Luxe Mock Sweater in Ice Blue

With chunky knits and custom colours, Elle & Riley’s new collection is a fresh take on winter cashmere

With conditions decidedly frosty, it is high time we gave our knitwear an overhaul, in order to prepare for the season ahead. It is, after all, the last few weeks before winter officially kicks off. So of course, it is to the cashmere queens at Elle & Riley that we turn first, able to rely on their collections that balance sleek style with luxurious, high-quality fabrics and always a few, fun twists.

Elle & Riley’s new Luxe collection has everything we need to combat winter’s wrath. Not only are many of the pieces in this collection limited edition (many made in custom-dyed colourways and exclusive yarns) but the brand has also introduced a slightly thicker, five-gauge knit to the fold, offering extreme comfort and warmth.

Inspired by the rich, natural landscapes of Aotearoa via tones like Butter Yellow, Ice Blue and Stone, Elle & Riley’s covetable new cashmere offers a fresh take on classic tropes. And while the vibrant notes are welcome, there is an underlying versatility here thanks to a core, tonal palette and the use of matching styles that allow for effortless layering with any kind of personal style.

Ribbed Cable Sweater with Pearl
from Elle + Riley
Luxe Mock Sweater
from Elle + Riley
Essential Cropped Cardigan
from Elle + Riley
Short Sleeve Cable Crew
from Elle + Riley
Essential Rib Crew Sweater
from Elle + Riley
Luxe Tee
from Elle + Riley
Luxe V Sweater
from Elle + Riley
Cashmere Ballet Sweater
from Elle + Riley
Relaxed Cashmere Cardigan
from Elle + Riley
Luxe Mock Sweater
from Elle + Riley

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Bar Non Solo

These are the best restaurants to book for a pre-show bite

With Auckland’s winter cultural calendar already in full swing, now feels like the perfect time for a date night or long-overdue catch-up. And what better way to do that than with dinner and a show? Here, we’ve compiled a discerning list of the restaurants doing pre-show dinner best — organised by proximity to your designated venue. (For these experiences, we’d recommend booking well in advance and, as a general courtesy, letting staff know if you have a tight turn-around ahead of time.)

Best Restaurants Near…

Spark Arena

As Britomart is only a short stroll away, your dinner and drink options before a show at Spark Arena are never limited. That said, we’ve sought out the favourites that foster a certain kind of experience, divine and delicious but never tedious if you’ve got somewhere to be.

Bar Non Solo

Bar Non Solo
Last month, Bar Non Solo unveiled its new Pre-Show Menu — perfect for those on their way to some kind of show (likely at the nearby Spark Arena). Available between 4pm and 7pm, for a mere $30, guests can dine on a selection of plates that includes marinated olives, whipped ricotta, seasonal arancini, cured meats and cheeses, and two delicious pizzas. It’s the perfect way to ensure you are satiated for an exciting night. Bookings for this experience are essential to ensure you arrive at Spark with plenty of time to spare.

Cafe Hanoi
In preparation of the upcoming season of lauded musical Hamilton at Spark Arena, Cafe Hanoi (only a quick walk from the venue) is extending its weekend dinner service. Alongside sister venues Ghost Street and Perch (both also in Britomart) the restaurant’s Signature Menu will be available from noon on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays, allowing diners ample time to indulge ahead of the show.

Ortolana
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.

SkyCity, Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, The Civic & Q Theatre

Auckland’s undeniable hub of live music, theatre, comedy performances, film festivals and more, this mid-town region is home to some of the best venues in the city (and therefore home to some of the best performances, too). Cheap and cheerful options here are abundant, but if you seek a more sophisticated bite to eat, here’s where to go.

Culprit

Gusto At The Grand
This SkyCity stalwart was made for pre-show dining. Modern and unpretentious, yet undeniably delicious, the dedicated Pre-Show menu here comprises a concise edit of the restaurant’s best dishes. Offering two courses, with two plates each to share, the $49 menu is served between 5pm and 6pm throughout the weekend and evolves with the season.

Culprit
Culprit’s innovative culinary concept is perfect for a pre-show bite. The ever-changing menu comprises trolleys of snacks to share, warming the palate for the mains to come. We’d suggest letting the restaurant know of your show plans when booking, to ensure you arrive at the theatre on time.

Cassia
When a matinee performance comes around (is there a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?) set-menu lunches are essential to keep you satiated through the performance. Cassia’s iteration, which marks the restaurant’s new era under the SkyCity banner, is a delicious selection of the restaurant’s most loved dishes. With two starters, a choice of four mains and a sweet sorbet to finish, at $58 a head, this is serious value for money.

ASB Waterfront Theatre

Home to the Auckland Theatre Company and a burgeoning roster of up-and-coming talents, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is a familiar destination for any show-goer. With Viaduct Harbour and several sumptuous hotel restaurants on its doorstep, the hardest part is choosing where to go.

Left to right: Onemata & Somm Cellar Door & Bar

Somm Cellar Door & Bar
This recently-opened Foley Hospitality destination is a wine-focused experience, serving a seriously impressive selection from some of the country’s finest drops. The food here complements its beverage offering, with the Gavin Doyle-designed menu serving cheeses, charcuterie and pillowy pizzas alongside small plates to share; a pre-show dinner that will never leave you too full.

Esther
Found in the heart of Viaduct Harbour’s QT Hotel, Esther treats diners to the ultimate theatre-going experience with its Feasting Menu, a culinary concept that serves two- and three-course dinners. Best for larger groups (as you get more to taste that way) Sean Connolly’s menu is Mediterranean-inspired, with subtle nods to comforting, home-cooked fare.

Onemata
If you find yourself drawn to the theatre in the mid-to-late afternoon, Onemata’s Express Lunch menu is the only way to begin the experience. Two courses here are served for $55 per person, where guests can choose an entree or dessert alongside their main — a beautiful way to sample this restaurant’s exquisite cuisine. 

Your Favourite North Shore Theatres

Whether you’re heading to a show at Bruce Mason Theatre, or a more lowkey movie at the North Shore’s lauded boutique cinemas, these tried-and-true destinations always pull through.

Left to right: Tokki & Duo Eatery

Tokki
Perfect for a quick round of sharing plates (the famous flat noodles are essential) or the more indulgent seasonal house menu, Jason Kim’s Tokki is a masterclass in chic Korean dining. For a pre-show dinner, you’ll want to allow yourself some time for the set menu, so you can savour each bite.

Duo Eatery
This Birkenhead eatery is a quick five-minute drive from Bridgeway Cinema — the perfect pairing for a cosy night out. Duo’s dinner menu is an elevated take on its popular brunches, with dishes ideally suited for sharing. (The crispy eggplant, with ‘nduja dressing and buffalo curd is a personal favourite.)

The Engine Room
Serving some of the best cuisines on the northern side of the bridge, The Engine Room’s menu is iconic. Refined but unfussy, the vision here is to serve really, really good food and foster a certain kind of ambience to match. Best reserved for those special occasions, we’d recommend allowing yourself a little extra time to take it all in.

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Hearty and wholesome, this dumpling soup recipe is the perfect winter warmer

A classic from kitchen whizz Miss Polly’s Kitchen, this warming broth is filled to the brim with umami flavours. Incorporating healthy vegetables, slurp-worthy noodles and convenient store-bought dumplings, this recipe can easily be tweaked to suit whatever fresh ingredients you might have on hand.

Dumpling Noodle Soup Recipe
Serves 2-3

Ingredients:
2 eggs
12 store-bought dumplings (pork and prawn recommended)
200g fresh egg noodles

Broth
2 tsp light olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, grated
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
1 tbsp of sesame oil
1 tbsp of miso paste
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ eggplant, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
10 button mushrooms, quartered
2.5 cups vegetable stock
2.5 cups of water
1 tbsp of mirin
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 ½ tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp fish sauce

To serve
A handful of spinach, finely sliced
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
1 spring onion, sliced

Method:
1. Prepare and chop the vegetables, ready for cooking.
2. Heat a large pot on medium heat and add a good splash of oil.
3. Using a zester, grate the garlic into the pot, add the chilli flakes followed by the sesame oil, miso paste and tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Now, add the eggplant to the paste mix and stir, ensuring the eggplant is covered with the paste and cook for a further 5 minutes.
5. At the same time, in another pot, bring water to the boil and add the eggs, cook for 6 minutes — once cooked, let them cool for a few minutes and carefully remove the shell.
6. Add the mushrooms to the large pot, mixing this with the eggplant for a minute.
7. Then add all of the remaining liquids — stock, water, mirin, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and fish sauce. Simmer for 12 minutes.
8. Toss the frozen dumplings into the broth and cook further 8 minutes.
9. Meanwhile, cook your noodles in a separate pot. Once cooked, drain and serve.

To serve: Place the raw zucchini in the bottom of the bowl with the finely sliced spinach, add the noodles and the dumplings with the vegetable broth. Slice your boiled egg in half to add to the bowl, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.

Note: You can add any other vegetables that you have in the fridge, or substitute the dumplings for some prawns.

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See how Emma Lewisham’s enhanced, natural Vitamin A alternative is 32% more effective than traditional retinol

When considering the essential skincare powerhouses we couldn’t be without, retinol always remains front of mind. A form of Vitamin A, retinol is an indispensable protagonist in skincare, adored for its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, as much as its contribution to a clear complexion. It is so effective, in fact, that we find ourselves constantly looking for ways that we can increase our skin’s intake, sourcing new and innovative formulations to ensure we maximise the benefits and reap the rewards.

Recently, Emma Lewisham, a brand that has long led the new frontier of innovative, natural skincare, released an independent biomedical research study to unveil the benefits of a plant-derived alternative to retinol, directly compared to its synthetic counterparts. Here, independent labs measured Emma Lewisham’s enhanced award-winning Supernatural Face Oil (formulated to achieve the same results as retinol) against a 1% synthetic retinol, which is considered a high over-the-counter-concentration in product formulations. Researchers found the Emma Lewisham oil to have 32% higher fibroblast proliferation (the process that makes collagen) than the retinol tested, alongside another leading brand. It was also proven to stimulate cellular collagen production, the building blocks of good skin. With this recent research — conducted here in New Zealand — Emma Lewisham’s entirely natural (but still highly nuanced) formulation has come out on top, an unsurprising result for those who have tried it.

Trinity Bioactives’ Director of Research, Dr Paul Davis, explains that the enhanced formula was the standout performer when it came to the biological processes that lead to collagen production and skin rejuvenation. “This is impressive and shows that Emma Lewisham’s formulating philosophy, which is rooted first and foremost in the physiology of the skin, demonstrates an ability to work with the skin to enhance its own bioactivity potential and achieve amplified results.”

Emma Lewisham Vitamin A

By boosting collagen production, promoting cell turnover, and reducing the activity of enzymes that break down collagen, Vitamin A has become an essential ingredient in our skincare routines. The ritualistic nature of its use helps to revitalise and enhance the overall health and look of the skin, allowing the formidable agent’s most loyal converts to tap into the confidence of an effervescent glow.

The Supernatural Face Oil itself, one of the foremost products in Emma Lewisham’s range, differs from traditional retinol in many facets. Formulated to imitate the effects without the harsh processes, it is a more nourishing and gentle product, which means that the skin can absorb the properties it needs without undue stress and irritation — and the abundance of complications that one faces when incorporating retinol into a routine for the first time. It allows flexibility in routine and virtually no necessary downtime, just an improved glow from the get-go.

The enhanced formula, comprised of 15 scientifically-backed ingredients, finds its strength in binding innovative chloroplasts with bakuchiol to create a powerful complex on the skin. The plant extract has garnered such notoriety for the retinol-like results on the skin by binding to the skin’s Vitamin A receptors and evoking a cellular response. Additionally, for those who need it, this plant-based Vitamin A oil is safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Soon-to-be and new mothers have often been left out of this skincare category at a time when they may need it the most, yet this natural formulation raises no cause for concern — whereas any chemically-derived counterparts should be avoided entirely.

So, while the efficacy of ‘natural’ and plant-derived ingredients has seemingly been up for debate, finally there is tangible, measurable proof that this approach to beauty is better. After all, with what we know about some skincare ingredients, wouldn’t we all prefer a natural alternative? For me, this is proof that the natural approach is more than enough. And so, with greener ambitions, we will be lathering our faces in Emma Lewisham’s enhanced Supernatural Facial Oil as part of our daily routines — one step that is nothing less than essential for lasting radiance.

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Serving its iconic modern-Indian cuisine and new menu dishes, Cassia has re-opened at SkyCity

Having suffered at the hands of a number of unfortunate weather events over the last year (which forced it to close twice), iconic stalwart Cassia finally made the call to close its Fort Lane address for good and has just reopened with a brand new restaurant and a new lease on life at SkyCity (in the site where The Grill once stood).

Having undertaken a swift turnaround since its Fort Lane closure (in order to meet the demands of its many fans) Cassia at SkyCity is a restaurant re-imagined. The menu here, like most, is designed to share. Rich in flavour and diverse textures and tastes, the menu still encapsulates Owner Sid Sahrawat’s signature modern Indian fare and continues Cassia’s tradition for culinary excellence, marrying classic, crowd-pleasing dishes with a number of new additions, too.

Left: Interiors. Right: Cassia Dinner Menu

Despite the fact that Cassia’s new space has only been open a few days, the new Tandoori Chicken Taco is a testament to Cassia’s (and Sahrawat’s) commitment to culinary innovation. Elsewhere, the restaurant’s beloved Charred Eggplant, served with buffalo curd and sweetened with tamarind, has remained (with a slight tweak) as an old favourite for many. Any dining affair here should be finished with Cassia’s Chocolate, Coffee, Miso & Almond Dessert — a sweet and salty little morsel to round out the meal perfectly.

Charred Eggplant, Buffalo Curd, Tamarind

The restaurant itself, full of comfortable corners and cosy nooks, is contemporary, intimate and chic. It feels like an ode to Cassia’s former Fort Lane address, with much of the fit-out of the old restaurant used to create the new, and yet, it also marks an evolution. Just like the Cassia of old, the fit-out here has been conceived using the concept of ‘Agni’ (fire, light and warmth), where Cassia’s iconic lights sit alongside vibrant Holi artwork that brings bursts of colour. Of course, the original Cassia signage sits proudly above the new doors. “We want to recreate the look, feel and warmth of the old Cassia but add a few new features to mark our new beginning,” Sahrawat explains.

Left: Sid and Chand Sahrawat. Right: Khari Baoli with gin, Darjeeling tea, garam masala, burnt honey.

Here, Sahrawat and his wife Chand continue to be the fearless leaders in Indian gastronomy; now offering their exquisite food and meticulous service under SkyCity’s banner, it could be said that the best of Cassia is still yet to come.

Opening Hours:
Lunch: Friday — Sunday, 12pm until 2.30pm
Dinner: Daily, 5pm until 9.30pm

Cassia

90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD

www.cassiarestaurant.co.nz

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Round up your siblings (or anyone really) for this epic celebration at Archie Brothers

In search of an unconventional and amusing way to celebrate the men in your life on International Brothers Day? Look no further than Archie Brothers, the ultimate entertainment hub, found in Newmarket (and Christchurch, too), offering a veritable treasure trove of delightful, nostalgic fun.

Running at the moment and on until Wednesday, the 24th of May (officially International Brothers Day, by the way), the arcade is offering two-for-one bowling, meaning that you and your brothers (or sisters, or best friends) get more bang for your buck. To make the celebration all the more exciting, Archie Brothers is also giving away spot prizes, including venue vouchers, gaming tech and gym vouchers, meaning the merriment may extend well beyond your visit.

Archie Brothers

Admittedly, we were unaware of the holiday’s existence until very recently, but we consider it a deserving cause for celebration. (We’ll find any excuse for a party.) So, whether you’re related by blood or by friendship, everyone is invited to partake in the offering and have a shot at winning prizes. Anyone can use the code ‘BRODAY241’ to book bowling online, and there are some food deals are available for walk-ins.

In addition to entertainment, Archie Brothers has an extensive selection of diner-style food and whimsical drink options, making it an ideal place to spend the entire day with good company. From indulgent pizzas, hot dogs and burgers to craft beers and cocktails, there’s something for everyone to relish.

Our suggestion? Take a weekend off, and head down to Archie Brothers to celebrate International Brothers Day in the most entertaining way. With the daily deals, rousing spot prizes and always-enticing hospitality, it’s promising an unforgettable day.

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Denizen’s definitive guide to Auckland’s best pilates studios

As floods and storms render our days indoors, we’ve had to be a little flexible with our workouts of late, and pilates slots right into our shifting schedule as a sure-fire way to improve physical strength and posture, as well as enhance mental awareness. As the results show, the pilates studios we prefer are intensive, innovative and inclusive, with several offering online sessions (for those not fatigued by at-home exercise) to quash any rainy day excuse.

Core Collective, Auckland CBD
Core Collective’s boutique pilates method is tailored to target all the areas of the body we want to tone. After travelling the globe, Owner and Instructor Kate Hanline has worked at the epicentre of the evolving discipline, and created a unique training style that is intensive and energising, while encouraging strength and muscle gain. The convenient CityWorks location just makes it all the more enticing.

Wild Pilates, Online
Wild Pilates’ win feels extra pertinent as the former boutique Newmarket studio pivoted entirely online in recent years, with 250 on-demand classes. In this virtual set up, Founder Laura Mohi gives individuals of all levels the opportunity to have their very own personal pilates studio, whether they have a quick 15-minutes to target a specific area, or time to really sweat. Most of all, it’s about finding that wellbeing connection.

Reform Fitness, Citywide
The latest bow in Reform’s string was formerly known as Kcore, a studio they found themselves aligned with in high-performance style that is all about increasing strength, co-ordination, flexibility, balance and general fitness. These signature 55-minute classes work every muscle in your body, including ones you didn’t even know existed, and the addition of Cardiolates/HIIT introduces equipment like spin bikes and kettlebells for a seriously gruelling workout, in the best kind of way.

Sala, Ponsonby
Any regular attendees to Sala will know there’s an almost transcendent feeling that arises during the boutique fitness centre’s classes. With the studio’s renovations complete, which includes the introduction of a 16-bed reformer pilates room, this holistic studio now feels like a bastion of spiritual wellbeing. Whether you’re a yoga devotee or a Pilates aficionado; building strength or sweating it out with cardio, you can be sure you’re in good hands with any one of Sala’s encouraging, knowledgeable teachers (including our own Tiffany Low, who’s reformer classes are somewhat of a religious experience).

Studio Three, Grey Lynn
Viv Gallagher’s Studio Three is the perfect melding of all modalities that contribute to a long and lean physique. Take your pick between reformer and mat pilates, or you can even dabble in barre, TRX and yoga classes, with an impressive roster of instructors that promise to work you hard (in the best kind of way).

The Pilates Club, Riverhead
Found in the serenity of Coatesville, The Pilates Club beckons seekers of personalised transformation. With its intimate five-reformer studio, this boutique haven allows for bespoke classes, ensuring utmost attention to form and the swift achievement of individual goals. In this sanctuary, instructors devote themselves wholeheartedly to guiding their patrons towards their desired results, creating an idyllic refuge from the impersonal sprawl of larger classes and commercial gyms.

Stella Pilates, Mobile
In this busy City, Stella Mitchinson emerges as a beacon of convenience and self-care with her mobile pilates service. Understanding the demands of a hectic life, the teacher aims to bring the transformative power of pilates to the doorstep of her clients, be it in the comfort of their homes or workspaces. With her certification and wealth of experience, she curates personalised mat pilates sessions that cater to individuals of all fitness levels, including those in the pre- and post-natal stages, leaving you with a renewed sense of wellbeing.

Re:Ab, Grey Lynn
Re:Ab stands as a sanctuary where the rehabilitational and physiotherapy aspects of pilates seamlessly converge. With a deep understanding of the human body, the studio incorporates its extensive physio knowledge into the exercise regimen, ensuring a safe and effective experience for all. Their experienced instructors foster a supportive environment, offering modifications and progressions tailored to individual needs, while the small class sizes and variety of props enhance the workout, creating a space where one’s mind and body are worked to the best of their abilities.

Unity Studios, Mt Eden & Northcote
Within the embrace of Unity Studios lies a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and addressing the repercussions of modern lifestyles. With spaces in both Mount Eden and Northcote, this studio curates intelligently designed classes that blend the foundational principles of pilates, yoga and strength training. Grounded in functional movement and evidence-based physiotherapy, Unity Studios not only guides clients towards achieving their goals but also facilitates a proactive approach to health, making every moment spent in their pilates class (be it reformer or mat, group or private) a harmonious union of movement, treatment and vitality.

The Pilates Room, Pukekohe
Since its establishment in 2018, this boutique studio has been a haven of transformation, offering a diverse range of reformer, equipment and barre classes, as well as private training options and rehabilitation support. With a focus on integrating body, breath, movement and awareness, The Pilates Room nurtures a deep understanding of personal health and wellbeing, inviting individuals at any stage of their journey to reconnect with their bodies.

Katie Swift Pilates, Mobile
As a fully qualified instructor, pregnancy and postpartum specialist, and a registered member of NZ REPs, Katie Swift’s credentials lend credence to her ability to guide one’s pilates journey. With a background as an ex-professional dancer and international fitness teacher trainer, her refined skills are infused into each in-person session, be it at her Pukekohe studio or within the comforts of one’s own home. For those seeking flexibility and convenience, Swift also extends the option of delving into the realm of online pilates through their comprehensive on-demand library, transcending physical boundaries and providing access to transformative workouts at your beck and call.

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The lounge features the Gervasoni Brass 95/96 pendant from ECC, Hem Puffy lounge chair from Tim Webber, Knoll Mr Chair from Studio Italia.

Inside a sprawling three-storey Melbourne home full of unexpected twists & surprising spaces

For anyone with a growing family, the question of space is always front of mind. And usually, it is the question of how a family home can be made to cater as much to the needs of the parents as to those of their children. (The answer typically requires some serious strategic and design-led thinking.) 

Enter the Hideaway House — a striking family home located in Melbourne’s inner east, in which Chris Stribley, Jessica Coulter and Steve Woo of design studio Cera Stribley created a series of exquisite spaces for a growing family, as well as dreaming up a whole new extension in which the adults could decompress, entertain or simply spend some time alone. Via a clever, hidden-from-view wing that maximised floor space and added a number of unexpected elements, this project saw the architects and designers transform an existing three-storey home into a sprawling, private playground, full of unexpected twists and surprising spaces, proving that it is indeed possible to create a functional family home that doesn’t require compromise on style.

The lounge features the Hem Puffy lounge chair from Tim Webber, Iittala Alvar Aalto 16cm & 21cm vases from The Studio of Tableware.

The dining room features the Knoll Mr Chairs from Studio Italia and the Gervasoni Brass 95/96 pendant from ECC.

The process began when a plot of land adjacent to the original house came up for sale. And, having purchased it with a dream of expansion, the homeowners approached Cera Stribley to help them bring their vision to life.

To start, the team excavated the land extensively in order to create space for what would become a sunken, subterranean oasis and recreation zone, in which they added an indoor pool, a golf room, a gym, a basement bar and a private lounge. Inspired by the suave, after-dark aesthetic of Mad Men and Batman’s iconic Batcave, the extension was designed as the ultimate retreat, or ‘lair’, with the architects connecting it to the main house via an underground passage.

The basement lounge features two Cassina Utrecht armchairs and the B&B Italia Alanda 18’ coffee table both available from Matisse, Arflex Naviglio sofa from Studio Italia and two Flos Taccia table lamps from ECC.

The basement lounge features the Cassina Utrecht armchairs and the B&B Italia Alanda 18’ coffee table both available from Matisse and the Flos Taccia table lamp from ECC.

“The architects and designers transform an existing three-storey home into a sprawling, private playground, full of unexpected twists and surprising spaces”

Left: The wine cellar features the Tom Dixon Tank Whiskey decanter and wine glasses from ECC. Right: Roly Poly chair from David Shaw.

“The team excavated the land extensively in order to create space for what would become a sunken, subterranean oasis and recreation zone, in which they added an indoor pool, a golf room, a gym, a basement bar and a private lounge”

Given that the land above the new basement was turned into a tennis court, the designers had to consider how to introduce natural light to the space, eventually doing so via a long lightwell placed at its north boundary, complete with planter boxes at basement level. The positioning of this allows light to amplify the space in the lair, and results in dynamic reflections that bounce off the walls from the pool’s surface.

From its layout to its look, the basement epitomises laid-back, luxurious leisure, and has been designed as the perfect hosting space. Its moody material palette of sleek concrete, marble, stone and granite cultivates an air of calm sophistication, which is only enhanced by tones of grey and blue, set against the dramatic silhouettes of stoic stone walls and pillars.

The Cera Stribley team also reconfigured the ground floor of the existing house, adding a new guest suite where the original garage stood and reimagining the living areas to better frame and connect with the new tennis court and backyard area. There, the designers employed materials like timber, a warm, tonal palette and soft, plush furnishings to create the ideal family hangout space. They also created a range of bespoke fixtures and fittings for the interiors here, from a new wine cellar to a marble bar to a striking, cantilevered fireplace, elements that give the home a sense of cohesion, as well as a distinct style.

The Hideaway House embodies the perfect balance between robust materiality and light-hearted, contemporary elegance. Cera Stribley has created a home that offers seclusion and privacy as much as it does openness and connection. One could feel a world away from anywhere during their morning swim, but by lunchtime, be immersed in the bustling nature of family life, before finding themselves hosting a sophisticated dinner for friends in the evening. And while the central subterranean idea here feels unique and innovative, the spaces that Cera Stribley created are purposeful, curated and wonderfully uncomplicated, offering a masterclass in how to cultivate the ultimate, modern family home — one that works for every member. 

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Cocoon yourself in cashmere with the softest, most sumptuous pieces to buy now

As one of the world’s finest wool fibres, cashmere is as chic and sophisticated as it is soft and utterly warm. Taking classic knitwear to the next level, anything rendered in cashmere is guaranteed to become a sartorial mainstay in the cold months, whether it’s a favourite cardigan, some cashmere sweat pants, or even a pair of simple socks. An essential piece of the winter wardrobe puzzle, cashmere is back and better than ever this season with a raft of local and international designer options to suit any style or need. Here, we round up our picks of the new cashmere cohort, so that you can add a sumptuous twist to your winter looks.

Womenswear

There really is a kind of cashmere to suit any kind of taste or body shape, ranging from uber-feminine sweaters in soft, pastel tones, to basic but chic base layers, to structured overcoats in darker, more severe tones. Here, we recommend taking a layered approach — a sweater-vest or a cardigan for everyday pursuits, paired with some outerwear for when it’s time to venture out of the house.

Short Sleeve Cable Crew
from Elle & Riley
Loewe Asymmetric Cardigan
from Faradays
Cashmere Gilet
from Dadelszen
Lee Mathews Cocoon Coat
from Muse
V-neck Sleeveless Sweater
from Dior
Essential Crew Sweater
from Elle & Riley
Cashmere Blend Sweatpants
from Moncler
Anine Bing Quinn Blazer
from Superette
Soft Goat O-Neck Tee
from Muse
Horsebit Jacquard Cardigan
from Gucci

Accessories

Is there anything more luxurious than wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf or putting on some soft socks at night? Beyond their style credentials, cashmere accessories have the ability to add extra warmth when needed and are the perfect finishing touch to any winter look.

The Ultimate Scarf
from Louis Vuitton
Fingerless Gloves
from Gucci
Plan De Paris Blanket
from Dior
Loewe Anagram Blanket
from Faradays
Heart Socks
from Elle & Riley

Menswear

Of course, cashmere is as much for men as it is for women, and this season there are a number of sleek, elegant pieces for the guys to fold into their sartorial repertoire. From simple sweaters to elevated lounge pants and a half-zip or two, the cashmere menswear is a study in quiet luxury.

Crew-neck Sweater
from Prada
Monti Athletic Sweater
from Dadelszen
Inside Out Pants
from Louis Vuitton
Wool & Cashmere Sweater
from Moncler
Spencer Sweater
from Elle & Riley

Coveted

Cartier has opened the doors to its newest boutique in the heart of Melbourne
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Tiffany & Co. unveils its dazzling Blue Book 2025 collection, Sea of Wonder, in an extraordinary celebration at The Met

Need a weekend read? Meet the fascinating, new non-fiction books we’re loving right now

From a deep dive into the idea of time and the social constructions around it to a memoir from one of our most successful film-industry exports, we have line-up a selection of relatively new non-fiction that is fascinating, informative and moving.

Stash: My Life In Hiding

by Laura Cathcart Robbins

In this confessional, the author and host of the beloved podcast, The Only One in the Room, shares her story of finding sobriety and self-love, and the detours that she needed to take to find herself there. With a certain kind of candid openness, where Cathcart Robbins acknowledges her privilege, she shares that this does not always protect you from pain. Weighty, and occasionally witty, it’s the kind of raw honesty that we all need to read from time to time.

Who Gets Believed?

by Dina Nayeri

It is the age-old question: in times of disagreement and conflict, who gets believed? Dina Nayeri’s literary exploration considers the many factors that play into this outcome; race, class, and refugee status, all of which speak to the author’s experience. Dubbed essential reading, it asks why honest asylum seekers are so often dismissed as liars, and posits the unsettling questions that are so ingrained in the human experience. 

A courageous and brilliant read.

Saving Time 

by Jenny Odell

The cult of Jenny Odell has emerged as a beacon of resistance against the relentless pursuit of efficiency and technology-dependence that have come to define our lives. Now, with the release of her latest work, Saving Time, Odell delves even deeper into the cultural construction of time itself. For those who find the phrase “time is money” to be stifling and limiting, Odell’s new book promises to be a liberating and thought-provoking exploration. 

A Small Town In Ukraine

by Bernard Wasserstein

Until recently, Krakowiec was a small town that most had never heard of, but as the situation in Ukraine only continues to intensify, these small rural villages are being thrust into the international spotlight. In this exploration of the writer’s ancestral hometown that began decades ago, Wasserstein traces the arc of history across centuries of religious and political conflict, as he watches his people once again flee their home.

Love, Pamela

by Pamela Anderson

Relegated to spending her life as the most well-versed sex symbol of her time, Love, Pamela is the Baywatch star’s first written account of her life so far — where she finally lays claim to her narrative for the first time. With a unique marriage of story and poetry, it is honest and raw, and makes for stereotype-breaking reading.

Did I Ever Tell You This 

by Sam Neill

Considered one of our most extraordinary film talents, Sam Neill penned his first memoir in a few short months last year in a flurry of creativity. With signature wit, Neill shares his stories from a life growing up in Christchurch to working with some of the biggest names in the industry. A life that, despite the odds, delivered huge, international success. 

Paris: The Memoir 

by Paris Hilton

While many of us are no strangers to the story and stardom of Paris Hilton and the unimaginable influence she had on 2000s pop culture, this is the first time both fans and critics alike can indulge in an intimate recount from the star’s own perspective. Acknowledging her privilege, the socialite shares her story of enduring the era that broke so many others like her.

The Tastemaker 

by Tony King

You might be unfamiliar with Tony King — but you’ll undoubtedly know the names he has worked alongside. Confidante and creative muse to Elton John, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, here he divulges tales from a life spent on the sidelines of rock and roll.

Culture

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We sit down with artist Mickey Smith to discuss her captivating works and latest exhibition