The legendary Dabbawalas of Mumbai have long provided a lunch delivery service to ravenous office workers in the populous Indian city, transporting reusable dabbas (stainless steel lunch boxes) filled to the brim with nourishing, home-cooked meals. With the Dabbawalas famed for their reliability and dedication to the job through the most treacherous conditions (from monsoons to riots), this remarkable food delivery system inspired Aucklander Jaimee Croot to conceive ‘Home Spice’, a subscription service with a local twist.
Dishing up authentic Indian cuisine inspired by the region’s vast and varied flavours, Home Spice’s meals are available for delivery to suburban Auckland doorsteps. Encased in dabbas, once emptied, the vessels can be exchanged for a fresh new set of delicious meals each week — a sustainable solution to the excess packaging often associated with home food boxes.
Working alongside an accomplished Indian-born chef, Croot explains that the decision to deliver South-East Asian meals was deliberate for several reasons, including that the food tastes better over time as the flavours marinate and intensify.
The age-old dabba system is ingenious in many ways. Each container consists of four stackable, oven-safe tins, the bottom filled with rice, the second curry, the third dal, and the fourth chutney. Essentially a full meal for two people (or two meals for one), recipients can conveniently heat the rice, curry and dal tins in the oven. There’s also an option to add on rotis (unleavened flat bread). A daily Indian staple, they go perfectly with dals, curries, and chutneys, stay fresh in a cool place for a couple of days, and taste incredible when warmed for just a couple of minutes in the oven.
For now, Home Spice curates a new menu every week based on what’s in season. All meals are vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) — Croot proves you don’t miss meat when nutritious veggies and protein-rich pulses are packed with vibrant and flavourful spices.
Offering dishes like paneer and yam in fenugreek sauce, white lentil dal, and cashew and coriander chutney, Home Spice resonates with the Indian ethos that cooking is a labour of love. Intricate meals are designed to be shared and everyone eats a bit of everything, coming together and bonding over heart-warming food.
Ultimately, whether you’re after a decision-free dinner, craving a new take on plant-based cuisine, or desire a wholesome meal, Home Spice has you covered. Orders close on a Friday evening the week before delivery, and the dabbas are delivered every Tuesday. A worthy service we hope long continues, like the valiant Dabbawalas of Mumbai.
While talking about party season now might feel early for some, for others, private rooms have been booked, outfits considered and plans already made. After all, summertime is fast approaching and with it, the inevitable onslaught of Christmas parties, end-of-year dos and elegant evening soirées. Now is the perfect time to think about pulling together your party ensembles, and what better place to start than footwear? Elegant, flattering and fit for any occasion, these chic evening shoes will give any after-dark attire a sophisticated edge.
From left: Givenchy G Woven Sandals from Faradays. Claude Sandals from Saint Laurent. Jimmy Choo Meira sandals from Jimmy Choo.
Alexandre Vauthier Fall 22 available from Faradays.
From left: Isabel MarantAnelia heels from Workshop. Aalexandre Vauthier Jacqueline Sandals from Faradays.Idylle sandals from Christian Dior.
For your next overseas adventure, why not opt for a cosmopolitan escape to one of the world’s most iconic cities? Paris, London, New York and Los Angeles promise something for every cultural persuasion. Here we introduce the newest luxury hotels in which to relax and unwind after long days of exploration and discovery.
Embodying romance like nowhere else in the world, Paris is a city that will sweep you up into a lasting love affair. Expect to make precious memories at one of these luxurious new hotels.
Saint James Paris With just the right amount of fun and whimsy, but still romantic by nature, the only château hotel in Paris is a proud statement of splendour. Saint James Paris offers a take on chic country life in the beating heart of the City, with 50 spacious rooms set in a historic boarding house, and an expansive garden offering reprieve and fresh air. Complete with a Guerlain spa and a Greco-Roman-inspired pool, the hotel is poetic but refuses to take itself too seriously. Here, an Art Deco spirit is at home in the bold ode to Parisian architecture, while a spectacular dining contribution from a Michelin-starred chef leaves little to be desired.
Bulgari Hotel Paris Bulgari’s Parisian flagship is the latest in the hotel collection from the luxury jewellery house, taking up residence in the City’s lauded Golden Triangle. Among the rooms and suites, the Bulgari Penthouse is the crown jewel, offering sweeping views over the City and the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights at night, as well as a rooftop garden, and its own private dining room and wellness centre. This level of luxury is emulated throughout the hotel, with fine dining restaurants, and a lounge that feels akin to a members club, although little can top falling asleep to the absolutely dazzling master suite view.
Soho House Paris Set in Paris’ former red-light district, a short stroll from the fanfare of Moulin Rouge, a welcome addition joins the global Soho House roster — Paris’ first permanent taste of the fanciful lifestyle it offers. Alongside all the hallmarks of the renowned brand, comes an impressive art collection with more than 150 paintings — an ode to the City’s history of fostering the creative arts. In this exquisite evolution of Soho House, the Parisian haven is as palatial and fantastical as we would expect from the much-loved group.
Cheval Blanc Paris Cheval Blanc comprises a small collection of five-star hotels in far-flung French territories, yet it is the new Parisian destination that serves as a place for romance to bloom and history to endure. Among the 72 rooms and suites are some of the most beautiful balconies in the city, with outlooks that extend to all of the beloved landmarks. In fine French form, Cheval Blanc considers culinary arts in the highest regard, with five hospitality destinations (Plenitude holding three Michelin stars), alongside rejuvenating wellness experiences at the Dior Spa — an integral element of any stay.
Nestled in the heart of London’s elegant, urban landscape, these new hotels will keep you close to the City’s incredible culinary and cultural scenes, while offering the perfect end-of-day escapes.
NoMad London Designed for travellers, vagabonds and those who prefer life spent out of a suitcase, NoMad’s newest outpost taps into the history and cultural depth of London to deliver the kind of warm, welcoming vibe and understated luxury we have come to expect from this international, boutique hotel chain. Set in the iconic Grade-II-listed building known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, this hotel was designed in collaboration with New York-based studio Roman and Williams, and (thanks to its Covent Garden location) is the perfect base from which to explore London’s vibrant restaurant and art scenes.
One Hundred Shoreditch Located in the centre of the perpetually-cool East-London suburb of Shoreditch, where clubs and culture collide, One Hundred Shoreditch is a new hotel where guests come to play. Found a stone’s throw from the famed Colombia Road Flower Market and inspired Whitechapel Gallery, a stay at this hotel offers the true London experience, full of vibrant restaurants, eclectic galleries, and bustling bars and pubs. Sporting 258 bedrooms and suites, six restaurants and a Peloton studio (complete with its own concierge service), this independent hotel offers an escape like no other. In its opening year, One Hundred Shoreditch is committing itself to environmental endeavours, working towards both B Corp certification and a sustainable guest experience, so when you do eventually sleep, you can do so soundly.
Little compares to the magnificence of New York. Home to both grandeur and grit, this iconic city is always an inspiring place to visit, and is all the more enticing for these exceptional new hotels
ModernHaus Soho If life is said to imitate art, then there is no location more alive than this new hotel in the heart of Soho. ModernHaus is a destination of light-filled spaces and divine furnishings, set against Soho’s iconic cobble stones and cast-iron buildings. The 114-room hotel draws on the artistic heritage of its famous neighbourhood, with an extensive modern and contemporary art collection and Bauhaus-inspired architecture that marries clean lines with large windows that look out over New York’s iridescent skyline. And with a new restaurant, Veranda, by renowned chef George Mendes on site, as well as a rooftop bar and pool inspired by Picasso’s blue period, leaving will be nearly impossible.
Image: Nikolas Koenig.
Image: Nikolas Koenig.
Aman New York Renown for offering luxurious wellness experiences in far-flung exotic locations, Aman’s first foray into the urban space comes in the form of its latest property in New York. With over 83 suites and 22 branded residences, Aman New York offers tranquillity in the heart of the Big Apple; its 5th Avenue address a mere two blocks from Central Park, with its design emblematic of the architecture of 20s New York. Boasting a three-story, flagship Aman Spa, offering the most divine rejuvenation experiences in the city, this hotel has been the group’s greatest investment in a single location to date — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
A city that celebrates success and embodies a lust for life that is palpable and appealing, days spent in this sprawling metropolis are best when ended at hotels that offer luxury and comfort.
Downtown L.A.Proper Hotel Following in the footsteps of its beloved Santa Monica sister, Downtown L.A Proper builds on its own unique heritage in a way that celebrates all things definitively downtown. A far cry from the casually chic Venice Beach or glamorous Hollywood Hills, Downtown LA is a more industrial, gritty area that offers an entirely new experience of the City of Angels — something that renowned designer Kelly Wearstler wove through her highly-considered design. The makeover ties together the building’s past and present, from a state-of-the-art members club to a community recreation centre, and now a world-class hotel, offering culture, luxury and world-class dining, all in one place.
Pendry West Hollywood Should you be seeking your own version of Selling Sunset, Pendry’s latest West Hollywood location opens out onto the iconic Sunset Strip. Embracing Californian modernism and the glamour of the Hollywood Hills, the 149 rooms and suites here offer the signature LA experience, including views of its stunning, sweeping cityscape. Pendry’s offerings are synonymous with the LA lifestyle, where entertainment and celebrity-studded parties meet divine wellness and laidback rejuvenation. In the dining arena, Wolfgang Puck returns to his roots with fresh dining and beverage venues designed especially for the address. And with a rooftop pool to top-off the experience, every element of this stay is LA in the most sophisticated way.
Short Stories Hotel Behind an unassuming hedge in West Hollywood is Short Stories, a 66-room hotel set in a recently-refurbished, 1960s build, reminiscent of the area’s history. The hotel’s food and drink offering is a particular highlight, where a collection of interconnected dining spaces celebrate a cultural melting pot of flavours. From the courtyard lounge to the pool terrace, Stories Bar to the full-service restaurant, and a number of private dining spaces, Short Stories offers living, lounging, lunching and everything decadent that comes in between.
Coffee is undeniably one of life’s little pleasures, made better with the addition of perfectly frothed milk. When Nespresso debuted its Vertuo system last year, it garnered a nationwide following for a good reason — the machine boasts café-quality brews that rival those of Kiwi baristas. Delightfully, Vertuo’s capsule offering has just been extended to the Barista Creations for Milk range, promising perfect all-day-long coffee moments.
We know that New Zealanders love their coffee with milk (whether dairy or plant-based) for an exceptionally smooth, sometimes sweet touch. And Barista Creations for Milk are highly complementary to this way of living — each capsule’s flavour is masterfully blended and roasted to complement and enhance the addition of milk.
For those wondering which of the Barista Creations for Milk best suits their tastes, Bianco Piccolo is a rich, nutty coffee that brings out the milk’s creamy texture, best poured in a short cup (think lattes). Bianco Doppio has a sweet and caramel-like profile enhanced by milk, making it ideal for the iconic New Zealand double-shot flat white experience at home. Lastly, Bianco Forte is impressively intense, with rich, roasted and cereal-like notes that endure with just a dash of milk.
Ultimately, something just feels indulgent about a perfectly crafted coffee with milk. The Barista Creations for Milk finesse the experience, and not just because of the sleek, dome-shaped capsules made specifically for the Vertuo system. The intelligent machine reads each capsule’s barcode to extract the perfect brew, whether you desire a flat white, cappuccino, latte or iced coffee — the list goes on. All you need to do is place your chosen capsule into the machine and extract the coffee with the touch of a button. Next, froth the milk with your Nespresso milk device and add it to the coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee drinker or just getting started, we can tell you that Nespresso’s Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk . For those who prefer their coffee sans milk, rest assured that the Vertuo does it all, from long blacks to third-wave coffee, like Carafe Pour-Over style. To guide your at-home café-quality coffee further, Nespresso’s array of recipes will elevate the experience.
Vertuo Barista Creations for Milk are available online and in-store at Nespresso Boutiques.
When you think of a croissant, flakey, buttery pastry is the first thing that comes to mind. Without the buttery flavour, it’s never quite the same — until now. Thankfully, we’ve stumbled across Auckland’s first-ever plant-based patisserie, Maison des Lys, serving vegan croissants every bit delightful as their traditional predecessors.
You may have noticed the line of people wrapped around the block in Grey Lynn on Sunday for Maison des Lys’ soft opening, news of its brick-and-mortar excitedly splashed across social media feeds. Much of the loyal crowd first encountered Maison des Lys’ stall at The Shed Collective Markets, in operation since 2020. Two years later, while the patisserie still plans to continue its hotly anticipated market appearances, the new location provides Owner and self-taught Pastry Chef Drissilla David a dedicated space to create her confections, channelling her love for her native France through patisseries with a plant-based twist.
Right: Pain Au Chocolat.
A serendipitous series of events encouraged Drissilla to fulfil her vision of a vegan patisserie. The humble yet beautiful space has been a labour of love (much like the pastries it serves), taking nine months to come to fruition. Having previously worked at a local architecture firm, Drissilla dedicated a year during maternity leave to formulate the perfect plant-based croissant. In her home kitchen (and dining room, where up until very recently, she was still baking), she rolled the pastry by hand and produced batch after batch of dough in her beloved cake mixer. The game-changer finally came about a year into the process when she discovered the perfect butter alternative. Made with a blend of shea, coconut, rapeseed and almond oils, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s the real thing. We’ve done the diligent task of putting them to the test, and honestly, we can’t taste the difference.
After Drissilla executed the plant-based basics, anything became possible. Take the ham and cheese croissant, a Kiwi bastardisation of the French delicacy and a beloved treat. Maison des Lys offers a plant-based take, a delicious snack-on-the-go that Drissilla reiterates is one of the most popular offerings, known to sell out frequently alongside her almond croissants. Her favourite, however, is the pain au chocolate — not fresh out of the oven but served cold — and with an eightthirty coffee that’s of course brewed on site.
Drissilla David of Maison des Lys.
Every day you can expect the Maison des Lys cabinet to be stocked with the classics, alongside danishes, pastries, and delicacies inspired by seasonal produce. Think savoury croissants stuffed with pesto, spray-free tomatoes, vegan feta, micro greens and truffle oil, or their sweeter counterparts overflowing with Biscoff. Coffees are served with dairy milk alternatives, and should you be lucky enough to nab a table, the Great North Road corner spot makes the perfect place for people-watching.
Despite never undertaking any formal viennoiserie training, Drissilla showcases an intrinsic knowledge and appreciation of the complex process. Anyone who has ever tried to make croissants will understand just how intricate it can be, and at this Grey Lynn address, the pastries are truly of the highest calibre. As Drissilla tells us, “they’re not just for vegans; they’re really delicious pastries too.” Having tried them fresh out of the oven, we’re inclined to agree — and we recommend visiting ASAP.
Opening hours: Friday, 7am until 1pm. Saturday — Sunday, 8.30am until 1pm. Initially closed Monday — Thursday.
With the shows in Paris having just wrapped up for another season, fashion month has officially drawn to a close, giving us all a clear indication of what will be trending come Spring/Summer 2023. This season, the fashion weeks of New York, London, Milan and Paris served up an array of memorable moments (although none so memorable as Bella Hadid’s spray-on dress), unexpected twists (like the 68 pairs of identical twins that walked Gucci’s runway), street style in spades and breathtaking collections from the world’s most lauded fashion houses.
Here, we give you a rundown of some of the best shows and best looks from the Spring/Summer 2023 season.
Exploring the dialogue between fashion and power, Maria Grazia Chiuri tapped into the spirit of historical figure Catherine de Medici (renowned Italian noblewoman turned French queen). It was De Medici who was widely credited with introducing corsets, platform heels and Italian lace to the French court, all elements that Grazia Chiuri played with in her SS23 collection. From hoop cage skirts overlaid with black raffia lace to New Look skirts given a modern twist to relaxed corsetry, worn over flowing shirts — the nods to De Medici’s legacy were plain, and yet each was grounded firmly in the context of today — a balance Grazia Chiuri has always managed so well. The show itself was set within a grotto, constructed expertly by French artist Eva Jospin, while Grazia Chiuri called on Dutch choreographers Imre and Marne van Opstal to put together a live dance performance while the models walked.
Wanting to speak to ideas of identity and otherness, Gucci’s iconoclastic designer Alessandro Michele tracked down 68 sets of identical twins to present his new collection (apparently Michele’s mother was a twin) in a show that was captivating and surreal. Taking this idea to another level, Michele actually constructed his show in Milan in two parts – whereby it wasn’t until the very end that a partition dropped to reveal another whole audience and runway, as the twins finally came together to walk side-by-side. As for the collection itself, Michele presented clothes with his signature eclectic stamp, from Hollywood glitz to embroidered chinoiserie to stoic tailoring to sleek activewear — it was a masterclass in pulling disparate ideas together in a kind of post-modern harmony (but this is what we expect from Michele, after all) but more than that, felt like a comment on the importance of us all coming together to face the challenges of the world.
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons said that they were excited by the idea of ‘clothes shaped by humanity’ in creating their SS23 collection for Prada. As such, the collection unfolded to reveal its delicious layers, boxy silhouettes opened up to reveal classic nighties, and dresses made using the same kind of paper that covered the set felt innovative and full of promise, peignoir tapped into Prada’s archive which was followed up by the kind of knitted sweaters and skirts that one might imagine Mrs. Prada herself wearing every day. It was subtle, sophisticated and nuanced, and went against the ‘go-big-or-go-home’ grain that we had seen at a number of other houses for SS23.
Set around a giant fibreglass anthurium, Jonathan Anderson’s SS23 collection for Loewe made comment on artifice in nature. The fake-looking flower not only set the scene for the runway but it was used on bodices and shoes — a provocative, new take on florals for spring that felt more dangerous than dainty. Elsewhere, exaggerated hip-silhouettes, ultra-mini dresses and experimental pieces made using materials like fibreglass and metal spoke to the designer’s well-known penchant for boundary-pushing, all of which sat alongside the kinds of supple leather pieces and oversized shirt dressing that feel inherently ‘Loewe.’ Proving once again his role as fashion provocateur, Jonathan Anderson delivered an SS23 collection that made us sit up and take note.
Tapping into the idea of fusion energy and its promise of a cleaner energy future, Gabriela Hearst arranged the seats of her Paris show to mimic the shape of a tokamak (a giant, round device that companies like Helion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems are using to try and harness fusion energy) and turned the Pavilion Vendôme into what felt like an industrial rave – sending clothes down the runway that married retro warehouse party vibes with power-plant uniform motifs. From recycled, sustainable fabrics (always expected from this designer) to strong, utilitarian silhouettes, Chloé SS23 offered a multi-sensory show scape of colours and textures that was futuristic, complex and compelling. Brand is available locally at Workshop.
A brand known for its ‘glamazonian’ aesthetic, Alaïa’s new SS23 collection saw designer Pieter Mulier offer a more contemporary take, with complex techniques like draping, wrapping, touching and knotting made to look utterly simple, all underpinned with Alaïa signatures, like knitted, figure-hugging dresses and suggestive stilettos (featuring heels in the shape of a naked woman’s legs) which were actually reissued Azzedine originals from 1992. Of course, there was also a raft of statement-making accessories (something Mulier does so well). Ultimately, each look felt undeniably glamorous and yet totally wearable, a balance on which this brand has long built its reputation. Brand is available locally at Faradays.
Set under drizzly skies, Matthew Williams’ SS23 collection for Givenchy drew from the historic codes of this beloved brand, married with the streetwear flavour of the designer’s own palate and built with the input of iconic Carine Roitfeld — who also styled the show. Perhaps guilty of trying to speak to too disparate a spread of consumers (or do too much), Givenchy’s new collection still ended on a high note, with a series of exquisite evening dresses — designs that had apparently been reworked from Givenchy archival pieces. Brand is available locally at Faradays.
It was a muddy, dark, post-apocalyptic scene that greeted attendees of Balenciaga’s SS23 show — in which models stomped through dirty puddles in a set that designer Demna indicated was a follow-on from his last show, set in a snowstorm. (When snow melts, it turns to mud.) Opened by Kanye West in military garb, the show saw models with battered and bruised faces wearing clothes that had been purposefully made to look battle-weary and worn. Mud splashed the hems of longer dresses and caked shoes. And while there were a number of graffiti tees, oversized hoodies and casual silhouettes at the start of the show, it closed with a number of evening-wear pieces, looking somewhat out of place in their terrifying landscape. Ultimately, the show was the expression of Demna’s pessimism — an outlook you can understand given his upbringing and past experiences and yet, perhaps it was also a sharp reminder to us to not be so apathetic, and perhaps that’s exactly what we needed.
It is undeniable that Isabel Marant has created a singular look — one that is very recognisable for its strong feminine edge and often thigh-grazing silhouettes. It is French cool girl at its most, well… cool, and SS23 was certainly no exception. Drawing inspiriting from the dawn of her brand (the late 90s, early 00s) Marant’s new pieces married grunge elements with boho detailing, all wrapped up in shapes that spoke of much much warmer climes. Where Marant has always shined is in her ability to treat outwardly casual pieces to a level of craft that goes well beyond the ordinary (think tiny tiny pearls sprinkled across a camisole or macramé woven onto organza). It is almost an allegory for the women she dresses. From perfectly-tapered trousers to oversized jackets to racer-cut tanks and little dresses, this collection was Marant at her best and an ode to her unique attention to detail. Brand is available locally at Workshop.
From the atmospheric candles that lined Versace’s set to the clingy-black jersey dresses that opened the show to the models sporting unmistakable, eyeliner-heavy makeup, Donatella Versace’s SS23 collection felt sexy, confident and slightly rebellious. Opening the show was a raft of solid-black looks, which then opened out to the bright, often-fuscia block colours that have become so synonymous with the brand. This season’s prints included zebra stripes, tropical flowers and logo mania, while shown alongside Versace’s evening-wear silhouettes was a line-up of denim that felt more casual than anything the brand has done for a while. Bella Hadid was a goth bride in all-purple, while Paris Hilton closed out the show in a barbie-pink, chain-mail dress.
Having invited his longtime friend, French artist Philippe Parreno to create an installation that would form the set for his SS23 show, Nicolas Ghesquière set a dramatic precedent for his new collection for Louis Vuitton, before the show had even started. Of course, the clothes that followed matched the drama and scale of their surroundings, with oversized, almost-alien proportions and exaggerated silhouettes. Take the huge zipper pulls from HoYeon Jung’s opening look — the biggest ever manufactured, apparently. This idea was furthered by the looks sporting exaggerated necklines or hips, or oversized straps and accessories. Ultimately, it was an expression of the idea that Ghesquière seems to always do so well, that of strong femininity, and it certainly felt like it met the moment.
While we love RevitaLash Cosmetics for its unparalleled lash-enhancing serums, it is a company whose ethos and values are on par with its reputation as one of the best in the industry. And this October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the brand is inviting us to support its philanthropic vision of a world without this disease, all while helping us up the ante on our daily beauty routines.
It’s hardly surprising considering that the company — a true industry disruptor — is built on sincerity. Back in 2006, ophthalmologist Michael Brinkenhoff M.D. saw an opportunity to produce a lash serum for those who needed it the most. At the time, his late wife Gayle had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at just 32, and began treatment.
Most of us have seen how harrowing chemotherapy and radiation can be. For many, hair loss throughout the treatment process brings with it unnecessary stress at such a vulnerable time. Watching his wife experience this firsthand, Dr Brinkenhoff began the formulation process of RevitaLash Cosmetics’ now iconic lash serum we all adore. And sixteen years on, supporting those living with breast cancer remains a significant driving factor at the heart of the company (reflected in the more than $4million they have donated to breast cancer research and support), even as it continues to surprise us with new and innovative products.
And so, each October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), RevitaLash Cosmetic’s recognisable blue boxes don a pink sleeve, which reflects the company’s commitment to the cause. Here in New Zealand, the brand supports Look Good Feel Better, a local initiative that runs programs and workshops to help those navigating the effects of cancer treatments. For every pink sleeve product sold throughout the month, a month’s supply of lash or brow product will be donated to those who need it the most.
RevitaLash Advanced & RevitaBrow Advanced
Here in Auckland, we can also support the brand’s valiant efforts by booking a spot at the annual Eat Drink Pink affair at Harbourside, a delicious affair for a very good cause. The experience benefits Pinc & Steel, who, in turn, offer support to Auckland women with breast cancer through their incredible cancer treatment rehabilitation programmes. (Tickets and further details can be found here.)
On top of that, this year internationally, RevitaLash Cosmetic’s sales will be diverted to supporting the City of Hope’s Ethiopia Breast Cancer Initiative, with the vision of bringing breast cancer screening and treatment to women and their families in places that suffer some of the highest mortality rates from the disease in the world.
“It’s vital to us to help change the state of breast cancer in Ethiopia — with ripple effects felt around the world,” shares Dariel Sidney, Gayle Brinkenhoff’s eldest daughter (and the company’s VP of Philanthropy). “As a cause uniquely close to our hearts, the entire RevitaLash Cosmetics family is passionate about directly improving the lives of those dealing with a difficult diagnosis, and ultimately eradicating breast cancer.”
So as Breast Cancer Awareness Month arrives once more, we always strive to find ways to support the women and families affected by the trauma of the disease. Whether investing in a self-care routine that gives back to women in times of vulnerability or treating ourselves to a delicious day out, we find ourselves grateful that RevitaLash Cosmetics makes supporting such a deserving cause all the more beautiful.
Capturing the escapism and vibrancy of 1970’s club culture in Manhattan, Tiffany & Co.’s new campaign ‘Lose Yourself In Love’ features pop-culture icon and singer Beyoncé, the accompanying film set to the finale track ‘Summer Renaissance’ from her lauded album Renaissance. Drawing on a sample from Donna Summer’s everlasting ‘I Feel Love’, ‘Summer Renaissance’ epitomises the soul of New York City, a place Tiffany & Co. has long called home.
Styled by Marni Senofonte and Patti Wilson for the campaign, Beyoncé wears head-to-toe custom creations and iconic pieces from the luxury house. These include a Tiffany Setting engagement ring in platinum with an internally flawless, round brilliant diamond of over 10 carats and pieces by legendary Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger. The dancers in the film also wear Tiffany & Co. adornments in unexpected and innovative ways, making a whimsical case for the unconventional use of jewellery.
Through Grammy-Award-winning director Mark Romanek’s interpretation, the campaign film evokes the Studio 54-era thriving disco in New York City, showcasing joyful expression and Tiffany & Co.’s creative prowess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAe4H5LcjpE
‘Lose Yourself In Love’ is also a reflection of Tiffany & Co.’s ongoing partnership with Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z. Titled Tiffany Atrium, the initiative funds scholarships for students in creative fields at historically black colleges and universities to serve underrepresented communities better.
Ultimately, the campaign is an amplification of Tiffany & Co.’s enduring brilliance and uplifting ethos. The custom Tiffany HardWare necklace created for the campaign will be available to purchase — a true collector’s item that, like the respective legacies of Tiffany & Co., Beyoncé, and New York City, will continue to endure.
In our three-part series on Hawke’s Bay, we delve into everything this beautiful destination has to offer, from delicious food to exciting happenings, and all the most special places to stay. Offering a truly multi-faceted experience to anyone who visits, Hawke’s Bay will quickly feel like a home away from home — provided you know all the best places to go. That’s where we come in.
Hawke’s Bay has far more to offer than food and wine alone. For visitors to this region, we suggest exploring all the beauty and culture and exciting happenings going on in the wider Hawke’s Bay area, by squeezing in a tour here or a festival there, or even a round of golf if you’re that way inclined — the perfect activities to pad out your day between visits to delicious restaurants, wineries and local markets. Here are our suggestions.
Returning this November, Hawke’s Bay’s signature culinary festival is promising a mouth-watering lineup of local and international attractions. The hugely-popular Food and Wine Classic will draw some of Hawke’s Bay’s most talented producers, artisans, chefs, winemakers and craft brewers to showcase their superior culinary skills. A number of talented individuals from the wider Australasia region will also descend on Hawke’s Bay, as it transforms into the ultimate, foodie festival, playing host to a week of exquisite long lunches, intimate dinners, carpark parties, workshops, collaborations and a celebration of New Zealand’s best craft beer. Kicking off on the weekend of November the 3rd with one of the first fixtures being the anticipated Grand Long Lunch (at which guests will be treated to five courses designed by five of New Zealand’s leading chefs) the Summer Food and Wine Classic will run until November the 13th, packing in a huge number of fascinating, exciting and utterly delicious events that you don’t want to miss.
Oenophiles should not pass up this exquisite new premium experience at Church Road Winery. Designed as the ultimate tribute to Church Road’s founder Tom McDonald, this in-depth, intimate wine tasting lasts for about an hour and a half and takes place in the winery’s atmospheric, underground museum. There, visitors will be guided through the current and past TOM vintages, garnering unique insight into the history, philosophy and character of Church Road’s globally-renowned, flagship range.
Hawke’s Bay is known for its extensive heritage trails, aimed at showcasing the region’s rich cultural, scenic and historical highlights, and encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in beautiful nature. With a range of trails to choose from (there have been 17 created since 1991) and visitors able to guide themselves along the paths via helpful signs and readily-available brochures, this is the perfect activity to truly understand what makes Hawke’s Bay so incredibly special. Lovers of history are sure to enjoy the Ongaonga Walking Tour (through the historic Ongaonga village, established in 1865 although falling to ruin in the 1900s), while those seeking nature will love the Waimarama Heritage Trail, peppered with breathtaking, natural features and historically significant moments.
If you didn’t already know, the East Cape and Hawke’s Bay Coast are the first places in the world to see the sunrise, which makes a sunrise tour something that feels particularly special and an experience that we absolutely recommend. Gannet Safaris Overland offers private experiences to Hawke’s Bay’s magnificent gannet colonies, where visitors will get up close to the spectacular birds and witness their nesting, preening and performing their courtship dances, all against the striking backdrop of a rising sun. To top off the experience, you will be offered a gourmet breakfast as part of the tour, made to enjoy while looking over a vista you’re unlikely to forget.
Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the par 71 golf course at Cape Kidnappers is globally renowned — hailed by those in the know as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Set high up on Cape Kidnappers’ cliffs, against its jaw-dropping coastal backdrop and spanning 6,569 metres, this course is designed to challenge golfers of every skill level, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on even those who have played extensively.
What would a trip to Napier be without some kind of tour of its striking Art Deco architecture? An attraction that has long drawn the crowds to this beautiful town, comprehensive tours can be booked via the Art Deco Trust, and include pick-up in a vintage, 1930s car, a scenic architectural tour, a tour of the Tony Bish ‘Egg’ Barrel room, and a wine tasting at the Urban Winery before a gin-tasting at Napier’s renowned National Distillery Company next door.
Discover the beauty of Hawke’s Bay from the back of a two-wheeler by embarking on one of the many local, guided cycling trails. Taking advantage of the trails that span the region, a guided, multi-day cycling tour will see visitors take in an impressive amount of Hawke’s Bay’s natural beauty, as well as enjoying some of the area’s delicious food and wine via a number of tasty stops along the way. Able to be customised to suit any desire or ability, these tours promise a fun, physical activity that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in everything Hawke’s Bay has to offer.
Heading to Hawke’s Bay? Consult Denizen’s Insider Guide on all the best places to eat and drink in the region here, as well as Denizen’s Insider Guide on the absolute best places to stay here.
To flout the mid-century modern archetype that is synonymous with Palm Springs is a bold statement for any home in the desert, which is why a project like Desert Palisades could only have been undertaken by someone with a clear vision and a clever eye. It is hardly surprising then, that it was Brett Woods (of Los Angeles-based architectural studio Woods + Dangaran), who conceived the four-bedroom house as a weekend getaway spot for his family that would offer a true escape from the city. As such, Desert Palisades has been carefully designed to work in harmony with its surrounding landscape and to offer a fresh perspective on the Palm Springs we know.
Surrounded by rocky boulders, the Desert Palisades home stands proudly on a hillside that offers views over the city below. With a facade that combines generous glass windows with large brass panels (designed to patina with time) the structure is as striking as it is perfectly suited to its unique landscape, where the exterior invites light reflections that make it shimmer and almost disappear at times and the long, linear shape punctuated with natural materials hints at the area’s mid-century pedigree.
Capitol Complex chairby Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.
Piedra Black and White Onyx sconce by L’Aviva Home.
That said, Woods was clear on wanting to create something that felt like the antithesis of Palm Springs’ iconic design language, an objective that informed the home’s material palette and finishes. Here, many of the interior design cues have been taken from the landscape, including the use of travertine flooring, muted tones like sage green, dusty pink and sandy brown, and materials like walnut, teak, leather and natural stone. On details like lighting and furniture, pieces such as L’aviva Home’s Piedra Collection sconces and a modern re-edition of Cassina’s Capitol Complex Armchair deliver a kind of contemporary sophistication that really anchors the home in the now.
And while it might defy the area’s common architectural tropes, this home truly embraces its Palm Springs locale via a paved terrace and swimming pool that offer outdoor living at its finest. Here, the use of concrete acts as a connector between the interior and exterior spaces, from the exposed CMU blocks on internal walls to the use of concrete around the pool, the considered use of this material actually saw the home receive the Concrete Masonry Design Awards’ Grand Award earlier this year, a testament to the architect’s unique, innovative vision.
Both a warm family home and a bastion of cool, contemporary design, Desert Palisades embraces a new kind of Palm Springs lifestyle without disregarding its context completely, and is the ultimate place to escape.
Since the unfortunate, Covid-forced closure of La Cigale Markets in Parnell, there has been a market-shaped hole in our hearts that few things have managed to fill. But lovers of sourdough and stracciatella can finally celebrate in style with the announcement that the beloved foodie market is set to return this weekend, with a fresh new face at the helm and a delicious new approach to boot.
Rebranded as Parnell Gastro Markets to reflect the variety of cultures and cuisines on offer (it is no longer French-skewed), the markets will continue to offer much of the same delicious splendour that made them so beloved by Aucklanders for nearly 25 years, and will be open on both Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future.
Expect to see the return of a number of favourite stallholders from the past that have been missing their usual spot, alongside a new cohort of vendors — many of whom have only been running their food businesses since lockdown.
Realised via the devoted vision of new owner Richard Casey, who recently opened the neighbouring Buono Deli (also serving up some of the most delicious, authentic Italian foods), and a few neighbouring friends, the Parnell weekend market promising to make a triumphant return to its former glory. Wholefoods refillery GoodFor, who closed its Parnell store earlier this year, will even be there every weekend with their entire refillery offering in tow — ruling out the need for a trip to the supermarket for your pantry essentials.
On the odd chance you don’t find what you’re seeking in the market stalls, of course, Buono Deli will be on hand to cater to all of your gourmet foodie needs, and then some. And as far as pastries and produce are considered… I, for one, can’t wait to get back to this beautiful weekend spot.
Opening hours: Saturday — Sunday, 8.30am until 2pm.
Parnell Gastro Markets
69 Saint Georges Bay Road,
Parnell, Auckland Central
While there is an abundance of supplements on the market that intend to provide a calming, restorative return to homeostasis, the recently-launched offering by BioKodeLab considers how we can elevate our everyday state of being to meet the constant demands of the current world and excel without compromising our health and wellbeing. Through three delicious, easy-to-take products, the benefits of these new products are impressive, and (as I discover) far deeper than anything else of this kind I have tried before.
BioKodeLab was born from a quest for optimisation that grew from the innovative minds at Fonterra, where Sales and Marketing Disruption DirectorCarl MacInnes began by asking how they could use their collective knowledge to change the future of brain health. After all, it’s no secret that we’re constantly under pressure to perform. In a world driven by a demand for more, and how we now have to keep up with the likes of AI, computers and robots, it’s hardly surprising that we’re collectively burning ourselves out — big time, MacInnes explains to me.
“So we went about asking ourselves, what is the fundamental thing we can do to change people’s lives?,” he shares. “How do we help humans perform better? How do we help our bodies to live and thrive in the modern world?”
That question prompted a deep dive into the effects of daily exposure to blue light and whether there was a simple way to effectively combat those effects. Blue light is something we are all increasingly exposed to, whether via the computers we use for our desk jobs (eight hours in front of a screen can’t be good for anyone) or the late nights we spend scrolling on social media (we know it’s bad, but we do it anyway). Not only is this leaving us chronically tired, but it disrupts our natural circadian rhythms — the body’s innate function that deciphers between night and day, basically telling us when we should be awake, and when it’s time to sleep.
BioKodeLab Probiotic Plus & Calm Plus
And excessive exposure to blue light does more than just hurt our eyes. It is capable of impacting mood, cognition, and sleeping habits and contributing to those secondary strains of headaches and computer-associated neck and back pain. “Our understanding of blue light’s impacts just keeps growing,” MacInnes explains. Internationally, some governments are even beginning to regulate blue light, with China restricting how many hours children can be exposed to blue light strain.
For this reason, the team at Fonterra created its own, innovative Pro-Sight™ filter — an ingredient bundle included in all BioKodeLab products to tackle the depleting effects of blue light on our bodies’ essential functions. This, MacInnes tells me, was the baseline on which the more specific BioKodeLab benefits were layered, with each product designed to address different issues. Carefully formulated with a potent mix of high-quality dairy and plant ingredients, BioKodeLab’s products are unlike anything else, and are putting research and cutting-edge science at the forefront.
For the user, BioKodeLab products are made to be stacked. “First we protect, and then we build,” MacInnes shares. Each product takes an area that high-performing people are known to struggle with and offers targeted ingredients to address it. Be it Focus Plus (a tropical flavoured powder that can be mixed in water, using ThinkSharp™ for alertness and clarity) for those who find themselves bending backwards to meet their job’s mental demands or Calm Plus (a similar powder with a delicious berry taste, using StresLes™ for mood and stress support) for those who need some assistance with their stress response. Probiotic Plus is another welcome addition in simple, daily capsules, formulated to support the digestion and immune health, which has been proven essential for our collective wellbeing. MacInnes confesses it is one of his favourites, too, for ease of taking. But he also stacks the products depending on what he wants to target, which (he tells me) allows him to make the most of the benefits.
BioKodeLab Focus Plus
There is certainly an argument to be made that one might gain the same benefits from consuming whole foods, but you would have to drink 1.3 litres of milk to get the same amount of beneficial phosphatidylserine (one of the key ingredients for supporting cognitive function) as you would from a single serve of Focus. And that doesn’t even consider the other essential nutrients these supplements provide (personally, I’ve been noticing a number of significant benefits after only two weeks of taking them). With a background grounded in research and development of the highest calibre, each supplement is formulated to meet the right clinical dose to address our current needs. As MacInnes says, “Science is trusted. People deserve products that can be trusted.”
Given that BioKodeLab’s products have only just launched, it feels premature to ask what is next — but as MacInnes shares, he is most excited about where BioKodeLab goes from here. Whether it’s developing new flavours or diving deeper into their research of the human psyche. As part of charting your progress with the supplements (which is recommended, as lovers of hard data), BioKodeLab’s interface will host a range of key assessments you can undertake at your leisure that start to map the human brain and stack you up with how your strengths and qualities compare to others in your field. It all sounds a touch dystopian, but we would be lying if we said it didn’t excite us for the realm of possibilities to come. For now, we’ll continue to drink our delicious daily supplements. They have us feeling great, and is there anything more we could ask for?
From cushioned quilting to supple leather, handbags in pillowy silhouettes are putting a decidedly soft spin on the statement sac de jour. Spotted on fashion week runways and hanging off the shoulders of style-savvy individuals, these cloud-like pieces are beautiful in form and promise to add interest to any outfit. So, if you’re looking to invest in a new bag for your wardrobe, scroll on to see some of our favourite iterations of this sumptuously soft accessory trend.
From left: Loeweflamenco bag from Faradays. 22 bag from Chanel. Isabel Marant Luz Pillow bag from Workshop.
While drawing a bath is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind after a long day, it can be hard with our busy schedules to find time to actually sit back and soak. Here, we round up a selection of divine tubs that will transform your bathroom into a bona fide zen zone — and a place you will want to make time for, no matter how busy you are.
The centrepiece bath — Wave Bath by Meek Bathware from Plumbline Typically, baths are made from smooth, white porcelain (or something similar) to make them nothing more than a seamless addition to the bathroom — only noticed when in use. But the rise of design-led bathtubs is ushering in a new era. Recently, it is concrete iterations that have caught our eye, with pieces like the Wave Bath by Meek Bathware standing as both a bold design accent and a beautiful place to relax, with a unique shape and solid structure. It’s time to put the ‘bath’ in ‘bathroom.’
The built-in bath — Ofuro Bathtub by Antonio Lupi from Matisse Slipping into a bath should always make the world feel as though it’s melting away, which is something that Antonio Lupi’s Ofuro Bathtub from Matisse delivers in spades. Reminiscent of soaking in a natural hot spring, this bath is designed to be built into the ground and will bring a subtle touch of grandeur to any bathroom space. Trust us, this tub will remind you what true bliss feels like.
The classic bath —Warndon Freestanding Bath by Victoria + Albert from Robertson Made from smooth white Quarrycast (a finely-ground volcanic limestone and resin mix that is hand finished) and featuring a subtly-detailed rim, the Warndon freestanding bath is strictly symmetrical and flush with the floor. Sleek and sophisticated, this is the ultimate bath for the purists — those who will always opt for classic timelessness over anything overly ‘trendy.’
The warmer, longer days we’ve been waiting for are finally here, so of course, it is to one of our favourite Herne Bay haunts that we flock. As beloved for its delicious food as it is for its coveted outdoor tables that get the best of the late afternoon sun, Andiamo is the perfect place to mark the changing of seasons, and now, is giving us all the reason we need to lock in a long lunch.
Harnessing the spirit of spring, Andiamo has created a celebratory Spring Soirée lunch menu with Perrier-Jouët which will launch on the 1st of October and run for a limited time only. The seasonal set menu will be available from Wednesdays to Sundays between 12pm and 3pm, and for $65 per person, will include a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, followed by two delicious courses comprising dishes like market fish crudo with blood orange, pickled chilli and sorrel, bruschetta with whipped ricotta, grilled zucchini and basil, or risotto ‘primavera’ with soft herbs, pistachio pesto and ricotta salata.
All of this is to be enjoyed, of course, in Andiamo’s sunny surrounds, where the team has upped the springtime ante by adorning the restaurant’s facade with festive florals and decorating every table with its own colourful arrangement by Isadia Florists.
An essential part of embracing seasonal change is sloughing away the dulling effects that winter has imparted on our sad-looking skin (blame the colder climate and a lack of vitamin D). If we want to emerge into the new season looking (and feeling) fresh and rejuvenated, it is to the experts that we must turn — experts who prove time and time again the miracles they can perform with rigorous massage, cleverly-layered products and handy tools.
For that reason alone (although we really could find any excuse to justify a facial), we have decided to round up all the best, glow-giving facials in Auckland, in the hope of delivering some insider’s intel on what your skin actually needs this spring. Because after a season of sitting under a heat pump, or having your face whipped by the wind on your way to work, your skin deserves some TLC, and these are the treatments to deliver exactly that and then some.
LED Light Boot Camp at East Day Spa Nothing restores and renews the skin quite like concentrated LED light treatments (salon-quality LED, mind you), and there is irrefutable scientific evidence to prove it as well. Spring is the time we’re all about harnessing these rejuvenating treatments to inspire a new glow worthy of the season. East Day Spa knows this too, and as such, is offering a facial boot camp treatment that we’re obsessed with — three treatments over a week to relaunch your complexion. If you have a big event in the months ahead, the 28-day program is a completely transformative experience, and we couldn’t recommend it more.
ProCalm 60 at Skintopia Celebrating the shift of Skintopia to its new Herne Bay address, a suite of new Dermalogica treatments have been specifically designed to address skin of every concern. Under the guidance of Morgan and her wealth of knowledge, opt for the ProCalm 60 to shake off your winter shell and rehydrate any impaired barriers. Each treatment is slightly tailored and moves through three phases, including the employment of LED lights, relaxing massages and most importantly, deep, long-lasting hydration.
Augustinus Bader Methode 120 at Spring Spa Designed as a head-to-toe treatment, this facial morphs into a whole-body experience, with the welcome use of cult-favourite Augustinus Bader products that replenish tired complexions and deliver unparalleled hydration and rejuvenation. Bringing together a rigorous body brush and massage, using The Body Oil and The Body Cream, and a premium 75-minute facial with a combination of aloe vera, antioxidants, amino acids and Vitamin A, B and C, with a relaxing fascia massage and LED light — this treatment truly is the ultimate seasonal indulgence.
Buccal Massage at Skinography Nothing uplifts the face or leaves us feeling taut and about five years younger than this unique facial. Designed to get into every crevice and muscle of the face, the buccal massage is similar in nature to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), as it helps to move stagnant lymphatic systems and any associated puffiness away from the face. Specially-trained facialist Kate Michelmore (one of the only practitioners in New Zealand qualified to deliver this technique) will treat your face to a rigorous massage using repetitive strokes that awaken and lift your muscles and get rid of tension (particularly in the jaw and cheeks). We like to see this treatment as a ‘summer shred’ for your face because of the way it results in a noticeably slimmed-down and glowing visage. And while this is the perfect pre-event treatment, its effects are far more long-lasting when undertaken regularly.
Super Greens Algae Hydrojelly Mask at Society There’s a reason we fill our spring diets with delicious greens — they’re some of the most alkalising foods available, which help to ‘detox’ your body for summer. Of course, the same principles can be applied to skincare, and we gladly embrace any facials that incorporate greens into their process. Grey Lynn hair and beauty salon, Society, has garnered something of a cult following for their pretty hydrojelly masks, which look as beautiful as they feel. The super greens algae version is a sumptuous yet powerful treatment to book into for spring.
Deep Cleansing Facial at Tonic Room Tonic Room’s most beloved facial has been conceived with the intention of drawing those deep impurities from the layers of your skin to resurface an effortless, natural beauty for the summer months ahead. Dubbed ‘the ultimate skin transformation’, this facial is designed to eliminate the skin’s toxic load and restore its natural physiological functions with the considered use of the finest organic, naturally active botanical products. Be sure to follow it with Tonic Room’s signature massage and reiki experience for utter relaxation.
Sothy’s Micro Dermobooster Treatment at Exhibit Beauty It has been said that summer skin is made in winter, but there is still time for it to be made in spring too. The innovative new treatment from Sothy’s, conducted at Epsom’s Exhibit Beauty, is the kind of experience that transforms your skin for the better. Offering a trifecta of aesthetic microdermabrasion, controlled cosmetic microneedling, and a modelling massage, over six weekly treatments — the results are actually noticeable and long-lasting. Our Editor-in-chief confessed that she would do it again in a heartbeat, should she find the time in her self-care schedule. After reading about her experience, we’re inclined to embark on the process ourselves.
The Supernatural Emma Lewisham Facial at The Facialist With another focus on massage, The Facialist has joined with Emma Lewisham to offer a treatment that beauty aficionados can’t stop talking about. Reducing puffiness by adopting The Facialist’s signature massage technique and rehydrating through Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Sleeping Mask and Skin Reset Serum, this facial offers a holistic approach in every way.
There are so many things that demand our attention today that it can feel hard to find the time for reading. But, when a book goes beyond compelling narrative alone and instead, offers up a trove of information on topics that are undeniably fascinating, it’s hard not to make time. Here, we round up four new, non-fiction books we have recently stumbled upon, each delving into a deeply interesting subject — from communication with animals to dynasties across human history.
How To Speak Whale by Tom Mustill When footage of Tom Mustill having his kayak breached by a humpback while went viral, it set off a chain of events that led the nature documentarian on an investigation into whale science and animal communication. Offering a timely and poignant look into how science may change the ways we interact with animals, How To Speak Whale is an intriguing, informative read. Uncovering how close we really are to being able to communicate with animals via cutting-edge science and technology, this riveting book prompts questions of how human-animal relations have the potential to alter our worlds for good.
Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks by Patrick Radden Keefe This new book by award-winning journalist, Patrick Radden Keefe features twelve stories of skulduggery and intrigue, gathered from Radden Keefe’s colourful career. From $150,000 forged wines to international black-market arms merchants, this book is a masterful and fascinating read.
The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel Discussing the landscape of art in a way that has never been done before, prolific art historian, curator and broadcaster Katy Hessel uncovers seminal female artists throughout history. From the Renaissance, to 19th Century America, these incredible women (who have remained largely unknown) are finally getting the attention they deserve.
The World by Simon Sebag Montefiore Glamour, intrigue and power collide in Simon Sebag Montefiore’s sprawling new release, in which the author chronicles the greatest dynasties across human history. Eye-opening and specific, this book moves from fearless Mayan leaders to ancient South Asian empires to the first female Pharaoh in a dazzling historical epic you won’t be able to put down.
It was the Karakorum down jacket that Moncler designed in 1954 for Italian explorers scaling the world’s second highest mountain that set the tone for what the brand would become. From the very beginning, Moncler has stood for innovation, exploration, collaboration and seeking out the extraordinary. And it is this impressive legacy of pushing creative boundaries and refusing to settle for anything other than excellence that is being celebrated around the world over the next couple of months, as the brand marks its milestone 70th anniversary with 70 days of extraordinary global events and activations.
Having officially started with a jaw-dropping, artistic takeover of Milan’s Piazza del Duomo over the weekend (for which renowned French choreographer, Sadeck Berrabah, created an incredible spectacle of contemporary dance featuring 1952 artists that explored the power of repetition) Moncler’s 70th-anniversary celebrations are now in full swing, with the brand running an ‘Extraordinary Forever’ global media campaign via archival images that showcase the seminal voices, faces and places that have contributed to its legacy and evolution. Alongside highlighting the brand’s history, the campaign will delve into Moncler’s unique genius, underlining its crucial contributions to our wider cultural landscape.
Moncler’s Maya 70 jacket
Beyond the campaign alone, Moncler has also reimagined its iconic Maya jacket, which presents as the physical culmination of the brand’s history of creative collaboration and clothes that exceed expectations. Available from the 1st of October, the limited-edition Moncler Maya 70 down jacket retains the signature design features of its original (including the classic, boudin-quilted quality), but has been rendered in 13 special-edition colours, from eye-catching metallics to soft, modern pastels and even some high-saturation hues for good measure. Each Maya 70 jacket will be made from Moncler’s new washed-nylon lux lacqué, and will be emblazoned with the exclusive ‘Extraordinary Forever’ anniversary logo — a fitting ode for a jacket that has enjoyed something of a cult status ever since its original release.
Moncler’s Maya 70 jacket
Furthermore, in a bid to highlight the extraordinary collaborations that have long kept Moncler at the forefront of fashion, the brand’s CEO has invited seven prolific designers to reimagine the Maya jacket in their own ways. From the 15th of October, inimitable, unique versions of the Maya jacket by the likes of Thom Browne, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Rick Owens, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Francesco Ragazzi, Giambattista Valli and Pharrell Williams will drop each week — the ultimate expression of Moncler’s admirable, creatively-driven philosophy and its focus on perpetual reinvention.
“Since the very first day, nothing at Moncler has been conventional or ordinary,” says the brand’s CEO, Remo Ruffini. “Who would have thought that a sleeping bag designed in 1952 would have reached cities all over the world as a down jacket, or would have been worn by all generations, stepped onto the runways and then be reinterpreted by various creative geniuses?” He continues, “since the beginning, we have always pushed the brand and our ambitions towards higher peaks.”
The Moncler down jacket goes universal, in a campaign, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, 2014.
Of course, Moncler isn’t stopping there. As a core part of the brand’s celebrations, Moncler will be running an ‘Extraordinary Expedition,’ comprising an immersive, globally-roaming exhibition starting at New York City’s Highline before moving to London and Tokyo and finishing in Seoul. In each city, the cutting-edge exhibition will recreate peak Moncler moments via vivid, multi-sensory technology that will harness cinematic video to showcase historical archives and contemporary fashion heirlooms.
These groundbreaking technological celebrations will (in typical fashion) see Moncler push into a whole new arena, as it enters the Metaverse with seven of its very own non-fungible tokens (NFTs), created in partnership with German digital artist Antoni Tudisco. In addition, the brand will release 500 original NFT artworks for each city on its ‘Extraordinary Expedition’ tour — an apt representation of the innovation and future-looking thinking that has kept Moncler at the forefront for 70 years — and will likely see it remain there for the next 70, too.
It’s that time of year again. Milan Fashion Week is back, bringing with it an array of new season presentations by some of the most significant, luxury fashion houses in the world. Last week, Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele presented the luxury fashion house’s spring-summer 2023 collection Gucci Twinsburg, in which he unveiled a collection that toyed with themes of self-reflection, reality and illusion — a captivating affair that saw actual twin models descend the runway in identical pairs.
Set in the Gucci Hub headquarters in Milan, watch the extraordinary fashion show below.
As the ritual of Friday long lunch makes a welcome return, thanks to our ventures back into city offices, we’re all about celebrating a team meeting that turns into an early knockoff. And honestly, is there anywhere better to do just that, than downtown stalwart Ebisu? Which has been serving up utterly deliciously Japanese fare from its sleek, Britomart dining room for more than 10years.
Setting the tone for its sibling restaurants that followed in the wake of its success (here’s looking at you, Azabu and Azabu Mission Bay), Ebisu has long been loved for its contemporary Japanese fare, married with subtle touches of European influence. From fresh sushi rolls and sashimi platters to mouth-watering meats (the free-range Karaage chicken and char-grilled Angus Scotch Fillet are both particular highlights) and flavourful umami bites, Ebisu’s menu is a comprehensive offering that truly has something to suit any persuasion. With this in mind, we wanted to ensure that your next Friday lunch was one to remember — so we’ve partnered with Ebisu to offer the ultimate long lunch experience, destined to make you the office favourite.
We are giving one lucky Denizen a long lunch table for six at Ebisu, and $500 to spend on food and drinks. Our advice? Gather your colleagues (or five fortunate friends) and order an assortment of dishes to share alongside a few bottles of satiating sake, and toast to the return of Friday lunch in the very best way.
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