Left: Bvlgari Serpenti Illusio necklace. Right: Bvlgari Serpenti Spira Cuff

Bvlgari’s Eclettica collection redefines high jewellery with transformable masterpieces

Bvlgari has never been one for restraint. With its latest high jewellery collection, Eclettica, the Roman house leans fully into its most instinctive trait: an unapologetic appetite for contrast, excess and imagination. The result is a collection that reads less like jewellery and more like a manifesto, positioning adornment as a form of living, breathing art.

Bvlgari Serpenti Infinia High Jewellery bracelet

At its core, Eclettica is about transformation. Not just in the technical sense, though there is plenty of that, but in the way Bvlgari continues to stretch the definition of what high jewellery can be. Sculpture, painting and architecture are not mere references here. They are the framework. Gemstones behave like brushstrokes, structures echo Roman geometry, and pieces move with a fluidity that feels almost improbable.

Bvlgari Seres Scarf High Jewellery necklace
Bvlgari Serpenti Imperial Heart High Jewellery necklace

Some of the most compelling creations are found in the collection’s Capolavori, or masterpieces. Chief among them is the Seres Scarf necklace, a piece that borders on the surreal. Crafted from over a thousand individual elements and requiring more than 1,600 hours of workmanship, it drapes and folds like fabric, yet is entirely composed of diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. It is, quite literally, a jewellery scarf. Not an illusion, not a suggestion. The real thing.

Bvlgari Secret Garden necklace
Bvlgari Serpenti Illusio necklace

Then there is the Secret Garden necklace, anchored by a Padparadscha sapphire of rare pedigree. Known as the “King of Sapphires”, this elusive stone sits in that fleeting space between pink and orange, a colour so precise it feels almost fictional. At 26.65 carats, the example sourced here is exceptional, the kind of gemstone collectors spend lifetimes chasing. Its presence dictates everything around it, from the calibrated diamond cuts to the interplay of emeralds and onyx that frame its glow.

Elsewhere, the collection continues its exploration of movement and illusion. Serpenti forms dissolve into negative space, necklaces mimic architectural precision while remaining improbably supple, and transformable elements allow pieces to shift identity entirely. This is jewellery that refuses to sit still, either physically or conceptually.

Bvlgari Eclectic Embrace High Jewellery collar
Bvlgari Serpenti Dea Secret High Jewellery Watch

This bold new chapter for Bvlgari high jewellery sees art, architecture and audacity collide. What  Eclettica ultimately delivers is a reminder that high jewellery, at its best, should surprise. Not politely, but completely.

bulgari.com

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Alpino, Anna Di Candia, Gilt

Where hospitality legends wine & dine: Anna Di Candia

Following the launch of our definitive resource to the finest eateries across New Zealand, we now introduce the people behind the places. Championing the owners, operators, and teams responsible for our exceptional hospitality industry, we’ve hand-picked seven industry insiders to divulge their dining favourites, from celebrated classics to under-the-radar gems. 

Dining Diaries — Anna Di Candia


Restaurant Manager at Bivacco

Originally from Italy, Anna Di Candia has spent the past eight years honing her craft in Auckland’s hospitality scene. As Restaurant Manager at Bivacco, she brings an innate understanding of what makes a dining experience memorable — equal parts atmosphere, attentiveness, and genuine warmth. Her approach to hospitality is effortless yet precise, shaped by the Italian belief that great service is as integral to a meal as the food itself. We caught up with her to discover the places that inspire her most.

Ask her where she eats when she’s off-duty, and Di Candia’s go-to is, unsurprisingly, one of the city’s most lauded Italian eateries, “Pici is my favourite spot,” she says. “Great venue, great food, such a nice ambience. It’s classic Italian; simple, but done very well.”

When it comes to the best dish in the city, she looks to a local institution, “The trevally crudo at Al Brown’s Depot is incredible — the condiments are so light, they let the fish shine.” And for something a little more casual and comforting, she heads out of town. “I love the food at Morepork BBQ in Kumeū. It’s not too fussy, just really good. The slow-cooked brisket is amazing, so tender, and the cornbread is the best.”

Special occasions call for something refined, and Onslow is always a winner. “The crayfish éclair is beautiful, and the lamb is a favourite of mine — you can’t go wrong with it. Josh Emett is an incredible operator.”

When friends visit from out of town, Di Candia finds it hard to deviate from Ebisu. “It’s one of my favourite restaurants in the city,” she says. “The ebi mayo roll has been on the menu forever and it’s still so good, and the duck breast is delicious. The whole place just feels special.” Meanwhile, for a good time, she’ll often make for Queens Rooftop. “I love going there for a quick drink or a bite with friends. The music, the view, the energy; it makes you feel like you’re somewhere else.”

Di Candia also highlights two more Italian gems that have become go-tos, “Michael at Baduzzi is amazing, as is Federico the head chef, and the food is just so authentic — fresh, simple, and delicious.” “The owner at Napoli Contemporanea in Parnell is also incredible; so passionate about produce and detail. I never order, he always looks after us, and it’s always perfect.”

Her ideal ‘dine-around’ day in Auckland reflects both her experience and her love of variety. “Breakfast at Saint Heliers Bistro — they do one of the best eggs benedict I’ve ever had. Lunch at Hello Beasty, always, snacks at Jacuzzi in Ponsonby, and then a beautiful dinner at Gilt.” Gilt, in fact, is another spot Di Candia turns to time and time again, and she names it as the city’s most consistent eatery. “The service is always good, the food is always right, and Josh puts so much passion into what he does. You can really feel it.”

Outside of Auckland, she names Alpino in Cambridge as a favourite. “It’s Italian-owned, the food is beautiful, the atmosphere is great, I’d always recommend it to anyone visiting.”

For Di Candia, what makes a restaurant truly great isn’t just what’s on the plate, but the feeling it leaves behind. The details, the energy, the human touch, all of which, she says, are what make a dining experience unforgettable.

Anna’s Recommendations


Pici

Depot

Ebisu

Queens Rooftop

Baduzzi

Hello Beasty

Gilt Brasserie

Alpino

Napoli Contemporanea

St Heliers Bistro

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High Jewellery choker and High Jewellery earrings from Graff

Why Graff built an entire high jewellery collection around a single stone

Unveiled during Paris Haute Couture week, Graff’s latest high jewellery suite reaffirmed the house’s position at the summit of gem artistry. Anchored by a remarkable 31 carat unheated emerald cut sapphire and framed by more than 200 carats of meticulously selected diamonds, the collection reads less as ornament and more as composition.

Inspired by the moment a single droplet meets a still pool of water, the design language is fluid yet controlled. Emerald cut stones are arranged to form a luminous plane, allowing light to travel uninterrupted across the surface. At the centre, the sapphire anchors the piece with quiet authority, while pear-shaped diamonds and sapphires radiate outward in rhythmic motion, echoing ripples across water.

What distinguishes the suite is its sense of weightlessness. Each stone is set within a finely engineered framework, its placement and angle considered to enhance brilliance without visual heaviness. This precision creates an impression of suspended movement, where form and light exist in continuous dialogue.

High Jewellery ring from Graff
High Jewellery choker from Graff

For the House of Graff, high jewellery has always been about more than scale or spectacle. It is about emotional power, rarity and restraint. Created over hundreds of hours, this suite reflects a lineage built on transforming exceptional stones into enduring, quietly commanding works of art.

graff.com

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Have You Tried? Sumi is a Japanese spot that’s worth seeking out

If you haven’t made it to Sumi yet, consider this your cue. Tucked into City Works Depot, it’s the kind of place that’s worth heading to the city for, whether that’s for a long lunch or a Friday night that stretches later than planned.

At its core is robatayaki, the Japanese tradition of cooking over an open flame, and here it’s done over binchōtan charcoal, prized for its clean burn and the depth of flavour it brings. Here, nothing is overworked or unnecessary; the focus instead is on doing simple things exceptionally well.

That approach carries through the menu, which is designed to be shared. Start with sashimi for something clean and precise, then move into the richer, smokier dishes: king prawns with just the right char, lamb chops layered with miso, and unagi glazed, glossy, and tender. The chicken karaage is crisp, golden and immediately addictive, and best eaten between sips of a cold Sapporo.

Sumi is the kind of place to pause, settle in, and let time stretch a little; it’s the kind of spot where a quick visit rarely stays that way.

sumi.nz

Shed 20
City Works Depot,
90 Wellesley Street West
Auckland

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Physis by Design: Where Molteni&C kitchens become architecture

Vincent Van Duysen’s Physis Kitchen for Molteni&C reframes the kitchen as architecture rather than joinery. Conceived as the central, grounding space within the home, its formal harmony is expressed through rounded edges, softened sides and a distinctive half bullnose profile that lends quiet elegance to every surface. Curved sinks and snack counters continue the line, while discreet metal inserts trace the worktop’s contours with precision.

Transparent glass doors and open compartments introduce lightness, reinforcing a sense of spatial fluidity. Hinoki veneer, prized in Japan for its purity and natural resistance to humidity, brings warmth and quiet performance, its inherent antibacterial qualities particularly suited to the demands of daily life. Integrated LED lighting reveals the depth of wood, marble and aluminium, underscoring Molteni&C’s artisanal mastery.

Available in infinite configurations, Physis is less a kitchen than a composed architectural statement at the heart of the home.

dawsonandco.nz

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For gifts that go beyond the ordinary, Sutcliffe Jewellery’s bespoke creations give moments lasting meaning

Timeless and poetic, master craftsman and internationally awarded jeweller Brent Sutcliffe’s bespoke creations are crafted to mark life’s special moments with rare beauty and personal meaning.

For over two decades, Sutcliffe Jewellery has been creating showstopping bespoke pieces with such meticulous attention to detail that every glance reveals something new. Under the eye of master craftsman Brent Sutcliffe, a goldsmith whose career spans New Zealand’s finest workshops to London’s elite Hatton Garden, each commission is a marriage of artistry and engineering.

More than 70 percent of Sutcliffe’s work is private commissions, often beginning with a carefully sourced gemstone and a hand-sketched design. From there, hundreds of hours of exacting craftsmanship transform it into a jewel that feels as personal as the story it represents.

“Bespoke commissions can be delicate and understated, such as a pendant to honour a new chapter. ”

Every piece is a true collaboration between jeweller and client. An exchange of stories, inspiration, and ideas shapes every curve and setting, ensuring that the end result is entirely one-of-a-kind and filled with personal and lasting meaning.

Fiore drop earrings from Sutcliffe Jewellery
Secret Springs Tourmaline ring from Sutcliffe Jewellery
The Arbor Reverie bracelet from Sutcliffe Jewellery

Bespoke commissions can be delicate and understated, such as sweet diamond earrings to mark an 18th birthday, or a pendant subtly set with birthstones to honour a new chapter. Others can be rich with symbolism, like a ruby or sapphire chosen for its personal significance and turned into a statement ring marking a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Whatever the piece, the journey to create it is as unique as the jewel itself, ensuring it becomes more than an adornment — it’s an heirloom in the making, destined to be loved now and treasured for generations.

sutcliffejewellery.com

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The Breakfast Club brings the magic to brunching

If you’re looking for a light and healthy brunch, then The Breakfast Club probably isn’t for you, and that’s entirely the point. Instead, this is a cafe that dives headfirst into the utterly indulgent, playful side of brunch, where flavour, generous portions and a sense of fun and spectacle take precedence.

Here, the pancakes are the main event, with a full stage of theatrical characters. We’re talking triple-stacked buttermilk pancakes, presented in the most wildly indulgent way, loaded with Dubai chocolate, or layered with fruit loops and vanilla ice cream, Biscoff crumbs and mascarpone, each iteration unapologetically aiming to be the star of the show. And for those more inclined to the savoury side, the melt-down cheeseburger, stacked with crispy onion rings, spicy bacon jam and crinkle-cut fries, delivers in all the right ways, while the habanero fried chicken on a croffle, finished with house-made habanero maple syrup, walks the line between chaotic and completely convincing.

Open seven days across both locations, it’s the kind of place to keep in mind when brunch calls for something a little more wild, a little more indulgent, and far more fun than usual.

thebreakfastclub.co.nz

Point Chevalier
1179 Great North Road

Botany Town Centre
703/588 Chapel Road
East Tamaki

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Trivet’s Executive Chef Wallace Mua

Two acclaimed chefs, one unforgettable evening at Trivet

Some of the best things in life happen when creative minds collide, and this upcoming dinner at Trivet is proof. On Thursday, 26th March, Executive Chef Wallace Mua will welcome Executive Chef Lucas Parkinson of Piha’s acclaimed Aryeh Restaurant into his kitchen for a one-night-only collaborative dining experience that brings together two of Auckland’s most admired culinary talents.

Chef Lucas Parkinson of Piha’s Aryeh

Trivet, the elevated all-day bistro on Albert Street that has quickly become one of Auckland CBD’s most talked-about dining destinations, is the ideal setting for such an occasion. A place where every plate tells a story of innovation and local passion, the restaurant celebrates New Zealand’s rich flavours and global inspirations, which is a philosophy that sits at the heart of this collaborative dinner.

Both chefs share a deep reverence for local produce and a commitment to letting quality ingredients lead the way, yet each brings a distinct perspective to the plate. Mua, whose career has taken him from Soul Bar & Bistro to the kitchens of France, from helming Euro and Kingi to cooking for the All Blacks during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, describes his style as ‘elaborately simple,’ drawing on his Samoan heritage to weave Pasifika flavours through every dish. Parkinson, meanwhile, is guided by nature itself. The chef behind Wānaka’s award-winning Ode and now at the helm of the brilliant Aryeh in Piha, he builds his menus entirely around seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients; wild proteins, kaimoana and organic produce procured with care and consideration.

Chef Wallace Mua

Together, the two will present a multi-course menu celebrating seasonality, creativity and the spirit of collaboration. At $125 per person, with an optional $60 wine pairing, it’s an evening that promises to be as memorable as it is delicious. Book here.

trivetdining.co.nz

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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

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Ariana Grande x Swarovski: A whimsical capsule collection inspired by nature’s magic

When Ariana Grande first partnered with Swarovski, the collaboration felt less like a marketing exercise and more like a natural alignment of aesthetics. Grande’s signature blend of sweetness, glamour and otherworldly sparkle sits comfortably within Swarovski’s crystalline universe.

Now the pop icon returns with her second capsule collection for the Austrian house, co-created with Swarovski’s Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert. Launching globally on March 17, the 29-piece Ariana Grande x Swarovski capsule moves decisively into a more whimsical territory, imagining a glittering garden where nature and fantasy meet.

Ariana Grande x Swarovski ear cuffs from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski Y necklace from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski stud earrings from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski bracelet from Swarovski

If the duo’s debut collaboration leaned toward polished classicism, this chapter feels altogether more playful. The collection draws inspiration from the magic of the natural world, translating delicate forms into jewellery through Swarovski’s signature crystal craftsmanship. Dragonflies shimmer across earrings and pendants in both literal and abstract interpretations, their wings rendered in prismatic stones that catch the light with every movement.

Elsewhere, crystal butterflies appear across brooches and hair accessories, while floral motifs bloom through necklaces and rings set with rainbow-hued stones and softly luminous crystal pearls. Mixed-metal settings allow the colours to shift and glow, creating an iridescent effect reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis.

Ariana Grande x Swarovski necklace from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski necklace from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski hair pin from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski bangle from Swarovski

For Engelbert, the collection represents a fully realised creative world shared between designer and muse. “This capsule is a world Ariana and I created together,” she explains. “After last year’s collection, which was more timeless and classic, this one moves fully into her dreamy, magical universe. The fantasy-garden imagery and the inspiration of the Aurora Borealis, with its shifting light and iridescent colours, are translated into the jewellery through crystal play, delicate pearls and refined craftsmanship.”

Ariana Grande x Swarovski motif ring from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski stud earrings from Swarovski
Ariana Grande x Swarovski bracelet from Swarovski

Grande herself describes the collaboration as an ode to the wonder found in everyday life. “This capsule is inspired by nature and the magic that exists everywhere around us on this extraordinary planet,” she says. “We wanted to design a collection that brings a bit more colour, wonder and playfulness into our everyday lives, as well as reminds us to appreciate the beauty that constantly surrounds us.”

The Ariana Grande x Swarovski capsule collection launches globally from March 17, available in Swarovski boutiques and online. A sparkling invitation, one might say, to step briefly into Ariana’s garden.

swarovski.com

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