ultimate patriarch.

King Richard

Will Smith embodies dedication itself as Richard Williams, whose vision and grit shaped Venus and Serena into tennis legends. It’s a real-life testament to fathers going above and beyond.

Groundhog Day

Bill Murray reliving the same day might not scream ‘dad movie,’ but the lessons in patience, persistence, and learning from mistakes is pure parenting wisdom.

Ad Astra

Ad Astra stars Brad Pitt as an astronaut grappling with his father’s absence in this quiet, introspective story about fathers and sons, set against the stunning backdrop of space.

Ford v Ferrari

High-speed thrills meet teamwork and mentorship in this captivating Oscar-winning film starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Dads who love cars (or just great storytelling) will be hooked.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

You simply can’t beat a classic. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a perfect mix of laughs, thrills, and father-son bonding that always goes down a treat — no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

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Tiffany & Co. takes flight with its captivating new Bird on a Rock collection

4 Sep 2025

First conceived by legendary designer Jean Schlumberger in 1965, Tiffany & Co.’s Bird on a Rock has long been one of the House’s most emblematic creations. Now, for the first time, the storied motif is reimagined as both high and fine jewellery, offering a contemporary take on a true icon of design.

Tiffany & Co. house ambassador, actress Zhang Ziyi, wearing Bird on a Rock by Tiffany Bird Earrings & Wings Wide Ring

Bird on a Rock by Tiffany Wings Wide Bangle & Wings Wide Ring

Bird on a Rock by Tiffany Lovebirds Pendant

Guided by Chief Artistic Officer Nathalie Verdeille, the collection explores two distinct interpretations of the bird. In high jewellery, dynamic creations echo the delicate stances and fluttering forms of birds in nature, seemingly poised to take flight upon the wearer. In fine jewellery, the designs span both figural and abstract expressions — from gleaming birds in platinum and gold to sculptural “Wings” that distil the motif to its very essence. Together, they capture both the spirit of naturalism and the beauty of abstraction in equal measure.

Tiffany & Co. House ambassador, model Abby Champion wearing, Bird on a Rock by Tiffany Lariat Necklace

Launching globally with a dreamlike campaign starring Zhang Ziyi and Abby Champion, Bird on a Rock emerges anew — as necklaces, earrings and pendants illuminated by the world’s finest diamonds and gemstones. A celebration of heritage and reinvention, this collection ensures that Tiffany’s most poetic emblem will continue to soar for generations to come.

tiffany.com

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We’re on the hunt for an experienced writer

3 Sep 2025

Denizen has firmly established itself as New Zealand’s leading luxury lifestyle media outlet. 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, in-house senior 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 various topics, including profiling exceptional people in our quarterly magazine. The suitable candidate must have an utter obsession with the finer things in life, living and breathing the content we feature, and possess an understanding of and affinity for luxury brands.

The applicant’s interests should be broad and include food, fashion, design, culture, travel, and architecture. They should also have an unwavering desire to create engaging content and seek out new, undiscovered stories. The successful applicant will form part of an incredibly passionate and hard-working team that also enjoys the fruits of their labour by dabbling in the art of living well.

Applicants must have a tertiary qualification in journalism or communications, with a minimum of two years’ experience in a writing role.

Applications close 5 pm Tuesday, 16th September.

Send your application and CV to [email protected]

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Eight ways to keep your dad entertained this Father’s Day

3 Sep 2025

Regardless of whether your old man is a nature lover, an art buff, or just a simple dinner-and-drinks type of guy, there’s plenty you can do to celebrate Father’s Day. From indulgent experiences to memorable outings, we’ve rounded up ideas to make this Father’s Day one he won’t forget, so all that’s left to do is sit back and let the brownie points roll in.

Feed Him

A meal out isn’t exactly a groundbreaking concept, but a great meal without a family-sized bill at the end is a foolproof Father’s Day formula. Our Father’s Day Dining Guide has you covered with all of the the best spots for a meal that’s well worth leaving the house for.

Pamper Him

More than just a gift for mums, a luxurious spa treatment of some sort is a perfect present for dad too (and likely something he won’t buy himself). Across the city, there are a suite of relaxing and invigorating options available, from East Day Spa’s extensive Father’s Day offering to Spring Spa’s delightful pamper packages. Consult our edit of the city’s best massage therapists for a comprehensive guide, here.

Get Behind the Wheel

If Dad’s the type who lives life in the fast lane, line up an adrenaline hit. At Hampton Downs, he can experience the Ultimate Combo Track Drive, where he can get behind the wheel of four supercars, from a Ferrari to a Lamborghini, an Aston Martin, and a Lotus, before finishing with a hot lap in a Mitsubishi EvoX.

Get Outdoors

Carve out some time to connect with Dad over a hike. From beachside strolls to bush treks, there’s plenty of beautiful local walks and hikes across Auckland to choose from. Fresh air and quality time — what more could he want?

Charter a Yacht

If Dad happens to be in your good books this year, go a little bigger and charter a yacht for a day out on the water. LussoMare launched last year and offer a range of bespoke charters from Auckland, while 37 South has a fleet of exceptional yachts on hand up and down the country, with the season starting soon.

Peruse a Gallery

Get a well-deserved dose of culture by visiting one of Auckland’s excellent art galleries. We recommend Auckland Art Gallery’s exhibition A Century of Modern Art which offers a sweeping survey of the visionary painters who transformed modern art, featuring the likes of van Gogh, Picasso, Renoir and more. And, if you’ve forgotten a gift, nip to the thoughtfully curated gift shop.

Schedule a Tasting

If Dad appreciates the finer things in life, celebrate this Father’s Day by booking in for a wine tasting at The Wine Room, or secure a spot to one of the upcoming events taking place in September — from wine clubs to dinners and hosted tastings.

Or, Just Buy a Gift

If time pressure or distance has disrupted best-laid plans, never fear, there’s always the option of a great gift. From simple tokens of love to sublime gestures, our Father’s Day Gift Guide is sure to inspire the perfect present for your dad.

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Van Cleef & Arpels’ Fleurs d’Hawaï collection is dazzling take on nature’s ephemeral beauty

1 Sep 2025

Van Cleef & Arpels’ Fleurs d’Hawaï collection sees the House return to one of its most enduring inspirations, the flower, in a vibrant reinterpretation of its 1938 Hawaii designs. Debuted at Scotland’s Dumfries House, the collection brings together the Maison’s historic love of nature with contemporary versatility and finesse.

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurs d’Hawaï ring, Amethyst

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurs d’Hawaï earrings, Peridot

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurs d’Hawaï pendant, Rhodolite

At its core, the collection is an ode to colour. Five luminous stones — amethyst, aquamarine, rhodolite garnet, citrine, and peridot — are cut into petal-like forms, their pear-shaped geometry chosen to emphasise balance, harmony, and light. Each stone is meticulously selected by expert gemologists, with an emphasis on purity, evenness of tone, and the interplay between gem and gold.

Left: Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurs d’Hawaï Collection. Right: Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurs d’Hawaï secret watch, Aquamarine and Mother of Pearl

The designs themselves feel refreshingly modern, despite their archival roots. Petals float around central diamond pistils, forming voluminous rings, pendants, earrings, and a standout secret watch. The latter, in particular, is a technical and aesthetic triumph: a mother-of-pearl dial surrounded by a ring of diamonds and citrine, rhodolite, or aquamarine petals, which can be detached and worn separately as a pendant or brooch.

Van Cleef & Arpels Fleurs d’Hawaï brooch, Citrine Diamond

Floral motifs have long been part of the Van Cleef & Arpels lexicon, from early 20th-century brooches to the iconic Frivole collection, but here, the palette is more spirited, and above all, effortlessly wearable. It’s also a quiet reflection of the Maison’s broader support for garden preservation, realised through its ongoing partnership with The King’s Foundation.

With Fleurs d’Hawaï, Van Cleef & Arpels cultivates a fresh chapter in its garden of craftsmanship —where every bloom tells a tale of the past, the present, and what the future may hold.

vancleefarpels.com

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Denizen’s Spring Issue celebrates milestones big and small, and the beauty of the in-between

29 Aug 2025

Spring has always carried a certain sense of promise. It’s the season of renewal and fresh starts, and with it comes the chance to pause and take stock of the moments that matter. Some of these milestones are obvious, commanding attention and celebration, while others are quieter, unfolding in ways that might slip by unnoticed unless we choose to honour them. This issue is a celebration of both — the grand markers and the subtler shifts that, together, define a life well lived.

At the heart of Denizen’s Spring Issue is our coverstar Zoe Hobbs, whose rise in world athletics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond the track, we discover that her candour and resilience reveal a story as much about personal growth as it is professional triumph.

We also speak to artist George Byrne, whose distinct creative voice was forged only after years spent on a different path; a reminder that milestones don’t always arrive on cue. Elsewhere, we highlight the journeys of those whose lives have been punctuated by unexpected turns, showing that success is rarely linear, and meaning is found as much in the detours as in the destination.

Alongside these stories, you’ll find our usual edit of everything worth coveting for spring. We spotlight the fashion and jewellery to invest in now, delve into the design trends carrying us into the warmer months, and explore how to create spaces that reflect your unique sense of style.

In Wellbeing, we explore the seemingly unstoppable rise of Pilates, speaking to a host of local operators, each of which are approaching the global phenomenon in their own way.

New this season is our Milestones, Marriages & Momentous Occasions pillar — a dedicated space to celebrate life’s defining moments, both traditional and unexpected. From weddings to momentous birthdays and smaller moments of note, we shine a light on the milestones that shape us, offering inspiration on how to mark them in meaningful ways. Elsewhere, our Culture section presents the books, films, exhibitions, and performances set to enliven your spring calendar.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, our Spring Issue is imbued with a palpable sense of celebration, focusing on moments both spectacular and subtle. We hope its pages inspire you to stop, pause, and mark the milestones, however they arrive. Because what’s life if not for living (with a fabulous party or two along the way).

Denizen’s Spring Issue is available now at all good newsagents and supermarkets, or subscribe below to have it delivered directly to your door.

Subscribe to Denizen Here

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Where to find Auckland’s best nightcaps

29 Aug 2025

When the night’s winding down, but you’re not quite ready to call it, a perfectly poured nightcap is the answer. From sultry speakeasies and low-lit eateries to refined rooftop bars serving classics with a twist, we’ve rounded up the city’s best late-night spots to savour one last drink.

French Martini

from Queens Rooftop

A luxe twist on the classic, where miso-butter-washed vodka brings a silky depth to bright clarified pineapple and Chambord’s berry richness. Queens’ French Martini is smooth, layered, and a little indulgent — just how we like it.

Nippon Negroni

from Azabu Ponsonby

Taking the timeless classic eastward, where gin’s crispness is softened by Lillet Blanc and the delicate sweetness of umeshu. Azabu’s Nippon Negroni is elegant, light, and quietly complex; a Negroni with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

Peanut Nutter

from Soul Bar & Bistro

Layering Irish whiskey with a silky peanut butter twist, rounded by rich Oloroso and a touch of maple, with chocolate bitters to finish. Soul’s ‘Peanut Nutter’ is indulgence in a glass — smooth, nutty, and a little unexpected.

Signature Martini ‘Jazz’

from Kemuri Hi-Fi

Built on your choice of Haku Vodka or Roku Gin, with Shiso Shochu and Vermouth, shaken ice-cold and poured straight into a chilled glass, Kemuri Hi-Fi’s Martini is clean, complex and quietly distinctive. Served with a ponzu olive and a slick of local extra virgin olive oil to finish, this signature cocktail is elegant with an umami edge.

Tyrone’s Turon

from Bar Magda

Taking Tanduay aged rum and folding in the tropical sweetness of banana peel and jackfruit, with the lift of barrel-aged Peychaud’s. Bar Magda’s ‘Tyrone’s Turon’ is smooth, unexpected, and irresistibly moreish; a playful nod to Filipino flavours.

Waipoua

from SkyBar

This is a not-so-classic Negroni with a decadent black forest twist. Cacao-infused Campari, cherry-washed Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and gin come together in a darkly rich, fruit-forward reimagining of the timeless classic.

Tiramisu Martini

from Andiamo

A decadent nightcap that drinks like dessert — silky, indulgent, and laced with the familiar allure of coffee and cocoa. Andiamo’s ‘Tiramisu Martini’ is the end of night treat that closes the evening on a sweet, sophisticated note.

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Celebrate Father’s Day in timeless style with a gift he wont forget

29 Aug 2025

This Father’s Day, if you really want to go all-out, forget the socks and whisky and lean into the timeless appreciation of a watch. Beyond their legendary craftsmanship, a Rolex tells a story and embodies a lifestyle, making it the ultimate way to celebrate the father figure who has shaped yours. Whether his world revolves around boardrooms, boarding gates, mountain trails, or impeccable style, there’s a Rolex to match his pace and personality.

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Father of the Bride

Top Gun: Maverick

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Big Daddy

The Godfather

King Richard

Groundhog Day

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Ford v Ferrari

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

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Feed Him

Pamper Him

Get Behind the Wheel

Get Outdoors

Charter a Yacht

Peruse a Gallery

Schedule a Tasting

Or, Just Buy a Gift

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