Creating her expressive, ethereal works from an industrial studio in Te Atatu Peninsula, Loren Marks builds strokes of oil paint atop a watery acrylic base, coaxing the emergence of figures, form, and texture.
Based in Auckland with one foot firmly in the realm of figurative abstraction, Marks credits the development of her practice to her travels through Italy and Greece after completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe, as well as her time spent as a print and textile designer in the fashion industry. With her art in the back of her mind throughout these formative years, Marks returned to painting during the first Covid-19 pandemic-related lockdown in 2020 and has never looked back.
Ever Before, 2021, oil on canvas.
Painting with oil and acrylic is a profoundly intuitive process for Marks. Since the age of eleven, she has “built a muscle memory” of how she feels about “surface, figures, form and colour”. Marks works across several paintings at once, explaining that the oil is “pushed and pulled across the surface”, each layer requiring a week or so to dry out. This drawn-out affair means that Marks can “feel a certain way about the painting one week, and it can be completely different and go in a new direction the next.” She adds that “the oil can be worked back into for days. I use solvents and mediums which either add by building up or subtract to reveal layers underneath”.
Each of Marks’ works creates new questions, the figures and narrative emerging as layers form. Pigments are selected with intention, and as Marks tells me, “colour is like a material that has its own weight”, creating light or shadow to illuminate the canvas.
From left: Loren Marks, All I ask, 2022, oil on canvas.
Art historian and writer Maya Love describes Marks’ work as “paintings in continual flux, alive with the hum of her expressive application and electric colour, offering visions of form”. And these alchemic tenets are embodied in Marks’ debut exhibition ‘Here and There‘ at Sanderson Contemporary, her pieces a symphony of colours and textures that command the viewer’s eye at first glance.
While Marks can become lost in her studio for hours, she regularly practices yoga and meditation, attributing long-distance running to keeping her “centred amidst the chaos”.
Know by Now, 2023, oil on canvas.
An avid art enthusiast, Marks admires the works of George Rouy, Josh Hagler, Tahnee Lonsdale and Star Gossage. A stand-out piece from Marks’ personal collection is a pencil drawing by figurative painter Nour Hassan, housed in a gold frame and acquired at a silent auction for charity at a gallery on Karangahape Road. Marks recently received ‘Fausto and Felice Niccolini: The Houses and Monuments of Pompeii‘ by Roberto Cassanelli as a birthday gift, describing it as “the most monumental and beautiful book I have ever seen”.
I ask Marks if she has any advice for budding creatives. She believes that “emerging artist-led shows are really exciting and are an important part of the art world”, recommending to early career artists the book ‘Navigating the Art World: Professional Practice for the Early Career Artist‘ by Delphian.
Those with an affinity for the finest furnishings will know that there are few destinations more discerning than ECC. They’ll likely also understand that finding ECC’s coveted stock on sale is a rarity, as such pieces are typically in very high demand. However, every so often, we get a chance to shop ECC’s offering at a fraction of the designer price — and we always make the most of it.
On now, ECC’s summer sale is vast and all-encompassing, and in order to assist you to navigate the selection, we’ve compiled a list of the pieces we are lusting over right now. From essential bedroom furnishings from the likes of USM, to intriguing lighting from Flos, and even outdoor furniture from Royal Botania, we’re certain you’ll find something you adore. That said, we recommend getting in quick — these pieces won’t last long on the floor.
We’ve said it once but we’ll say it again, there is nothing quite like the experience of settling into Faraday’s Bar for a delicious bite and something to drink — particularly after a day of shopping. Nestled along one side of the luxury department store, Faradays, in Parnell, this dining destination is the epitome of elegance, from its exquisite table settings and impeccable service to its carefully-considered menu and impressive wine list.
Now, Faraday’s Bar is launching a new seasonal menu, created in collaboration with renowned private chef, Anthony Price which will be available from Thursday to Sunday. Here, diners will find an array of mouth-watering dishes all of which showcase the freshest ingredients, underpinned by delicate Japanese flavours. Handily, everything on the menu is gluten-free, and most are dairy-free too.
For those seeking the full experience, we recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead to be able to partake in options like the Temaki Box (allowing you to roll your own sushi), the Nigiri Boat (with tamagoyaki) and the exceptional Hibachi Grilled Scotch Fillet (served with truffle tarragon wagyu-fat-mayo and togarashi kewpie).
That said, even if you decide to drop in on a whim, there are plenty of delectable a la carte options on this menu too. Think sushi rolls with spicy tuna, fresh salmon or just avocado, tataki dishes with either Angus pure eye fillet beef or peppered venison — both served with truffle frites and tsuyu dressing. There is also an unforgettable kingfish ceviche with togarashi spice, coconut and lime and yuzu cucumber.
Ensuring that every meal here ends on a high note, two new desserts have been added to wrap up the offering perfectly. Chocolate fiends will find comfort in the Dark Chocolate Delice, served with either mandarin or raspberry on an almond base. While those seeking something a little more fruity will delight in the Clafoutis Dessert with yuzu fromage.
In addition, Faraday’s Bar is introducing a rotating Champagne cocktail of the month, kicking off with the new Faradays 75. A take on the classic French 75 cocktail, this tasty tipple is made with Veuve Clicquot, Roku gin and fresh lemon, and will sit alongside Faraday’s Bar’s comprehensive wine menu, with an offering that spans lauded drops from the finest makers in New Zealand and Europe.
Only available from Thursday to Sunday, this new menu will run in conjunction with Faraday’s Bar’s classic Kitchen Menu, available from Tuesday to Friday, on which you will find an array of delectable seasonal dishes like market fish crudo, burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wood-fired bread with honeycomb, whipped goats cheese and truffle oil.
Whatever your proclivity, there’s no denying that Faraday’s Bar is cementing its reputation as one of the best places to dine in Auckland, as perfect for a quick meal or drinks with friends as it is for a longer, drawn-out lunch. And if you are yet to try the offering, this exceptional new menu is the only excuse you need.
New York’s most recent Fashion Week reminded us that even amid uncertainty, there is always beauty in looking ahead. Runways were set against grand architectural backdrops (from the New York Public Library to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum), and designers revealed ready-to-wear collections with just the right balance of drama and sensibility. With garments abundant in luxurious fabrics, captivating colours and sleek shapes, read on to discover five key, highly-wearable style trends for Fall 2023.
Trend one: Dramatic hemlines
From left: Rodarte, Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch.
There was no shortage of long, flowy, and dramatic hemlines on the runway in all colours of the rainbow. However, it was classic black that left a lasting impression, especially through sheer yet tasteful or gleaming fabrications, paired with a chic boot or pump heel.
Trend two: Striking greens
From left: Ulla Johnson, Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Brandon Maxwell.
From deep emeralds to earthy olive tones, striking greens proved just how perfect they were for making a beautifully bright statement, whether in the form of an evening gown or incorporated into everyday attire.
Trend three: Luxurious leather
From left: Brandon Maxwell, Ulla Johnson, Proenza Schouler, Simkhai.
Leather trench coats, high-waisted maxi skirts and cropped garments exuded a contemporary vibe, taking classic staples to new heights and exemplifying trans-seasonal dressing at its finest. Some pieces went so far as to feature shearling accents, offering a more grounded, cosy feel.
Trend four: Exquisite embellishments
From left: Rodarte, Carolina Herrera, Rodarte, Carolina Herrera.
Through considered colourways and sophisticated silhouettes, a grown-up, romantic form of dopamine dressing was displayed through sparkles, embellishments and floral motifs, inspiring us to reconsider our party dressing — and perhaps even our workwear ensembles.
Trend five: Timeless tailoring
From left: Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Simkhai, Tory Burch.
Tailoring adopted a relaxed approach, with oversized fits cinched at the waist with a belt for good measure. Relaxed trousers were perfectly balanced with structured blazers, and monochrome hues endured.
With the last of New York’s Fashion Week showings ending this week, the new Fall collections showing over the rest of fashion month promise to be nothing short of magnificent. After all, fashion’s beauty is found in its resplendent ability to reinvent our wardrobes and transform our moods, season after season.
In the wake of his father, John Croucher’s, passing in 2021, artist Luke Jacomb returned to the ideas that the two of them had explored in their first collaborative exhibition in 2019 — ‘Alembics and Cucubitas: A New Glass Vernacular’. It was an exploration of alchemy and glass science, themes which Jacomb is now revisiting and weaving into new forms for his latest collection, Mercurio, exhibiting at Masterworks Gallery from this Saturday. The vibrant colours and larger scale of these works not only reflect Jacomb’s emotional journey through the grief of loss, but they speak to his personal growth, too. For the artist, revisiting the alembics is a way to reconnect with his father, see him in every piece, and forge a connection that spans the past, present and future.
Left to right: Chariot of Selene, Helios Rides.
Jacomb created Mercurio’s works in Seattle, the current centre for glass art in North America, where he enlisted the help of fellow glass artist and friend Dan Friday, a Seattle native and member of the Lummi Nation, giving the works an unusual provenance. Seattle holds a special place in the artist’s heart, having lived and worked there as both a production and fine artist, forging lasting friendships along the way.
Left to right: Courtship of Persephone, Muse of Apollo.
Mercurio takes its name from the Italian word for Mercury, a substance prized for its unusual chemical properties, and the Roman name for Hermes, the patron god of alchemists. With roots in Egypt and Islam, alchemy was grounded in the idea of transmutation — the process of turning base metals into gold and silver. The creation of gold ruby glass for instance (something that can be seen in this exhibition), relied on the discovery of how to dissolve gold using Aqua Regia. For this, tin metal was added to produce Purple of Cassius, a key ingredient in introducing gold into the glass melt and creating a striking ruby colour.
Left to right: The Eye of Horus, Ra’s Nile.
Glass, with its unique combination of fragility and durability, has retained its magical appeal in the modern age. It is a material that permeates every aspect of our lives, from the most petite water glass to the grandest stained-glass windows of Notre Dame. And while the process of creating coloured glasses may be more scientifically viable today than it was several thousand years ago, it remains no less visually arresting and mystical in its ability to enchant us.
The Lukeke Design Deflated Lamp/Pendant. Photograph for www.karakter.co.nz by Sena Akpalu.
In celebration of the new exhibition, showcased at Masterworks Gallery between Saturday the 18th of February and Saturday the 18th of March, we are giving one lucky Denizen the chance to win a coveted Lukeke Design Deflated Lamp/Pendant in the colour of their choosing (as seen here). To enter, simply click here, or enter your details below.
At-home beauty tech is about the best way to take your skincare routine to a whole new level. From wands to amp-up the effects of serums, to lights designed to smooth out fine lines, these helpful beauty tech tools are utterly essential for any skincare routine (and will make a real difference).
Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand Drawing on the philosophies of her facials that have amassed a cult following, aesthetician Shani Darden’s Facial Sculpting Wand offers the same vibration therapy she uses to firm and contour the complexions of her celebrity clientele. In as little as a week, wrinkles appear smaller and skin more supple, earning the sleek sculpting wand a well-deserved place on our beauty essentials list.
SolaWave Red Therapy Designed to be super convenient without compromising on quality, SolaWave’s Red Therapy Skincare Wand acts as both a gua sha and a light therapy device to depuff and energise skin on the fly. Slim and chic, it will easily fit into any cosmetics pouch for necessary travel and midday touch-ups.
Nurse Jamie Super-Cryo Massaging Orb This revolutionary new body and face duo combines the simplicity of cryotherapy with the indulgence of massage. Intended to be stored in the freezer, then worked across the face, these beauty tech tools invite a new kind of ritual that improves circulation and releases tension; both key elements for an eternal glow. www.net-a-porter.com
Vanity Planet’s Hot and Cold Smart Facial Steamer Best compared to a contrast therapy session for your face, this sink-side steamer manipulates the pores to allow for potent product penetration and moisture retention and eliminates any bacteria concealed underneath the skin barrier. In the thick of summer, it offers an utterly refreshing mist of cool air, too.
TheraFace Pro Marrying all of our most sworn-by skincare devices is the TheraFace Pro — soon to officially launch in New Zealand. Combining the cleansing action of a Foreo, the microcurrents of a NuFace and the LED light of a Déesse Pro, alongside TheraGun’s signature massage function, it is a simple tool to combat all manner of skin sins. Simply swap out the heads to create your own bespoke beauty ritual.
At Azabu Mission Bay, the essence of Japanese culinary heritage meets contemporary elegance. And now, as the restaurant welcomes its new world-class chef Darren Johnson, diners are in for a compelling new experience. Johnson brings a robatayaki-style approach to cooking, an ancient technique of fireside cooking over a charcoal grill, poised to elevate Azabu’s offering even further.
Spending over half of his career honing his skills over a robata grill, Johnson is a seasoned expert in this art. Cooking over charcoal imbues dishes with an almost primal BBQ flavour, and controlling the fire and adjusting the height of the cooking is a delicate balancing act that requires discipline, focus, and precision. As Johnson tells me, a kitchen without a robata grill is almost unfamiliar to him, and the flavour imparted by charcoal is unmatched.
With the unique flavours of expertly prepared meats, seafood and vegetables cooked to perfection over live fire, Azabu’s indulgent menu will showcase this traditional cooking method and offer diners an authentic taste of Japanese culture — anyone who’s tasted the results will guarantee the payoff is worth it.
Situated in an iconic spot by the water, Azabu Mission Bay is truly a hub for Japanese cuisine with a modern touch. The restaurant strongly emphasises fresh ingredients, high-quality products, and traditional cooking methods that complement the robata, offering a trifecta of indulgent food, flavourful cocktails and heavenly views.
To celebrate the launch of the new robata menu at Azabu Mission Bay, we have the chance for one lucky Denizen to win* a dining experience for four people, valued at $500. Visit our Instagram post below to enter. *Ts&cs apply.
In our experience, the easiest way to sweeten a workday is with lunch to look forward to (especially when easing back into the year). Should you need to land a deal, boost morale within the team or simply incorporate some food-based joy into your day, Auckland restauranteurs will always deliver. Next time you need to book a quick and easy corporate lunch, there’s an offering sure to impress from our definitive guide on where to find the most delicious weekday lunches in Auckland.
Harbour Eats For something cheap and cheerful but always certifiably delicious, Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats is a destination we return to time and time again. Offering a somewhat elevated take on the classic food court, Harbour Eats takes up the entire third floor of the Commercial Bay precinct. It features micro-destinations from your favourite purveyors like Fatimas, Bird on a Wire and Wise Boys, and lesser-known favourites like South American Oven and Sunny Town.
Gochu If you’ve got time for a long lunch (this is one instance where we suggest making the time), Gochu’s ‘Leave it to the Chef’ lunch is a delightful way to treat yourself and your colleagues to a culinary adventure. With this menu option, you’ll discover why Gochu is one of Commercial Bay’s most popular eateries, as you indulge in dishes like the famed fried chicken sliders and the delicious crispy eggplant — the latter a dish that’s sure to change the way you think about vegetables.
Mr Morris Corporate lunches often call for a bespoke menu — a notion in which Britomart’s Mr Morris is well versed. Rare are the times you’ll find three courses served in 45 minutes, but here, the kitchen’s understanding of a one-hour lunch break has this down to a fine art. If you let the team know when booking, you’ll receive a quick appetiser on arrival, shortly followed by a seasonal entree to share. This is followed by your choice of main, which comes with a divine seasonal side. The beauty of this menu is that it frequently changes, so you’ll never get bored.
Gochu
SPQR Famously home to one of the City’s most beloved long lunches, with a sought-after vantage point of Ponsonby Road, SPQR is just as divine on a weekday as it is on the weekend. Its tailored working lunch menu allows you the time for two delicious courses (or three, should you be craving tiramisu for dessert), beginning at $50 per person. On this menu, you can choose your own entree and main from a curated selection of SPQR favourites (seared scallops with organic corn and chorizo and the vegan spaghettini, please), which makes it a quick, easy and always impressive choice for lunch.
Chur Bae Since opening in level two of City Works Depot last year (where The Botanist once stood), Chur Bae has garnered a devoted following of local gourmands who adore its divine, Korean-inspired menu. If you can get your hands on one of the sought-after chicken sandos, it makes for the perfect lunch to go.
Huami Yum cha has long been a favourite mode of communal dining, and with Huami’s elevated offering, we’ve never been more convinced. Available from Wednesday until the end of the week, this workday lunch option is an easy way to keep everyone in the group happy and encourage compelling table conversation. While Huami’s menu is expansive, it would be remiss not to order a few servings of the beloved dim sim (the squid ink and prawn are sensational) and the steamed barbecued chicken bun, too.
Deli de Bossi An idyllic grab-and-go destination, Deli de Bossi (the younger sister to the delicious new restaurant Bossi next door) is a destination you’d do well to visit. With an authentic Italian offering, stop by for everything from fresh pastries and shaved meats to the sought-after meals to go.
Milenta Since opening earlier this year to long-awaiting crowds, we’ve been impressed by everything coming out of Milenta’s kitchen, courtesy of Head Chef Elie Asaf’s inimitable talents. Lunches here are another affair and while rumour has it we should expect a new menu in the coming weeks, our favourites of the moment include the pork, paying homage to the restaurant’s Argentinian roots, and the ceviche, which is just as visually pleasing as it is utterly mouthwatering.
The Brit Those seeking a casual long-lunch that could easily roll into a few afternoon drinks would do well to call into The Brit. The epitome of a good gastropub, the menu here focuses on pub classics done well — and an expansive drink offering to match. We’d recommend the Smashed Wagyu Burger if you’re feeling indulgent or the Green Bowl topped with grilled chicken for something more virtuous.
Milenta
The Store This Britomart icon offers the best of both worlds — a deliciously easy restaurant where you can meet friends at a moment’s notice and a takeaway outpost at the back, always perfect for a coffee or sandwich on busy work days.
Ahi Regardless of the occasion, Ahi is a restaurant set to impress. Over lunch, we suggest you opt for the set menu, which provides a concise offering of the revered cuisine for which this Commercial Bay restaurant is known. The Cambridge asparagus with bresaola, mushroom and hollandaise is a virtuous start to any meal, paving the way for Ben Bayly’s famed wild red deer striploin — one of our favourite game dishes in the City. Last but not least, we recommend you finish off lunch with the naked mallowpuff, sure you see you through any potential afternoon slump.
Taco Medic The second Auckland destination for these beloved Queenstown tacos, Taco Medic on Quay Street is perfect for an inner-city lunch on the fly. Cheap and cheerful, but still totally tasty (and entirely gluten-free), it’s a delightful lunch for anyone within the Quay Street precinct.
Federal Delicatessen From Al Brown, this CBD stalwart is Auckland’s answer to the classic New York deli. Here, food is simple, flavourful and utterly indulgent, and guarantees to offer a satiating meal at every sitting. We suggest one of the sandwiches or salads if you’re seeking something light, although a side of Montreal poutine never goes amiss.
Faraday’s Bar Intimate in its nature, at Faraday’s Bar, impeccable service is always guaranteed. The menu here is refined, allowing diners the freedom to choose without worrying about whether they’ll make their next meeting. Seasonally driven and always changing so as to incorporate the freshest ingredients, we are currently loving Faraday’s Bar’s smoked beetroot and avocado, but have to admit that the gnocchi with prawns, charred tomato smoked butte and ‘nduja is also utter perfection.
Onemata
Onemata It goes without saying that one of our favourite parts of Park Hyatt is the inimitable food offering from it’s beloved dining outposts. Onemata, the crown jewel of their offering, has recently announced its Express Lunch menu, where diners can choose a starter and a main (or a main and a dessert) for a mere $55. This offering is available both Thursdays and Fridays, from 12pm until 2.30pm.
Sìso This Remuera favourite offers one of the most delightful lunches on the block. From Wednesday until Sunday, you can make like the locals and devour some of Sìso’s most beloved dishes. Begin with a choice of crispy calamari or a spinach filo pie (which comes doused in brown butter sauce) before being treated to a grilled chicken salad or hand-cut linguini with Skull Island prawns and fermented chilli as the tour de force. Of course, like all good lunches, Sìso’s should be paired with a glass of wine.
Alma This Britomart destination is one we find ourselves frequenting far too often, which is a testament to Chef Jo Pearson’s innovative Andalusian cuisine. Offering the same menu as its delicious dinners, we think it’s the perfect lunch option for when you’ve got a little extra time to spare.
Ebisu Here, in the heart of Downtown Auckland, this Britomart stalwart offers an Express Menu for those needing a good meal in the midst of a busy day. Here, Ebisu offers a selection of its most beloved Japanese dishes, including a chef’s selection of fresh market sashimi and the seared Angus beef tataki to begin, before one of three hero mains (we can never look past the teriyaki chicken). Ebisu is our favourite for a reason — there’s no denying its greatness.
Ebisu
Odettes Should you need a quick catch-up with your team or somewhere to grab a swift bite to eat, Odettes is our go-to for more than just the convenient location. Its lunch menu is ideal for those busier days, with tasty bites and satiating options depending on what you are after. Truthfully, we would eat the buttermilk fried chicken savoury crepe with chipotle, peanut and chilli salsa all day if we could.
The Lodge Bar & Dining As perfect for drinks and a light snack with clients as it is a three-course meal with friends, The Lodge Bar & Dining is a menu that’s always divine for a midweek lunch. With a burgeoning oyster menu, delicious pasta, and a 32-day dry-aged steak that’s genuinely unrivalled, we’d suggest this as your next lunch-date destination.
Williams Eatery Lunchtimes at Williams are always delicious, with a menu that feels like a refined take on the all-day brunch. For a midday pick-me-up, we rarely look past the Eggplant Pita with chilli, tamarind and herbed tahini, but we have it on good authority that the Heirloom Tomato Gnocchi is absolutely to die for.
Andiamo Another destination for a long lunch classic, Andiamo’s midday menu is delightful — and just the kind of lunch set to impress at this time of year. Offering their same beloved meatballs, pastas and pizzettes from evening service, everything is made with fresh and flavoursome, seasonal ingredients and is made all the more perfect when paired with a flute of Champagne.
Now that the long days are waning, and we find ourselves back in routine behaviours of workdays and school pick-ups, we find ourselves seeking entertainment from home in the evenings. It seems that producers globally are aware of this too, and have been creating an impressive schedule of new TV shows that promise to keep us thoroughly entertained. From eye-opening limited series to binge-worthy new seasons, these are the new TV series in 2023 that everybody should be watching right now.
The Last Of Us
If you’re yet to hear about last week’s episode of The Last of Us, save any spoilers until you’ve started the series. Already hailed as one of the most remarkable screen adaptations of a video game among discerning critics, it is set in post-apocalyptic America after a global pandemic destroys civilisation. A little close to home? Don’t let that put you off. This is an absolute must-watch. Streaming now on Neon and Sky Go.
Break Point
Released at the height of the southern hemisphere’s tennis season, Break Point is the new docu-series that follows some of the most extraordinary talents in the sport across the grand slam circuit. Likened to Drive To Survive for tennis enthusiasts, it is as gripping as a final itself. Streaming now on Netflix.
Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street
If Jordan Belfort was the Wolf, Bernie Madoff was undeniably The Monster of Wall Street. This fascinating documentary chronicles the rise and fall of financier Madoff, orchestrator of one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in Wall Street history, who was ultimately exposed at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Streaming now on Netflix.
The Lying Life of Adults
Based on the best-selling novel by Elena Ferrante (My Brilliant Friend), this series takes us to 1990s Naples, where the brash and bold Aunt Vittoria helps her sheltered niece experience a different side of the city, leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. Streaming now on Netflix.
Shrinking
Featuring Harrison Ford at his very best, the new series Shrinking is a case against speaking the truth. Starring Jason Segal as psychologist Jimmy Laird who breaks all the rules by telling his therapy clients precisely what he thinks, this series is equal parts hilarious and moving. Streaming now on Apple TV.
Kaleidoscope
Akin to the choose-you-own path Goosebumps books from our childhoods, Kaleidoscope is a more thrilling five-part series that viewers can watch in any order. Exploring the many different angles and stories behind a heist of $7billion, there are an astonishing 40,320 possible ways in which the show can be watched. Streaming now on Netflix.
Poker Face
This impressive new series ushers in a revival of the ‘case-of-the-week’ murder series, centred around Charlie Cale, a casino worker on the run following a suspicious death, encountering mysteries and solving homicides using her innate ability to detect lies. Streaming now on TVNZ+.
The Snow Girl
Based on the beloved Spanish novel of the same name, this six-episode series follows a young newspaper journalist determined to help two parents find their missing daughter Amaya, who vanishes from a parade in Málaga. Streaming now on Netflix.
With everyone well and truly back in the office for 2023, it’s high time we updated our work wardrobes. Gone are the days of mundane two-pieces, crinkled shirts and dull suiting. Here, we run through a few easy and sleek styles to incorporate into the weekday wardrobe, from power-dressing pieces to casually chic cuts, remembering that dressing for the office today is all about finding the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Tailoring
For women, current trends are taking the classic power suit to the next level. Elevate your office attire with a perfectly-cut blazer and add to the look with a waistcoat rendered in a similar tone. Sharp tailoring is an absolute must for its ability to give your casual, everyday pieces (a midi dress or a pair of jeans, for instance) a more formal edge.
Men, it’s time to swap out boring dress shirts and suit jackets for something a bit more considered and cutting edge. Embrace a fashion-forward look by opting for a double-breasted cut, or by trying something in a more oversized fit. There is a world beyond the suits and chinos you bought five years ago — time to explore it.
From left: Helen Cherry Rae blazer from Workshop, The Garment Marseille vest from Workshop, Embossed Karakoram Pont Neuf jacket from Louis Vuitton, Single-breasted jacket from Prada.
Everyday Accessories
But it’s not just about what you wear, it’s also about the accessories you pair with your outfits. Women can elevate their look with a statement bag, or a piece of exceptional jewellery (Tiffany & Co.’s new Lock Collection has caught our attention for its more contemporary style, perfect for an everyday work look). Men can add a touch of personality with a sleek timepiece or ring.
You can’t forget about the classic white shirt. For women and men, this is a timeless piece, fit for any occasion and able to be dressed up or down with ease. Whether you prefer a fitted, tailored look or a more relaxed, billowy fit, the white shirt is a versatile piece that is an absolute essential in any work wardrobe. Pair it with tailored trousers or a skirt for a sophisticated look, or dress it down with your favourite pair of jeans for something more approachable.
From left: Blouse with ruffles from Christian Dior, Loewe Asymmetric shirt from Faradays, James Perse Standard shirt from Workshop, Short-sleeved shirt from Prada.
Office Denim
While denim has always been a staple of the weekend wardrobe, it has increasingly been making its way into the office environment too, with various iterations of everyday denim now very acceptable to wear at work. Whether you opt for a structured denim shirt or a stylish pair of jeans, denim will add a touch of ‘cool’ to any office outfit. Pair it with crisp tailoring for a more sophisticated look.
From left: Isabel Marant Étoile Nea Jean from Workshop, Washed denim flare trousers from Gucci, Sandro jeans from Commercial Bay, Monogram Patch jeans from Louis Vuitton.
Loafers
Comfort is key when it comes to office footwear, and this season is all about the loafer. The ultimate combination of formal and casual (and the shoe that works with just about anything), the loafer is as chic when paired with womenswear as it is with men’s looks, and whether you opt for a classic black penny loafer or something more statement-making, there’s a style out there to suit every taste.
From left: Boy Loafer from Dior, Isabel Marant Fayor Loafer from Workshop, Leather lug sole Horsebit loafer from Gucci, Major Loafer from Louis Vuitton.
Work Bags
Given that we spend whole days at the office, and a significant amount of time commuting, it’s imperative to have a bag that not only holds all of our essentials but that also doesn’t look out of place against our chic workwear ensembles. From structured totes to sleek satchels and practical crossbody styles, the options here are endless. Our advice? Choose a bag that balances functionality with form perfectly, and don’t be afraid to opt for something that stands out.
From left: Acne Studios Musubi Midi bag from Workshop, Onthego GM bag from Louis Vuitton, Messenger Bag from Burberry, Leather tote bag from Prada.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
