Practical and chic, a cosy coat is an enduring luxe look, and as we look to our wardrobes for cold-weather solutions that don’t compromise a well-considered outfit, a plush jacket stands above the rest for its timeless style and textural quality. So why not unleash your inner animal?
With a range of health benefits, the ancient practice of yoga has long been an essential part of our exercise routines. Whether it’s a sweat session you’re seeking, or a moment of soulful solitude, our city offers an abundance of studios that cater to a range of needs. And as we settle into winter with health top of mind, there has never been a better time to trial Auckland’s best yoga studios.
Location: Newmarket
Encouraging mindful movement even as the heart rate soars, Sweat Yoga’s offering is loved city-wide, with both yoga and pilates working in tandem to give its dedicated disciples a varied schedule. Founded by teacher and Bikram convert Bruce Simons, this studio has been built on the belief that yoga can change your life. Sweat’s classes, including vinyasa and HIIT pilates, promise to bring the heat this season.
Location: Grey Lynn
The Scrap Yard’s beloved Basecamp has built itself a dedicated following, not just because of its architecturally designed fit-out or close proximity to Ozone Coffee Roasters (for a post-session brunch), but because of its unique approach to many styles of yoga. We particularly love the Thursday evening Yin and Nidra class for the ultimate zen movement, and Friday’s post-work restore session with the addition of Reiki. Bliss,
Location: Grey Lynn
Connecting body to breath, and beyond, Eastwest Yoga celebrates a variety of modern and traditional yoga, from vinyasa and ashtanga to kirtan and meditation. Founded by mother-daughter duo, Sheryn Gieck and Amelia McCombie, the goal of every welcoming, well-balanced class is to find inner calm.
Location: Ponsonby
While Ponsonby’s Sala prides itself on being more than simply a yoga studio — and it truly is — yoga forms the core of its offering, and it truly is second to none. Sarah’s highly sought-after classes combine challenging poses with profound mindfulness to push you to better your body and soul, and the Reformer Flow classes offer the perfect balance of strengthening and lengthening. You can also book in a sauna for an extra health boost pre- or post-class.
Location: Takapuna
For those seeking solace on the North Shore, Takapuna’s Flourish Yoga is an uplifting destination with the intention to work out mind, body and spirit. Each teacher has been carefully selected for their contribution to Flourish’s ethos, where an intimate space for connection is held in the highest regard. What we love about this space is the short walk to nearby Slöwe Studio, where you can continue your wellbeing practices with a restorative sauna.
Location: Queen Street
Located smack bang in the heart of the city, Hot Yoga Works is a dedicated space devoted to hot yoga and pilates, offering city-dwellers a place to find sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of city life. The purpose-built studio has a sophisticated temperature-controlled heating system to keep the room at optimal heat, with fresh air circulation and a consistent temperature to give you the best possible workout. The heat fast-tracks all the benefits of your practice, increasing strength and flexibility.
Location: Newmarket
Centred on community, Begin Wellness offers a number of unique classes that inspire meditative movement. From Tibetan sound healing to solo Latin dance-inspired classes, to more traditional practices, here, there truly is something for everyone — offering a novel experience.
Location: Takapuna
Those dwelling on the shore would do well to add a class at the newly reopened Golden Yogi to your weekly wellness routine. Celebrating the fact that everyone is unique and in a different place or space in their life, this welcoming spot offers a wide range of styles — from more traditional Vinyasa and Hatha practices to Pilates fusion, pregnancy-specific classes, and even a bespoke class crafted with teenagers in mind.
Location: Remuera
Not your typical yoga studio, OYF offers a unique variety of 45 and 60-minute group yoga and fitness fusion classes with intense cardio and core workouts, balance training, flexibility and strengthening, complimented by deep breathing, relaxation and a calming of the mind all in state of the art FAR Infrared heat therapy.
Location: Hobsonville
For those wanting to practice yoga out west, Hobsonville’s Kanuka Yoga Space is a welcoming, light-filled studio offering classes influenced by Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. Here, alongside all of the regular classes, teachers offer a unique fusion of yogalates, bringing together both the strength of pilates and the relaxation of yoga — a perfect pairing for fitness enthusiasts.
Location: Grey Lynn
This suburban studio offers all the makings of a blissful yoga experience. Here, classes draw from traditional Hatha and Vinyasa practices — offering a moment of reprieve from many of the sweat-styled classes found around the city. What we truly adore, however, is the Kundalini yoga sessions, that bring together elements of mantra, breath and meditation alongside movement.
Location: Remuera
This yoga space in Remuera offers a refined schedule that considers all the needs of its students. Contemporary Yoga classes merge the Eastern and Western schools of thought, to offer a highly individualised approach to the practice that meets our modern needs.
Location: Matakana
While The Space may be a little further afield, this Matakana studio is the perfect place to drop into for a class over the weekend or while you’re away at the bach. Bringing together the foundations of yoga, meditation, and pilates, the approach to movement is unique, but one that has garnered a dedicated following.
In the realm of design, Paola Navone is an undisputed pioneer whose visionary work is known for transcending creative boundaries. Emerging from the male-dominated Italian design scene of the 1980s as a standout figure, Navone has proceeded to reshape contemporary aesthetics with her innovative approach, leaving an indelible legacy in her wake. Here, we explore the designer’s life and work through some of her most iconic and recognisable pieces.
Italian designer Paola Navone is a design force to be reckoned with. With a career spanning over four decades, Navone has carved a unique niche for herself, blending elements of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics to create a style that is distinctly her own. Renowned for her eclectic and cosmopolitan approach, Navone’s work reflects a rich tapestry of influences from her travels around the globe and speaks to her willingness to seek out new and novel ways of looking at design.
Born in Turin in 1950, Navone’s journey into design began at the Polytechnic University of her hometown, where she studied architecture. However, disillusioned by the conventional teachings of the time, she embarked on a quest to explore alternative approaches to design, finding inspiration in avant-garde movements such as Archigram in London and Paolo Soleri’s Arcosanti in Arizona. For her master’s thesis, Navone delved into the realm of radical architecture, a school of thought that set the stage for her groundbreaking career. Speaking with Frame magazine a couple of years ago, the designer said, “During my studies I discovered… that there were groups of architects doing something very different from what I was being taught. They were not interested in designing ‘normal’ buildings… but rather fantastical ones, utopias.”
But it was her encounter with Alessandro Mendini that proved to be a turning point, when she was asked by the design luminary to move to Milan for a job. Joining Mendini’s circle, which included Ettore Sottsass and Andrea Branzi, Navone became immersed in the vibrant world of Studio Alchimia and later Memphis, where she was able to hone her bold and colourful aesthetic. It was also during this time that she won a competition held by Abet Laminati which catapulted her into the spotlight and cemented her status as a rising star in the design world.
Importantly, it was alongside these other designers that Navone started exploring the idea of the design of tomorrow. In 1978, the group presented its first collection Bau.Haus uno at Milan’s Salone del Mobile, which was considered radical and utterly unique. As Navone said, “Nobody bought our collections, but we didn’t care. We were trying to imagine a new way of working – a new kind of design…We worked with colour, pattern and asymmetry. We covered furniture with designs and patterns, when most of what was on the market resembled a blank canvas.”
Navone’s insatiable curiosity and wanderlust eventually led her to Asia, where she spent nearly two decades exploring the intersection of craft and industry. Collaborating with local artisans and manufacturers, she was able to draw on a variety of influences to infuse her designs with a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, earning her a reputation as a visionary with a global perspective and allowing her designs to truly transcend borders in a way that very few of her contemporaries’ pieces could and in 2000, she started her own, multi-disciplinary design studio, Otto, through which she continued to build on her stellar reputation.
“[navone’s] philosophy is one of adaptability and pragmatism, eschewing rigid adherence to trends in favour of a more fluid and intuitive approach”
Throughout her illustrious career, Navone has worked with a myriad of prestigious brands, including, Alessi, Poliform, Linteloo, Gervasoni, Serax, Ligne Roset and more, leaving an indelible mark on the world of design. Her philosophy is one of adaptability and pragmatism, eschewing rigid adherence to trends in favour of a more fluid and intuitive
approach which ultimately, creates spaces and products that are inviting and approachable. Whether she is designing furniture, textiles or interiors, Navone imbues her work with a sense of warmth and hospitality, inviting people to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way. For Navone, design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating experiences that enrich people’s lives.
Available locally from ECC
A testament to minimalist elegance and versatile functionality, the Ghost sofa boasts a thin, minimal structure, padded with polyurethane foam, that provides comfort without sacrificing style. While the removable cover, highlighted by visible stitching, offers the freedom to switch between formal and informal looks effortlessly. Inspired by its white version’s ethereal appearance, the Ghost collection features seats enveloped in soft cushions, inviting relaxation. With sofas, armchairs, ottomans, chairs, and beds all part of the wider collection, each piece becomes a canvas for personal expression, adapting to different moods and settings.
Designed by Paola Navone for Serax, the Fish & Fish collection celebrates the humble herring, a beloved staple of Baltic cuisine. Infused with Navone’s signature relaxed and playful style, this tableware collection is perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinners. Inspired by products created during the Great Depression in the 1930s, Navone brings a touch of nostalgia to each piece, creating a charming blend of tradition and modern design. Ideal for serving appetisers, finger foods or indulging in a seafood-themed feast.
Designed as a stunning reinterpretation of a classical model, Baxter’s Chester Moon sofa saw Paola Navone blend timeless elegance with modern simplicity. This exceptional piece exemplifies the importance of shape balance, seamlessly combining intricate craftsmanship with clean lines. Inspired by historical handicraft techniques yet firmly rooted in a contemporary aesthetic, the Chester Moon sofa embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, where its understated design and impeccable craftsmanship make it a standout addition to any space.
Available locally from Studio Italia
In creating Poliform’s Big Bug chair, Paola Navone designed a structure crafted from flexible printed polyurethane with elements in foamed polyurethane of varying densities to offer unparalleled support. Known for the ways in which it redefines comfort and style, Big Bug boasts an innovative silhouette that showcases highly original geometries, with one low armrest adding to its distinctive appeal. The outstretched covering, available in removable fabric or non-removable leather, completes the look with a touch of sophistication, and makes this piece a true masterpiece of modern design.
The iconic Nuvola 09 Lounge Chair by Paola Navone for Gervasoni epitomises comfort and sophistication. Crafted with a multilayer and solid wood frame, this chair offers durability and stability with upholstery in differentiated density polyurethane foam, designed to provide luxurious cushioning for a truly relaxing experience. The removable covers, adorned with goose down and polyester fibre quilting, enhance this chair’s versatility and ease of maintenance, while Navone’s characteristically bold design makes it a statement piece perfect for modern living spaces.
Available locally from Sarsfield Brooke
Elegance and versatility collide in the exquisite Plissé H103 design by Paola Navone for MIDJ. With a base crafted in lacquered metal, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, it offers practicality without compromising on style. Inspired by the world of fashion and the timeless appeal of pleated workmanship, Plissé exudes sophistication with a hint of playfulness. Available in various versions, including dining tables and high bar tables, its pleated motif adds depth and dynamism to any space, making it feel at home in both private and public settings.
Designed by Paola Navone for the multi-disciplinary design studio she founded, Otto, Baggy is more than just a light fixture — it is a whimsical and informal statement piece. Inspired by oversized pants, Baggy features a unique composition of individual modules, offering endless possibilities for arrangement. Its satin polycarbonate diffuser mimics the appearance of crumpled paper, while a soft textile cord adds a touch of refinement.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is presenting a spectacular trio of ballets for its 2024 winter season showcase. Solace: Dance to feed your soul, in association with Ryman Healthcare, will light up stages in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch from the 1st to the 17th of August, with work by three of the world’s most innovative and celebrated artists, Wayne McGregor (Britain), Sarah Foster-Sproull (Aotearoa New Zealand) and Alice Topp (Australia).
RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall says, “I’m looking forward with such anticipation to our Solace season, in which our dancers and audiences alike will experience the incredible capacity of dance as a language for diversity of expression, and the unbelievable physical capacity of the human body for movement.”
Wayne McGregor’s Infra, from the Latin word for ‘below’, delivers an illuminating portrait of city life. This abstract ballet delves beneath the surface to present a moving mediation on human interactions. Infra, which premiered at the Royal Opera House in London in 2008, features twelve dancers moving through solos, duets, and ensembles, accompanied by Max Richter’s elegiac score, which mixes melancholy string melodies with electronic sounds.
Sarah Foster-Sproull’s To Hold is her fifth original work for the RNZB. It explores the intricate wonders of the human form: shape shifting, endlessly inventive. Eden Mulholland’s score adds a powerful sense of primal transformation, pushing and pulling the dancers through the space. The work is enhanced by costumes designed by Donna Jefferis, whose pieces draw inspiration from the high-fashion tailoring and pleated designs of Issey Miyake, elegantly framing the body while supporting the complex choreographic structures.
Completing the programme is High Tide, a poignant new creation by a favourite in New Zealand, RNZB alumna Alice Topp. Inspired by the music of Ólafur Arnalds, this ballet reflects on the cycles of life, touching upon themes of growth, fear, and reconciliation. High Tide examines the shadows and lights of existence, represented through the unique stage design by Jon Buswell, which transforms the space into a living sculpture, emphasising the fluid and ever-changing nature of life itself.
Solace: Dance to feed your soul delivers a nourishing, cup-filling experience this winter, combining the creative genius of leading choreographers, composers, and designers. This season of reflection, beauty, and profound human connection, showcased through the artistry of dance, will be a highlight of the cultural calendar in 2024.
Tickets are available now at rnzb.org.nz.
In an ode to its longstanding relationship with ballet, Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its new Extraordinary Dials collection, where the poetry of dance and the march of time come together in breathtaking harmony.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ connection with the ballet can trace its origins to Paris in the 1920s, when the renowned jewellery Maison’s Founder, Louis Arpels, would frequently visit the Opéra Garnier, located a short walk from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Place Vendôme boutique. This passion for ballet was something he passed on to his nephew Claude, and so began the Maison’s generational affiliation with the art of classical dance.
Fast forward to now, and the enchanting world of ballet has continued to be a significant influence on Van Cleef & Arpels, in both its jewellery collections and notably, in its timepiece creations too. And now, as part of its haute horology offering, the Maison is unveiling its Extraordinary Dials collection, comprising two incredible watches inspired by the rich tapestry of ballet and finished with the Maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship. So intricate and exceptional are these timepieces, in fact, that they truly transcend the realm of mere accessories, becoming veritable works of art that dance upon the wrist.
“With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit.”
Drawing from the ethereal grace of dance, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us into a pas de deux with two watches that draw on iconic 19th-Century ballets: Casse-Noisette and La Belle au bois dormant. With meticulous attention to detail, the Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette and Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant watches weave tales of romance and enchantment, capturing the essence of these timeless performances in miniature tableaux.
The Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette pays homage to Marius Petipa’s beloved ballet, first performed in 1892, through a symphony of colour and movement. Against a backdrop of winter hues, the ballerina and her prince, each with a rose-cut diamond face, come to life in a spectacle of painted costumes that appear in graceful motion. Here, the dial has become a canvas where 70 different colours, finishes and enamelling techniques (some of which were only developed in 2023) converge, culminating in Van Cleef & Arpels’ richest creation to date. Each element, from the shimmering diamonds to the coloured sapphires, blue tourmalines, onyx, sugilite and lapis lazuli contributes to a mesmerising ballet of light and shadow.
Meanwhile, the Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant transports us to the magical realm of Princess Aurora and her century-long sleep. Against a rose gold castle backdrop, the princess and her prince charm us with their tender embrace, while ribbons of white gold, diamonds and champlevé enamel unfurl like delicate tendrils of ivy. Lilac flowers bloom in a celebration of the awakening, their matte vallonné enamel petals juxtaposed with the brilliance of sapphires. With each passing moment, the dial becomes a more vibrant tableau, capturing the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky’s score and Petipa’s choreography in a single glance.
At the heart of these extraordinary timepieces lies Van Cleef & Arpels’ unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. In its Geneva workshops, the Maison’s artisans employ ancient métiers d’art techniques alongside cutting-edge developments to bring each dial to life. From the intricate sculpting of shaped enamel to the meticulous fusion of sealed enamel, every step of the process is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ dedication to excellence. To marvel at these exquisite creations is to be reminded that time itself is a precious gift — one to be cherished and celebrated in every moment. With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit. And in a world where time feels more fleeting than ever, these watches remind us that beauty, like ballet, is eternal.
With winter well and truly upon us (meaning more time spent at home than elsewhere), there’s no better time than now to update your favourite playlists with some recently-released tunes, from DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou’s highly anticipated debut album to Bon Jovi’s joyful return and Maya Hawke’s indie folk compilation. And if long walks or road trips are on the agenda, we have also lined up a selection of addictive podcasts to subscribe to for some entertaining and informative listening.
Embark on a sonic journey with artist, producer, DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou as she unveils her highly anticipated debut album, I Hear You. One of the most hotly-awaited debut records in recent years, this ten track LP is the culmination of years of work for the Korean-born artist, who’s uniquely revered as both an underground icon and global sensation. Featuring previous successful singles including the 2023 chart-topping global hit (It Goes Like) Nanana and I Believe in Love Again (a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz), the work sees Gou stepping into the next level of her artistry and boldly claiming her voice through the kaleidoscopic lens of ‘90s house music. A timeless debut.
Song to start with:
1+1=11
Music legends Bon Jovi released their new album Forever this June — the group’s 16th studio effort. As the band celebrates their 40th anniversary, Forever sits as an ode to joy, exploring the depths of the journey to get there. Bon Jovi once again teams up with his two remaining founding bandmates in a masterpiece of timeless, quintessential rock.
Song to start with:
Legendary
Actress-musician (and daughter of Ethan Hawke & Uma Thurman) Maya Hawke has released her third studio album which promises to further sharpen her storytelling prowess. The indie folk compilation weaves a tapestry of teasing electronics, muscular guitars and heavy reverb, and is her most progressive, telling work yet.
Song to start with:
Missing Out
Eight years since their collaborative debut — a highly acclaimed LP titled Yes Lawd!, NxWorries (the dynamic duo of Anderson. Paak and Knxwledge) are releasing a soulful sequel. Why Lawd? features the likes of Dave Chappelle, Thundercat, and H.E.R., taking the pair’s genre-bending musical talents to stunning new heights.
Song to start with:
86Sentra
From what Taylor Swift and The Wiggles have in common to modern-day Mad Men, iconic ad guru Russel Howcroft and industry up-and-comer Freddie Young tell the uncensored stories behind the world’s most talked about brands, ideas, campaigns, and industry transgressions, offering insight into some of the greatest creative ideas and businesses along the way.
Sharing practical advice from incredible women in leadership positions, CEO Yourself, hosted by lauded businesswoman Hermoine Olivia, deep dives into a slew of inspirational guests’ CEO prowesses, allowing us to connect the dots, adopt their humbly shared learnings and, ultimately, take charge of not just our careers, but lives.
Now in its 10th season, Revisionist History is multi-bestselling author and journalist Malcom Gladwell’s journey through the overlooked and often misunderstood corners of history. Every episode re-examines something from the past — spanning events, people, ideas and more, offering the past a second chance at a future.
Local and international
directors, actors, creatives,
and designers pull back the curtain on New Zealand’s vibrant theatre scene, sharing insights and inspiration, juicy anecdotes from the rehearsal room, and laying out what it takes to bring plays to life — from ideation to writing, casting, directing and, ultimately, putting on a good show.
While we’ve heard of the benefits of collagen supplementation on skin appearance and health, there is also evidence to suggest it has a positive effect on your immune system. With added vitamin C and zinc in its Beauty Blends, a daily dose of PROCHAINE might be just the thing to keep winter colds and flus at bay. Here, Nutritionist Sarah Mitchell Weston steps us through how to harness the power of collagen to bolster our immunity — just in time for winter.
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is housed in the gut? It makes sense then that gut health and a strong immune system are closely linked. Optimal gut health relies on a diverse gut microbiome and strong gut lining. Collagen contains certain amino acids – in particular glycine, proline and glutamine – which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. Glutamine, in particular, is a key fuel source for the cells that line the intestines, known as enterocytes. These cells play a vital role in forming a barrier between the contents of your intestines and the rest of your body. When this barrier is compromised, it can lead to leaky gut syndrome, allowing harmful substances to enter your bloodstream and trigger inflammation and immune responses.
Ever notice how your skin feels stronger and more elastic when you use collagen? That’s because it’s a major component of connective tissue. When you have a wound or injury, your body needs to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. Collagen plays a crucial role in this process by providing structure and support to the new tissue forming at the site of the injury. It acts as a scaffold for other cells involved in wound healing, such as fibroblasts, which produce additional collagen and other proteins necessary for tissue repair. Additionally, collagen helps regulate the inflammatory response and promotes the formation of new blood vessels, which are essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissue.
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. It helps stimulate the production and function of white blood cells, which are your body’s first line of defence against infections. White blood cells, such as lymphocytes and phagocytes, rely on vitamin C to effectively identify and destroy pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Additionally, vitamin C enhances the function of various immune system components, such as the skin’s barrier function and the production of antibodies, which are proteins that recognise and neutralise harmful invaders.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various aspects of the immune system. It’s involved in the function and development of immune cells, such as white blood cells and T-cells, which are key players in fighting off infections. Zinc also helps regulate the production of cytokines, which are signalling molecules that coordinate the immune response. Additionally, zinc is necessary for the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, which act as physical barriers against pathogens. Overall, zinc supports immune function by enhancing the body’s ability to mount an effective defence against harmful invaders.
For many of us, a well-rounded skincare routine can include minor cosmetic procedures such as natural-looking injectables. Often utilised to give the impression of a more youthful visage, what previously may have been an area of beauty kept under wraps and relegated to the ‘overly done’ cohort, injectables are now being embraced by many. This is thanks to a new raft of treatments that subtly enhance natural beauty without radically changing your appearance.
One such option is BELOTERO® Revive — a skin-boosting dermal filler that deeply hydrates and revitalises skin without drastic volume changes, lauded for its ability to reinvigorate lacklustre skin.
It works by combining two powerhouse ingredients — hyaluronic acid and glycerol, to provide deep hydration from within for up to nine months*, delivering that ‘fresh from holiday’ glow and reviving skin’s natural vitality. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, its purpose is not to add volume, but instead deliver a natural-looking boost to rejuvenate your complexion.
The injectable format allows for a more targeted approach — with product distributed specifically where it is needed, enabling it to work beneath the skin to provide deep hydration and target the effects of sun damage, improve overall firmness, enhance skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation and restore natural radiance.
BELOTERO® Revive has the ability to improve the skin’s texture and helps to achieve that all-important (and ever-elusive) glow. This is achieved via a combination of hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to provide unmatched levels of hydration, and glycerol — another potent hydration agent that binds water to lock moisture in your skin. The synergy of the two powerful ingredients delivers incredible hydration, boosting the skin’s moisture levels resulting in a healthy, more youthful visage.
For more information on BELOTERO® Revive and how to find your local clinic, see here.
When Erin Conry Webb and Nour Hammour founded their Parisian label Nour Hammour in 2013, they had a singular goal: to create the perfect leather jacket. It was a rather lofty ambition, but as you peruse the brand’s recent collection of thoughtfully tailored designs in neutral tones and supple leather, they appear right on track. Simultaneously androgynous and alluring, the contemporary cuts would slip effortlessly into any woman’s forever wardrobe. So, it is interesting to think that it all began with a biker jacket.
It was the early 2010s. Stacked rings, smokey eyes and over-the-top embellishment reigned, and the women — who met while studying for their masters — quietly launched a business making bespoke, studded leather jackets. Channelling the moto chic culture of the time, the personalised pieces were soon draped over the shoulders of Beyoncé, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, and a slew of off-duty models. The über-adorned designs earned a legion of fans right from the outset, but for Nour Hammour, it was just the beginning.
As time and taste moved on, the brand left the rebellious biker look behind and evolved, carrying its audience along with it. Forgoing trends in favour of enduring design, the handcrafted outerwear now strives to ‘empower and elevate.’ These tenets carry across every facet of the female-founded brand, which has worked tirelessly to forge a fresh path in the male-dominated leather industry.
In a trade that favours large-scale production, Nour Hammour is unafraid to break the mould. Establishing manufacturing methods that honour craft and heritage, it remains steadfast to its ambition to be ‘more unique, ecological and inclusive,’ even launching a female-led workshop in Istanbul. Production is now split between Turkey and a petite Parisian workshop—the same one that made the brand’s very first jacket over a decade ago.
The label’s other key motivator is sustainability. Nour Hammour has an admirable ‘zero-waste’ approach, and while leather is an inherently sustainable material, the brand makes significant considerations to reduce its environmental impact further. Case in point, it doesn’t hold any inventory; every jacket is cut and constructed when ordered. This means excess fabric remains at a minimum, and anything that is left over or offcut is collected by other artisans and repurposed.
Available exclusively through Muse Boutique, owner Olivia Vincent Healy first discovered the brand via forever icon Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, drawn to the elegant outerwear for its “luxurious and timeless” appeal. Destined to be the ideal companion for this winter and many more, Nour Hammour is outerwear to be prized and passed down. As co-founder Conry Webb says, “Leather is the only material that gets better with time.”
Nour Hammour is available exclusively at Muse Boutique
Known for her work which manipulates light, form, and shadow, Kāryn Taylor has a unique ability to draw the viewer in, challenging perception and inspiring introspection as she investigates metaphysics, regarding the existence and nature of things, and quantum physics, the behaviour of matter and energy. This June, the respected artist has an exhibition at Sanderson Contemporary entitled ‘Visual Linguistics‘ — continuing the evolution of her self-illuminating lightboxes, as she further pushes the limitations of the material which has become synonymous with her work.
Here, we talk to Taylor ahead of her exhibition, discussing the nuances of her work, the link between illusion and reality, and what we can expect to see in ‘Visual Linguistics’.
You are known for your artworks that explore light and space. When did you first start making art in this way?
My first exploration into light and space was a large-scale, immersive work for the Dunedin Fringe Festival in 2008. It was a series of chambers, each with its own frequency relating to the energy systems of the human body. I used the vibration of light, colour and sound to achieve this. Later, I studied for my Masters at Elam where I experimented with sculptural light and line works. My self-illuminating lightboxes came out of being asked to submit a work for Sculpture OnShore in 2014, which had to withstand the elements. As I’d been working with layers of film and paper, I went looking for something more durable to mimic this. I played around with cast acrylic and discovered how to make a glow effect which I immediately ran with. I could visualise the final work in a matter of moments leading to a year-long process of perfecting the concept, which continues today.
You studied Graphic Design in California before going on to study Fine Arts in New Zealand. Did this impact your approach to art?
As a graphic designer, I had to continually come up with new designs within strict parameters, and always tried to excel at coming up with something unique and different from what was already out there. This has probably impacted my art making as I always try to create works that are unique and haven’t been seen before.
You recently exhibited your first large-scale public exhibition at the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū in Nelson, which was hugely successful. What did you learn from this experience? And what did you enjoy?
This was an exciting project as I was exploring new territory such as free standing sculptures and the physical modification of the space. I was working at a much larger scale than I had previously. I loved the whole process as I quite like being on the edge of new things and figuring out how to bring them to life. I learnt a lot about working with multiple fabricators to create new works using new materials. I also learnt how creating a total environment at a large scale requires a lot of intense visualisation as there is no real way to test the full concept at scale. Seeing it come to life was a pivotal moment in my career.
Your artwork explores metaphysics and quantum physics. Can you explain this a bit more?
Metaphysics is the study of existence and the nature of things, while quantum physics is the study of the behaviour of matter and energy. The interesting thing is they both bump up against this idea that consciousness creates reality; that the observer and the observed are somehow connected. My work explores this by often including something that doesn’t perceptually or physically make sense, it requires the viewer to question what they are looking at – what is real and what is an illusion.
What are your future career goals?
I have always envisioned my work in public galleries, not just here in New Zealand but also overseas, so I am always looking to create a trajectory in that direction. I see large-scale installations and free-standing sculptures being a focus, alongside my projection works. I have this insatiable desire to bring my practice out into the world.
Tell us one thing about yourself that people wouldn’t know
I have danced Argentine tango for over 20 years and I spent a number of years teaching it too!
You have an exhibition coming up at Sanderson in June. What can we expect to see in the exhibition?
The continuing evolution of my self-illuminating lightboxes — I am always trying to see how far I can push the limitations of this material. There will be works that have more shadow-based lines that speak to traditional drawing. There will also be some new colour combinations and more complex imagery, alongside my known minimalist aesthetic.
Kāryn Taylor’s exhibition ‘Visual Linguistics’ is on at Sanderson Contemporary from the 12th June until the 7th of July 2024.
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