Few artists have blurred the lines between music, fashion, and culture as seamlessly as Pharrell Williams. From his early days producing era-defining hits with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D. to his current role as men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell has remained a shape-shifting (and age-defying) force whose style evolution is as celebrated as his sound. Ever experimental, he’s built a reputation for taking risks that consistently set the tone for the industry at large.
Pharrell’s sartorial journey took root in the early 2000s, when oversized skatewear, colourful trucker hats, and bold graphic tees dominated his look. At a time when hip-hop style was largely driven by maximalist bravado, Pharrell infused a playful individuality that felt distinctly his own. His collaborations with Japanese labels like A Bathing Ape and Human Made introduced a generation to streetwear’s cross-cultural appeal, cementing his position as a bridge between luxury and the underground.
As his career progressed, so too did his wardrobe. By the 2010s, Pharrell became known for mixing tailored elegance with eccentric flourishes: tuxedos worn with shorts, wide-brimmed hats that spawned internet memes, and gender-fluid silhouettes that pushed boundaries on the red carpet. He rejected categorisation, leaning into a style vocabulary where pearls, Chanel cardigans, and custom sneakers could coexist without irony.
This refusal to play by fashion’s rules made Pharrell one of its most compelling figures. Long before ‘genderless’ dressing became a movement, he embodied it instinctively. His looks weren’t about provocation but about possibility — an openness that mirrored his creative philosophy. Oversized outerwear, playful jewellery, bold prints, and futuristic eyewear became part of a personal lexicon that remains instantly recognisable and distinctly Pharrell.
Today, in his Vuitton era, Pharrell’s style is elevated yet unmistakably his. He pairs sharp tailoring with his signature ease, infusing luxury with a sense of play. Whether debuting vibrant leather suits on the runway or walking out in reimagined cowboy boots and pearls, he brings the same curiosity and confidence that have defined his multi-decade career.
Now in his early 50s, Pharrell embodies a kind of ageless authority, one that doesn’t dictate trends but reframes them. His style remains fluid, fearless, and rooted in joy. In a world where image is often engineered, Pharrell’s aesthetic feels less like a strategy and more like a lifelong conversation between music, culture, and self-expression.
Journey House, designed by Davidov Architects with interiors by CJH Studio, is a home grounded in quiet confidence. Its beauty lies not in grand gestures, but in the precision of its detailing, the richness of its materials, and the restraint in its palette. Every element has been considered, and nothing feels accidental.
At the centre of the home, the kitchen stands as a sculptural anchor. Wrapped in heavily veined marble, it strikes a balance between boldness and calm. The stone’s natural movement gives the space energy, while soft timber flooring and gentle drapery bring a sense of ease. Custom joinery blends seamlessly into the architecture, elevating the functionality without disrupting the quiet rhythm of the interiors.
The main living area is open yet intimate, shaped by natural textures and a warm, layered palette. Light moves freely through the space, softening surfaces and highlighting subtle shifts in material. There’s a quiet generosity in the way the architecture holds the room, allowing the furnishings to sit confidently without overwhelming the space.
Just beyond, a dedicated TV room offers a more inward-looking moment. Darker tones and plush textures create a sense of retreat — a space designed for slowing down. Though smaller in scale, it maintains the same level of precision, with material continuity tying it back to the rest of the home.
In the bathroom, dramatic marble takes centre stage once again. This time, the palette shifts deeper — more atmospheric, more tactile. The stone feels monolithic, its intensity offset by refined fixtures and soft lighting. It’s a space that doesn’t try to brighten, but instead embraces mood and shadow.
Journey House is unified by a strong architectural language and a consistent, measured use of materials. There is a discipline to the design, but also a softness — a sense that this home is not just built to be admired, but to be lived in, quietly and with intention.
Few watchmakers imbue timekeeping with the magic of storytelling quite like Van Cleef & Arpels. This year, the Maison continues its whimsical tradition with the Perlée Extraordinaire Fruits Enchantés watches — a luscious ode to summer fruits, artistry, and imagination.
Crafted with the brand’s signature blend of savoir-faire and narrative charm, the new Framboise and Myrtille models are as much miniature sculptures as they are haute horology. The dials showcase a pair of radiant berries, one raspberry, one blueberry, rendered in the Maison’s exclusive façonné enamel technique. These settings are framed by a golden bead case and adorned with diamonds, perfected over 16 months and now patented.
Delicate gold fairies dance across the dial, their wings twinkling with pavé-set diamonds, while engraved ladybugs and butterflies decorate the case backs. These delightful details are the result of hundreds of hours of intricate craftsmanship, including enamel pouring and sculpting to gold engraving and gem setting — all performed by Van Cleef & Arpels’ skilled artisans in Geneva.
Part of the Extraordinary Dials collection, these fruity creations are a sweet reminder that beauty lies in the smallest details.
Ecostore believes in creating a world of good, one person, and one home at a time. All of the formulas are plant and mineral-based, biodegradable, and contain only what’s necessary to get the job done. The products are designed to work harder, so you don’t have to — meaning less scrubbing and soaking, and more time embracing life’s messy moments.
From sparkling dishes to gleaming surfaces, Ecostore’s home care range makes everyday cleaning effortless. Dishwashing products harness biodegradable enzymes to cut through grease and food residue, while household cleaners use plant-based actives to tackle grime without harsh chemicals. Safe for the whole family, free from animal ingredients, and scented with subtly uplifting natural aromas, these products let you enjoy a fresh, clean home with none of the fuss.
For the uninitiated, Graff is one of the world’s most revered luxury jewellery houses, crafting covetable, rarefied pieces from the finest diamonds. Since its inception in the 1960s, Graff has built a reputation for working with some of the world’s most important and rare stones — with a particular emphasis on high jewellery that amplifies the inherent beauty of each gem.
Now, in a tribute to the decade in which the House was founded, Graff has unveiled a new high jewellery collection inspired by the hypnotic spirit of the sixties. Titled ‘1963’, this extraordinary chapter channels the era’s spirit of freedom, rebellion, glamour, and cultural revolution, refracted through the unrivalled brilliance of Graff diamonds.
At the heart of the collection, the 1963 necklace is a striking display of Graff’s exacting craftsmanship. Sculptural ovals ripple outward in hypnotic curves, framing oval diamonds that draw the eye with their luminous intensity. Subtle details elevate the piece, including a concealed line of pavé emeralds — a quiet flash of Graff’s signature green.
This bold, graphic rhythm continues in the matching bracelet, where a sweep of custom-cut baguette diamonds captivates with their clean, dynamic brilliance. Flickers of emerald peek through here too, adding an unexpected burst of colour that ties each piece back to the House’s heritage.
Completing the suite, statement earrings mirror the collection’s sculptural flow, uniting radiant diamonds and delicate emerald accents in a striking interplay of movement and light.
Ultimately, this high jewellery collection embodies both the spirit of the Swinging Sixties and the essence of Graff itself: an ode to heritage, an expression of transformative artistry, and a bold vision of what high jewellery can be. A hypnotic tribute to the decade that sparked a revolution in style and culture — and a thrilling new chapter in the House’s legacy of brilliance.
Now, with Graff setting up shop on our shores, we too can experience first-hand the magic and mastery of one of the world’s true jewellery greats — where legacy, artistry, and innovation converge in every luminous creation.
Auckland is known for its eclectic mix of cuisines from different cultures but Italian restaurants are undoubtedly one of the most popular. Now, delectable pasta and pizza have become staple foods in our diets and as such, we think it is crucial to know exactly where to find the best Italian cuisine in Auckland. Numerous eateries have come and gone but there are a few that have secured their place in our competitive restaurant scene. Here we round up the best of the best. Buon appetito!
Neighbourhood favourite Lilian’s menu draws from many European influences but it’s the Italian-inspirations that are almost impossible to overlook, with the wood-fired pizzas threatening to steal the entire show. The bases are cooked perfectly in a speciality pizza oven imported all the way from Italy. The toppings come in several different variations, ranging from the simple tomato, mozzarella and basil to the cult favourite potato, caramelised onion, parmesan, ricotta, and basil iteration that steals the show every time. 472 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Since opening with great aplomb at the end of 2022, Bivacco has become a go-to destination for a delicious long Italian lunch. Here, the food here is unparalleled, and is made even more perfect when enjoyed overlooking the sparkling waters of Viaduct Harbour with one of Bivacco’s delicious cocktails in hand. And while you really can’t beat the margherita pizza here, those craving something more lavish will find it in the goats cheese ravioli, adorned with endive, burnt honey and pistachio. Perfecto. 115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
In the heart of Ellerslie, Bianca brings a fresh, modern take to the Italian dining experience, blending the ease of a neighbourhood spot with the precision of fine cooking. The space hums with the sound of pasta being rolled by hand, the air rich with the promise of something both familiar and new. Warm, unfussy, and quietly confident, it’s the kind of place that turns a simple night out into a lingering, memorable occasion. 4/2 Robert Street, Ellerslie
At this chic inner-city spot, the Italian energy is dialled all the way up — think sleek yet laid-back interiors, and a menu that’s equal parts classic and contemporary, not to mention the wonderfully warm team both in front of and behind the pass. At Bossi, house-made pasta, glossy sauces and beautifully plated antipasti set the tone, while cocktails arrive crisp and considered. It’s a buzzy slice of Milan in the middle of the city — perfect for a little theatre-night indulgence. 10 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
With its beautifully curved archways, rustic wall details and soaring, glass-roofed atrium, the dining space at Ada is striking yet welcoming, and the interior is just the beginning of all things marvellous. Ada’s menu comprises sharing plates that embrace the foolproof philosophy of simplicity done well, with a menu of seasonal, Italian-influenced dishes and approachable natural wine. Our recommendation is the pizza fritta, always, but we think the seasonal pastas are most definitely worth trying too. 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn
This neighbourhood gem is not just a favourite among the locals of Herne Bay, but also attracts people from all over Auckland. When Foley Hospitality resurrected the Italian institution, it saw the return of Andiamo bigger and better than ever before. The menu features a wide selection of Italian cuisine from pizzas, pasta dishes and antipasti but the stand-out at this eatery is the meatballs. Whether made with grass-fed beef, or cod and crayfish, each delicious morsel is guaranteed to be juicy and full of flavour. The option of adding spaghetti as a way of soaking up the sauce is the real game changer as it elevates the appetiser to a full, indulgent main. 194 Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Chef Fabrizio Napolitano grew up in his grandmother’s kitchen, in both the north and south of Italy. With a passion for artisanal products that are steeped in history and respect, Fabrizio and his wife Taryne opened Spiga in the 1050 development at the back of the Remuera shops. Their contemporary classic starters, pizza and pasta are some of the best we’ve tried, although we also recommend always sampling the seasonal specials. The food is made all the better with Spiga’s comprehensive wine list that will take you on a tour of some of the finest Italian vineyards and spirits. Shop 1/E/415 Remuera Road, Remuera
Long established as one of the most popular eateries in town, Amano is a stalwart that exudes grandeur. With its marble fit-out, sky-high ceilings and floral hangings. Here, the menu is ever-changing depending on seasonal availability but the burrata is one item that has been there since the beginning — and we can’t see it disappearing any time soon. The dish is modified depending on the produce that is in-season but the perfectly-made ball of creamy mozzarella paired with housemade sourdough never fails to impress. 68 Tyler Street, Britomart
Nestled in Birkenhead’s charming main strip, Osteria Uno feels like a softly glowing Italian hideaway where heritage character meets modern ease. The moment you step inside its old-but-loved tiled walls and rich, banquette-lined interior, you sense that every detail — old stained glass, marble bar, warm lighting — has been chosen to make you linger. Behind the scenes, hospitality veterans Sarah and Jordan Macdonald have brought serious Italian passion and pedigree to the North Shore, with a kitchen led by a chef who has worked at Disfrutar, Lilian, Amano and Depot. The result is an inviting, unpretentious trattoria that delivers warmth, craftsmanship, and a convivial buzz that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. 140 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead
While never endeavouring to be the most authentic Italian joint in town, it would be remiss not to mention the pasta on offer at Soul Bar & Bistro. With more traditional dishes cementing themselves as classics, we always find ourselves gravitating towards Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s pasta out of a sheer craving for comfort. Corner of Lower Hobson Street and Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
The humble yet incredibly delicious meals that can be found at the most unassuming neighbourhood trattorias were what originally inspired Karangahape Road favourite. Pici, from its intimate dining room to its mouthwatering menu which is designed to share. Here, you simply cannot pass up the cacio e pepe. Although the fettuccine vongole is also popular; full of flavour yet light and fresh with juicy local clams, chilli and herbs. While tables are limited, those lucky enough to dine here have nothing bad to say about this beloved spot. St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Rd, Auckland CBD
Don’t let the “spaghetti bolognese does not exist,” on the back of the waiters’ shirts put you off. Pasta & Cuore is an all-inclusive, welcoming restaurant with a friendly and warm ambience. The menu offers such a wide variety of handmade pastas and sauces, it’s almost overwhelming. When in doubt, go for the Spaghetti Gorgonzola. The thick pasta is cooked al dente which leaves it with a soft exterior and slightly firm centre to achieve a chewy bite. The sauce is a reduction of creamy gorgonzola cheese with crunchy walnuts scattered around the bowl to lend a beautifully nutty taste. 409 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden
Sergio Maglione came to New Zealand more than 20 years ago, straight from Italy where he was working as a pizza chef. Farina, on Ponsonby Road, shows the versatility of Napoli cuisine all while nailing the classics. The pizza and pasta dishes are renowned for being the gold standard in Italian comfort food. Authentic and divine. but it’s the way Maglione works his magic with octopus that blows us away every time. 244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
At Commercial Bay’s heart, Gemmi feels like A sunshine-lit Italian hideaway — informal yet effortlessly stylish. David Lee’s pasta shop masterfully blends breezy conviviality with thoughtful elegance, where simple warmth meets sleek design and harbour views. Whether you’re swinging by for an after-work wine in the express-lunch rush or easing into a lingering evening, it’s a place that turns casual gatherings into lively, memorable moments. Commercial Bay, Level 2/7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
With its warm and inviting space, adorned with surprising tones of peach and vibrant blue, Herne Bay’s Squisito Trattoria offers more than just simple and delicious Italian cuisine. The menu here is a fusion of culinary influences from all corners of the Mediterranean. Anchored in al dente pasta, perfectly-cooked meats, and wood-fired pizza. Notably, Squisito leaves out a wine list and encourages guests to choose their own by selecting from the extensive wine racks. 170A Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Tucked away at the end of Ponsonby Road is another humble Italian restaurant, Gusto Italiano. If you couldn’t already tell by its name, this restaurant prides itself on delivering authentic, Italian cuisine. In terms of pasta, it’s the Ravioli Verdi which steals the show. The housemade green parcels are stuffed with chicken and fresh spinach, before being are pan-sautéed with aromatic herbs and vine-ripened tomatoes, and topped with a decent helping of parmesan. 263 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
While it’s rude to talk about a lady’s age, you have to admit that the much-loved NSP is looking remarkably good considering it originally opened its doors some 25+ years ago. The menu here is as versatile as the spaces within. From the bustling upfront bar to the cosy courtyard and main dining area. Our first order is always the calamari. The batter is light and tossed in fresh lemon juice to cut the richness of the fried coating. A melange of salt, cracked pepper and parsley are utilised to season the dish and is served with decadent aioli to offer a creamy balance. From there let your stomach guide you towards your favourite pizza, or just default to the classic NSP margherita. Whatever you choose here, you can’t go wrong. 1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell
Despite opening back in 2022, you’d still be hard-pressed to find a table at this Dominion Road spot, which is a testament to it’s divine offering. Here, the traditional wood fire is the predominant method of cooking almost every dish, including (of course) Ooh-Fa’s delicious pizzas. Ideal for sharing, but the perfect size to keep to yourself. Our favourites are the tomato, garlic and oregano (with the essential added stracciatella), and the oyster mushroom, parsley butter, mozzarella and cavolo nero. Be sure not to look past the famed woodfired carrots, served with ricotta and pistachios — a totally moreish addition. We’d eat them every day if we could. 357 Dominion Road, Mount Eden
Serving its much loved take on Italian fare since 1986, Prego isn’t about to slow down any time soon. Over the many years, the Ponsonby institution has captured the hearts of locals. Forming a loyal base of patrons and a tight-knit community, ultimately making it one of the best family restaurants this town has to offer. 226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
At this beloved eatery, Italian-inspired food and wines fill the menu. You’ll find the likes of delicious beef short ribs, Karitane crayfish meatballs (there’s a whole section in the menu dedicated to the eatery’s hand-crafted meatballs), and countless handmade pastas amongst Baduzzi’s must-try dishes. Washed down with a glass of Italian Bianchi, of course. 10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf
This iconic restaurant is small but mighty. Offering a curated and concise menu, and an intimate, calm setting, Ortolana is one spot to which we always find ourselves returning for dinner in the Britomart precinct. With a pre-show dinner menu, the service is swift (if needed), and the fresh pasta is always divine. 33 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD
Architecture & Interiors — Osklo Photography — Douglas Friedman, Sam Frost & Tyler Hogan
Hollywood Hills living often calls to mind sleek modernism and expansive glass walls. Yet Studio Osklo’s Cordell Drive Home offers something different — a quietly luxurious reinterpretation of Hollywood Regency, blending timeless elegance with inviting warmth.
Built in 1948 and rumored to be an original John Elgin Woolf, this 5,000-square-foot residence presents itself as a modern classic, its creamy white blocks edged in black composing a refined, understated façade.
Inside, light floods in through oversized casement windows, framing dual views east to downtown LA and west to Century City and the ocean beyond, a rare architectural gift in the Hills. Osklo’s design breathes through rift oak panelling, wide plank floors, and soft matte plaster walls that feel both tactile and timeless. Think old world Hollywood glamour meeting Scandinavian calm.
The palette is a masterclass in warmth and restraint: earthy taupes, creams, and soft browns set the stage for layers of velvet, boucle, and mohair, alongside natural stone with expressive marbling. Spaces feel curated but effortless, a delicate balance between bespoke Osklo furnishings and heirloom antiques that honour the home’s storied past.
Bedrooms offer sanctuary with plush textures and serene tones, while the primary suite is a beacon of luxury, with a dressing room, an indoor/outdoor shower, sweeping bathroom, and a terrace made for slow mornings.
The kitchen, robust and welcoming, is built for entertaining with an ease that belies its elegance. Living spaces unfold with openness and intimacy in perfect tandem, including a media room, pool table, and a bar primed for gatherings that linger.
Outside, the home’s outdoor living spaces are as thoughtfully designed as the interiors. A sleek pool commands attention. Adjacent to it, layered terraces create moments for both lively entertaining and peaceful retreat, framed by citrus trees and a few quintessential LA palms. The cobbled limestone motor court grounds the property with textural charm, balancing the home’s clean-lined architecture.
In all, Studio Osklo’s Cordell Drive residence is a masterclass in timeless design, a home that honours its storied past while embracing a modern, relaxed sophistication. It’s a place where classic Hollywood elegance meets thoughtful, considered living, creating a sanctuary that feels both utterly chic and welcomingly warm.
Dark, defiant, and deliciously unhinged, Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein is the gothic feminist fever dream you didn’t know you needed. Set in 1816 — the infamous storm-lashed summer that spawned Mary Shelley’s masterpiece — this bold new production by Auckland Theatre Company lifts the lid on the young writer’s psyche, reimagining the night she gave life to one of literature’s most enduring monsters.
Award-winning playwright Jess Sayer (with co-creator/director Oliver Driver of Amadeus fame) takes us deep into the shadows of a Swiss villa, where Mary (played by Olivia Tennet) stands over a bloodied corpse, her words turned dangerous. What begins as a classic period drama quickly unravels into a drug-fuelled, lust-drenched spiral of horror, as Mary sheds the men who try to control her and reclaims the terrifying, brilliant force of her own imagination.
It’s clever. It’s unrelenting. And it’s a rare look at the internal world of one of history’s most misunderstood literary geniuses. More than just a retelling, Mary is a celebration of the darker sides of womanhood, of creativity unbound — and a reminder that the original mad scientist was just a teenage girl with a pen.
This is not your average night at the theatre — and that’s exactly why you should go. Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein runs at the ASB Waterfront Theatre from Thursday 21st August to Sunday 7th September — book your tickets here.
We’re hardly experiencing a heatwave, but in the name of future planning (and accommodating for those who are Europe-based or bound), we’re reporting on the fashion fix of the moment: a chic hand fan.
Equal parts practical and statement-making, the luxe hand fan is stepping into the spotlight, and some of the world’s most covetable brands are taking note. From Hermès to Louis Vuitton, luxury houses are turning out stunning fans in elevated materials and exquisite designs, and we can’t help but think it’s a need not want situation (despite the current dreariness outside the office window). After all, fashionable doesn’t always have to mean practical, does it?
A kaleidoscope of love and considered craftsmanship, this calfskin leather fan features eight heart-shaped panels — each uniquely hued by reclaimed materials. The colour is of each is a joyful surprise, making each beautifully one of a kind.
A romantic nod to Gucci’s storied heritage, this silk-satin fan showcases the iconic Flora print in vivid hues. Finished with a Double G charm and Rosso Ancora leather pouch, it’s a perfectly petit luxe touch for spring.
Feline elegance takes flight with the Panthère de Cartier fan — a stunning silk and bamboo hand fan adorned with hand-painted spots, a golden tassel, and that iconic panther head with tsavorite-green eyes.
A playful yet polished accent, this Prada fan features a vibrant print, signature triangle logo, and removable braided leather strap. Available in both white and red stripe or a yellow and red iteration, it’s the perfect piece to perfect for add flair to a springtime ensemble.
Part of the Dioriviera collection, this sycamore and cotton fan pairs the iconic Toile de Jouy Palms motif with sun-soaked elegance — bringing a breezy, escapist charm to any setting.
Playful and collectible, this Louis Vuitton fan features a whimsical Parisian scene by Pharrell and Nigo, set against pink Monogram denim. A wooden handle engraved in Japanese adds a hint of nostalgic reverie.
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