The Aotearoa Art Fair has officially opened today, and we’re welcoming the creative buzz in Downtown Auckland, particularly at everyone’s favourite shopping and food precinct Commercial Bay — a destination of both convenience and pleasure. When it comes to experiencing the immersive art, indulging in delicious fare and shopping up a storm, consult our recommended itinerary for a day to remember.
Morning Coffee at Camper Coffee All good art experiences begin with coffee, and few outposts around these parts do it better than Camper Coffee. Hole-in-the-wall style, the joint serves aromatic coffee brewed with its own fresh-roasted beans, making for the perfect pre-fair ritual.
A spot of shopping Commercial Bay is home to some of the best shopping in Auckland. Intimate lounges and showroom spaces offer an array of coveted labels like Wynn Hamlyn, Yu Mei, Superette and Sandro, not to mention beloved beauty boutiques Mecca and Dior Cosmetics. If you only have time for one stop, we recommend calling into the Yu Mei lounge. Here, the luxury leather goods label is supporting Xin Cheng, a multidisciplinary artist presenting mixed media installation ‘Stories from Te Auaunga Oakley Creek’ in partnership with Aotearoa Art Fair’s ‘Projects’, a non-profit exhibition designed to showcase contemporary practitioners across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Indulge in lunch at Pōni Since Pōni’s refresh earlier this year courtesy of local restaurant maven David Lee, it’s become a must-visit destination for any appetite. We recommend visiting at lunch, so you can take in the expansive outlook of the harbour through the floor-to-ceiling windows and indulge in Pōni’s Asian-inspired menu (ordering a serving of the delectable cuttlefish toast is a must).
Call into Season Gallery For an additional art fix, a call into Season Gallery will be more than sufficient. Currently on display are the works of local artist Nikau Hindin (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi), whose works explore traditional ways of working with Māori aute, a plant pounded into cloth to make adornments, garments and kites.
Make a dinner reservation at Origine Origine is the new French-inspired bistro courtesy of the brains behind nearby restaurant Ahi, and we couldn’t think of a better addition to Commercial Bay’s elevated food offering. Dining at Origine will make the perfect end to your day, complementing an afternoon of art and culture with its exquisite, flavourful and varied French fare.
Whether you need to give your living or dining room a timely refresh or you simply want to add an interesting element to your interiors, the Ringer dining chair by Michael Anastassiades is a beautiful, timeless piece that would feel perfectly at-home in any curated space. Conceived as a minimal approach to café dining furniture, the chair was named for its reference to the lucky game of Horseshoes, while nodding to the traditional and intricate Chinese horseshoe back chair.
As the first collaboration between Anastassiades and Kettal, the Ringer Chair makes use of an aluminium fabrication to appear to float without visible joints, while retaining sufficient structural support. Truly an expression of the designer’s clever eye and the kind of innovation on which Kettal has built its reputation, the Ringer Chair is pared-back and perfectly proportioned, and exactly what we’re coveted to introduce something new to our homes.
The Ringer dining chair by Michael Anastassiades for Kettal is available locally from Studio Italia.
Before you get carried away with trend-driven, seasonal fashion, first ensure that your wardrobe has the right foundations. A curated collection of simplified pieces, from a little black dress to the perfect collared shirt, these are the essentials you need to set you up in style.
Little Black Dress The ‘LBD’ has long been a mainstay of the well-curated wardrobe. As universally flattering as it is versatile, this simple, elegant piece will be your failsafe for any occasion, always able to offer subtle sophistication for very little effort.
From Left: Gucci Towards the Sun Collection, Helen Cherry Maggie dress from Workshop.
Light Overcoat Perfect for transitioning into warmer days, this particular style of outerwear is favoured for its ability to layer. Destined to remain with you for many seasons, the light overcoat is the easiest way to make an outfit feel complete.
Left: Acne Studios Cotton trench coat from Workshop.
Boyfriend Blazer Oversized is the name of the game here, with a generous blazer that takes cues from your boyfriend’s wardrobe. Putting proportion at the forefront and promising to elevate any casual look, this style has long been favoured for its timeless, sophisticated look.
Loafers Arguably the most versatile shoe in any wardrobe, the trusty loafer is a style to which you can return in any circumstance or season. Marrying sleek refinement with study style, this staple shoe should always be on hand (or should we say, foot).
From the top: Connelly Flat Loafer from Louis Vuitton. Women’s loafer with Interlocking G from Gucci. Bryer Loafer Flat from Jimmy Choo.
Transeasonal Knit A versatile knit is essential for spring dressing, ensuring any look will be able to stand up to the season’s changeable weather. Our advice? Opt for something in high-quality yarn (neither too heavy, nor too light) and a style that allows you to layer.
From left: Francesca Sweater from Dadelszen. Wool cashmere sweater from Gucci.
Button-Down Shirt Arguably the most crucial piece of any curated wardrobe is the classic button-down shirt. Simple, timeless and flattering on all, this tailored piece is the easiest way to make your day-to-day outfits feel polished. And while there are many iterations of the button-down out there, we suggest choosing one in a light, neutral tone.
Tailored Trousers Nothing steps up a simple look like a pair of beautifully tailored, perfectly fitting trousers. Whether worn with a plain white T-shirt or with something a little more formal, tailored trousers will make anyone look (and feel) put together.
White Singlet Having emerged from the Fall 2022 season as its hero piece, the plain white singlet is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Set to be one of the hardest-working basics in your wardrobe, a well-cut, high-quality white singlet will give you an air of cool, 90s-supermodel nonchalance.
From left: Miles Tank from Camilla and Marc. Bottega Veneta Fall 22.
At-home bartending should be a pleasure — not a chore — which is why Quarterpast is elevating the art of mixology with its newly debuted Quarterpast Classic Cocktail Mixer kit, perfectly timed for the festive season.
A fuss-free way to concoct premium cocktails, the kit contains a recipe book, trusty jigger, and four delectable Quarterpast Mixology Bases — Crisp Apple, Triple Peach, Tahitian Lime & Mint and Cranberry & Lime. Harnessing the punchy flavour of cold-brewed fruit, the Mixology Bases remove the need to squeeze citrus, muddle fruit and herbs — after all, who really wants to make an unnecessary mess in the kitchen?
Ultimately, the Classic Cocktail Mixer Kit is a trusty bartender in a bottle, creating up to 100 drinks with ease. It’s also the perfect present for budding hosts, the person who has it all, or a Secret Santa gift for a party-loving colleague.
Simple to make at home and designed to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones, we’ve already proven how effortless it is to whip up a cocktail with the Quarterpast Tahitian Lime & Mint Jalapeño Mule. In the spirit of giving, we’re also sharing the recipe for the Quarterpast Crisp Apple Gin Fizz — a tipple that infuses the wonderfully refreshing combination of tart apple and botanical gin.
Quarterpast Crisp Apple Gin Fizz.
Quarterpast Crisp Apple Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
30ml Quarterpast Crisp Apple Mixolology Base 45ml gin 30ml lemon juice 1 egg white (30ml) Ice (to shake) Soda water (for foam topping) Edible flowers (for garnish)
Method:
1. Pour the Quarterpast Crisp Apple, gin, egg white, and lemon juice into a Boston cocktail shaker. 2. Shake for 15 seconds. 3. Open the shaker and add a handful of ice. 4. Shake for a further 15 seconds until the shaker has frosted over. 5. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute. 6. Carefully top with soda water to build the foam head. 7. Garnish with edible flowers.
Follow Quarterpast on Instagram and Facebook for more recipe inspiration.
As the weather gets warmer and the days become longer, there’s a burgeoning sense of playfulness in the air, and there’s no better way to imbue this jovial mood into your attire than with the considered use of geometric shapes.
Whether you prefer a classic check, an edgy kaleidoscopic pattern or a cutesy motif, add drama to your look by layering shapes (and colours), or keep it simple by focusing on one and using it as an eye-catching detail.
Naturally, we can’t look past enduring house codes like Prada’s triangle, Saint Laurent’s star, or Alaïa’s heart, all iconic shapes for you to make your own. For inspiration on how to get started with this design-focused trend, read on to discover some of our favourite geometric looks that will have you cutting shapes all summer long.
From top left: Loewe Oversized Square Sunglasses from Parker & Co. Leather Beret from Gucci. Gold Weave Dress from Louis Vuitton. Astro Shoulder Bag from Saint Laurent. Loewe Balloon Print Shirt from Faradays. Triangle Bag from Prada.
From top left: AlaÏa Heart Bag from Faradays. My Flower Chain Earrings from Louis Vuitton. Sade Pyramid Bag from Saint Laurent. Cropped Jacket from Dior. Acne Studios Distortion Mini Bag from Workshop. Lovelight Loafers from Gucci. Pleated Panel Kilt from Burberry.
In Auckland, we rarely find ourselves without access to a raft of delicious South-East Asian eateries, especially with the Asian-fusion obsession of recent years. But it is thanks to pioneering forces like Tok Tok that we’ve been able to discover more inspired flavours, and with the opening of the restaurant’s third location in Greenlane, we’re excited for more people to enjoy its offering.
Tok Tok has garnered significant popularity via its Takapuna location and has amassed a loyal following through its Hobsonville eatery too. So when the opportunity arose for owner Mike Lu to open his next outpost in Greenlane (a suburb fast becoming synonymous with delicious, laid-back food), it was hard to say no. And ever since we learned of the third iteration of this delicious destination, we’ve been waiting patiently for it to open.
Lu tells us that diners can expect the same delectable flavours and signature dishes that Tok Tok has become known for, while also being treated to a number of new dishes inspired by his recent trip to South East Asia. For those unfamiliar with the menu, the owner recommends trying the Popping Prawns, which literally do pop in your mouth, and the Crispy Hapuka Dry Red Curry, which has won awards for its sumptuous flavours.
At this new Greenlane location, the vibe is of a casual, approachable eatery that still feels a little refined (the perfect place for nearby corporates to take clients for a delicious bite). It is a destination fuelled by the restauranteur’s passion for fresh, flavoursome cuisine and as Lu explains, is a twist of modern meets authentic, “where traditional cooking methods meet new inspiration for dishes”.
Showcasing the best local produce, and a drinks menu that boasts totally delicious cocktails (designed to be imbibed on the sunny deck space), this is one new opening that we envisage will be hugely popular among locals — and those venturing from across town too.
Tok Tok Greenlane
Building 10/666 Great South Road,
Ellerslie, Auckland
From indie rockers to soulful singer-songwriters, there’s a new crop of artists making waves in the music scene, and these are the fresh faces with catchy tunes worth adding to your go-to playlists this season.
Audrey Nuna A rising R&B star, Audrey Nuna has been touted as one the most exciting new voices in the genre, with a sound that combines clever lyricism with exciting, original beats and songs that feel like uber-cool anthems for her generation. Not afraid to push creative boundaries, this burgeoning talent is one to add to the playlist.
Grace Carter Candid lyrics and beautiful, memorable melodies collide in Grace Carter’s unique style of soul-searching pop-R&B music, in which the young British singer courageously mines her inner world to create songs with some serious feeling.
Budjerah With a powerful, cinematic voice honed by gospel singing, young Australian artist Budjerah and his slick, R&B-pop songs have quickly found a captive audience. Having already collaborated with PNAU on a track, and with his debut album having been produced by Matt Corby, this rising star is just getting started.
Flowerkid Fans of Frank Ocean and Phoebe Bridgers will undoubtedly be drawn to Flowerkid’s intoxicating yet vulnerable beats. Exploring hard-hitting topics drawn from personal experiences, Flowerkid hopes to help others through the healing power of music.
Lucy Blue Dublin-based indie-pop singer Lucy Blue’s songs are a mix of soulful vocals and catchy melodies that will have you humming along in no time. Blue’s biggest musical influences include Prince, Joni Mitchell, and Gwen Stefani.
The idea of the ‘covert bar’ — one tucked away from street view or requiring a password for entry, is usually seen in much larger cities. But lately, Auckland seems to be embracing the notion with the city’s newest cocktail bar, ACS, a spot that you ordinarily wouldn’t know about unless someone told you. And, having discovered this hidden Ponsonby gem for ourselves, we thought it only fair to offer you a first look behind its secret door, ahead of its official opening tomorrow.
From the same team behind Viaduct Harbour’s Parasol & Swing, ACS is a sleek new cocktail lounge that has taken up residence above The Broken Lantern on Ponsonby Road. The experience, once inside the hidden venue (with the help of a secret password given by the bar staff downstairs) is sumptuous and effortlessly cool. In fact, the interiors here were conceived by the talents at The Art Dept. — a group who played a role in the gorgeous interiors found in the likes of Hotel Ponsonby and Lillian, among numerous others around the City.
Inside ACS, opulent, rust velvet curtains, a gold-leafed bar and vintage orb chandeliers collide with gritty graffiti, raw brick and concrete. Eclectic but not over the top, the vibe here is like a 70s-boudoir-meets-80s-vintage-hip-hop-cocktail-bar. Here, artist Hayley Brown and designer Hannah Rayneau have steadfastly transformed the once-empty space into a layered, languid lounge, using soft lighting, low pool tables and perfectly-curated playlists to create the ideal vibe for relaxing with a drink or two from the bar’s intricate cocktail menu.
Behind the bar you’ll find some exceptional talent, with cocktail maestros recruited from overseas to deliver some much-needed excitement to our burgeoning specialty cocktail scene, alongside those who have been in the game here for years. ACS’ bar is helmed by Conor Morahan,who has brought histalents over from Parasol & Swing, along with PJ Renaud (also ex-Parasol & Swing), who was just crowned Auckland’s Best Bartender at the Lewisham Hospitality Awards. The venue manager is Lisa Kempen (of Caretaker fame). On the menu, expect inspired tipples, like the Only Fans Famous, with Mezcal, tequila, red capsicum, orange, Aperol and citrus soda, or the Earthly Desires, with Lapsang Souchong Armagnac, sandalwood, amaro, aperitif wine, lime and lemon oil. Much like its decor, ACS’s cocktails are modernised twists on classics, designed to taste great and be playful in their ingredients and presentation.
From the kitchen, owner Jason Rosen tells us to expect an extension of delights similar to those found at the bar below, such as gourmet toasties, pickled vegetables, cheeses and charcuterie — all divine offerings sure to satiate any late-night craving.
ACS also leans heavily into its potential for private events and intimate gatherings. There is a private pool room (with high-quality tables, sans essential coin slot), with luxury Barton McGill supplied cues and balls to match, alongside a boutique cinema space for those seeking somewhere inspired (and unique) to host.
And so, as ACS opens its doors to those in the know (or those who remember to ask the staff downstairs for the password), it also opens the door to a new kind of social affair — one that, if you ask Rosen, Aucklanders have been crying out for.
With the holidays mere weeks away — just over six, to be precise — the thought of an extended vacation has never been more on our mind. And considering that most of our favourite salons tend to shut up shop over the break (and beauty appointments are already being booked out), we thought that now was as good a time as any to remind you to lock in your essential, pre-holiday appointments to ensure that end-of-year glow.
After all, six weeks is still enough time adopt a new fitness routine, achieve your brightest shade of beachy blonde, get in that very last laser session or give yourself one final detox before summer truly takes hold. With that in mind, we’ve created a quick and easy shortlist to take the stress out of last-minute bookings.
Hairdressers
Colleen: This K’Road salon is a firm favourite in the Denizen office, beloved for its talented team and the impressive products its stylists use. If you miss out on an appointment, at least pick up a mask and some conditioning treatments from here, to ensure your summer hair stays healthy.
M11 Studio: The results coming out of Newmarket’s M11 Studio are genuinely second to one. After all, a salon doesn’t garner the kind of reputation that this salon enjoys from nowhere. Our advice? Should you find an available booking, we recommend snapping it up without hesitation.
D&M: Here’s where you need to head if you’re looking to lighten your locks ahead of summer. We have it on good authority that stylist Shannon is the best blonde colourist in Auckland.
Spring Spa: With a raft of divine facials that cater to your every need, Spring Spa is a tried-and-true destination to prep your skin for warmer days ahead.
The Spa at Park Hyatt: When craving serenity and solitude, a facial that includes a staycation is a must — giving us the little extra downtime we need at this time of year.
The Facialist: For facials grounded in simplicity to enhance your natural beauty, The Facialist offers a raft of yoga-inspired treatments that will have your skin glowing for summer.
Sothys Bespoke Facial from Sofitel Spa: A considered, individualised philosophy underpins this luxurious one-hour and fifteen-minute experience and allows you to get the most effective treatment in the shortest amount of time.
Massages
East Day Spa: Provider of some of Auckland’s most divine massages, we think the stresses of this time of year offer a pretty good reason to book the new ‘The Sleep Specialist’ — designed to help you completely relax and unwind.
Tonic Room: I’ve long been an advocate for Tonic Room’s ‘Balancing Intuitive Massage’, which combines 60-minutes of mind-melting massage with the energetic healing prowess of 30-minutes of reiki.
Skinography: Although Kate’s buccal massages are perhaps her most iconic treatment, the body massages from this Jervois Road salon aren’t to be passed up either. Treat yourself to a ritual membership if you’re seeking this kind of relaxation all summer long.
Makeup Bookings
Beauty By Alexandra: As winner of the 2021 Denizen Everyday Heroes for Auckland’s favourite freelance makeup artist, there are few people we would trust more than Alexandra Stanworth to make us look luminous every time.
Rae Sacha: An extraordinarily-talented makeup artist who has a knack for bringing out the beauty in her clients every time (and creating flawless skin), Rae Sacha is worth booking in advance for any events you have coming up.
Phoebe Watt: Marrying an editorial slant with a decidedly natural approach, Phoebe Watt is the MUA you want on hand for any festive affairs.
Grayson Coutts: Having worked with local and international celebrities, on countless photoshoots and for many a private client, Coutts’ eye and attention to detail make him a glamourous go-to, indeed.
Xi Labs.
Personal Training Sessions
Xi Labs: Parnell’s newest boutique studio prides itself on intimate, if not one-on-one, sessions that embrace technological advancements to offer you a regime with lasting results.
Core Collective: Beloved by Denizen, both for its proximity to our office and because of the fact that it has some of the best pilates instructors in Auckland, sessions at Core Collective are a surefire way to slip into your healthiest summer self.
445 Run Club: A concept built on running, community connection and really early starts (if the name wasn’t a giveaway), this Friday morning exercise collective is one way to kickstart your weekend.
Manicures
INCO Studio: Purveyors of some of Auckland’s most intricate nail art, INCO is an essential destination for festive designs and fun talons.
Dune Nails: If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Tabitha van der Westhuizen’s books, you’ll already know the importance of making appointments in advance. We recommend keeping an eye on her Instagram for any cancellations — one appointment with her and your nails will never be the same.
East Day Spa: Beloved for its massages, East Day Spa’s subtle, nourishing manicures are also worthy of your attention. The ‘Warm Milk and Sandalwood Manicure’ considers more than just the nail, offering a much-needed relaxing hand massage, too.
Pedicures
The Art of Nails: Conveniently found in Commercial Bay, alongside all of your other essential postcodes, this is our one-stop-shop for any mani-pedi needs, and no one does summer-friendly feet quite like them.
Society: This Grey Lynn neighbourhood salon often flies under the radar but answers all our summer beauty needs. The ‘Yumi Callus Peel’ is a particular favourite to get any feet beach-, pool- or yacht-ready.
Hana.
Detox Rituals
Little Bird Organics Juice Cleanse: Ahead of the silly season, where we tend to well and truly indulge, so prepping the body for what’s to come can stand you in good stead. Little Bird’s iconic juice cleanse ritual will act as a pre-season cleanser to clear your gut and skin and give you a boost of energy.
Hana Sauna Ritual: Sweating out the sins of the year is one way to prepare for all that is to come, and there’s nothing more relaxing, or effective than a moment of reprieve in an infrared sauna (perhaps with a side of invigorating contrast therapy).
My Beauty Room’s Sheila Perez Method: A sworn-by treatment among those in the know, this treatment is just like a lymphatic drainage massage, and focuses on sculpting and shaping the body via detoxing techniques — perfect for feeling snatched ahead of any occasion, or simply, to feel better in a bikini.
Hair Removal/Waxing
Off & On: Praised for its efficiency and calibre, Off & On is a collection of salons dedicated to body hair and brow services. Here, laser hair removal is made easy-peasy, so should you find yourself in need of a pre-summer touch-up, we recommend paying your closest location a visit.
Loft Skin + Beauty: It’s increasingly challenging to find a salon that offers really good, high-quality waxing services (for those that haven’t gone down the laser route). As such, we appreciate Mount Eden’s Loft Skin + Beauty’s simple, nearly painless approach to hair removal.
Spring Spa: At Spring Spa’s Ponsonby and St Helier locations, alongside their Wellington salon (should you find yourself down that way), hair removal comprises both body waxing and facial threading for those patches that push the bounds of ‘peach fuzz’.
Injectables
Clinic 1: Since recently discovering Clinic 1, we’ve been singing the praises of this incredibly talented team to anyone who’ll listen. Both Renjini and Tessa are efficient and highly knowledgeable about their craft.
Dr Sarah Hart: Beloved for her mastery and precision, there are only a handful of people we would trust entirely with our face — and Dr Sarah Hart is one.
Prescription Skin Care: Here, a medical approach informs beauty, using the latest in technology and new techniques to offer an injectable service that can always be relied upon when required.
Off the back of a successful tour through Asia and Dubai, Louis Vuitton’s roaming exhibition ‘See LV’ has recently landed in Sydney and is already delighting visitors with its interactive spaces and innovative digital experiences. Taking up residence in Circular Quay on the edge of the City’s iconic harbour, this impressive exhibition is giving us the chance to get up close and personal with a number of iconic archival objects from the brand’s heritage collections alongside a curation of recent creations as well, offering insight into how Louis Vuitton has remained at the forefront of fashion since the late 19th Century. So if you’ve been thinking about a trip to Sydney before the end of the year, be sure to put this experience on your list.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with a digitally-rendered portrait of a young Louis Vuitton, created (using artificial intelligence) by Turkish artist Refik Anadol. This leads into a room filled with a selection of men’s and womenswear that weaves through the work of some of the Maison’s most renowned designers (including Virgil Abloh, Nicolas Ghesquière, Kim Jones and Marc Jacobs). Contemporary pieces stand alongside breathtaking archival ones, painting a clear picture of the ways in which Louis Vuitton has been influencing the wider fashion landscape since its early inception.
Another major component of the exhibition is a wall filled with Louis Vuitton’s most iconic bags — bags are, after all, a cornerstone of the house. Designs that have been part of the Maison’s story since the late 1890s sit alongside renowned contemporary designs, as well as a number of pieces made in collaboration with Atelier Fornasetti, Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama. Displayed in their distinctive style groups (from Keepall to Speedy, Noé and more) and kept in chronological order, these bags trace Louis Vuitton’s history from a beautiful flat trunk designed in 1906 to a Petite Boîte Chapeau designed for Fall-Winter 2021.
In the Evolution Gallery, visitors are treated to a series of visually-arresting displays that speak to Louis Vuitton’s involvement in the evolution of transport, from the steamer ship to the skateboard. Here, visitors will find a curation of some of the Maison’s most recognisable and revolutionary creations — from a lounge chair from the Objets Nomades collection to a transformable raincoat-tent from Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton 2054 collection to a skateboard in Monogram Graffiti designed in collaboration with Stephen Sprouse. Each carrying its own story around how it influenced changing lifestyles and travelling habits.
Finally, what would a Louis Vuitton exhibition be without some kind of ode to the monogram that has made it so globally recognisable? The culmination of the See LV journey is an interactive space dedicated to the symbols of Louis Vuitton — a code that, since its creation in 1896, has transcended time, trends and design to remain at the heart of this Maison, even as it is perpetually reinvented by the brand’s creative directors.
The very last stop in this pop-up exhibition is a Louis Vuitton library space, in which the latest literary launches and publications by Éditions Louis Vuitton (over 100) are available for any interested visitors to peruse.
On now and running until the 11th of December, See LV is an extraordinary expression of one of the world’s most influential fashion houses — a fitting ode to an icon. And while entry is technically free, you must reserve your visiting time in advance, with tickets able to be organised via the Louis Vuitton website, here.
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