With seasonal celebrations filling up our calendars for the weeks and months ahead, the call for a closet brimming with party-approved attire has never been more apparent. From dress codes that call for black-tie glamour to flirty summer minis destined for summer cocktail hour, put your best foot forward this party season with our editors’ line-up of outfit ideas for any kind of occasion.
“Embrace a formal dresscode in all its glamorous glory with floor-length dresses, delicate clutch bags, spectacular diamonds, sparkling sequins and sky-high heels. Here, nothing is ever too much.”
From left: Black Drama gown from Balenciaga. Alexandre Vauthier Demi Couture Dress from Faradays. Cady dress with feathers from Prada. Mach & Machdouble bow sandals from net-a-porter. Schlumberger Trellis earrings from Tiffany & Co. Micro Lady Dior bag from Christian Dior.
From left: Helen Cherryrae blazer from Workshop. Multi-triangle shape earrings from Gucci. Santos DE CARTIER Watch from Cartier. ALAÏA Mule Coeur 90 from Faradays. Midi skirt from Prada. Asymmetric Pleated Dress from Balenciaga.
“When occasions call for a touch of class, keep things simple with a monochromatic look or an elegant suit.”
From left: Tweed sleeveless dress from Gucci. Long skirt from Saint Laurent. Cleo satin bag with crystals from Prada. Givenchy Flounced Plissé mini dress from Faradays. Croc-effect Metallic bag from Burberry. Medusa Platform Pumps from Versace.
“Flirty and festive is the name of the game here. From thigh-skimming minis to eye-catching bags, your sundowner look should be anything but boring.”
From left: Alaïa Spiral Skater Mini-dress from Faradays. Embellished brass hair clip from Prada. Monogram belt bag from Louis Vuitton. Sculptural dress from Louis Vuitton. Acne StudiosDistortion Micro bag from Workshop. Loewe Balloon sandals from Faradays.
Unexpected takes on classic styles are dictating the latest lighting trends, where an ornamental approach is turning everyday lights into bold works of art. From orb-like clusters to cylindrical chandeliers, these eye-catching lights will elevate any space.
Vesper Brushed Silver Pendants by Lee Broom from ECC Continuing the modern ideal of exploring geometry in space, Lee Broom’s Vesper Brushed Silver Pendants are almost akin to a work of contemporary, sculptural art. A divine example of Brutalist design, the pendants were made as an uber-contemporary ode to cathedral lighting, and feature linear, brushed-silver, rectangular forms connected by contrasting circular bulbs. These pendants are at their most excellent when suspended in a cluster above a pared-back space, allowing the play on form to speak for itself.
Plusminus Lighting System by Stefan Diez for Vibia from ECC This iconic Stefan Diez design for Vibia is an ode to abstract versatility. Plusminus acts as a statement of its own; a work of art, a subtle room divider and a lighting source for a more subdued glow. Paving the way for new advancements in lighting, at the core of Plusminus is a conductive ribbon, allowing you to drape, tighten, or display your light in whatever way accentuates the space best. This versatility means that the Plusminus light can be used to its full potential, promising to get any room glowing in no time.
Constellation Pendant by Cassina from Matisse Reimagining the idea of the classic chandelier, the Constellation Pendant by Cassina boasts a design that was inspired by the astral bodies that make up our universe. Via smooth, illuminated orbs made in a white etched and white marble finish, this stunning piece will diffuse the light softly over an entire space and is the perfect centrepiece for any contemporary dining room.
Leaf Pendant by Loomiosafrom Desejo A linear, almost skeletal form makes up the unique design of Desejo’s Leaf Pendant, which was inspired by the elegant curvature of palm leaves. Made from anodised aluminium poles in a range of colours and constructed in such a way as to offer a different silhouette depending on the angle from which it is viewed, this extraordinary light will be a conversation-starting addition to any room.
Cloud Pendant by Apparatus from ECC In what has become one of the signature pieces from the renowned New York-based design studio, Apparatus, the Cloud Pendant comprises a number of elegant orbs that, joined together, create an eye-catching chandelier. Each orb has been frosted by hand to not only create an interesting texture but to diffuse the light in a beautifully soft and subtle way. It’s no wonder this piece is so globally coveted.
ED046 Light by Edizioni Design from Dawson & Co. Unapologetically modern and boasting a strong, geometric shape, the ED046 Light is an arresting addition to any room. Made from a singular brass tube inside of which sits a straight, fluorescent light, this exceptional light is destined to draw attention, and can be combined with others like it to create a more dramatic effect.
Volum Pendant by Snøhetta for Lodes from ECC Akin to a cluster of faraway stars that seemingly light up the night sky, the Volum Pendant is a creation that is best showcased in a cluster. Featuring a series of baubles, imperfect in their positioning, the dynamic nature of this grouping adds movement and intrigue to the pendant’s refined and simplistic form. Despite being little more than a series of spheres suspended in space, the way this light comes together makes it feel like a piece of art, which renders it the perfect centrepiece for a grand foyer or soaring stairwell.
Ghost Light by Resident from Simon James Satisfyingly minimalist but not afraid to make a statement, the Ghost Light, designed by local brand Resident, is a fixture that bridges the gap between contemporary and classic. This pendant combines borosilicate glass cylinders and LED light strips, in a design that cleverly marries technology with materiality. The finished look considers both form and foresight, as it subtly reinvents the pendant as we know it.
For anyone hosting Christmas at their house this year, consider this a public service announcement. There’s nothing like a poorly-dressed dining table to disrupt the flow of a festive family lunch — and nothing like a well-dressed one to help create the perfect atmosphere. So, when considering how your Christmas celebrations will look this year, look no further than The Studio of Tableware. Boasting a vast and varied selection of exceptional products that will help to create the perfect tablescape for any occasion, this one-stop tableware Mecca has long been our go-to when preparing to host and these are our picks for the season ahead.
Whether your style is sleek and simple, or glamorous and decorative, The Studio of Tableware has a range of plates and serving dishes to suit any kind of setup. From the distinctive and undeniably luxurious Versace dinnerware to the more classic Rosenthal collections, there is something here to satisfy any aesthetic vision or themed occasion.
Not all glassware is created equal (despite what you might think). And when the style of glass you choose can greatly affect your experience of the drink it holds, why wouldn’t you opt for the best? Particularly when it’s time to break out those special bottles you’ve been saving for your festive occasion. Luckily, The Studio of Tableware carries a wide range of glassware for any kind of drink and any kind of style, from classic shapes to colourful options and everything in between.
When dressing your table, don’t forget the final touch — a line-up of carefully-chosen accessories that will bring your setup to life. Whether your tablescape calls for an eye-catching candelabra or a sculptural centrepiece, The Studio of Tableware carries a variety of accessories that will enhance any style of dining table, and give your lunch or dinner a sophisticated edge.
Offering the ultimate luxury lifestyle in the heart of Parnell, new development One Saint Stephens has just unveiled its breathtaking penthouse, The One, setting a bold new standard in apartment living, unrivalled in the market here.
Set on a prominent corner site on one of the most sought-after streets in Auckland, One Saint Stephens is setting a bold new standard for city-fringe living. From its sleek, modernist design to its enviable position that will offer residents spectacular views and all-day sun, this exceptional development is responding to Aucklanders’ growing demand for residential solutions that match their cosmopolitan lifestyles, calling for convenience and comfort in equal measure.
As such, all of the 27 apartments (21 of which are sold) at One Saint Stephens have been designed to exacting standards, with luxury finishes, plenty of natural light and access to the building’s world-class amenities (like a wellness area, a pool, a separate dining room for owners and a ‘speakeasy’ bar). And while the development as a whole is comparable to something one might expect to find in a city like London or New York, it is the newly-unveiled premium penthouse, dubbed ‘The One’, that, when complete, will take things to a whole new level — literally.
“The One at One Saint Stephens is fundamentally the best apartment ever offered in New Zealand,” says Martin Cooper of Experiences by Coopers, the co-developer with Mike Sullivan of Countrywide Residences. “Drawing inspiration from global cities, this will be a legacy property for the lucky owner.” Indeed, from what we have seen of The One, there is simply nothing that compares. Similar only to the development’s other, smaller penthouse (accessible by a separate lift) The One has been conceived as a glazed pavilion, perched lightly atop a stone plinth, and will offer expansive, open-plan living areas that have been intentionally designed to allow future residents to define their own spaces with furniture and art. Light will be invited into The One’s gallery space via gently-curved, pod-like forms that will draw the eye towards the living area and beyond, where covered terraces to the East, North and West will be positioned to offer spectacular, panoramic views out to the Waitemāta Harbour and across to the Auckland City skyline. Offering a necessary counter-balance to the openness of the shared areas, The One’s exquisite bedroom suite will provide comforting, private spaces to which the owners can retreat, complete with a beautifully-appointed ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe, carefully designed to provide the perfect storage for those, most special pieces.
Furthermore, celebrated chef Des Harris (previously of Clooney fame) has been called on to advise on the design of the two kitchens incorporated into The One, ensuring that they will be as suitable for personal use as they will be for commercial chefs and waitstaff — should an occasion call for it.
Elsewhere, the One Saint Stephens’ showroom garaging (the design of which has been informed by the automotive minds at Giltrap Group) will offer a generous basement storage space and six oversized carparks for The One which will be able to be increased according to what the owner might need.
“It is incredibly rare to have the opportunity to create something of this scale on the best site in Auckland’s best suburb,” Cooper continues. “Ultimately, there have been very few significant apartment builds in Parnell in the last fifteen years and nothing remotely in the realms of this calibre, both in terms of position and luxury.”
Indeed, The One (when complete) is set to stand as the pinnacle of uncompromising luxury, rivalling the City’s grandest, standalone homes and offering a lifestyle on par with the best seen anywhere in the world. With construction well underway (expected to finish at the end of 2024) this is a rare opportunity to secure an apartment, the likes of which has never been seen here before, and probably won’t be available again for a long time, in one of the most exclusive and luxurious developments in Auckland.
Enticing embroidery, dusty tones and classic shapes collide in these accessories from Christian Dior’s Cruise 2023 collection, capturing the mood of the season perfectly. Inspired by the spirit of Spain, the collection features details that are eye-catching and chic, from pom-pom-lined Saddle Bags to bejewelled sunglasses to floral Book Totes.
So, whether you are looking for a showstopping gift for someone special this Christmas, or are simply wanting to treat yourself, find all the inspiration you need in our picks from Christian Dior’s new-season accessories.
For the intrepid, adventuring type, these handy gadgets and elevated accessories promise to tick all the boxes. From essential, fashion-forward footwear, to tools and tech for those who like to explore the outdoors, this season we’ve curated the ultimate guide to ensure everyone adventurous in your life is taken care of.
Barista & Co Twist Coffee Press from The Studio of Tableware A thirst for adventure needn’t require a compromise on taste; we happen to think good coffee should be readily available regardless of where you wake up each morning. This twist-press emulates the same depth and breadth of a pour-over coffee, with the added convenience of fitting in your pack’s smallest pocket, should you require a fresh cup at a moment’s notice.
Moncler Trail Grip GTX Sneakers from Moncler For when the most rugged of trails call for a more stylish sleight of hand, Moncler can be relied upon for the ultimate shoe that embodies the essence of adventure. Featuring a Gore-Tex exterior for essential waterproofing, and constructed from durable ripstop, these shoes are grounded in a function-first approach.
Moscot Fliptosh Sunglasses from Parker & Co With 20-20 vision in mind, Moscot’s iconic Fliptosh frames are the perfect gift for someone seeking both practicality and style. Designed as a dual-purpose frame, which can be easily fitted with prescription lenses, the style is handcrafted from Italian acetate — a vision of the iconic brand’s 107 years of expertise in eyewear.
Bellerby & Co Globemakers Mini Desk Globes from Mr Porter Inspired by a little old-world glamour, where globes are housed in dusty libraries whose shelves reveal tales of intrepid adventure, these mini versions by the iconic Bellerby & Co Globemakers fit perfectly atop a desk, inspiring a newfound sense of adventure at every glance. The perfect gift for the office worker who would much rather be anywhere else.
Fujinon Techno-Stabilized Binoculars from Photo Warehouse The best kinds of gifts are always those that we would never buy for ourselves, and binoculars are always a welcome addition for any adventurer. Designed to scope out far-flung locations, or pry on wildlife from afar, these Fujinon binos are some of the best on the market. Not only do they offer an innovative techno-stabiliser, and the strength of Fujifilm’s famed technology, but they also offer up to 14x magnification — all without you having to move a muscle.
Swiss Army Knife from Everyday Needs It goes without saying that practicality should be at the heart of every gift for an adventurer, and there are few items more suitable than a Swiss Army Knife — an indisputable fact, according to literally anyone who has one. This iteration from Everyday Needs features an elegant, sustainable European walnut wood, that offers the perfect combination of outdoorsy and chic.
The Weekender Bag in Navy fromHonest Wolf The essential addition for any summer travel is the Weekender bag from Honest Wolf, a local accessory brand bringing quality wool goods back to their former glory. With the textile sourced from husband and wife founders Sam and Sophie Hurley’s 3,300-hectare third-generation farm, this bag fits in overhead cabins — perfect for those who love a last-minute adventure.
Diorizon Hiking Boot from Dior Should hiking be your loved one’s favourite pastime, Dior’s latest boot will see them trekking into the summer in high-end style. Boasting the same kind of aesthetic as our beloved tramping boots, but with a more slender rubber sole allowing for a lighter, easier step, these are the kind of boots you find yourself reaching for more often than you would think (whether a hike is on the cards, or not).
Reto 3D x Retrospekt Camera from Splendid Photo The best adventures are ones with lasting photos that keep the memory alive, and nothing is quite as nostalgic and sweet as a savoured roll of film. This camera in particular is perfectly pocket-friendly, allowing anyone the chance to capture precious moments in the beauty of 35mm.
Located on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the DB11 house is an ode to the ‘Amsterdamse School’ architectural movement (popular between 1910 and 1930) that informed much of the original character of its area. From the outside, its brick facade, wooden window frames and red roof cladding speak directly to this history, but venture inside and you’ll discover how the idea of heritage has been more seamlessly integrated into the design, resulting in a residence that is unique, wonderfully layered and inherently contemporary.
Renowned Dutch firm, Framework Studio, were the designers tasked with reimagining this home for a young family, and for them, moving the residence into the future required first delving into its past. According to the studio Founder, Thomas Geerlings, this meant searching through archives to understand more about the original architect in order to get insight into materials, texture and light. It was this knowledge about the building’s heritage that Framework Studio used to inform its designs, starting with a carefully selected material palette.
Here, white-washed parquet timber flooring, light drapery and clean white walls are layered with dark timber pieces, sculptural steel accents and a generous use of green that, not only connects to the lush gardens surrounding the home, but lends the otherwise minimalist spaces some tonal depth. In using this more organic palette, Framework has managed to create spaces that feel unapologetically modern without losing any of the warmth or comfort necessary for a family home.
Atollo table lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce from ECC, CH58 barstools by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn.
In the kitchen and its adjacent dining area, this balanced design comes alive, where the rigid lines of a marble island are softened by rounded Hans J. Wegner bar stools and a commanding Atollo table lamp. Similarly, a sturdy dining table in dark wood is rendered less severe by rounded legs, raw edges, and the rattan detailing on each of the Pierre Jeanneret chairs that surround it. Meanwhile, painted oak cupboards in a subtle (but sophisticated) neutral tone serve to enhance the contrasting detail in the kitchen’s marble and bring a dimension to the space that white alone couldn’t deliver.
Chandigarh chairsby Pierre Jeanneret.
In the home’s more private spaces, timber has been used liberally (although this time via dark parquet flooring and honey-toned cupboards) to create bedrooms that feel intimate and inviting. Again, while the underlying palette is clean and simple, the tonal accents are cool and contemporary as the green motif continues in an intriguing marble (used on floors and in the smaller bathroom) and understated touches of blue that recall the industrial tones of the steel pieces seen elsewhere in the house.
Framework Studio has cleverly designed a home that is both grounded in its history and prepared for the future. In weaving these two ideas seamlessly into every space, the designers have transcended trends to create a residence that will stand the test of time — the measure of success for any modern home.
Clockwise: Lateral light from Powersurge, Atollo table lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce from ECC, Casey credenza by Thomas Bina from Frobisher.
From left: Tycho II Small wall light from Desejo, Darian sideboard from Desejo.
From left: Egg Sculpture in Solid Ōamaru Stone by Fourth Street Home from Simon James, NVL table by Jean Nouvel Design for MDF Italia from Matisse, Mr dining chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll from Studio Italia.
The mood is certainly festive at Ponsonby Central, the restaurants abuzz with jovial gatherings and the precinct’s infamous Santa statue gracing us with his cheeky presence. To top it all off, newcomer and boutique cinema Silky Otter has just opened its doors, promising to entertain and delight its patrons in serious style.
Silky Otter is more than just a movie theatre, boasting a sleek restaurant and bar area, ‘So Lounge’, which serves fresh fare, barista-made coffee, and delectable cocktails. There’s never been a better reason to make a night of it, and you can even have food and drinks delivered to your luxurious theatre recliner as you indulge in your film of choice.
Movies currently showing at Silky Otter Ponsonby include the highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Menu, and to entertain the children, the newly released animation Strange World. With state-of-the-art auditoriums, each seating 28 people, and the opportunity to hire out a specially-designed space with its very own bar, lounge and Laurent-Perrier screen, Silky Otter will undoubtedly elevate your cinema experience to new heights.
To welcome Silky Otter to Ponsonby Central, we’re giving away the ultimate evening experience for four people — dinner at Inca and a Silky Otter movie experience. Your evening will kick off with Inca’s ‘Let Us Feed You’ tasting menu — a selection of the restaurant’s greatest hits designed for sharing. Then, you’ll head to Silky Otter, where you’ll enjoy a movie and dessert. To enter, fill out the form below. Good luck!
The iconic mini skirt is back at the forefront of fashion once more, with super-short skirts and thigh-grazing dresses daring us to show a little leg. Aside from their obvious appropriateness for combating summer heat, these styles offer super chic, feminine silhouettes that honestly go with anything. Whether you plan on pairing yours with heels and a tailored jacket or simply throwing it over your swimsuit with an oversized shirt — there is a style here to suit any shape or taste.
From left: ALAÏA Hinge Skirt from Faradays, THE GARMENT Manhattan mini skirt from Workshop, Flared miniskirt from Christian Dior.
From left: Lurex tweed mini skirt from Louis Vuitton, Kid mohair and satin miniskirt from Prada, GG tweed skirt from Gucci.
On the ground floor of Auckland’s downtown residential skyscraper, The Pacifica, sits a new Italian restaurant Bossi. Simply step off the bustling sidewalk into its inviting space, and you’ll be instantly transported to a restaurant in Rome, as you take in the sophisticated surroundings, from luscious velvet furnishings to a sleek, curved marble-top bar. In fact, the space is as fitting for an intimate date as it is for an outing with family, lunch with colleagues or a spirited gathering with friends. After all, Italian cuisine is fit for the whole family, and owner Jenna Carter intends Bossi to be a welcoming experience.
Carter had a strong vision for Bossi from the outset. She wants guests to feel like they’ve entered her home for a delicious meal — one that is reminiscent of her experience growing up within a tight-knit Italian community in Melbourne, and time spent with her late Nonna, whose portrait is proudly displayed on Bossi’s wall.
“Opening a space like Bossi has been a dream of mine for years. Born out of pure passion and fond memories cooking with my Nonna, this is an ode to her and her legacy. I’m delighted to finally welcome Aucklanders and visitors alike to enjoy the many dishes my family has grown up with for decades”, says Carter.
From left: Bossi interior, Bossi Lasagne.
Complementing Carter’s nearby Italian deli Deli di Bossi, the Bossi restaurant offers an elevated take on contemporary Italian cuisine. Headed by Executive Chef Shaun Dowling, the passionate kitchen team all have Italian ties in some way or another, and we can firmly say their handmade pasta is nothing short of exceptional. The menu features crowd-pleasers like polenta with mushroom ragu and raviolo filled with egg yolk, the latter a divine and saucy creation cooked to perfection. Dowling’s house-made limoncello is also featured on the cocktail menu and infused into creamy gelato (trust us when we say, you will savour every spoonful). As Dowling puts it, the team have spent months curating Italian dishes that are “synonymous with luxury, without losing their timeless charm”.
From left: Culurgiones with potato, gorgonzola and mushroom ragu, Bossi private dining space.
At Bossi, you may find yourself in an alluring booth, at a table, seated in the upstairs mezzanine (which can also be booked for large gatherings), or in the private dining space (which seats 10). The cherry on top is perhaps the inspired rendition of Michelangelo’s ‘The Creation of Adam’, masterfully painted by mural artist Ross Lewis. And as you revel in Bossi’s elegant setting, if you look hard enough, you may discover other Renaissance-style surprises, like the golden cherubs tucked behind the bathroom doors.
From left: Limoncello Baba, Bossi Exterior.
In our eyes, Bossi is the perfect execution of Carter’s vision, bringing an air of much-needed romance to downtown Auckland. Set to open on Friday the 2nd of December, we suggest you book a table now, as hungry Aucklanders (including the hundreds of residents in The Pacifica above) flock to this delectable new destination.
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