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

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.

Coveted

All of the best looks from New York Fashion Week
The making of Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Marmont bag
Update your wardrobe with our edit of spring essentials
Left to right: Soul Bar & Bistro, Andiamo & Bar Magda

Where to find Auckland’s best nightcaps

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.

Gastronomy

Meet Water Boy — the laid-back new beachfront local in the heart of St Heliers
SkyCity’s Served is making a welcome return, presenting a culinary trip around the world
Embark on a unique culinary adventure with The Hotel Britomart’s curated forest farm experience

Hosting a spring soirée this year? Nail your table settings with these beautiful accoutrements

Spring hosts, take note. A table dressed with care has the power to transform even the simplest meal into a celebratory occasion, and it’s well-known that the right setting makes all the difference. Whether you’re planning an alfresco brunch, a long lunch with friends, or an elegant evening affair, our curation of inspired spring table settings will ensure your gatherings strike just the right note. From fresh florals to sun-washed palettes and breezy coastal touches, consider this your guide to creating tablescapes that are as inviting as the season itself.

Botanical Bloom


Rosenthal Grand Air Plate from Studio of Tableware
Tiffany & Co.
Wildflower Crystal Pitcher from Moda Operandi
Joanna Buchanan Napkin Rings from Moda Operandi
Joanna Buchanan Hydrangea Linen Napkins from Moda Operandi
L’Ame De Christofle Cutlery Set from Studio of Tableware
Rosenthal Grand Air Bowl from Studio of Tableware
Bordallo Pinheiro Maria Flor cake stand from Farfetch
Noblesse Toasting Flute Pair from Studio of Tableware
Rosenthal Grand Air Tea/Cup & Saucer from Studio of Tableware
La DoubleJ Cloud scallop placemats from Farfetch
Moda Domus
Footed Wine Glass from Moda Operandi
Rosenthal Grand Air Platter from Studio of Tableware

Seaside Serenity


Aino Aalto Tumbler from Studio of Tableware
Christofle Babylone Lunch Plate from Studio of Tableware
Gohar World Shell Napkin Rings from Moda Operandi
Les-Ottomans Lobster plate from Farfetch
Moda Domus
Riviera Murex Shell Candle from Moda Operandi
Christofle Osiris Cutlery Set from Studio of Tableware
Christofle Babylone Candle from Studio of Tableware
Los Encajeros Bowline Placemat from Moda Operandi
Les-Ottomans La Menagerie Dete salad plates from Farfetch
Mother Of Pearl Caviar Spoon from Studio of Tableware
Tres J Shell Cocktail Glass from Moda Operandi
Moda Domus
Riviera Napkins from Moda Operandi

Golden Hour


Sunny Day Dinner Plate from Studio of Tableware
Verdier Salad Servers from Studio of Tableware
Carlotta + Gee Napkin set from The Iconic
Bordallo Pinheiro Citron pitcher from Farfetch
Christofle Babylone Vase from Studio of Tableware
Ichendorf Milano Fruit glass cups from Farfetch
Moda Domus
Wicker Place Mat from Moda Operandi
Moda Domus Striped Serving Bowl from Moda Operandi
Misette
Still Life Linen Coasters from Moda Operandi
Linea Q Cutlery Set from Studio of Tableware
Dinosaur Designs Rock resin bowl from Net-A-Porter
Berlin Salt Grinder from Studio of Tableware

thestudio.co.nz

Design

Don’t miss your chance to shop up to 40% off all portable lamps at ECC — these are our sale picks
Shop the Look: Studio Arthur Casas’ Apartment Sete is a masterclass in rhythm & restraint
CJH Studio’s Journey House is a masterclass in restraint
Rolex Land-Dweller

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

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.

Rolex Land-Dweller: For The Power Player

Rolex Land-Dweller available from Partridge

Rolex Sky-Dweller: For The Jet-Setter

Rolex Sky-Dweller available from Partridge

Rolex Explorer: For The Adventurer

Rolex Explorer available from Partridge

Rolex Datejust: The Style Icon

Rolex Datejust available from Partridge

Coveted

All of the best looks from New York Fashion Week
The making of Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Marmont bag
Update your wardrobe with our edit of spring essentials
Tokoriki Island Resort

Discover why Fiji is the ultimate escape for marking a milestone celebration, no matter the occasion

When it comes to unforgettable celebrations, Fiji doesn’t just roll out the welcome mat, it lays down the red carpet. Crystalline waters, warm hospitality, and the kind of personalised service that make every guest feel like royalty. This island paradise doesn’t just rise to the occasion; it elevates it.

Royal Davui Island 

Best For: Secluded Celebration

This is less a getaway, more a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With just 16 villas and a no-fly zone option (for when you truly want to disappear), Royal Davui is the epitome of private island luxury. The barefoot paradise delivers effortless glamour with an edge, ideal for intimate weddings or milestone birthdays where quality over quantity reigns. The island can be exclusively yours, with private chefs, turn-down touches, and custom theming that brings your vision to life. Days are spent snorkelling, enjoying spa rituals, and sipping cocktails on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean. Nights unfold with torchlit dinners, meke performances, and dancing barefoot under the stars. Here, the team is as detail-obsessed as they are discreet, and no request is too grand. Whether it’s a family-style island BBQ or a banquet by the waves, they’ll ensure the memory lingers long after the tan fades.

Book your stay here

Tokoriki Island Resort 

Best For: Romantic Escape

Tokoriki is what happens when romance grows up. This adults-only retreat hits the sweet spot between pared-back luxury and immersive intimacy. The vibe? Think less saccharine, more sophisticated. Floating champagne breakfasts? Tick. Candlelit dinners on a private jetty? Of course. But the warm, quietly intuitive service is what makes Tokoriki truly memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, a proposal, or a wedding anniversary, the setting is nothing short of cinematic. Think lush palms, frangipani petals, and ocean views that make you forget what day it is. Each villa comes with its own private pool and courtyard garden, making it easy to keep the outside world exactly where it belongs — far, far away. Throw in a spa treatment or two and a few fantastic meals, and you’ll find that doing nothing has never felt so indulgent.

Book your stay here

VOMO Island

Best For: Family-Friendly celebration

Vomo Island has perfected the art of the all-ages celebration. What sets it apart from Fiji’s other luxury escapes is its ability to seamlessly host milestone moments for families in every configuration, from couples with young children to multi-generational gatherings. With seven expansive luxury residences, plus a variety of villas and suites, there’s an option for every guest, ensuring everyone stays close without compromising on space or style. Vomo makes group celebrations effortless. Whether it’s a renewal of vows, a landmark birthday, or simply making the ‘official’ family wedding happen, the island’s team ensures guests dine together with ease (no awkwardly rearranged tables here). Special touches like a private picnic on Vomo Lailai, a ‘Sigi Drigi’ sunset atop Mt Vomo complete with Champagne and a Fijian choir, or a snorkel safari followed by a castaway lunch ensure any gathering becomes something unforgettable. At Vomo, togetherness comes both naturally and beautifully.

Book your stay here

Milestones

Inside Ashley & Jordan Elcham’s magical wedding in Rome
Denizen’s Definitive Milestone Birthday Gift Guide
Turning 50? Consider our edit of what to wear to mark the occasion your go-to resource
Pharrell Williams

We explore the life and style of one of music and fashion’s most enduring icons — Pharrell Williams

Few artists have blurred the lines between music, fashion, and culture as seamlessly as Pharrell Williams. From his early days producing era-defining hits with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. to his current role as men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell has remained a shape-shifting (and age-defying) force whose style evolution is as celebrated as his sound. Ever experimental, he’s built a reputation for taking risks that consistently set the tone for the industry at large.

Pharrell’s sartorial journey took root in the early 2000s, when oversized skatewear, colourful trucker hats, and bold graphic tees dominated his look. At a time when hip-hop style was largely driven by maximalist bravado, Pharrell infused a playful individuality that felt distinctly his own. His collaborations with Japanese labels like A Bathing Ape and Human Made introduced a generation to streetwear’s cross-cultural appeal, cementing his position as a bridge between luxury and the underground.

As his career progressed, so too did his wardrobe. By the 2010s, Pharrell became known for mixing tailored elegance with eccentric flourishes: tuxedos worn with shorts, wide-brimmed hats that spawned internet memes, and gender-fluid silhouettes that pushed boundaries on the red carpet. He rejected categorisation, leaning into a style vocabulary where pearls, Chanel cardigans, and custom sneakers could coexist without irony.

This refusal to play by fashion’s rules made Pharrell one of its most compelling figures. Long before ‘genderless’ dressing became a movement, he embodied it instinctively. His looks weren’t about provocation but about possibility — an openness that mirrored his creative philosophy. Oversized outerwear, playful jewellery, bold prints, and futuristic eyewear became part of a personal lexicon that remains instantly recognisable and distinctly Pharrell.

Today, in his Vuitton era, Pharrell’s style is elevated yet unmistakably his. He pairs sharp tailoring with his signature ease, infusing luxury with a sense of play. Whether debuting vibrant leather suits on the runway or walking out in reimagined cowboy boots and pearls, he brings the same curiosity and confidence that have defined his multi-decade career.

Now in his early 50s, Pharrell embodies a kind of ageless authority, one that doesn’t dictate trends but reframes them. His style remains fluid, fearless, and rooted in joy. In a world where image is often engineered, Pharrell’s aesthetic feels less like a strategy and more like a lifelong conversation between music, culture, and self-expression.

Coveted

All of the best looks from New York Fashion Week
The making of Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Marmont bag
Update your wardrobe with our edit of spring essentials

CJH Studio’s Journey House is a masterclass in restraint

Architecture – Davidov Architects
Interiors – Davidov Architects & CJH Studio
Photography – Timothy Kaye

Journey House, designed by Davidov Architects with interiors by CJH Studio, is a home grounded in quiet confidence. Its beauty lies not in grand gestures, but in the precision of its detailing, the richness of its materials, and the restraint in its palette. Every element has been considered, and nothing feels accidental.

At the centre of the home, the kitchen stands as a sculptural anchor. Wrapped in heavily veined marble, it strikes a balance between boldness and calm. The stone’s natural movement gives the space energy, while soft timber flooring and gentle drapery bring a sense of ease. Custom joinery blends seamlessly into the architecture, elevating the functionality without disrupting the quiet rhythm of the interiors.

Cassina Maralunga Armchair from Matisse

The main living area is open yet intimate, shaped by natural textures and a warm, layered palette. Light moves freely through the space, softening surfaces and highlighting subtle shifts in material. There’s a quiet generosity in the way the architecture holds the room, allowing the furnishings to sit confidently without overwhelming the space.

Just beyond, a dedicated TV room offers a more inward-looking moment. Darker tones and plush textures create a sense of retreat — a space designed for slowing down. Though smaller in scale, it maintains the same level of precision, with material continuity tying it back to the rest of the home.

In the bathroom, dramatic marble takes centre stage once again. This time, the palette shifts deeper — more atmospheric, more tactile. The stone feels monolithic, its intensity offset by refined fixtures and soft lighting. It’s a space that doesn’t try to brighten, but instead embraces mood and shadow.

Journey House is unified by a strong architectural language and a consistent, measured use of materials. There is a discipline to the design, but also a softness — a sense that this home is not just built to be admired, but to be lived in, quietly and with intention.

Design

Don’t miss your chance to shop up to 40% off all portable lamps at ECC — these are our sale picks
Shop the Look: Studio Arthur Casas’ Apartment Sete is a masterclass in rhythm & restraint
Hosting a spring soirée this year? Nail your table settings with these beautiful accoutrements

Van Cleef & Arpels’ dazzling new watches look good enough to eat

Few watchmakers imbue timekeeping with the magic of storytelling quite like Van Cleef & Arpels. This year, the Maison continues its whimsical tradition with the Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés watches — a luscious ode to summer fruits, artistry, and imagination.

Crafted with the brand’s signature blend of savoir-faire and narrative charm, the new Framboise and Myrtille models are as much miniature sculptures as they are haute horology. The dials showcase a pair of radiant berries, one raspberry, one blueberry, rendered in the Maison’s exclusive façonné enamel technique. These settings are framed by a golden bead case and adorned with diamonds, perfected over 16 months and now patented.

Delicate gold fairies dance across the dial, their wings twinkling with pavé-set diamonds, while engraved ladybugs and butterflies decorate the case backs. These delightful details are the result of hundreds of hours of intricate craftsmanship, including enamel pouring and sculpting to gold engraving and gem setting — all performed by Van Cleef & Arpels’ skilled artisans in Geneva.

Part of the Extraordinary Dials collection, these fruity creations are a sweet reminder that beauty lies in the smallest details.

vancleefarpels.com

Coveted

All of the best looks from New York Fashion Week
The making of Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Marmont bag
Update your wardrobe with our edit of spring essentials
Ecostore Products

Discover the ultimate home helper

Ecostore believes in creating a world of good, one person, and one home at a time. All of the formulas are plant and mineral-based, biodegradable, and contain only what’s necessary to get the job done. The products are designed to work harder, so you don’t have to — meaning less scrubbing and soaking, and more time embracing life’s messy moments.

From sparkling dishes to gleaming surfaces, Ecostore’s home care range makes everyday cleaning effortless. Dishwashing products harness biodegradable enzymes to cut through grease and food residue, while household cleaners use plant-based actives to tackle grime without harsh chemicals. Safe for the whole family, free from animal ingredients, and scented with subtly uplifting natural aromas, these products let you enjoy a fresh, clean home with none of the fuss.

ecostore.com

Wellbeing

Te Ihi is the new wellness brand you need to know
Peptides are beauty’s hottest ticket — and these products live up to the hype
As AJP Studio opens its doors, we sit down with founder Anna Miles to get the scoop on the stunning new space
Graff High Jewellery Collection

As Graff lays down roots in New Zealand, we explore the Maison’s breathtaking new couture high jewellery collection

For the uninitiated, Graff is one of the world’s most revered luxury jewellery houses, crafting covetable, rarefied pieces from the finest diamonds. Since its inception in the 1960s, Graff has built a reputation for working with some of the world’s most important and rare stones — with a particular emphasis on high jewellery that amplifies the inherent beauty of each gem.

Now, in a tribute to the decade in which the House was founded, Graff has unveiled a new high jewellery collection inspired by the hypnotic spirit of the sixties. Titled ‘1963’, this extraordinary chapter channels the era’s spirit of freedom, rebellion, glamour, and cultural revolution, refracted through the unrivalled brilliance of Graff diamonds.

At the heart of the collection, the 1963 necklace is a striking display of Graff’s exacting craftsmanship. Sculptural ovals ripple outward in hypnotic curves, framing oval diamonds that draw the eye with their luminous intensity. Subtle details elevate the piece, including a concealed line of pavé emeralds — a quiet flash of Graff’s signature green.

This bold, graphic rhythm continues in the matching bracelet, where a sweep of custom-cut baguette diamonds captivates with their clean, dynamic brilliance. Flickers of emerald peek through here too, adding an unexpected burst of colour that ties each piece back to the House’s heritage.

Completing the suite, statement earrings mirror the collection’s sculptural flow, uniting radiant diamonds and delicate emerald accents in a striking interplay of movement and light. 

Ultimately, this high jewellery collection embodies both the spirit of the Swinging Sixties and the essence of Graff itself: an ode to heritage, an expression of transformative artistry, and a bold vision of what high jewellery can be. A hypnotic tribute to the decade that sparked a revolution in style and culture — and a thrilling new chapter in the House’s legacy of brilliance.

Now, with Graff setting up shop on our shores, we too can experience first-hand the magic and mastery of one of the world’s true jewellery greats — where legacy, artistry, and innovation converge in every luminous creation.


graff.com

Graff

45 Queen Street
Auckland Central
Auckland
1010

Coveted

All of the best looks from New York Fashion Week
The making of Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Marmont bag
Update your wardrobe with our edit of spring essentials