Renowned skincare specialist Melanie Grant on radiance rituals, keeping things simple and the essential products she never goes without

14 Sep 2023

Morning Routine Products | Evening Routine Products | Smoothie Recipe

From a childhood playing with face masks concocted from pantry essentials to now being on the precipice of opening her fourth international skin salon, Melanie Grant is undeniably one of the world’s most influential names in beauty right now. Lauded for her approach to skincare that is simple, luxurious and effective, as well as her partnership with Chanel and her coveted Paris Fashion Week residencies (at which the world’s most recognisable supermodels converge to ensure their skin is catwalk-ready), it’s hardly surprising that this Sydney-based skincare expert is held in the highest regard. Catching up with Melanie between fashion weeks and European holidays, we sought her advice on skincare for spring, non-negotiable wellbeing rituals, and her favourite products in her bathroom right now.

We’re coming out of winter here in New Zealand — what rituals, products and treatments should we be investing in for our skin right now? While it can be frustrating to navigate year in and out, seasonal skin changes present us with an opportunity to reassess our regimes and take note of what’s working and what could be improved. Rather than planning your skincare investments seasonally, I recommend looking at the bigger picture. If you’re working within a budget, you can reach for more cost-effective options for things like cleansers and moisturisers. Some of my favourite products are from the drugstore, products such as Bioderma Sensibio H2O or Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre which I always have in my kit. Serums are the key element of a regime to invest in. They often contain the most concentrated amount of actives in the smallest molecular form, so they can penetrate deeper into the skin yielding a more significant result. In terms of treatments, coming out of winter is a great opportunity to have laser treatments and depigmentation peels before summer comes around again. I also love LED Light Therapy coupled with gentle peels to revive a tired, dull or compromised complexion coming out of the harsh weather of winter. LED is a great way to boost collagen and elastin production, promote circulation and flood the tissues with nutrients from within. It also promotes hydration, radiance and reduces inflammation — and all without any downtime. It’s a great way to repair a compromised barrier after being exposed to central heating, cold climates and harsh weather.

What are your favourite trends and movements in the skin industry at the moment? Slugging as a trend is still going strong. I’ve actually been doing this for as long as I can remember but without the new name. Creating an occlusive barrier over the skin is a great way to help actives absorb and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. I’d recommend “slugging” overnight or while on a long-haul flight, as it can feel too heavy for most on an everyday basis. I’d also advise being mindful of the products you’re using — look for ingredients like shea, ceramides and candelilla wax that can offer benefits to the skin in addition to their humectant properties and please don’t use vaseline! I also love an ice plunge — for me, it’s a cure-all. It’s great for puffiness, fatigue and dullness and puts a real pep in your step, especially if you didn’t sleep well the night before. Simply empty a tray or two of ice into a bowl, cover with clean water and submerge your face in and out of the water in 10-second intervals for a minute. It’s quick, painless and always delivers. And I don’t know if it’s still a trend, but I like to multi-mask. It’s such a great way to save time but deliver a comprehensive treatment at home. Multi-masking can be done either by mixing two or more masks together to make a custom blend or by applying different masks to different areas of the complexion at the same time. This is a great way to combine product textures and get the most benefit from each formulation, like a cream mask with a collagen sheet mask overtop or a clay mask blended with a gel mask so it’s not as dehydrating. No one’s skin is completely unified so it’s important to treat your entire complexion holistically, paying attention to what you are seeing and feeling and adapt your skincare to suit.

Are there any dietary upgrades people should be making to help their skin? The skin is a reflection of many of the body’s processes, from hormones to gut health, sleep deprivation and stress. I believe in taking a 360-degree approach that champions a strategic home regime and favours an anti-inflammatory diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, and lots of healthy fats like avocado and cold pressed olive oil and prioritises hydration. I don’t believe in deprivation, so there’s always a small place for dark chocolate or a glass of red wine, and it’s more about crowding out too much caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and processed and fried foods with foods that nourish the body and benefit the health and vitality of the skin. Supplementing mindfully under the guidance of a naturopath or healthcare provider can be really helpful for a myriad of skin concerns. Some of my personal favourites for skin health are magnesium, zinc, probiotics (or probiotic-rich foods), vitamins C, D and B complexes and fish oil if it works for you. I’ve also been exploring adaptogens like maca and ashwagandha which can be helpful for balancing your hormones and stress responses, both of which can present in the skin as pigment, oiliness and congestion or redness and flushing.

“I’m always overly cautious of marketing jargon, especially on product packaging. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Are there any processes and cycles that our skin goes through over this time? How can we support these? As we transition out of winter, ensuring you’re turning your cells over with a gentle chemical or enzymatic exfoliant will help hydrators penetrate the skin and revive a dull and dry winter complexion. Our skin naturally starts to produce more oil as the humidity rises, so switching to lighter-weight gel or water-based creams is a great way to keep the skin comforted, quenched and hydrated without occluding the pores and risking breakouts. That said, between seasons I find it helpful to keep a face oil on hand as a support, so if on any given day you still need a little extra lipid content in your cream, you can combine it with a few drops of oil and not need to have two separate moisturisers on rotation. I also like to up the antioxidant focus during summer with ingredients like vitamin C, phloretin, ferulic acid, superoxide dismutase and resveratrol. These ingredients shield the complexion from environmental aggressors, pollution and oxidative stressors that wreak havoc on skin cells and accelerate the ageing process.

Your at-home skincare cabinets are famously well-stocked. What are the products you reach for every day? Believe it or not, I’m actually quite slapdash when it comes to my own regime. I prefer a ‘less but better’ approach where I can rely on a small number of really high-performance and multi-functional formulas to do the heavy lifting for me so I don’t need to do as much but don’t have to compromise on results. At the moment, in the morning I’m using Macrene Actives High Performance Cleanser, Eighth Day’s Regenerative Serum, Augustinus Bader’s The Eye Cream, Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser in golden and Dr Babor Cellular Protecting Balm SPF 50. In the evenings, I double cleanse with the same cleanser, then alternate between Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400 and Auteur’s Definitive Retinol Serum, my Bader Eye Cream, and The Rich Cream overtop. I always keep Biologique Recherche Biokiss with me — it’s the best for chapped lips and dry cuticles.

What is one skincare step you never skip?
There are two! Number one is to double cleanse in the evenings — first with a balm or oil to break down SPF, makeup, dirt and grime, followed by something a little more active with AHAs or enzymes to really deep clean the pores. You can always use the same cleanser twice if you’re strapped for time or want to keep things simple. Number two is to ensure you’re applying a broad spectrum SPF as the final step in your regime every morning and topping up throughout the day as needed. You’d be surprised at how many common skin concerns from pigment to dehydration, dullness, fine lines and laxity can all be avoided by simply being diligent with your suncare.

What are some of the timeless skincare rituals for which you are an advocate? If you’re time-poor or fuss-free, there is nothing better than applying a face mask. The ritual itself is such a symbol of self-care and a great way to take a moment for yourself to compress and destress. Masks are one of the best ways to really infuse the complexion with nutrients — you can quickly pop something on while catching up on your emails, having your morning coffee or if you can, while soaking in the tub. A couple of times a week I’ll use my MG Nutrient Dense Mask to hydrate and promote blood flow to the tissues, and pair this with a firm, purposeful facial massage with In Fiore Calendula Oil. I love Lanshin’s gua sha tools and Dermalux for LED at home in between Studio treatments, but really there’s nothing better than your own hands.

Melanie’s five essential skincare tips

1. LED & Gentle Peel
This two-in-one treatment combines the calming and anti-ageing power of LED light therapy, with the glow-giving results of a peel. It will smooth fine lines and revive dull winter skin.

2. Slugging
Using a thick moisturiser (preferably one that contains ceramides), apply a generous, occlusive barrier over the skin as your final step at night. Not only will this help your serums to absorb fully but you will wake up with super hydrated skin. Whatever you see online, please don’t use Vaseline.

3. Ice Plunge
Fill a bowl with filtered water and ice and submerge your face for six, 10-second intervals. This will wake up your skin, banish impurities and give you a glow all day.

4. Multi-masking
By mixing masks together or applying different masks to different areas of the face, you can target a variety of concerns at the same time. This is perfect for those on the go.

5. SPF
Always use a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step in your morning routine, and remember top up more than once during the day.

What is your stance on cosmetic injectables like muscle relaxants and fillers? I’m not one to say what we should or shouldn’t do with regard to cosmetic procedures — ageing is a complicated, personal process and one that we each need to navigate in a way that helps us to continue to feel confident and comfortable in our own skin. Prioritising your actual skin health with a strategic regime and a treatment plan shaped around encouraging collagen synthesis, enhancing hydration and keeping cell metabolism at its peak will build a strong, resilient and adaptable complexion that will stand the test of time.

What’s one thing you wish people knew about skincare? You don’t have to do much! Keeping the skin clean, hydrated and protected from the sun and environmental aggressors is more than enough to yield great results. The most important thing is that the products you’re using are right for your unique complexion and being as consistent as possible with your regime is a must.

What are the biggest misconceptions you come across in your line of work? How do you remedy these? The main thing I see every day is the overuse of actives. It can be tempting to try every new product or ingredient that’s released — and we belong to an industry that champions innovation and newness, so the temptation is always there. What’s most important is really taking the time to understand your own skin and how it functions, the unique set of concerns that you’re targeting and then marrying these up with a handful of ingredients that are proven to address them. When it comes actives, slow and steady is your best approach. Especially with things like retinol and exfoliating acids, start a couple of times per week and only build up to the desired dose as tolerated.

How and when did you decide that this was the career path you wanted to follow? I always knew that I wanted to work in beauty and skincare from a really young age. Since completing my first qualification over two decades ago, it’s been my only job. When I was little, I’d play with ingredients from our pantry — things like yoghurt, honey and cucumber and make my own masks and treatments. After graduating, I started working in traditional spas and then moved into clinical environments where I specialised in corrective skin treatments, lasers and more advanced modalities alongside doctors and plastic surgeons. After more than ten years in my industry, I took a leap and opened the kind of space I always dreamt of visiting as a client — one that combined the sense of luxury and high-touch client care I experienced in a traditional spa setting with the precision and results-driven practices of medispas. Looking back it was the best decision I ever made! Now I’m so proud to work with an amazing team across our Sydney, Melbourne, Los Angeles and Paris locations and our London Studio is due to open at the end of summer in the UK, too!

“It’s so much easier to place a little effort in caring for your skin on a daily basis, championing antioxidants and comprehensive sun care than it is to treat laxity, collagen degradation, pigment and sun damage down the track.”

What is some of the best skincare advice you’ve been given? And the worst? My grandmother gave me so much great advice about skincare and how to make DIY treatments using humble ingredients that you probably have lying around in the pantry at home. I love making masks out of raw honey, avocado, oats and yoghurt. I’ll often do an apple cider rinse in my hair if I feel like there’s too much product build-up — it leaves it so shiny and bright. The worst skincare advice that I’ve seen is that SPF in your makeup is enough. It’s not. You can combine your moisturiser and SPF into one step — there are so many great formulas these days that pair sun care with actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants to streamline your regime. But you do really need to apply a broad spectrum SPF as the final step in your morning regime — about a teaspoon-sized amount to cover the face, neck and décolletée and the backs of the hands with any residual product.

Any words or mottos that you live by? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true when it comes to treating the skin. It’s so much easier to place a little effort in caring for your skin on a daily basis, championing antioxidants and comprehensive sun care than it is to treat laxity, collagen degradation, pigment and sun damage down the track.

Daily Smoothie

“I don’t like to overcomplicate things — I’ve made the same smoothie every morning for years because I know it has everything in it that I need nutritionally, it’s quick, easy and delicious!”

Ingredients:

• Spinach or kale (frozen or baby spinach if fresh)
• Frozen wild blueberries (wild are higher in antioxidants)
• An entire avocado (this keeps me full all day)
• 2 tablespoons Vida Glow unflavoured marine collagen powder
• Pea protein powder
• Whole flax seeds and hemp seeds (whole is best, not ground)
• Water
• Ice

Method:

Add all ingredients into a blender, give it a whizz and you’re good to glow.

How do you balance the demands of your career and ensure it doesn’t get in the way of your wellbeing rituals? I try to keep things really basic and rather than carving out large chunks of time, I focus more on the little things that I can do each day that add up when done consistently. Being diligent with my skincare, taking my vitamins and supplements daily, trying to be in bed at the same time every evening and making daily movement a priority, either by walking my dogs or doing 30 minutes of Pilates a couple of times a week all makes a huge difference for me. Keeping my phone out of the bedroom has been another game changer — I’m far more able to centre my nervous system and settle into a sound sleep by reading for an hour or so before bed. For me, wellness and self-care aren’t about spending an afternoon at a day spa but rather championing the humble, manageable and incremental practices that contribute to your physical and mental wellbeing each and every day.

What exciting things are in the pipeline for you for the future? After publishing my first book — The Modern Guide To Skin Health — I’ve been inspired with a newfound confidence to try new things like product formulation, introducing new treatments and modalities in Studio and we’re also opening our first London Flagship in late summer in the UK. We have several new brands being welcomed to the MG family and a couple of fun parties and events in the works for our Australian Studios between now and the end of the year too.

Morning Routine

MACRENE actives
High Performance Face Cleanser from Net-A-Porter

Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturiser in golden from Net-A-Porter

Protecting Balm SPF 50 from DOCTOR BABOR

Evening Routine

Lotion P50 PIGM 400 from Biologique Recherche

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream from Spring Store

Augustinus Bader Eye Cream from Spring Store

Everyday Products

LANSHIN Pro Gua Sha Tool from Iris Beauty

Biokiss Regenerating balm for lips from BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE

BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Makeup Removing Micelle Solution from Sephora

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The timeless, iconic pieces that any discerning design-lover should have in their home

12 Sep 2023

While the design realm is filled with exquisite pieces, there are some that have truly stood the test of time, and deserve respect for their aesthetic endurance. These are the pieces that mark the progression of the industrial and modernist eras, and that continue to remain hallmarks of great design today. Beware of cheap imitations.

1962
Arco floor lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos

Embodying the idea of functional elegance in every sense, the Arco floor lamp with its solid, rectangular base (usually in Carrara marble but also available in a limited-edition glass version), stainless steel stem and adjustable aluminium reflector stands as a radiant masterpiece. Designed by Achille Castiglioni and his brother Pier Giacomo for Flos in 1962, the lamp’s thoughtful details serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose and promise to cast any space in a cool, contemporary light.

1948
Womb chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

The iconic Womb chair is a timeless masterpiece born from the visionary mind of designer Eero Saarinen. First conceived in 1948 as a sanctuary of relaxation, this mid-century chair is known for its curvaceous form that envelops with opulent comfort. In fact, it was made in response to Florence Knoll’s request for “a chair that was like a basket full of pillows,” a brief it clearly met with its subtle but plush allure.

1928
LC4 Chaise Longue by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand for Cassina

Crafted in 1928 and brought to prominence in 1965 by Cassina, this iconic piece epitomises the harmonious convergence of geometric purity and ergonomic intent. Boasting an ingenious friction system that ensures stability at every reclining angle this chair is the ultimate expression of a chaise longue, offering refinement and relaxation in equal measure.

1977
Atollo table lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce

The striking Atollo lamp was originally designed by Vico Magistretti in 1977, won the prestigious Compasso d’Oro in 1979 and is now cherished in the hallowed halls of design museums worldwide. Its allure lies in the harmonious geometry of its construction — the cone, the cylinder and the mesmerising hemisphere — offering a luminous sculpture of sleek, contemporary beauty, impossible to replicate or enhance. No wonder it has become a mainstay in any well-designed home.

1954
D.154.2 armchair by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C

This exquisite armchair was initially designed by Gio Ponti for one of his passion projects — the Planchart collectors’ villa in Caracas (1953-1957). Curated by Molteni&C under the artistic direction of Studio Cerri & Associati, it echoes Ponti’s Latin American inspirations. A cocoon of comfort, the D.154.2 armchair boasts a polyurethane frame, plush cushion and customisable upholstery that combine to offer pure luxury. Award-winning and utterly timeless, it’s hardly surprising that this piece has ascended to become a Molteni&C icon.

1962
Taccia light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos

The captivating Taccia table light is undeniably a Flos classic, designed by the visionary Castiglioni brothers. From its inverted hanging lamp illusion and concave aluminium reflector to its adjustable, blown-glass diffuser and extruded aluminium base, this piece exudes a minimalist, industrial charm and redefines illumination in its statement-making simplicity.

1925
Wassily lounge chair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll

1973
Togo by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset

This year marks the 50th anniversary for the iconic Togo, an enduring masterpiece from the esteemed Ligne Roset. For half a century, Michel Ducaroy’s creation has reigned supreme in the realms of comfort and style, its groundbreaking ergonomic design (cleverly crafted with polyether foam and enveloped in quilted covers) offering relaxation and repose. Whether it’s afternoon siestas or leisurely evenings, the Togo lounge chair has transcended mere furniture, becoming a statement of luxurious comfort and an exquisite addition to any living space.

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Want to make someone’s day? Meet Good Bitches Baking, the charity that delivers slices of Kiwi kindness to those who need it most

12 Sep 2023

Based on the idea of tapping into the kindness of everyday Kiwis, Good Bitches Baking has cultivated a network of people who want to reach out to anyone in their community who might be going through a rough time. They do that, by baking them a delicious treat. Good Bitches Baking is about encouraging kindness and support and its widespread impact is a testament to the fact that sometimes, it’s the smallest acts that can make the biggest difference.

The background

The initial idea for Good Bitches Baking came about when Founders Nic Murray and Marie Fitzpatrick were discussing the problems of the world, and decided that the simplest and most effective way they could help was by simply showing people that they cared. It was from this very human idea that Good Bitches Baking grew, now a charity on a mission to spread sweetness to those who need it most. And the impact has been significant, mostly for the way it has made people stop and consider how just showing a moment of care for someone else can be truly transformative.

Who Are They

Good Bitches Baking is a charity that has volunteers working for it in 29 chapters across New Zealand. The chapters build a roster that matches volunteer bakers with drivers and recipient organisations working with those having a tough time. It’s up to those organisations to use the baking in the way that best meets the needs of their clients and communities. These include boarding houses, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food banks, hospital wards, hospices, support and advocacy groups, refuges, and so much more. The core values of Good Bitches Baking are as follows: Kindness is redemptive to everyone involved, everyone deserves to receive kindness and everyone can benefit from the opportunity to be kind. Essentially, it is a charity on a mission to make Aotearoa the kindest place on Earth.

The Impact

Since launching in 2014, Good Bitches Baking has facilitated over 2,800 volunteers to deliver more than 1,000,000 moments of kindness across New Zealand with nearly 85,000 boxes of treats for people having a tough time. Feedback from volunteers and recipients alike has indicated how a simple act of kindness has made them feel connected to their community, cared about and valued, and has opened crucial conversations about what others may be going through.

How To Get Involved

If you want to volunteer, you can bake or deliver baking, or both. Typically you will be rostered on to bake twice a month and/or deliver once a month. Bakers need to supply their own ingredients, while the charity will provide a cake box and ingredients flyers, and drivers will need to have their own car. Otherwise, donations to support the ongoing baking efforts are welcome and can be made through the Good Bitches Baking website.

gbb.org.nz

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With a revolutionary, eco-friendly formula that promises powerful stain removal, Ecostore’s new Laundry Capsules are essential for any household

12 Sep 2023

When it comes to our laundry routines, we are increasingly looking for eco-friendly alternatives to use in place of the harsh, chemical formulas of conventional detergents. Not only because of the impact that those horrible chemicals can have on our skin and clothes but also, because of the ways in which they seep from our washing machines into the environment, affecting our precious ecosystems.

That said, Ecostore recently unveiled its new Laundry Capsules, which have quickly ascended to the status of ‘essential’ for any household. Offering a simple solution to our search for natural laundry products that actually work to remove stains and odours, each of Ecostore’s Laundry Capsules is a pre-measured, super-concentrated, plant-powered and pH-neutral formulation that harnesses seven natural enzymes to deliver outstanding performance while still minimising our impact on the environment. Seventy percent of the ingredients are cleaning actives, while all the ingredients are biodegradable, natural and free from chemical nasties. The pH-neutral formula ensures that the capsules remain gentle on our clothes and skin, while the pre-measured pods ensure that we use the perfect amount in every load, minimising waste.

Available in an uplifting Wild Lily and Jasmine scent or fragrance-free (for sensitive skin) and just as effective in cold water washes as they are in hot water ones, Ecostore’s Laundry Capsules are the laundry product we have been waiting for. Convenient, eco-conscious and proven to get rid of even the toughest stains, these capsules allow us to clean our clothes with a clear conscience and are a product that we will always have in our cupboard.

www.ecostore.com

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From the team behind Pici and Ooh-Fa comes Tappo — a cosy new wine bar to have on your radar

8 Sep 2023

The team behind beloved spots Pici and Ooh-Fa have worked their magic yet again, recently opening a brand new (and very cool) wine bar and bottle shop on K’ Road. Named after the Italian word for ‘cork,’ Tappo is conveniently located in St. Kevins Arcade, next door to Pici, and was a concept originally born as Pici’s prep room (given the very small size of the restaurant’s kitchen) but that has since evolved to become a prep-room by day and an intimate, laid-back wine bar by night.

At Tappo, the focus is on showcasing wines from small, biodynamic and organic producers from around New Zealand and Italy. The concise and carefully curated wine list is a testament to that. Here, the Tappo team is tapping into their personal connections with an array of exceptional producers, opting for natural wines and those that use low or no additives in the winemaking process. As Co-Owner, Gemma Hareb tells me, “We love the diversity of styles and flavours that come from this approach and the conscientious implications in respect of the environment.” From pet nats to white and orange wines to rosé, chilled red and red wines, the offering at Tappo is designed to allow guests to discover a drop that suits their particular palette and proclivity, and perhaps, even try something new.

“Simplicity and approachability will always be core ideas for us,” Hareb continues, “we want this space to be welcoming, to evoke a sense of curiosity, connection and community… No need for stuffy wine chat.” In fact, as well as being a wine bar, Tappo is also a wine shop, in which customers can peruse Tappo’s bottles and take one home, or simply pay for corkage and drink it there. (If they have a dinner booking at Pici they can even take their wine with them.) There will also, Hareb tells me, be a series of exciting wine events coming up over the next few months, as well as a few visits from winemakers who will join during service to pour and talk about their wines.

Wine aside, Tappo also offers a menu of delicious snacks and sharing plates, ideal for nibbling on over a few glasses. Designed by Co-Owner and Head Chef of Pici and Tappo, Jonathan Thevenard, with a similar culinary philosophy as Pici and Ooh-Fa (namely, simple ingredients done really really well), the menu at Tappo comprises easy, flavoursome small dishes that pair perfectly with the wines on offer.

Here, you’ll find options like olives and crostini, marinated octopus, bean salad with fennel and mascarpone and duck liver pâté with chutney. And those harbouring a sweet tooth will be pleased to hear that Pici’s famous desserts, the chocolate semifreddo with salted caramel and the cheesecake with sea salt and EVOO, will be available at Tappo too.

Inside, Tappo offers a comfortable and intimate but wonderfully simple vibe. It doesn’t try to hide the fact that it serves a practical purpose during the day (with walls lined in Mutti tomatoes, EVOO and eggs and equipment like dough mixers and pasta extruders proudly on display) but its unpolished nature makes it feel more authentic and connected. Here, it’s about the wine, the food, the company and the community, and really, aren’t those the central tenants of any good hospitality venture?

Open now, Tappo is the perfect spot to park up for a drink with friends or a pre-dinner snack. Perch around its large, candle-lit communal table (designed and made with native timbers by Co-Owners Kazuya Suzuki and Jonathan Thevenard) and enjoy some truly great natural wines and snacks to boot. We’re predicting this new space will become as popular as its sibling venues in no time.

Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Saturday, 4pm until late
Sunday to Tuesday, closed

Tappo

Shop 23, St Kevins Arcade
Karangahape Road
Auckland

www.instagram.com/tappo.krd/

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From beautiful coffee-table books to fascinating novels, this is everything to read in the coming months

7 Sep 2023

As the promise of new beginnings hangs in the air, we are treated to a raft of new reads to keep us captivated and enthralled in the months ahead. From stunning new coffee table books and fascinating novels to non-fiction books that will change the way you think, and even a few books to make you laugh, let this be your comprehensive guide on what to read this Spring.

Coffee Table Books | Books to keep you up past bedtime | Books to make you laugh

Books to shift your perspective | Books to lend to your friends

Coffee Table Books

Dior by Raf Simons

Exploring a mesmerising chapter in the illustrious history of haute couture, this book delves into the visionary creations of Raf Simons during his tenure at the iconic house of Christian Dior. A maestro of contemporary design, Simons’ signature aesthetic and innovative approach intertwined seamlessly with the allure of Dior’s timeless femininity in a marriage that has been impeccably captured by the lens of Laziz Hamani. Accompanied by words written by veteran fashion journalist Tim Blanks, Dior by Raf Simons is an exquisite coffee table treasure and a must-have for connoisseurs of both fashion and art.

Buy the book →

Andy Warhol: Seven Illustrated Books 1952 – 1959

Step back in time to the vibrant streets of 1950s New York, where a young Andy Warhol at the start of his career crafted seven exclusive artist’s books, each one a testament to his exceptional skill and creativity. Here, Taschen has carefully reproduced these cherished books, offering a rare glimpse into the whimsical world of Warhol, where cats, food, myths, shoes and beauty collide in a kaleidoscope of wit and charm. Indulge in the captivating allure of Love Is a Pink Cake, 25 Cats Named Sam, and À la Recherche du Shoe Perdu, as Warhol’s distinctive character and extraordinary artistry unfurl with each turn of the page.

Buy the book →

Walter Chandoha Cats: Photographs 1942 – 2018

n 1949, a chance encounter with a stray kitten named Loco propelled Walter Chandoha into a remarkable career as a photographer. In this new book, Cats, his iconic images capturing the charm and elegance of feline subjects are showcased in all their glory. From studio portraits to street photography, Chandoha’s work influenced generations and even inspired Andy Warhol. This collection is a tribute to his extraordinary talent and enduring compassion for these beguiling creatures.

Buy the book →

The Fashion Yearbook 2023

Immersing us in the vibrant world of international fashion, The Fashion Yearbook 2023 is filled with the finest editorials, covers and campaigns of the year. In showcasing the immense creative talent operating behind the scenes and celebrating the industry’s top achievements, this tome is a visual masterpiece and an indispensable resource for fashion aficionados.

Buy the book →

Norman Foster: Networks

This remarkable, two-volume monograph, delves into the extraordinary career of Norman Foster, one of the world’s most influential and well-known architects. Showcasing his iconic designs and unwavering commitment to sustainability, this comprehensive work features unpublished images, sketches, and Foster’s personal insights, providing a rare glimpse into his creative process. Unsurprisingly, it has fast become an essential addition to the library of any architect or admirer of his pioneering work.

Buy the book →

Tokyo Chic

Explore the captivating allure of Tokyo through the lens of award-winning photographer Andrea Fazzari in Tokyo Chic. This visually-arresting new addition to Assouline’s signature ‘Chic’ series celebrates the City’s architectural marvels, culinary treasures and unmatched style. Offering exclusive access to hidden gems (rarely accessible by the public) and insider perspectives, Fazzari’s curated photography immerses readers in the vibrant tapestry of Tokyo’s neighbourhoods, and speaks to the pulsating energy and cultural splendour of this remarkable and unique city.

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Ultimate Collector: Motorcycles

Dive into motorcycle history with this lavishly-curated volume that showcases 100 of the most spectacular bikes on the planet, from legendary motorcycles, to record-breakers, to iconic racers. Featuring stunning imagery, rare archival content and exclusive interviews, this XXL tome speaks to the spirit of adventure that draws people to motorcycle culture, and is a must-have for any lover of two-wheeled transportation.

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Books to keep you up past bedtime

The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride

Delving into the secrets of a small-town community, this gripping novel is set in 1972 Pennsylvania. Here, the author explores the lives and lies of residents living on Chicken Hill after a skeleton was discovered at the bottom of a well. A compassionate and inventive page-turner.

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The Fraud
by Zadie Smith

In this mesmerising work of historical fiction, Zadie Smith takes us to Victorian England, and the infamous Tichborne Trial. A captivating tale led by an astute housekeeper and a former slave, Smith explores class, justice and identity in an enthralling read that will leave you questioning the nature of truth itself.

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Rouge
by Mona Awad

In this dark, Gothic fairy tale,
crafted by the talented author of Bunny, Belle, a dress shop clerk, embarks on a treacherous journey after her mother’s untimely death. As she navigates her mother’s debts and uncovers unsettling clues, Belle is drawn into the sinister world of a transformative spa with a chilling secret.

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The Apology
by Jimin Han

In this intergenerational tale a centenarian grandmother in South Korea receives a letter. Ten days later she is thrust into the afterlife, battling a curse that could impact her family for generations. An exquisitely-crafted blend of ghost story and family epic, Jimin Han has crafted a masterful tale, where a family’s fate rests on the shoulders of a 105-year-old woman.

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Books to make you laugh

It Never Ends: A Memoir with Nice Memories
by Tom Scharpling

Said to possess a ‘genre-defying’ comedic mind, lauded writer Tom Scharpling reflects on his upbringing in this funny, touching and inspiring memoir. An unforgettable tale of personal growth from one of the funniest writers of our time, this is sure to deliver plenty of giggles.

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Save What’s Left
by Elizabeth Castellano

This outrageously funny debut novel tells the story of Kathleen Deane, a woman who seeks solace in a picturesque beach community after her husband’s surprising confession. Instead of idyllic calm, she finds herself at war with her eccentric neighbours with hilarious and heartwarming results.

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Death Valley
by Melissa Broder

A tale of loss and the boundless depths of the human spirit, Melissa Broder’s new masterpiece is a darkly funny, imaginative and profoundly moving novel. When a grieving woman seeks solace at a remote motel, she embarks on a transformative journey, guided by an encounter with a peculiar cactus.

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The English Experience
by Julie Schumacher

Beleaguered professor Jason Fitger chaperones 11 undergrads in an ‘experience: abroad,’ and in doing so, navigates the complex personalities of his students while ensuring safe passage for all. This compelling book speaks to our need for human connection, and the surprising places in which it is sometimes found.

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Books to shift your perspective

The Myth of Normal
by Dr Gabor Maté

With decades of clinical expertise, Dr Gabor Maté speaks to the profound impact of trauma and of the pitfalls of modern society on our physical and mental wellbeing. Here, co-writing with his son, Daniel, Maté offers a compassionate path to healing, where true health lies in reconnecting with our authentic selves.

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The Biggest Ideas in the Universe
by Sean Carroll

Prepare to be inspired as Sean Carroll unravels the mysteries of modern science and physics in a way that is as captivating as a work of art. From the profound ideas that shape our reality to the poetry of equations to concepts of multidimensional landscapes, this title will expand your mind like nothing else.

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How to Say Babylon
by Safiya Sinclair

Safiya Sinclair’s haunting memoir sees her confront her radicalised upbringing in Jamaica. In this lyrical, moving masterpiece the author reveals her quest for freedom, set against the oppressive reign of her father. Via a profound narrative, it is a book that illuminates the power of hope, intellect and imagination.

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While You Were Out
by Meg Kissinger

A candid and frightfully intimate account of mental illness, Meg Kissinger’s memoir speaks to how we deal with these conversations in ‘an era of silence’. Beginning with her personal experiences of depression, suicide and violence growing up, the book opens outwards and begs readers to consider how systemically, we can do better for those struggling most.

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Books to lend to your friends

Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm
by Laura Warrell

Set in the vibrant world of a Boston trumpet player, this wonderfully lyrical, evocative tale intertwines love, family and self-discovery. Told by a cast of diverse female voices and poignant revelations,
it is an elegant exploration of passion, hope, and the intricate bonds that define us.

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The Vulnerables
by Sigrid Nunez

In this captivating new book, three strangers are thrown together in a Manhattan apartment: a solitary writer, a Gen Z college dropout, and a spirited parrot named Eureka. Here, Sigrid Nunez explores our complex modern world via themes of connection, humour, and the power of empathy.

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Witness
by Jamel Brinkley

Off the back of his debut short-story collection (which were called ‘near faultless’) Jamel Brinkley is back with another work, comprising ten, page-turning stories. Painting portraits of intimacy, friendship, grief and mourning against the backdrop of New York City, this book is shaping up to be a standout of the year.

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The Land of Milk and Honey
by C Pam Zhang

Dubbed a ‘sharp, sensual piece
of art,’ this exquisite book tells the story of a chef who escapes an ominous fog and dying, dreary city for a decadent mountaintop colony populated by the global elite. There, the sky is clear and
food abounds but under the surface, not all is as it seems.

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Meet Munch — a cool new spot dedicated to serving delicious Korean fried chicken

6 Sep 2023

If you, like us, have developed a penchant for the mouthwatering flavour of Korean fried chicken (blame the plethora of exceptional Korean spots we have in Auckland), then you’ll want to know about the new place that has just opened in Henderson. Meet Munch, a brand new destination specialising in Korean fried chicken developed by a team of culinary experts with decades of experience in the New Zealand hospitality scene. “Munch represents our debut venture, the first chapter in what we hope will be an ever-evolving journey,” says Director, Jun Moon. “Our concept embodies youth, creativity and our unwavering commitment to innovation.”

At Munch, the motto is delicious food, high-quality ingredients and accessible prices, and it would seem that the menu is delivering on all fronts. There you’ll find an array of Korean fried chicken dishes that play with different flavours, whether you prefer something spicy or something more indulgent.

The O.G. Crispy is Munch’s signature, golden-brown, crispy chicken, encased in the team’s secret blend of herbs and spices, while the Soy Garlic offers a flavour explosion, where succulent chicken pieces are covered in herbs and spices and glazed in a sweet soy and garlic combination. For something more spicy, The Seasoned offers chicken covered in a gochujang-based Korean seasoning, where sweet and savoury flavours harmonise perfectly, while the Red-Hot Spicy and Hell Spicy take the heat to another level, the former a fiery creation that delivers irresistible flavour, the latter, a bold and exhilarating dish that will ignite your taste buds.

There is also a Cheese Dust chicken dish that serves Korean fried chicken coated in cheesy powder, as well as a Sour Cream and Onion iteration, where the crispy chicken is served with a velvety, creamy dipping sauce that offers the perfect accompaniment.

Inside, Munch is a pared-back and super modern (almost Brutalist) space, that was designed by STUDIO WEAREYOUNG and brought to life by Brave Construction, and where the dishes really take centre stage (as they should). “Our ultimate goal,” Moon says, “is to provide customers with a welcoming place where we can share the joy of Korean fried chicken, and hope that people leave having had a happy, memorable experience.”

Open from today, Munch is a new spot that you really need to try. Whether you consider yourself a Korean fried chicken convert or not, this new dining destination is serving some of the tastiest iterations of this indulgent dish in the City, and should definitely be on your radar.

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11am until 9:30pm

Munch Korean Fried Chicken

151 Lincoln Road
Henderson
Auckland

www.munchchicken.co.nz

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Meet the inimitable Hannah O’Neill — the New Zealand ballerina leading the Paris Opera Ballet, and our Spring Issue cover star

PHOTOS Olivia Kirkpatrick | 6 Sep 2023

While many little girls dream of becoming ballerinas when they grow up, very few actually end up making it their career. And even then, only a handful of the most proficient dancersnin the world are accepted into an international company, within which fewer still ascend to the top — reaching the pinnacle of their profession as a result. But Hannah O’Neill is one.

At just 30 years old, this Japanese-New Zealand ballet dancer has spent the last 12 years rising rapidly through the ranks of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, where she has held a lifetime contract since 2013, and where, earlier this year, she was promoted to ‘danseuse étoile’ — the highest rank and honour in what many consider to be the most historic and revered ballet company in the world.

It might sound like a fairy tale, and in many ways it is, but for O’Neill, her new title is the culmination of decades of dedication to her passion, of honing her craft and of working tirelessly to grow and evolve as a dancer. What she has achieved is incredible, yes, but perhaps more incredible is her discipline, her drive, the countless hours spent training, rehearsing and performing, and her ability to accept challenges with grace and to face them with grit. I sat down with O’Neill on the set of our cover shoot to talk about the time-honoured discipline to which she has dedicated her life, discovering a woman who moves through the world with the same effortless elegance as she displays on stage.

Born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and a New Zealand, rugby-player father, Hannah O’Neill went to her first ballet class at three years old. Her family moved to New Zealand when she was eight, where, despite being a sporty all-rounder, her lessons at the Mount Eden School of Ballet slowly overtook all other extracurricular commitments, and she found herself at just 14, well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. For most, the years of mid-teenagehood would be far too young to be making any career-defining decisions, but for O’Neill (who I suspect was often called ‘wise beyond her years’ growing up) ballet was a preordained conclusion.

“I didn’t have a moment where I decided consciously that this was what I was going to do,” she explains, “But I knew very young that I was going to be a ballerina… and it all just happened from there.” Granted, everything that ‘just happened’ to O’Neill really came to pass because of the potent mix of talent, determination, passion and intelligence that I saw in her during our interview. For anyone who thinks that ballerinas simply waltz around a stage in beautiful dresses, let me clear something up right now: professional ballerinas are, despite their outwardly elegant appearance, elite athletes. The physical demands on them and the requirements for success are the same as anyone operating at the highest level of any kind of sport. The only difference is that O’Neill and her cohort can’t show the true effort it takes to achieve the feats that we merely marvel at from the audience. They do it with flawlessly made-up faces and twinkling smiles, shimmering in sequin corsets and stiff tutus and most of the time, while balancing on the very tips of their toes.

Hannah O’Neill wears: Frivole necklace, earrings, Vintage Alhambra bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels . Alaïa dress and belt from Faradays.

At 14, O’Neill competed in the Youth America Grand Prix in New York, from which she was offered a scholarship to the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. At 15, she moved across the ditch to start studying under the tutelage of the school’s revered director, Marilyn Rowe. But it was in her first year, after travelling to Switzerland to compete in the prestigious Prix De Lausanne (which she won), that the young dancer first encountered the European ballet companies that, for so long, she had only admired from afar. “The Paris Opera Ballet was the ultimate dream,” she tells me, “but I didn’t know if it was possible… so when an audition came up in my last year at school, I just knew I had to try.”

For context, the Paris Opera Ballet (founded in the 1600s and dating back to Louis XIV) is the oldest national ballet company in the world. Alongside the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg and the Royal Ballet in London, it is one of the preeminent companies globally (although many consider it the most prestigious and most influential). Throughout its history, the company has benefited from directorship tenures by a number of renowned figures, including Rudolf Nureyev, whose time at the helm changed the artform for good, and ushered in what many still call the Paris Opera Ballet’s ‘golden years’.

Hannah O’Neill wears: Sweet Alhambra watch, Vintage Alhambra bracelet, Lucky Spring earrings, Magic Alhambra long necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels. Boah top from Harris Tapper.

Long aspired to by dancers the world over, the Paris Opera Ballet not only has exacting standards but, until recently, has typically only accepted dancers from France and in particular, those who had first studied at the Paris Opera Ballet School. This means that any foreigner invited into the company’s hallowed ranks is marked as a dancer of exceptional skill and quality.

O’Neill’s audition for the Paris Opera Ballet was, she tells me, rigorous and fiercely competitive. But she succeeded, and at 18 years old, she was offered a seasonal contract to join the company’s corps de ballet, able to be renewed every year via an audition. Graduating a few months early from the Australian Ballet School (although not without being named the Dux of her year group), O’Neill moved to Paris to start her professional career, throwing herself wholeheartedly into the deep end, where challenging language barriers and homesickness were offset by her close proximity to the beating heart of international ballet and her ability to work alongside the iconic dancers, directors and choreographers that she had idolised as a young girl.

Hannah O’Neill wears: Crew-neck sweater and skirt from Prada.

After two years of seasonal contracting, O’Neill was chosen as the top female performer in the Paris Opera Ballet’s annual ‘concours’, an internal competition in which the company’s dancers vie for promotion through its hierarchical system. She was offered a lifetime contract and thereafter, was promoted almost every year, finally achieving the status of ‘premiere danseuse’ in 2016 — one step below the coveted title of ‘étoile’, which is the ultimate accolade for any ballerina and a dream that O’Neill had harboured since childhood.

But sometimes, the path is not as straightforward as it seems. When there was a change in directorship at the Paris Opera Ballet, and many of O’Neill’s generation were promoted except for her, it prompted the dancer to rethink her approach, and eventually to change the way she danced altogether. She explains, “It was hard, and it was a time that I was asking myself a lot of questions, worrying about how to impress other people and concerned with everyone around me, when really, I just needed to focus on myself.”

Hannah O’Neill wears: Boah top from Harris Tapper, skirt from Beare Park.

During a stint in Tokyo, O’Neill awoke one morning with an arm that was blue and swollen. She went on to dance that night in the same condition, not realising that it was actually two, very serious blood clots. So serious, in fact, that if they had reached her lungs, the result could have been fatal. “My arm was the size of my thigh and I kept dancing with it, which was very unconscious of me,” she says, shaking her head. “But because of a bone abnormality I was born with, an extra rib, the clots were stopped from doing any major damage… otherwise I could have dropped dead on stage.” Deciding to finally have the long-overdue operation to remove her extra rib, and needing six months off as a result, O’Neill credits the whole ordeal as a turning point for her, both personally and professionally.

“It was a time that I really decided to live my life for me and not for others,” she tells me, “and then, when Covid hit, I took the added time off to work really closely with my coach and basically restart everything… my technique, my style, my approach to dance… all the habits that I had formed over nearly 20 years of ballet. I worked in my own time, on weekends and late nights and did all I could to break everything down and start again… to forge my own path instead of trying to follow someone else’s.” She continues, “I have never danced the same since.”

Hannah O’Neill wears: Rose de Noël earrings, Lotus Between the Finger ring, Lotus clip pendant from Van Cleef & Arpels. Alaïa swimsuit from Faradays. Vintage Oscar de la Renta skirt.

Earlier this year, O’Neill was leading the Paris Opera Ballet’s performance of George Balanchine’s Ballet Imperial, when, while taking her bow, Alexander Neef (Director General of the Paris Opera) and José Martinez (Director of Dance) emerged unexpectedly on stage to announce that she and her dance partner, Marc Moreau, would be promoted to ‘étoile’ status, the absolute pinnacle of not only the company, but really, of the artform writ large. For O’Neill, it was an unforgettable moment. Despite only being 30, it felt like the culmination of a lifetime of work, and marked the ballerina’s half-way point with the company that had already given her so much. (For anyone wondering, dancers at the Paris Opera Ballet retire at 42.) As an ‘étoile’, O’Neill is now one of the top 10 female dancers in the Paris Opera Ballet and is only one of two foreigners currently at that level. Later this year, she tells me, she will make her official debut as an étoile, dancing the titular role in Giselle.

For O’Neill, the real beauty of achieving her dream at this particular juncture in her career is that, alongside the recognition that comes with her new contract, her remaining years at the Paris Opera Ballet will see her only dancing lead or soloist roles, with more freedom than ever to choose, and more time to focus on simply doing what she loves.

Hannah O’Neill wears: Moments de chance transformable long necklace 18K white gold from Van Cleef & Arpels. Davie dress from Paris Georgia.

Anyone who has watched O’Neill on stage will agree that her talent is undeniable. With long, elegant limbs that she employs effortlessly to glide across the stage, O’Neill’s style of dance offers a unique take on the French ballet tradition, mixed with the technical influence of Rudolf Nureyev — whose legacy left an indelible impression on the wider landscape of ballet. “My coach had worked closely with Nureyev and so had my director at the Australian Ballet School,” she explains to me, “so I love the Nureyev style, which is challenging and specific, with a focus on fast pointe work, clearly-defined postures and intense but vivid choreography.”

Recently, I watched a video of O’Neill performing as Myrtha in last year’s Giselle and was struck by the way she combined precise foot work with fluid movements, the technical difficulty of her repertoire expertly-masked by a facade of expressive lyricism and poise. “I am constantly researching how I can make the choreography my own,” she explains, “how I can make it feel original and true to myself while still honouring the role.” She continues, “working with my coach, I’m not afraid to push the boundaries and to experiment, and then choose what suits me best, both visually and emotionally.”

Hannah O’Neill wears: Vintage Alhambra necklace, Magic Alhambra Between the Finger ring, Frivole earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels. Archival tassel coat from Rory William Dorchety.

Looking through videos of O’Neill on stage, I was reminded of the many times I was taken to the ballet as a young girl, and was transported by the magical worlds being created by similarly-statuesque performers breathing life into the stories I had learned and loved as a child. After all, ballet is an artform that can both astound and move you in a single piece of two-minute choreography. It ignites the imagination, draws you in with its universally human stories and keeps you there with performances by practitioners whose athleticism is matched only by their grace, and who give everything of themselves on stage, night after night. As O’Neill articulates, “the stage is such a communicative and honest place… you can’t lie.” She continues, “the audience can see everything so you can’t do anything half-heartedly because if you do, they’ll know.”

It is on the stage that O’Neill tells me she finds freedom, the place where she is most at home. “I know that I’ve had a good show when I am free on stage and can feel a rapport with the audience,” she explains, “there’s such a special, intimate ambience, particularly when I’m performing at the Garnier… it really is like no other theatre.”

Hannah O’Neill wears: Snowflake noeud clip Platinum, Diamond, Folie des Prés pendant 18K white gold, Diamond, from Van Cleef & Arpels . Christopher Esber Salacia strapless top from Muse.

O’Neill has been based in Paris for 12 years now (longer than any other place she has lived in her life). And while on her days off, the self-proclaimed “gourmand” enjoys immersing herself in the City’s vast and varied dining scene, as well as its culturally enriching sites and beautiful gardens, on a typical day, she is training or rehearsing from around 10am until 7pm, which extends to just before midnight on performance days. After all, professional ballet is a lifestyle that demands commitment far beyond the scope of a normal job, a commitment that O’Neill emphasises she has been more than happy to make.

“It’s a very very hard profession so you have to be passionate about it,” she says. “If you can’t find joy, there’s no point in doing it.” When I ask her about what she might tell a young dancer at the start of their career, she pauses, “it’s crucial to put in the work and to have persistence and drive,” she ventures, “but also, you have to stay curious, to keep your sense of humour and to be gracious and grounded in everything that you do.”

It is in this last point that I feel O’Neill really cuts to the heart of her own essence as a dancer. Achieving ‘étoile’ status is not only a measure of talent or ability, or even of dedication or work ethic. It is reserved exclusively for those who carry that intangible ‘star quality’; that indescribable ‘je ne sais quoi’ that draws the eyes of an audience to one person and anchors them there. It isn’t something that can be taught or trained or even really articulated, it is something that one must carry inherently and project almost unwittingly — an innate charisma and magnetism that has, since time immemorial, set the best apart from the rest in every artistic field. O’Neill has this in spades.

In fact, from her obvious technical brilliance to her performance quality to the distinctly Kiwi way in which she has punched far, far above her weight, Hannah O’Neill is a person we should all be watching, both on and off the stage, particularly as she embarks on what is sure to be the most storied chapter of an already-impressive career. “I just want to dance my heart out,” she tells me, towards the end of our conversation. And while I know she is talking about the future, I suspect that is exactly what she has been doing since the very beginning.

Stylist: Claire Sullivan-Kraus Photography Assistant: Josh Szeto Makeup: Kiekie Stanners Hair: Trish Bhikoo Nails: Danica Morunga

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Meet Liberowe, the utterly chic, London-based brand that recently landed at Muse

6 Sep 2023

There is something so chic about strong, feminine tailoring. A jacket or coat that hangs off the shoulders, hugs in all the right places and is fashioned from a luxurious, versatile fabric (made to last well beyond one season alone) will deliver timeless appeal to any wardrobe. A piece like that can be paired with casual, everyday looks as perfectly as it can with more formal occasionwear, which makes it one of the most valuable things to have in your sartorial arsenal. So, it was with great excitement that we learned of the arrival of Liberowe, a new, up-and-coming brand that offers exquisite pieces with a focus on tailoring, into Muse.

Liberowe is based in London (where it is designed and made) and was started by Talia Loubaton, who was born and raised in Paris, studied fashion at Central Saint Martins (a hallowed institution) and worked for a stint at Alexander McQueen, before deciding to start her own brand early last year.

Inspired by a trip she took to India, Loubaton dreamt up a brand that offered a unique fusion of Indian menswear with the enigmatic allure of 70s Parisian style. In every, carefully-tailored piece Loubaton explores captivating contrasts between Eastern mystique and Western charm, masculinity and femininity, strength and delicacy. From boxy, elegant cuts to sumptuous but always understated fabrics, Liberowe’s collections redefine classic elegance and play very much into the ‘quiet luxury’ trend that is giving all of our wardrobes a timeless overhaul. As Loubaton articulates, “our customers are women who value quality and timelessness, who know how to build a wardrobe and how to style their staples from season to season.”

At the heart of Librowe lies a commitment to transcending conventional womenswear. Not only was Loubaton inspired by Indian Maharajahs of bygone eras and the splendour of their opulent embroideries, she was also drawn to the women of past decades who fearlessly embraced the comfort of more androgynous styles. As such, Liberowe’s pieces exude a boldness, a freedom and an innocent sensuality that speaks to the true modernist in us all. “I love the idea of producing clothes that have precision and structure,” Loubaton explains, “and I love turning old couture inspirations into something we can wear everyday.”

Recently, Liberowe landed exclusively at Muse, making its global, wholesale debut at the luxury, multi-brand store. “I never thought my first stockist would be in New Zealand,” Loubaton admits, “but I just love Olivia and Michele’s energy and dynamic, and it honestly feels amazing to imagine that our clothes, designed and made in London, are being sold and worn on the other side of the world”.

At Muse, the first drop of Liberowe offers an exceptional selection, including tailored jackets, coats and skirts, designed to be worn in different ways from season to season. Whether paired with a crisp cotton shirt or a trusty white Tee and jeans, or even with a leg-baring dress as the weather gets warmer, this brand radiates understated sophistication and promises to leave a lasting impression.

museboutique.co.nz

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From live music to unmissable exhibitions and theatre, our September Culture Guide has everything you need to book this month

6 Sep 2023

September is proving to be a month packed with a line-up of exceptional cultural events to keep you happily busy. From a series of incredible theatrical events to orchestral wonders to an at exhibition you really don’t want to miss, our September Culture guide is filled with everything you need to visit or book tickets to this month.

Liam Gerrard at Sanderson Contemporary

In his latest exhibition, Unfurling at Sanderson Contemporary, artist Liam Gerrard invites viewers to contemplate the delicate dance of existence through his masterful artistry. Renowned for his exquisite renderings of hydrangeas in various stages of bloom and decay, Gerrard has also, over the last year, ventured into new territory by exploring the fleeting beauty of moths and is now adding the timeless allure of roses to his repertoire. Intricately detailed and executed with pastels and charcoal, Gerrard’s larger-than-life moth depictions serve as a poignant reminder of life’s transience (as some moths live for just a single day). In contrast, his roses, symbolising love, beauty and courage, capture the essence of their cyclical existence, spanning from six to a hundred years, mirroring the seasons of spring and winter.

Titled after the locations where these flowers were discovered, such as ‘Haggerston Park I & II,’ Gerrard’s newest works not only showcase his technical prowess but also delve into profound themes of time’s passage and the significance of fleeting moments in our lives. Unfurling is a testament to Gerrard’s ability to harness the fragility of existence into breathtaking works of art. On now until the 24th of September.

Switzerland

Dubbed ‘pitch-perfect’, this thrilling rendition of Switzerland stars Sarah Peirse as Patricia Highsmith, the best-selling and brilliant author responsible for penning The Talented Mr Ripley, who is now living as a recluse in the Swiss Alps, filling her days with cats, chain-smoking and a growing collection of antique weapons. But, when faced with a visit from her publisher, who insists she write one more Tom Ripley novel and won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, a game of cat and mouse ensues, one that calls into question ideas of identity and the art of creation. Written with brilliant intelligence and enthralling tension, this white-knuckle meta-thriller from the Auckland Theatre Company in on from the 19th of September until the 7th of October at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Bad(ish) Teacher

After a sell-out run at the New Zealand Comedy Festival, Gabby Anderson is bringing her Billy T nominated show back to Auckland audiences this September. Bad(ish) Teacher will land at Basement Theatre on Tuesday the 19th of September and run until Friday the 22nd of September, promising an hour of hilarious stand-up comedy, jam-packed with a range of side-splitting antics from Anderson’s years as a teacher. Set to be a seriously memorable night, this is one event you don’t want to miss.

Synthony No.1

Returning to where the phenomenon that is Synthony began, Synthony No.1 is taking audiences right back to the beginning. In this unmissable show, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra will team up with live vocalists, instrumentalists, DJs and a range of visual and sound effects to take us on a journey through a generation of dance music, with rousing, reinvented renditions of all the biggest club classics including Eric Prydz, Avicii, Energy52, Fat Boy Slim, Darude and many more. Taking place on Friday the 15th of September at the Auckland Town Hall, we suggest securing your tickets immediately, as this one is sure to sell out.

Émilie

This high-energy comedy-drama, with original music and larger-than-life characters, is set in Paris in the summer of 1733, where protagonist Émilie du Châlet’s work has stalled and she feels she cannot face another, gossip-fuelled social event. Little does she know she is about to fall in love with a poet, and he, in turn, is about to meet his intellectual match. This is the untold story of the famed mistress of Voltaire, France’s most revered philosophers and writers. Taking place at Q Theatre from the 19th until the 23rd of September, this entertaining and enthralling play should be high on your list this September.

Morgan Evans

Australian country music sensation, Morgan Evans, is set to bring his electrifying country sound to Auckland’s Powerstation in an upcoming concert that is sure to leave fans in awe. Performing with his signature loop pedal, Evans will deliver a solo set that showcases his exceptional talent. The audience can expect a night of infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, with chart-topping hits like ‘Kiss Somebody’ and ‘Day Drunk’ creating an electric atmosphere. Evans’ upcoming performance at Powerstation is poised to solidify his status as a rising star in the country music scene, and fans are eagerly anticipating an unforgettable night.

Half of the Sky

Promising an exquisite theatrical experience, Half of the Sky blends the masterful storytelling of internationally renowned writer and actor Lennie James with the raw talent of the Massive Theatre Company ensemble. Taking place at the Aotea Centre from the 12th until the 16th of September, this emotionally charged production weaves a tapestry of love, loss and the unbreakable bonds of family, all set against the stunning backdrop of a weekend celebration by the riverside. With a delicate balance of humour and heart-wrenching moments, this play delves into the essence of human connection, offering a poignant exploration of life’s profound complexities. Prepare to be captivated by a cast that brilliantly portrays a range of gritty and multifaceted characters, making Half of the Sky a must-see event on this month’s cultural calendar.

Mozart 40

Prepare to be enraptured by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra’s upcoming performance featuring Mozart’s Symphony No.40. Under the baton of conductor Eivind Aadland and accompanied by the virtuoso violinist Ilya Gringolts, the evening promises an unforgettable musical journey.

The programme also includes Andrea Tarrodi’s ‘Lucioles’, an enchanting tone-poem inspired by fireflies, and Prokofiev’s exhilarating ‘Violin Concerto No.1′, which showcases Gringolts’ dazzling talent. Mozart’s ‘Symphony No.40’, filled with urgency and passion, will transport audiences through its haunting melodies and moments of light, ultimately revealing a profound sense of tragedy and anguish. This is a night of music not to be missed, offering a blend of artistry and emotion that will leave a lasting impression.

Tim Finn

In a highly-anticipated musical event, pre-eminent singer, songwriter and international artist, Tim Finn, is making a triumphant return to the stage in Auckland this September. Celebrating his illustrious career with The Lives and Times Of Tim Finn concert tour, Finn’s enduring legacy in Australian and New Zealand music takes centre stage once more. With a setlist spanning over four decades, the concert promises a mesmerising journey through the iconic hits of Split Enz, Crowded House and of course, his prolific solo career. This is a rare opportunity to witness a living legend in action, and promises to be a grand night out for all music enthusiasts.

Dirty Dancing in Concert

Take yourself back in time for a cinematic and musical extravaganza as the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra presents Dirty Dancing in Concert. This groundbreaking event offers a unique film-to-concert experience, featuring the digitally remastered classic film on a full-sized cinema screen. As you relive the timeless love story of Baby and Johnny set in the enchanting summer of 1963, a live band and singers will perform the iconic soundtrack that marked a generation. After the film, an encore party will keep the nostalgia alive, allowing you to sing and dance to your favourite songs from Dirty Dancing. This is an evening of pure, cinematic joy, not to be missed.

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With a delicious wine list and food made by ex-Pasture chefs, Flor is the new spot you need to know about

PHOTOS Jesse Williams | 1 Sep 2023

Nestled in the cosy space that formerly housed Alta , Flor is Karangahape Road’s newest wine bar, helmed by the man behind Everyday Wines — Dan Gillet. In fact, Gillet was involved as co-owner of Alta before Head Chef Georgia Van Prehn decided to make a change, giving him the opportunity to create something that was entirely his own. And so, Flor was born. “I felt there was a gap there, to open a dedicated wine bar, one where wines are the focus,” Gillet explains. “I wanted to showcase what we do at Everyday Wine and give people not just a place to buy our wines from, but a venue to drink them at, too.”

Here, wine certainly takes centre stage, with Gillet explaining that there are over 150 different varieties on offer, with a rotating selection of by-the-glass pour. Carefully selected, the wines pair perfectly with the delicious bites on offer on Flor’s interesting menu, created by Head Chef Tushar Grover and Sous Chef Josh Letele, both formerly of Parnell fine-dining institute, Pasture.

“Both chefs come with extensive backgrounds in fine dining and high-end cuisine,” Gillet tells me, “but here, we are applying that expertise to wine bar-style food and snacks, and really taking things up a level.” Indeed, the food is an intriguing and delicious mix of flavours and textures, with dishes like hot fried octopus with mayo, tomato salad with peach and marigold, edamame congee, grilled lamb ‘tacos’ and grilled half-snapper with smoked butter. The idea, Gillet says, is to be approachable yet inventive, to push the boundaries without being too polarising. The menu will also be ever-changing, I’m told, which means that no two visits to Flor will ever be quite the same.

Inside, the long and narrow space is cosy and intimate, with a single line of comfortable seating down one side and extra seating in the courtyard out the back. It feels friendly, warm and atmospheric, easily filled up by buzzing voices and offering the sense of escape from the world that often makes smaller venues so appealing. “We want our guests to feel welcomed,” says Gillet. “We want Flor to feel like the kind of space that you can drop into for any occasion and feel looked after… to be a wine bar that is consistently good, not just occasionally great.”

Left: Tomato Salad Right: Grilled Lamb ‘Tacos’

As for the name, Gillet tells me that Flor comes from a rare yeast layer found on the tops of certain wines that have been left in a very specific set of conditions. Sometimes referred to as a ‘veil,’ once formed, a ‘flor’ protects its wine from further oxidising and can contribute massively to the flavour and aroma, helping to create incredibly interesting and unique drops. It feels fitting then, that this is the word over the door of this decidedly unique and gastronomically interesting new wine bar — a spot that we think everyone should have on their radar.

Opening Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday, 4pm until 11:30pm
366krd.co.nz

Flor

366 Karangahape Road
Auckland CBD

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From tasty pop-ups to guest chefs and Champagne celebrations, Denizen’s definitive guide to dining in September

1 Sep 2023

Spring is finally here, and with it is a raft of delicious dining experiences that are set to help lift us right out of our winter slump. From an innovative new Yum Cha, to mouth-watering pop-ups, guest chef dinners, lunchtime specials, free coffee, weekend roasts and more, here we present our definitive September dining guide.

Vegan Yum Cha lands in Auckland

In an evolution of its sustainable, vegetarian ethos, East Restaurant launched its entirely vegan Yum Cha service on the 3rd of September. Showcasing food that harnesses a range of vibrant and complex Asian flavours and a number of iconic Yum Cha dishes, reimagined to be entirely plant-based, this tantalising twist on classic Yum Cha needs to be experienced first hand. (Sittings are already selling out so book now to secure your spot.)

Left: East Restaurant’s Char Siu Bao Right: Fankery’s Mochi-filled Cheesecake

Fankery pop-up

Taking up temporary residence in Spacefor, the sleek retail space-for-hire in Britomart, famed cheesecake purveyor Fankery will be selling its delicious morsels from the 27th of September until the 1st of October. Its mouth-watering, mochi-filled burnt Basque cheesecakes have garnered it something of cult status among Auckland foodies, and for very good reason. These sweet little slices of cake are heaven in every bite. Serving up flavours like flavours like biscoff cookie dough, durian, matcha, black sesame and more, plus a special, limited-edition flavour for the pop-up (yet to be announced), this is one event you don’t want to miss.

Morepork BBQ Sharing Platter, Smoke & Spice Festival

Lebanese Grocer launches new monthly Dining Boxes

Taking its delicious deli-style offering and packaging it into a tasty box of treats, Elie Asaf’s Lebanese Grocer has launched its monthly Dining Boxes, in which the lauded chef will curate a selection of delicious goodies to be delivered straight to your door. The first box was a homage to Dad, in honour of Father’s Day, and included harissa, Tony’s Roasted Nuts, three of the house sojouk, za’atar halloumi, za’atar popcorn and a special recipe from Assaf himself. The boxes are $65 each and can be ordered here. Keep an eye out for more of these delicious dining boxes to come.

A guest chef arrives at Soul Bar & Bistro

Inviting Casey McDonald of Craggy Range up to join its celebrated Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle in the kitchen, Soul Bar & Bistro is hosting a collaborative dinner in which the two chefs will create an exquisite, four-course menu that speaks to the best of Hawkes Bay and Auckland. Here, world-class dishes that harness local ingredients will be paired with a range of incredible wines in a night that showcases why both McDonald and Doyle have garnered such acclaim in their careers. Taking place on Wednesday the 20th of September from 6pm, tickets are available for $180 per person, so call the team at Soul Bar & Bistro on (09) 356 7249 or email them here, to secure your spot. See more information here.

Left: Bar Magda’s Wild Venison Tartare Right: Andiamo’s Champagne Lunch

Bar Magda’s BYO Sundays

If you’re wondering where to dine on a Sunday this September, look no further than Bar Magda. This cosy, Cross Street destination has long been synonymous with culinary mastery, providing an intimate ambience that transports diners away from the busy city streets. Its atmospheric setting coupled with its unique menu that explores Aotearoa’s seasonal produce through a Filipino lens has made Bar Magda one of our favourite dining destinations, and its Sunday offering has made it one of our favourite places to mark the end of the week. On Sunday, guests can delight in a glass of Andre Clouet Champagne paired with a two-course sharing menu for $70 per person. Additionally, oenophiles and connoisseurs are invited to bring their own prized bottles of wine to enjoy alongside their meals, paying standard corkage fees. This unique Sunday offering allows guests to indulge in an intimate setting while savouring cherished wines and creating special memories. Plus, if you haven’t yet tried Bar Magda’s latest seasonal dishes like its pork and duck albondigas and its wild venison tartare, make sure you do over the next month before they are replaced on the Bar Magda menu for other seasonal delights.

Andiamo’s Perrier-Jouët lunch

The warmer, longer days we’ve been waiting for are almost here, so of course, it is to one of our favourite Herne Bay haunts that we flock. As beloved for its delicious food as it is for its coveted outdoor tables that get the best of the late afternoon sun, Andiamo is the perfect place to mark the changing of seasons, and now, is giving us all the reason we need to lock in a long lunch. In the optimistic spirit of spring, Andiamo is launching a special set lunch menu with Perrier-Jouët that will be available from the 20th of September, Wednesday through Sunday, from 12pm until 3pm. There, for $69 per person, guests will be greeted with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, and invited to indulge in a delicious, two-course feast including their choice of entrée and main. That said, if a longer lunch is on the cards, sides like a mixed leaf salad or Andiamo’s famous potato fries can be added to the table for $10 a dish, similarly, those seeking to end their lunch on a sweet note can add the tiramisu to their order for an additional $10. Alongside the delectable food is a dedicated Perrier-Jouët Champagne menu of exquisite drops as the perfect accompaniment to any springtime lunch (this menu will be available from the 19th of September). From Perrier-Jouët’s Blason Rosé NV to its Blanc de Blancs NV to its iconic Belle Époque, 2014 (a truly rare and elegant Champagne), plus the option for diners to pre book a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut to be ready table side for the special price of $120, Andiamo’s new Perrier-Jouët lunchtime menu is giving us every excuse for a convivial midday escape.

Jervois Steak House Power Lunch at Jervois Steak House

Embrace the work-day working lunch with Jervois Steak House’s delicious new offering, drawing us into the newly-revamped stalwart for a Thursday or Friday ‘Power Lunch’. There, hungry punters will be able to enjoy their choice of main, plus a side and a glass of house wine, all for $55 per person. The perfect excuse to gather your colleagues and take that afternoon meeting over a tasty lunch instead, Jervois Steak House’s new lunch offering is the perfect way to break up the working day. The Power Lunch is available from the 1st of September and bookings are highly recommended. Book your spot here.

Guest In Residence menu at Somm

At the start of last month, Somm Cellar Door launched its very first Guest In Residence series with the highly-regarded Mt Difficulty winery. There, diners have been treated to an in-depth wine experience, a limited-time set menu, an exclusive cellar door tasting event with the Central Otago vineyard’s Chief Winemaker Greg Lane, and perhaps most importantly, a chance to win a luxury escape to Queenstown valued at more than $11,000. This unmissable, immersive culinary offering is still running until the 17th of September, which means that there are still a couple of weeks for you to get down to Princes Wharf and experience it for yourself. Whether you’re a wine-lover, a foodie, or simply someone who would love the chance to win such an epic prize, Somm’s first Guest In Residence is not to be missed.

Left: INCA Weekend Brunch Right: Somm’s Market Fish Crudo

Weekend Roast Dinners at The Pantry

Is there any better way to end the week than with a satiating roast dinner? Even better when its shared with your nearest and dearest. Well, that is exactly what is on offer at The Pantry at Park Hyatt Auckland, where every Saturday and Sunday from 5pm until 8pm, an utterly mouthwatering roast dinner menu will be on offer for $38 per person, designed to satiate your every craving. The actual roast will change every week, but will always be served with chef’s potatoes, seasonal vegetables and lashings of hearty gravy. Kicking off this weekend (just in time for Father’s Day) the weekly roast will be a perfectly cooked Ribeye with a sticky toffee pudding for dessert (at an extra $10). So whether you take your Dad to this waterfront spot, or simply gather together some friends or family, this is set to be a seriously tasty weekend feast, and takes the hassle out of hosting at home. Book your spot here.

Free All Press Coffee for the All Blacks at INCA Ponsonby

Helping us all get into the supporting spirit, INCA Ponsonby has a special September offer for All Blacks fans. Throughout the month of September INCA Ponsonby is offering complimentary All Black Allpress coffee when the All Blacks win their games in the Rugby World Cup. There are three games in September, each one with morning kick-off times between 7am and 8am, which makes INCA Ponsonby, with its delicious weekend brunch menu, the perfect spot to head to for a celebratory post-match bite. Book your table in advance here.

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Fisher & Paykel’s Experience Centre is a haven of minimalist design and culinary excellence

1 Sep 2023

In designing the most minimal example of its three display kitchens, set within its flagship Experience Centre, Fisher & Paykel employed Boffi — Italian kitchen maestros with a heritage equal in length to the local appliance brand. Using the K14 system (a sophisticated but pared-back approach to the modern kitchen) in harmony with Fisher & Paykel’s integrated, minimal appliances, this display kitchen has been conceived as a blank canvas. Not only is it a space that emphasises performance and practicality, but it offers the perfect, versatile setting for a range of culinary and social affairs.

A sleek and simple but innovative approach to the modern kitchen has always been in Fisher & Paykel’s design vocabulary, wherein the brand’s hugely popular range of minimal-style appliances promise to integrate seamlessly into any setting. Because, while the best minimal kitchens offer a feeling of luxurious simplicity, they also require a degree of design rigour to ensure that every detail and every finish is highly considered and fit for the functional requirements of the space. This is where Fisher & Paykel’s appliances fit perfectly.

To best demonstrate the depth and breadth of its minimal-style range, Fisher & Paykel’s Boffi display kitchen exemplifies the subtle sophistication of the brand’s integrated appliances. Four CoolDrawer units and four DishDrawer dishwashers are set into the expansive island, while a raft of exquisite, blackened timber cabinetry hides a seamlessly-integrated Column refrigerator, freezer and wine care cabinet. In appliances where integration is more challenging, such as the combination steam ovens and sous-vide vacuum drawers, a visually-recessive minimal style has been harnessed for a harmonious addition that is as practical as it is polished. Complementary accessories have also been added, such as Fisher & Paykel’s integrated coffee maker — another considered detail that reduces the need for bulky appliances crowding out countertops.

It speaks to the brand’s inherent, less-is-more philosophy, where function needn’t compromise form. It also reflects our greater demand for liveability in the spaces we inhabit.

To understand the full Fisher & Paykel effect, pay the brand’s Experience Centre a visit and pull up a chair at The Social Kitchen. There, the Mastery of Temperature experience, cooked by Fisher & Paykel’s expert chefs showcases the unique ways in which this brand is revolutionising our approach to the modern kitchen, marrying some of the most advanced, innovative appliances in the world with an internationally-renowned, designer space and proving that practicality need never get in the way of beauty or luxury.

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

fisherpaykel.com

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Two chefs at the top of their game are joining forces for an unmissable, one-night-only dining event at Soul Bar & Bistro

1 Sep 2023

For as long as we can remember, we have been drawn to Viaduct Harbour stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro, for its good vibes, delicious drinks and exceptional food. As popular among those seeking a convivial celebration as it is among the discerning foodie crowd, Soul is set to put its famous culinary prowess in the spotlight with a special, one-night-only dining event that you really don’t want to miss.

Inviting Casey McDonald of Craggy Range up to join its celebrated Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle in the kitchen, Soul Bar & Bistro is hosting a collaborative dinner in which the two chefs will create an exquisite, four-course menu with exceptional wine pairings that speaks to the best of Hawkes Bay and Auckland. Here, world-class dishes that harness local ingredients will be paired with a range of incredible wines in a night that showcases why both McDonald and Doyle have garnered such acclaim in their careers.

For anyone who hasn’t experienced McDonald’s skill at Craggy Range, this chef boasts a wealth of experience, ranging from Wellington to San Francisco, and London to Melbourne, where he directed culinary operations at famed eateries like Supernatural, Cumulus, and Cutler & Co. His current has just been named New Zealand Winery Restaurant of the Year.

For Doyle’s part, his work at Soul Bar & Bistro has seen the restaurant attain a coveted Cuisine Hat for two years running, clearly the result of his many many years of experience in some of the best kitchens in the world, including the Michelin-starred Mint in Ireland and multi-award winning Tetsuya in Australia.

Promising the collaboration of two chefs operating at the very top of their game, this dining event will take place on Wednesday the 20th of September from 6pm, with tickets available for $180 per person. Call the team at Soul Bar & Bistro on (09) 356 7249 or email them here, to secure your spot. Set to be an unforgettable evening, we suggest booking with haste, lest you miss out.

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In the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup, Louis Vuitton has unveiled an exciting new collaboration with All Blacks legend, Dan Carter

1 Sep 2023

For those who don’t know, Dan Carter has a long and storied history with luxury juggernaut, LVMH. It is a relationship that dates back to a stint he did living in Paris, which opened his eyes to the world of high-end fashion. Years later, having established his relationship with LVMH, Carter was asked to conduct a Q&A at a conference of Louis Vuitton’s global GMs, in which he spoke to his experiences around building culture, encouraging strong vision, the growth mindset and the importance of work ethic and humility, discovering that much of what he had learned over his career as a professional rugby player (one of the most well-known professional rugby players in the world, mind you) were applicable to those working across a range of industries.

In the subsequent years, Carter continued to build on his interest in fashion, collaborating with LVMH on various projects (like a monogrammed rugby ball) and sitting front-row at some of the company’s most important fashion shows (like Virgil Abloh’s debut as the menswear designer for Louis Vuitton).

Now, Louis Vuitton has unveiled the exciting next step in its ongoing relationship with Dan Carter, the Maison’s first Malle Vestiaire, an exquisite, one-of-a-kind wardrobe trunk specifically designed to hold the rugby legend’s most precious sports equipment and memorabilia.

To design this bespoke piece, Carter worked closely with Louis Vuitton’s meticulous artisans and craftspeople, fashioning a striking piece from the finest wood, covered in the Maison’s iconic black-and-silver Monogram Eclipse canvas and with metal clasps, closures and rivers that pay tribute to historic Louis Vuitton trunks. It was also finished with various painted logos and numbers specific to Carter’s career, including DC10 (his player number) and 1598 (the record-breaking number of points he scored across his international rugby career).

Inside, the Malle Vestiaire is lined with micro-fibre and sportswear-inspired fabric and boasts a variety of shelves and draws designed to display Carter’s most-prized memorabilia. This includes his three World Rugby Player of the Year awards, his three Rugby World Cup medals, his two 100th-test caps, the three jerseys he wore at Rugby World Cups, his ‘retirement’ boots, alongside a pair he wore during a Rugby World Cup, copies of his book The Art of Winning and the Louis Vuitton rugby ball he created with the Maison in 2019.

“We wanted to create an extra-special object,” Carter says. “This Malle Vestiaire holds all the memorabilia that symbolises the amazing memories I have of playing professional rugby, while also paying tribute to Louis Vuitton’s renowned Art of Travel. I really can’t think of a better way for them to be displayed than in this beautiful trunk.”

Marking the next step in what has already proven a fruitful partnership for both Louis Vuitton and Carter, the Malle Vestiaire is the perfect embodiment of the rugby legend’s love for fashion and for the sport to which he dedicated most of his life. And with the Rugby World Cup set to kick off on the 8th of September in Paris, we couldn’t think of a more timely tribute.

www.louisvuitton.com

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Here’s why Louis Vuitton’s new silk squares are the only accessory you need this spring

31 Aug 2023

The timeless, feminine allure of a Louis Vuitton silk square is undeniable. A piece that oozes sophistication and embodies elegance in its soft silhouette, exquisite texture and intricate detailing, a silk square is something that will stay in your wardrobe for far more than one season, and Louis Vuitton’s hugely popular iterations are the pinnacle, whether baring the Maison’s famous monogram or one of its intricate, heritage patterns.

Now, Louis Vuitton has announced the release of its new silk square collection, Celebrate Silk, offering pieces that reinterpret the brand’s beloved iconography in joyful colours and patterns, perfect for the arrival of spring.

Spun from the purest silk, printed in distinctive motifs and available in three different sizes (which means they can be worn a variety of ways), these silk squares reflect Louis Vuitton’s audacious spirit, transforming a classic piece into a versatile and fashion-forward accessory for the modern woman. Whether worn casually or formally, wrapped around a head or neck, draped across a body or tied around the handle of a favourite bag, Louis Vuitton’s new silk squares will lift our sartorial repertoire out of the depths of winter with optimistic colour, and elevate any look to bold new heights.

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Orphans Kitchen is open again in the evenings as a cosy, delicious wine bar — and we have all the details

30 Aug 2023

This year (this month, in fact) marks 10 years for Tom Hishon and Josh Helm’s Ponsonby Road institution, Orphans Kitchen. Widely beloved for its cosy neighbourhood vibe, friendly service and food that reimagines classic brunch and lunch fare with a flavourful, purposeful and sustainable edge, Orphans Kitchen has built a legion of loyal followers who relish its reliably delicious menu and perfectly made coffee. In fact, I can’t count how many times I’ve parked up at one of Orphans Kitchen’s beautiful wooden tables to tuck into a crumpet with honey and a hazelnut flat white. (Or, if the mood hits, one of its famous Southland cheese rolls.) It is a time-honoured dining destination for a reason, which is why we were very excited to hear that it was set to make some new moves.

Back when Orphans Kitchen first opened, it was evening only, before slowly morphing into an all-day offering. Then, a few years ago, the decision to close Orphans’ night service was made, to give Hishon more time to open his new restaurant at the base of Hotel Britomart — Kingi.

After a few years of building Orphans’ daytime offering (and having heard from a number of enthusiastic regulars who were pining for something more), Hishon decided to reimagine what evenings at Orphans could look like, going back to the drawing board and working with his new business partner, Dan Gillet (of Wine Diamonds and Everyday Wine), to create a wine bar that took the relaxed, neighbourhood vibe of the day and translated it into a slightly more elevated, but altogether welcoming nighttime affair. “What we do really well during the day is create an environment where our regulars want to pop in two or three times a week, or sometimes more,” Hishon explains, “so we sought to bring that same idea into Orphans’ new evening service too, where people can come in for a glass of wine, a small nibble or a full meal, whatever they want.”

The menu, Hishon explains, is fuss-free and was designed with wine in mind. “It’s been a different approach for me to think about a wine list first and then to build a menu around it,” Hishon explains. “But this is the kind of food I love to cook and eat myself, and the flavours will elevate and complement our wines.” As a result, the dishes on offer in Orphans’ new evening menu are purpose-made to pair with its extensive wine list, which spans Australasian favourites alongside delicious European drops, and a number of Champagnes too.

Food-wise, diners can expect a series of nibbles, bite-sized starters, sharing plates and a few sweet treats for good measure, with the overarching idea being food that will work with a number of wines and vice versa. Dishes such as a Délice de Bourgogne with endive serve as a simple but fresh starter, followed by the likes of Ortiz anchovy and Myer lemon toasts, a buckwheat waffle (gluten-free) served with crème fraiche and spring herbs, and chicken liver pâté, with calvados jelly and Granny Smith.

Slightly larger options include organic fried chicken with koji mayo and black lime (a serious highlight), a unique smoked-Kahawai Scotch egg with nduja and radicchio, and a pork hock cassoulet, served with fennel, butter bean and preserved lemon.

Those with a hankering for dessert can indulge in tiramisu, black cardamom truffles or a delicious Comté with honeycomb. And for anyone seeking a more elevated experience, 15g-tins of Oscietra caviar can be added to any meal (we are told this is particularly delicious paired with the fried chicken and a crisp flute of Ruinart Champagne).

“I’m really excited to expand and elevate our offering once again,” Hishon says, “and to take Orphans Kitchen to the next level.” From Dan Gillet’s expertise driving the impressive wine list to Tom Hishon’s unique, culinary flair, Orphans’ new evening service is shaping up to be just as popular as its daytime one. Officially kicking off tonight, we suggest getting in there as soon as possible to experience it for yourself.

Orphans Kitchen Evening Hours:
Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm until late

Orphans Kitchen

118 Ponsonby Road
Grey Lynn
Auckland

www.orphanskitchen.co.nz

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Serving Sunday Yum Cha with a tasty twist, East Restaurant is set to become our favourite new weekend spot

30 Aug 2023

Whether you consider yourself a plant-based eater or not, there’s no denying that the vegan and vegetarian fare served at CBD restaurant, East, is some of the best in the City. Set at the base of the Sudima Auckland City hotel (opposite City Works Depot), East was started by lifetime vegetarians the Jhunjhnuwala family who, armed with a love for Asian cooking and a desire to create an eatery that focused on taste as much as it did on sustainability, assembled a team of experts to help bring their vision of an entirely vegetarian venture to life.

Now, the East kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Stuart Marsden (his impressive culinary history including stints at Woodpecker Hill and Finn’s Beach Club in Bali) and Head Chef Vincent Yan (boasting extensive experience at 5-star hotels across Hong Kong and Macau, where he became a master of Cantonese cooking) who, alongside their talented team, create exceptional food that marries mouth-watering, complex and vibrant Asian flavours with innovative, plant-based ingredients. And while East’s stellar reputation continues to grow, the restaurant is about to expand its unique offering once again, with a new Sunday experience, promising to reimagine Yum Cha as we know it.

Left: Lotus Root Wontons, Sheng Jian Bao, Lo Bak Go & Spring Onion Pancake

From this Sunday, the 3rd of September, East will launch Auckland’s first-ever, entirely plant-based Yum Cha service, giving the delicious dining tradition we all love a delectable, vegan twist. There, we’ve been told to expect flavoursome renditions of classic Dim Sum dishes like Char Siu Bao, filled with flavoursome, sticky jackfruit and Sheng Jian Bao, in which wood ear mushrooms make for the perfect pork replacement. East has even called on a team of master dumpling makers to exclusively handcraft a number of the dumplings on the menu.

Left: Water Chestnut Wontons Right: Har Gao

A few crowd favourites will be on hand too, like East’s Spring Onion Pancake and its Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings (both of which we can wholeheartedly endorse as some of the tastiest dishes in town), as well as a selection of satiating sweet treats to end any meal on a high note, from Deep Fried Sesame Balls to Mango Tapioca Pudding.

Running every Sunday from 12pm until 3pm, East’s new vegan Yum Cha is the perfect way to wrap up the week. Offering food that doesn’t sacrifice quality to flavour; food that (thanks to the skill of the people creating it) treats plant-based ingredients with the same depth and complexity you would expect from a more conventional Yum Cha menu, this new service is an absolute must-try, and is set to make East our new favourite Sunday destination. Spaces are limited and bookings for Yum Cha are already starting to fill up so we suggest securing your spot with haste.

Yum Cha Hours:
Every Sunday (starts 3 September), 12pm – 3pm

East Restaurant

63-67 Nelson Street
Auckland CBD

www.easteats.co.nz

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Tickets for the most coveted Melbourne Cup celebrations have just been released! Book now before you miss out

30 Aug 2023

Drawing convivial crowds, dressed to the nines, the annual Melbourne Cup is always a celebratory affair. And while the actual event isn’t taking place until early November, so popular are the viewing parties for its exciting races that Auckland’s best bars and restaurants often release their dedicated, Melbourne Cup events early, and tend to sell out within hours. And considering that four of our favourite destinations have just released tickets to their Melbourne Cup events, we suggest securing your spot now to be part of an atmosphere as lively as all the action on the racecourse.

Bivacco

Marking Bivacco’s first foray into Melbourne Cup celebrations, this event is set to be one you certainly don’t want to miss. Not only will your afternoon here afford you sun-drenched seating and unparalleled views of the sparkling Viaduct Harbour waterfront, but it will also include a spectacular, four-course long Italian lunch with plenty of Moët & Chandon Champagne (including a flute on arrival), fashion by Superette and Fashions in the Field, a line-up of renowned DJs, all the Melbourne Cup action streamed on large screens and plenty of games, sweeps and prizes to be won. Gearing up to be the party of the year, tickets are $250 per person and can be secured by calling (09) 801 6505.

Non Solo Pizza

Channel the spirit of the Italian coast at Non Solo Pizza’s decidedly chic Melbourne Cup affair. There, guests will be greeted with flutes of Veuve Clicquot Champagne on arrival before delving into a delectable, four-course long lunch, featuring a number of quintessential Non Solo Pizza dishes. Those who really dress for the occasion will want to be a part of NSP’s Fashions in the Field competition, while others can just sit back and enjoy all the racing action live on big screens. There will even be a TAB Big Race Day Pack on site. A raft of rousing DJs will play the soundtrack to the day and keep the vibes going well into the evening, making this one of the very best places to be for those seeking a party to remember. Tickets are $200 per person, so gather your friends and book your spot here.

MoVida

Not only does it feel entirely appropriate to celebrate the Melbourne Cup at an establishment that actually started in Melbourne, but MoVida is putting on a serious show this year, with a celebration for the ages. There, in MoVida’s exquisite dining room, high above the Auckland waterfront, guests will enjoy flutes of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, followed by an exceptional, five-course sharing menu, all while taking in the exciting Melbourne Cup action live on a number of large TV screens. There will also be a Seafarers’ Fashions in the Fields competition with a number of incredible prizes up for grabs, alongside live entertainment, DJs and music to keep spirits high long after the final race is done. There are two package options available for those wanting to celebrate the Melbourne Cup at MoVida: the $250 package will afford diners a premium seat in MoVida’s dining room, while the $200 package includes high-top seating only (and can only be booked for a maximum party of four). So start making your plans and deciding who you want to celebrate the big day with. Tickets can be bought here.

Bar Non Solo

Adjacent to MoVida is the sleek Bar Non Solo, where those seeking a sophisticated Melbourne Cup celebration can get amongst all the action thanks to live streams on big screens, plenty of Veuve Cliquot Champagne, a heavenly four-course, Italian sharing menu and a number of iconic Italian cocktails. Alongside entry into Seafarers’ Fashions in the Field, guests will also be treated to live entertainment and music all afternoon and well into the evening. There is a $200 Melbourne Cup package and a $180 Melbourne Cup package to be bought for Bar Non Solo’s festivities, with former including seating in the restaurant and the latter offering high-top seating only (which can only be booked for a maximum party of four). Choose the ticket that suits you best and secure a coveted spot, here.

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Wishlist to wardrobe: These are the sought-after pieces you need to shake up your spring looks

29 Aug 2023

Spring is almost upon us, which means it is time to shake off the shackles of winter and give your wardrobe a seasonal refresh. From denim jackets to utility pants to the slides you’ll want to slip into this season, we have rounded up a selection of the pieces you need to add to your sartorial arsenal immediately.

01.
The denim jacket

Do away with dowdy denim and replace it something decidedly more stylish like this monogrammed jacket — a must-have in our books.

Monogram Denim Workwear Jacket from Louis Vuitton

ACNE STUDIOS Morris Denim Jacket from Mrporter

02.
The logo sweatshirt

While every wardrobe needs a sweatshirt or two, give your leisurewear an elevated edge by opting for something with a subtle logo.

Embroidered EKD Cotton Sweatshirt from Burberry

GIVENCHY Hooded Long Sleeve Print Shirt from Faradays

COCCODRILLO LOGO SWEATSHIRT from Versace

03.
The utility pant

Utilitarian style is clearly here to stay, so pick up a pair of practical pants (prefereably with pockets) that give functionality some tasteful flair.

LOEWE Wide-Leg Cotton-Corduroy Trousers from Net-a-Porter

Convertible Ripstop Pants from Louis Vuitton

04.
The slides

Ideal for transeasonal pursuits, these hybrid slides (part sandal, part loafer) are comfortable, easy to wear and cool in a casual way.

05.
The sunglasses

Throw shade with a pair of tinted-lens sunglasses that harken to laid-back 70s style. Not too heavy, this style is perfect for wearing in spring.

Morning Routine Products | Evening Routine Products | Smoothie Recipe

Melanie’s five essential skincare tips

1. LED & Gentle PeelThis two-in-one treatment combines the calming and anti-ageing power of LED light therapy, with the glow-giving results of a peel. It will smooth fine lines and revive dull winter skin.

3. Ice PlungeFill a bowl with filtered water and ice and submerge your face for six, 10-second intervals. This will wake up your skin, banish impurities and give you a glow all day.

4. Multi-maskingBy mixing masks together or applying different masks to different areas of the face, you can target a variety of concerns at the same time. This is perfect for those on the go.

5. SPFAlways use a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step in your morning routine, and remember top up more than once during the day.

Daily Smoothie

“I don’t like to overcomplicate things — I’ve made the same smoothie every morning for years because I know it has everything in it that I need nutritionally, it’s quick, easy and delicious!”

Ingredients:

Method:

Add all ingredients into a blender, give it a whizz and you’re good to glow.

Morning Routine

Evening Routine

Everyday Products

Wellbeing

1962Arco floor lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos

1948Womb chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

1928LC4 Chaise Longue by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand for Cassina

1977Atollo table lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce

1954D.154.2 armchair by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C

1962Taccia light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos

1925Wassily lounge chair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll

1973Togo by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset

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1. LED & Gentle Peel
This two-in-one treatment combines the calming and anti-ageing power of LED light therapy, with the glow-giving results of a peel. It will smooth fine lines and revive dull winter skin.

3. Ice Plunge
Fill a bowl with filtered water and ice and submerge your face for six, 10-second intervals. This will wake up your skin, banish impurities and give you a glow all day.

4. Multi-masking
By mixing masks together or applying different masks to different areas of the face, you can target a variety of concerns at the same time. This is perfect for those on the go.

5. SPF
Always use a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step in your morning routine, and remember top up more than once during the day.

1962
Arco floor lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos

1948
Womb chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

1928
LC4 Chaise Longue by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand for Cassina

1977
Atollo table lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce

1954
D.154.2 armchair by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C

1962
Taccia light by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos

1925
Wassily lounge chair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll

1973
Togo by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset