Ecostore has unveiled a sleek new look and a range of hand and body washes, featuring a fresh new packaging design and luscious new scents. And, while the packaging may look different, the formulas within contain the same luxurious plant and mineral-based, skin and planet-friendly ingredients we’ve come to know and love, housed in recycled eco-conscious packaging.
The new, plant and mineral-based hand and body washes feature hydrating harakeke (New Zealand flax) with a soft lather that will gently cleanse, nourish and condition your skin without stripping natural oils. The body wash is enriched with shea butter for a touch of everyday indulgence.
With an alluring array of new scents to choose from, including uplifting peony and guava and sandalwood and amber, these cleansers, which are both gentle on skin and the environment, are the perfect way to wash the day away.
Ecostore is a Certified B Corp and a Toitu net carbon zero certified organisation, with products made in New Zealand; it’s refined new look and elevated new multi-dimensional fragrances only furthering the brand’s standing in efficacious and eco-conscious body care.
Tiffany & Co.’s Blue Book collections are the brand’s highest evolution of jewellery — limited edition or one-of-a-kind pieces that encapsulate every element of the 187 year old maison’s prowess; that of gemstone sourcing from around the globe, a design language that has been in development for nearly two centuries, and a level of craftsmanship that rivals that of the greatest ateliers of Place Vendôme in Paris. (The fact that the collection is named for the original catalogue from the company — the first ‘mail order catalogue’ in the world, first sent out in 1845, is lost on most customers these days.)
Reese Witherspoon and her daughter Ava Philippe
This year, the first of three phases of 2024’s Blue Book collection, ‘Tiffany Celéste’, was launched in Los Angeles at the Beverly Estate, an extraordinary 1930s party palace that was once inhabited by actress Marion Davies and her partner William Randolph Hearst. With its sweeping gardens and cascading pools, the peachy hued property was transformed into Tiffany & Co.’s own home for the evening, with a sparkling guest list that included Reese Witherspoon and her daughter Ava Philippe, Elsa Hosk, Emily Blunt and Suki Waterhouse.
Olivia Wilde
Suki Waterhouse
Elsa Hosk
Emily Blunt
The first phase, like the two that will follow, is inspired by the great Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of all things celestial — from the moon and stars to distant galaxies. Given the vast archives on Schlumberger’s work at the house, including countless sketches and unrealised designs, Nathalie Verdeille, the company’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery – had plenty to work with.
In the ‘Wings’ chapter, Schlumberger’s beloved wing motif and the winged horse Pegasus of Greek mythology who lives on as a constellation inspire feather and wing-shaped patterns that at times sweep or swirl around larger central stones, with warm, yellow gold accents to highlight all those white diamonds set in white gold, and the occasional deep blue sapphire.
The Iconic Star necklace from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Celéste Collection
In the ‘Constellation’ chapter, rare star sapphires — cabochon-cut stones with an ‘asterism’ that gives them a unique reflection — are mixed with traditional sapphires and diamonds in a pair of earrings that could map the night sky, while in ‘Apollo’, the original Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. ‘Apollo’ brooch, pavé-set diamond motifs are all but caged within yellow gold claws across bangles, earrings, necklaces and rings, giving them a retro-futuristic feel only enhanced by the astute placement of gleaming yellow diamonds.
The Apollo earrings, necklace and ring from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Celéste Collection
Elsewhere, extraordinary ‘freeform’ aquamarines – stones that haven’t been traditionally cut and faceted but instead tumbled and polished to create mesmerizing limpid, organic forms — combine with sapphires, zircons, mother of pearl and diamonds in extra-terrestrial looking pieces fit for an intergalactic queen, while vibrant red spinel, in luscious raspberry tones, is the hero gem in the ‘Ray of Light Chapter’, which culminates in one extraordinary necklace that transforms into a tiara.
Tiffany necklace that transforms into a tiara from the Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Celéste Collection
Such was Schlumberger’s output and genius during his time at Tiffany & Co., there’s no threat of his work ever ceasing to inspire the contemporary creations — and thank god for that — we earthlings are in awe.
Bringing the whimsy and wonder of Van Cleef & Arpel’s captivating timepieces to life, the maison’s Poetry of Time Exhibition — on now until the end of the month in Melbourne’s Chadstone shopping centre — delves into the storied jeweller’s history, exploring its most emblematic sources of inspiration via a dazzling display of 40 exquisite timepieces.
Here, horologists and novices alike will discover a poetic universe, encompassing three unique worlds the maison holds dear: Love Stories, Enchanting Nature, and Poetic Astronomy. Each theme is enlivened by the bespoke timepieces, with time taking on new meaning as it’s depicted by not dials dictating hours and minutes, but the enchanting, graceful movements of nature, feminine figures, and love stories.
Fairies and ballerinas tick away the hours, while the rhythm of nature meets the cadence of the cosmos, as each timepiece relates a tale of grace and enchantment. At the crossroads of inventiveness and fantasy, VCA’s creations interpret the measurement of time as an invitation to imagine, dream and rejoice.
Beyond gazing at the watches, which is reason enough to visit, the exhibition also presents an opportunity to craft a love story of your own, with the option to write and post a heartfelt letter to a loved one whilst there, with a bespoke Van Cleef & Arpels’ postcard inspired by the striking Parisians cityscape timepiece.
This incredible watch, in fact, is perhaps the exhibition’s most striking feature, and truly a sight to behold. A watchmaking signature of Van Cleef & Arpels since 2010, the Lady Arpels Pont des Amoureux features a tender reunion, depicting two lovers as they move towards each other throughout the day to share a kiss at noon and midnight, set against a backdrop that recalls Parisian streets. The timepiece is revealed in different tableaux, depicting the kiss in daytime, nighttime and seasonal variations, offering an always changing and ever-alluring piece.
Ultimately, what sets Van Cleef & Arpels apart is the maison’s unique and captivating blend of inventiveness and fantasy. A VCA timepiece is not only a work of art in its own right, but a journey through the poetry of time; this exhibition a continuation of that vision.
The Shark HydroVac Pro XL Cordless 3-in-1 Cleaner (say that fast three times) is the new, multi-purpose home appliance changing the face of home maintenance — and we’ve got one up for grabs. An essential chore, yet one we all sigh at the thought of, cleaning the floors has long been a laborious task, and one that requires multiple appliances and some serious elbow grease. Add the fact that, in Auckland at least, a large portion of the homes within which we dwell are villas — most of us have a whole lot of flooring to maintain.
That’s where the Shark Hydrovac comes in — offering multi-surface cleaning, tackling both hardwood floors and rugs with a powerful suction vacuum and hydro-mopping at the same time. The clever, cordless tool boasts powerful suction capabilities, swiftly clearing debris and dust, while the antimicrobial brush roll deep cleans, removing hard-to-lift marks — across both solid surfaces (wooden flooring and tiles) and soft flooring (to spot-clean carpet or area rugs).
Adding further still to its impressive capabilities, the HydroVac’s odour neutraliser technology keeps your home smelling fresh, while the handy self-cleaning mode ensures the unit stays fresh for every use. Win, win.
Given the increasingly busy lives we all lead, between demanding work schedules, kids, and social engagements, a clean and tidy home is often the first thing that is sacrificed — often to the detriment of our sanity. But that needn’t be the case (tidy home = calm mind, after all). Shark’s innovative new all-in-one HydroVac cuts cleaning time in half — its impressive efficacy also reduces the frequency of cleans, meaning more time to spend on the things that count.
It was Audrey Hepburn who famously said “Paris is always a good idea”, a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with, particularly in light of the upcoming Paris Olympics. So if you’re headed to the City of Light soon, these are the places we suggest you seek out.
Paris has no shortage of iconic landmarks, the Musée du Louvre, La Tour Eiffel, and a glimpse at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris being some of the most renowned and well-frequented. Yet it is those less-obvious, like Jardin des Tuileries’Musée de l’Orangerie which famously holds Monet’s Water Lilies, and Fondation Louis Vuitton that exists as a museum for this esteemed brand, housing Bernard Arnault’s private art collection, that are worthy of visiting. Both Palais Garnier and Palais Royale should be regarded essential stops for anyone with a penchant for the architecture of the City, and Atelier Brancusi is an intimate gallery space that is an ode to the famed wood-sculptor. If all else falls short, the views from atop the Arc de Triomphe are second to none.
With such a formative lens on the world of fashion, from the legends of Haute Couture to emerging designers and quaint boutiques, shopping in Paris is an essential activity. If this is your first trip back to Paris in some time, Dior’s 30 Montaigne flagshipis a must — offering two floors of shopping, a gallery, patisserie, restaurant, and even a guest suite designed to host the brand’s most loyal devotees. Those seeking a one-stop shop should call into La Samaritaine or Printemps, two of the largest luxury department stores in Paris, as well as Le Bon Marché, a historic shopping temple that needs little introduction. For a more bespoke, boutique experience, The Broken Armand Leclaireur offer a curated selection of exceptional designers, Kiliwatch is a treasure trove of vintage designer wares, and Dary’s and Karry’o are both a must for exquisite vintage jewellery. You’ll be amazed by what you can find at Chez Sarah Vintage and Good Jo. Buly 1803 is an impressive, historic beauty emporium, Marin Montagut is the famed artist’s flagship for homewares, Castor Fleuristeoffers divine florals in Le Marais, should you need them, and literary folk would do well to pay a visit to Shakespeare & Company, a historic beacon of excellence.
More than just somewhere to rest a weary head, these Parisian hotels, both iconic and new, are earmarked for offering the kind of stay that one would expect in the City. Grand old dames like Le Bristol Paris, Ritz Paris, and Hôtel Lutetia stand tall alongside new guard operators, such as the sleek and chic Bulgari Hôtel Paris, an 8th arrondissement darling on the corner of Avenue George V and Rue Pierre Charron and Saint James Paris with its smart new interiors from Laura Gonzalez and idyllic locale next to Bois de Boulogne that makes the stay so enviable. For a convivial stay in a lively hotspot, look no further than Le Grand Mazarin, where you’ll find a vibrant bar and secret cabaret in a camp and impossibly chic locale. Regardless of where you find yourself, you’ll find the old world charm in destinations like Cheval Blanc and Hôtel De Crillon, and a new outlook at Cour des Vosges who’s polished, pared-back interiors stride away from Parisian classicism in the coolest way. While, set in an illustrious palace overlooking the Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon is a celebration of Paris and the French spirit of art de vivre — timeless, legendary and unabashedly elegant.
No trip to France is worth it without indulging in some Parisian delicacies. From restaurants that offer picturesque views to some of the most delicious and chic under-the-radar spots (that are just as delicious), Paris has something for everyone. Girafe, alongside it’s fine seafood-focussed fare, offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, whereas Jean-François Piège’s La Poule Au Pot serves typical French cuisine like foie gras and escargot in an unassuming little spot opposite Colonne Médicis. If it’s joie de vivre you seek, Lapérouse has been a proud host of it in the 6th arrondissement since 1766. Elsewhere, Loulou Restaurantand Le Voltaireboth offer truly exceptional European cuisine, the former famed for its stunning outdoor setting within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the latter with views of the Louvre from its terrace. For something more casual and fun, Clown Bar can always be relied upon with an elevated bistro menu and a bar that keeps one aptly libated, while BB Blanche is a beautifully decorated art noveau restaurant perfect for a leisurely lunch.
From the cute cafés that promise to wet the whistle, to the hotel bars that offer something distinctly more glamorous, to the intimate bars that serve drinks late into the night, Paris has no shortage of places to imbibe. Consider Pavillon Puebla, with its lush garden surroundings in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont when the languid afternoon is calling or Les Ambassadeurs, tucked away in Hôtel De Crillon for a necessary pre-dinner drink. Bisou’s outlook is decidedly Parisian, with tables that flow out onto the footpath and a self-proclaimed ethos of ‘sexy’, and Le Très Particulier brings the outdoors in with it’s stunning greenery-filled atrium and trendy Montmartre postcode. Just steps from Les Marais is Candelaria, an intimate and effortless Mexican restaurant and bar, and from here, head to Dirty Lemon, a little cocktail bar where you can easily while away an evening.
Much like a warm hug, the humble toasted sandwich is what many of us turn to when seeking comfort. Cheesy, crispy and supremely tasty, you simply can’t go wrong with a really good toastie. From luxurious interpretations to tried-and-true classics, here are the best toasted sandwiches in Auckland.
Led by masterful Chef Nick Landsman, Gloria’s modus operandi has always been taking the easy lunchtime experience to bold new heights. With a focus on slow food made fast, Landsman’s commitment to quality and convenience shines through in every delectable bite, particularly when it comes to the eatery’s artisan sandwiches, made with the utmost care and attention to flavour and finish. Our pick? The Grilled Chicken and Cheese, with flavourful chicken salad, hot sauce, pickles, and a tasty mix of Swiss and American cheeses.
Fort Greene has earned the respect of every sandwich connoisseur in town for its practice of making every one of its sammies from scratch. It’s almost impossible to choose only one toastie from their spectacular line-up, which includes greats such as The Reuben and The Cubano. Our pick, however, is the kimchi grilled cheese, boasting no less than four cheeses and crunchy housemade kimchi, sandwiched between slices of Fort Greene’s famed sourdough bread.
If you’re yet to try modern Korean eatery Swings, let this be your sign to do so. Serving up a series of mouthwatering Korean toasties, from ‘The Swinger’ with bacon, egg, cheese, pickles, cabbage, and Swings’ spicy cheese sauce, to the inventive ‘Bully’ with egg, lettuce, marinated beef, mayo and Bulgogi sauce, here, toasties reach a new realm of deliciousness.
Bestie is beloved for many things — the killer view, the coffee, the cabinet treats — and the signature toastie. The Towpath cheese toastie is brimming with aged cheddar, spring onions and a layer of quince jelly for good measure. Be sure to add a chilli-fried egg, sunny side up.
Cheese on Toast’s deliciously succinct menu is somewhat of a love letter to the unpretentious toastie. Childhood classics such as creamed corn and cheesy spaghetti are elevated to tasty new heights, no canned ingredients in sight. Each toastie is assembled with Cheese on Toast’s housemade sourdough and signature three-cheese blend, and comes accompanied with a side of pickles.
Given the name above the door, it’s hardly surprising that Toasty knows a thing or two about turning out an epic toasted sandwhich — but not as you know them. Here, thick, pillowy slices of freshly-baked Asian-style bread houses a number of delightful fillings, from the classics to the creative. Try the eatery’s entry into the The Great NZ Toastie Takeover, the Mc Galbi — featuring double tteokgalbi (Korean style patty), cheddar, scrambled egg, fancy lettuce, McClure’s pickles, House-made McClure’s pickles sauce, and parsley.
It would be remiss of us to leave out the deli in the CBD slinging Italian classics — Deli di Bossi. The eatery’s Mortadella Sandwich will have your mouth watering, made with mortadella italiana and mozzarella in freshly baked bread, toasted to crispy perfection.
Al Brown’s much-loved SkyCity eatery is known for doing many things well, and while it may not technically be a toastie, the eatery’s Bacon & Egg Doona deserves an honourable mention. A delightfully simple, effortlessly tasty breakfast roll with crisp bacon, perfectly cooked fried egg, and rocket fuel sauce. Sublime.
If it’s a grilled cheese that you’re after, look no further than the Ellerslie cafe, Pastrami & Rye. Taking simple white bread and smothering it in butter before toasting it, gives the sammie a heavenly, greasy crisp. An assorted line up of cheeses is blended into the filling of the sandwich, offering a medley of flavours with each bite.
As home to some of the best sourdough in town, it’s no surprise Daily Bread is also experts when it comes to crafting a damn good toasted sammie. Cheese takes centre stage in both their offerings — take your pick from the equally excellent three cheese with Mahoe gouda, Mahoe edam, provolone, and brown onion or the goat’s cheese and mushroom with burnt butter and thyme.
No toastie round-up would be complete without Federal Delicatessen’s toasted Reuben. Arguably one of Auckland’s first introductions to this quintessentially American sandwich, the Fed’s version is nothing short of classic. The sinfully good combination of rye bread stacked high with smoked brisket pastrami, sauerkraut and melted cheese is a forever favourite.
Opening during lockdown adjacent to their stalwart eatery on Dominion Road, Cazador Deli — much like the eatery itself, stands out for its incredible game offering. Unsurprising, then, that the deli also knows a thing or two about the makings of an epic toastie. The eatery is currently slinging a Mexican-inspired number with Carnitas (heritage breed pork fried and confit), spiked with mild Mexican spices, smoked cheese, green salsa, and McLure’s spicy pickles.
Not to be confused with aforementioned Toasty, Toastie is a CBD-based hole-in-the-wall specialising in, you guessed it — toasties. Using only the best ingredients and bread from local bakeries, the menu features a range of mouth-watering toasties that pay homage to different Asian countries, including Kaya Toast, Sweet Travel and Egg Drop Toast.
While they may look uncomplicated, one bite of Allpress Caffetteria’s delectable sandwiches will quickly teach you not to judge a book by its cover. Some of the fillings change on a daily basis but the tuna, egg and mayo along with the Reuben are the staples we’ve come to rely on come lunchtime. The fillings in the vegetarian sandwiches change seasonally, but when you see the pumpkin with pecorino cheese and walnut, don’t think twice before ordering.
In the words of iconic rock band, The Chills, “I love my leather jacket; I wear it all the time.”
Few garments have remained a wardrobe staple quite like a leather jacket. Equal parts necessity and style statement, a leather jacket has always asserted itself (and will continue to do so) as a key piece for both the fashion set and those who apply a ’buy once, buy right’ philosophy to their wardrobes.
In its many iterations, the leather jacket is timeless, essential, and a provider of just the right balance of warmth and style. Be it in the more elegant and tailored shape of a blazer, or a rebellious take on the boxy biker silhouette, or a tried and true trench, one should always consider the importance of adding a little leather to any look.
There’s little that heats fingers, tums, and dwindling winter spirits more effectively than a hot bowl of soup, and it’s often what we crave come lunchtime during the week. Luckily for us, there are a number of our favourite eateries catering deliciously to this hankering. Equipped with the best destinations to pick up a tasty bowl that will have you warmed and nourished in no time, this is our guide to the most satiating soups in town.
Known as ‘Jewish Penicillin’, chicken soup has a remarkable ability to make one feel like all is right with the world. The Fed’s is truly delicious, and will indeed encourage this feeling of toasty wellbeing, served as it is with shredded chicken and bagel matzo balls.
We’ve all turned to Ripe Deli time and time again to fill the freezer, with their epic selection of hearty meals and nourishing soups, but the eatery also often has a hot soup on offer at their delis — rotating between the much-loved stalwarts they’re known for. Our go-to? The Green Goddess, aka wellness in a bowl.
The stop-in station at Britomart’s beloved Amano (Amano Bakery) is where daily soup varieties are swiftly picked up to-go, alongside a delectable baked good or two — you’ll find the likes of silky pumpkin soup, sprinkled with salty, crispy pancetta on top, served with a piece of Amano’s famous sourdough for dipping.
Hello Mister
Beef, Chicken, Pork or Vegetarian Pho from Hello Mister
Serving as the ultimate remedy for all winter ills, a steaming, fragrant Pho from popular inner-city Vietnamese eatery Hello Mister always hits the spot. We like ours with plenty of chilli on top to really get the eyes and nose streaming.
There are very few winter ailments that this beloved deli’s chicken noodle soup won’t resolve, so authentic and comforting is the recipe. Known for their homely fare, this drop in’s tasty take on the soup we all know and love is just like Mum would make it, and an absolute must on any winter lunch rotation.
As winter sets in, so too do our ramen cravings, or more specifically, our Ramen Takara cravings — as no one does it quite like they do. The go-to bowl seems to be the Chinese sichuan dandan noodle and Japanese ramen hybrid, the tan-tan ramen — a salty, tangy delight featuring flavourful pork mince, stir-fried vegetables, bok choy, shredded leek, and a hearty dose of spice.
As well as offering a great breakfast and brunch, The Store has been a winter soup stalwart in the heart of Britomart ever since it first opened, and this year is no different. The regularly changing soup of the day is served with a piece of ciabatta for a distinctly satisfying lunch meal.
Here in Aotearoa, one in five children are living in households where food can, and often does, run out. And as the cost of living increases, so too does the struggle for many families to put food on the table. Makaia Carr’s charity, Kura Kai, is changing those numbers.
The founder of Kura Kai, Makaia Carr
Kura Kai
The Background
Makaia Carr has long had a passion for supporting Māori youth in New Zealand, and after discovering the ‘compassion freezer’ concept, Carr knew she could make a direct difference to the lives of kids and their families struggling with food security. Starting the charity as a small, personally-led endeavour, Kura Kai has now grown in scale and impact, with 40 high schools and colleges equipped with Kura Kai freezers.
Kura Kai
What They Do
Carr and the Kura Kai team (made up of volunteers) place community freezers full of nutritious, home-cooked meals in secondary schools. Each school is then responsible for identifying who needs support, distributing the meals to rangatahi and their whanau. Funds are raised via the charity to purchase the freezers, which are then filled by local community members who cook family meals to help keep them well-stocked.
The focus on secondary schools is down to what a pivotal time this is in their development, and how these years can shape the course of someone’s future depending on the choices they make. Makaia has seen first-hand how many teens across New Zealand have to leave school to support their family and put food on the table, so Kura Kai is a real, tangible way Kiwis can help in changing that outcome. Carr also saw the fridges as a way to foster a sense of community and teach rangatahi the often lost value of caring for their community, by involving them in identifying whānau that need help and to use Kura Kai as an offering to help those they see in need.
Kura Kai
How to Help
If you want to support Kura Kai, and the 20 percent of kids who don’t have food security in New Zealand, you can head to their website to donate. There are many tiers to choose from, starting at providing a meal for a family, to donating a freezer to a school, to filling a school freezer for a whole year. You can also volunteer to cook, deliver or fundraise, or attend one of the charity’s events. But no matter how you choose to donate — either money or time, you’ll be making a difference to the lives of kids going without. And we can’t think of a better cause to support.
While, traditionally diamonds have more often than not been reserved for ‘special occasion’ wear, recently many of the luxury brands we turn to time and time again have given the ever-coveted stone a more pared-back reimaging, making a strong case for everyday diamonds.
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