The most significant night in cinema has been and gone for another year, leaving us with plenty of unforgettable fashion moments to mull over. As the biggest stars in the world lined up on the Oscars’ red carpet, it was clear that the style code for the event was old Hollywood elegance with a modern and ever-so-slightly undone edge. Silhouettes were figure-hugging, colours were used to striking effect, hair was sleek and understated, opera gloves were back in a big way, and black-and-white, it seemed, was the colour-combination du jour.
From Emma Stone’s flattering, ice-blue peplum dress by Louis Vuitton, to Emily Blunt’s striking Schiaparelli gown with surreal, floating shoulder straps, to Carey Mulligan’s custom, couture Balenciaga (a recreation of an iconic 1951 design by Cristobal Balenciaga himself), the looks at this year’s Oscars were thoughtful, glamorous, statement-making and bold. These were our favourites.
While there are plenty of ways to update your interior space, from pendant lighting to soft textiles, one of the easiest ways is with some strategically-applied furnishings. Here, we delve into the trend of curved dining chairs, a style that promises to bring an air of soft serenity to any kind of space. Whether finished in a minimalist or modernist, or even wonderfully eclectic style, not only do these chairs look good but their rounded backs are so comfortable, you’ll want to linger long after the last plates have been cleared. Discover our essential edit of curved dining chairs below.
Introduce an element of whimsy into your space with an ethereal, cloud-like pendant. Carefully made with near-translucent materials cleverly shaped over metal frames, these eye-catching lights promise to cast your home in an otherworldly glow.
Inspired by The Grand Tour, a historical odyssey through the major cultural centres of Europe, Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest high jewellery collection takes us on an incredible, sweeping journey where history, geography and gemstones collide.
London
The journey of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Grand Tour begins in London, where Canova’s statue at the sumptuous Chatsworth House inspired the Dea Eterna Clip, boasting an oval-cut 3.47-carat pink sapphire, blue sapphires, lapis lazuli, a grey cultured pearl and diamonds. The Josiah Necklace and Earrings were inspired by the heart of London, where baguette and round-cut diamonds drape around the neck or hang elegantly from the ears, culminating in remarkable oval-cut sapphires. Elsewhere, the rose gold Elizabeth Earrings (their name derived from the iconic monarch) with detachable pendants, feature two triangle-cut pink spinels, alongside coral and sparkling diamonds.
Elizabeth earrings with detachable pendants, Cornucopia clip & Schäppel ring from Van Cleef & Arpels
The mythological horn of plenty inspired Van Cleef & Arpels to create the Cornucopia Clip where a rubellite immediately attracts the gaze, surrounded by diamond leaves, amethysts, rubies and spessartite garnets and finished with bouqiets of sapphire flowers, spessartite garnets and diamonds. The Escale Antique bracelet is another marvel inspired by Rome, fashioned from rose gold, it boasts emeralds, tsavorite garnets and diamonds in an intricate, botanical pattern.
Over to Naples where Van Cleef & Arpels’ Ninfe Necklace depicts a floral crown, like those in the mosaics of the ruined Nymphaeum in Herculaneum. Comprising links of gadrooned rose gold, diamonds and pink sapphires, the centre of the creation is a composition of leaves in rose and white gold, diamonds and red and pink ‘angel-skin’ coral. These surround a striking cushion-cut rubellite, subtly accentuated by two oval-cut rubellites. The Symphonie Florale Clip, was inspired by the hanging gardens of Ravello, and boasts white and rose gold, a breathtaking collection of spessartite and tsavorite garnets, a pink, mauve sapphire and diamonds.
Ninfe necklace, Symphonie végétale clip & Escale sur la baie bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels
Transporting us to The Alps as winter ends, the blossoms come into bloom and Edelweiss gently awakens, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Etoile des Glaciers Clip features a stunning cluster of sapphires, white and yellow diamonds, designed to represent a rare and protected plant species that only thrives in high-altitude environments.
Regina Montium necklace with detachable pendant & Etoile des glaciers clip from Van Cleef & Arpels
Inspired by the refined ladies-in-waiting of the court of Louis XV, Van Cleef & Arpels created the Eclat Mystérieux Necklace with Traditional Mystery Set emeralds, mauve sapphires white cultured pearls and diamonds. While its Lucendi Earrings suggest an elaborate, 18th Century chandelier and are rendered in rose and white gold with two oval-cut rubellites, mauve sapphires and diamonds. Elsewhere, its jaw-dropping Noeud Royal Ring heroes a cushion-cut pink sapphire set in white gold and surrounded by diamonds.
Any entertainer knows the crucial importance of a well-stocked bar for hosting success. Whether you opt for something that is tucked tidily behind sleek doors or installed as a focal point in the corner of a room, these home bar options (and accoutrements) are sure to keep the good times rolling, no matter the occasion.
As summer starts to fade and the cool days of autumn set in, now is the best time to think about booking a tranquil spa day to ease you into the season. Luckily, Sofitel Spa — a veritable haven of health, wellbeing and rejuvenation — is running an unmissable deal over the next month, giving us every excuse to book in for a blissful treatment (or two).
Available exclusively from Tuesday to Thursday throughout March, Sofitel Spa is offering an extra 30 minutes for every 60-minute treatment booked, whether it be a soothing massage, a revitalising facial, a pampering body treatment or anything in between.
Promising more than enough time to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Sofitel Spa’s serene oasis and skilled therapists will transport you to a world of pure bliss, where each treatment is tailored to nourish your body, mind and soul. With a focus on French cosmology and premium skincare brands such as Elemis, Biologique Recherche and Nellie Tier, Sofitel Spa promises a holistic approach to wellness that will leave you feeling utterly renewed and ready to take on the season ahead.
So, whether you’ve been feeling down at the prospect of seasonal change, or are already burnt out from the start of your working year, don’t miss the opportunity to treat yourself to a luxurious, limited-time experience. Our advice? Lock in your appointment now.
Tushar Grover cut his teeth as a chef in New Zealand by working in some of the most respected kitchens in the country, including Huka Lodge (under the tutelage of Paul Froggatt) and Pasture — one of Auckland’s most distinguished fine-dining institutions until it sadly closed last year. There, the Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef was not only serving as sous in the main restaurant, but he ran Pasture’s bar, Boxer and its bakery, Alpha, for two years, churning out some of the tastiest fare to be found in this city. And, after Pasture, Boxer and Alpha closed, Grover was called on to help set up another elevated spot on K’ Road, Flor (with Dan Gillet from Wine Diamonds) which since opening, has seen an incredible response from local diners.
Now, the clever chef has returned to an old stomping ground to open his own venture, Rhu, which has quickly established itself as a place that should been on everyone’s radar. Set in the Parnell space that once housed Alpha, Rhu is a new all-day eatery serving impeccably-crafted but refreshingly uncomplicated fare that reimagines classic dishes with finesse and flavour.
Left: French omelette with goat cheese. Right: Fried chicken sandwich
For Grover, despite his fine-dining training, the goal at Rhu is to offer food that is as technically complex as it is simple and delicious, food that marries fine dining principles with minimalist presentation in a way that gives fine culinary concepts a more accessible spin. Telling me he often passed by the site of Alpha after it shut down, Grover explains how the seeds for Rhu were planted. “I had always envisioned a space that would not only cater to the community but become an integral part of it.” And eventually, with an investor on board and after countless hours of research and development, concept and design meetings, Rhu has come to life in exactly the way that Grover had dreamed.
“At Rhu I want to offer simple, well-executed food and flavours, from rustic bread to vibrant salads and grab-and-go bites,” Grover tells me, “alongside tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and expertly-made coffee. When we open our evening service, we’ll have a number of curated wines and cocktails, too.”
Right: Steamed egg with sourdough
Having just opened this week, Rhu is currently offering a delicious breakfast and lunch service from 8am until 2pm, Wednesday through Sunday. On the menu, find dishes like steamed egg with housemade sourdough, a meticulously-made French omelette with goat cheese, toast with charred avocado and kimchi and a perfectly-sweet honey toast, served with vanilla yoghurt and peach. For those seeking something more substantial, the salmon rillette on toast with salmon roe, the epic fried chicken sandwich or one of the two salads (one with cos, one with quinoa and both able to have chicken added) promise to satisfy any craving.
There is also a line-up of sweet treats and freshly-baked delights at Rhu, perfect for enjoying with a cup of its tasty Havana coffee (which I have been told on very good authority, is made on the crème de la crème of coffee machines — a Slayer). From satiating sourdough to impossibly soft milk buns, berry tarts and indulgent cookies, the offering here truly ticks all the boxes, whether you’re searching for an impeccable weekend brunch, or an easy, daily drop-in.
Rhu’s daily baked sourdough
For now and over the next two weeks, Rhu will be sticking with breakfast and lunch service only, until it finds its feet, before extending the offering to an all-day one, and remaining open late into the night. “Rhu will launch its wine bar offering soon,” Grover reveals, “where the wine list will be curated with the help of Dan Gillett and Pierre Bernardu — my restaurant manager — and the cocktails conceptualised by Phil Spector, who has worked in the best bars in the world and is a magician with the rotary evaporator.”
From its sun-drenched spot to its carefully-curated menu of exceptional dishes and simple bites, Rhu is a new opening you should add to your dining agenda immediately.
When renowned Italian jewellery house, Pomellato, was founded in 1967, it upended the industry by introducing the concept of ready-to-wear jewels. Since then, the brand has been seen as a leader in its field, and its designs widely-sought-after as iconic collector pieces.
As Sarah Hutchings (Director of Orsini Fine Jewellery, exclusive New Zealand Pomellato stockist) says, it represents everything she loves about Italian jewellery and craftsmanship. “I fell in love with Pomellato on my earliest trips to Italy,” Hutchings explains, “and over the years I have spent so much time in its headquarters.” She continues, “every Pomellato piece is made with meticulous care by Italian craftspeople… the brand’s mission of bringing the jewel out of the safe and into the everyday embodies the attitude of the women who wear and love it; women who are self-confident, creative, sensual and unconventional.”
Indeed, over the years, Pomellato has become globally renowned for its unique designs that marry eye-catching colour with simple shapes and fine diamonds. Its beauty lies in the way it can be dressed up or down, depending on where it’s being worn, which, as Hutchings emphasises, makes it perfect for her New Zealand customers too.
For Hutchings, who is a jewellery and gemology expert also known for her bespoke engagement rings, Pomellato, with its versatility, stackability and striking colours is a brand that will make heads turn in any setting, and should be a staple brand in every discerning jewellery-lover’s collection.
I think we can all agree that we’ve been enjoying a seriously spectacular summer this year, and it’s gone a long way to lifting the general mood. Whether you’ve been enjoying al fresco dinners, days by the pool or lounging in the garden, summer afternoons at home have been a dream, and there are still a few weeks of seasonal bliss left to soak it all in.
That said, those of us who have noticed, over the last few months, that perhaps our outdoor spaces aren’t as equipped for the warm season as they should be, take note. Several of Auckland’s most sought-after design destinations have sales on some of their spectacular outdoor furniture pieces, from plush sofas to statement-making tables to dining chairs and more. Whatever you need for your outdoor space, this is your chance to pick up a designer piece at an appealing discount. Don’t miss out!
Shop The Sale
Studio Italia
Kettal giro folding dining chair set from Studio Italia
Opened by the seasoned duo of Alastair Walker and Heather Garland, whose combined expertise in mixology and hospitality spans over three decades, and whose other venues include Caretaker and Deadshot (two of the most popular bars in Auckland), Rocketman is more than just an interesting place to grab a drink — it’s an immersive journey into a world where nostalgia meets innovation.
“When the space upstairs from Caretaker became available, we knew we had to take it,” Garland tells me, “but we wanted to create something that felt very different to Caretaker.” Drawing inspiration from their fondest memories of convivial bar nights, where spontaneous revelry and dancing would collide to create something magical, Garland and Walker envisioned a space where patrons could unwind, let loose and partake in a bit of mischief, all while savouring a range of expertly crafted libations. At Rocketman, the boundaries between reality and whimsy blur, where retro-futurist aesthetics meld seamlessly with playful touches; the back bar is made of a replica aeroplane fuselage and sumptuous velvet-clad walls create an ambience that is both enchanting and inviting. “It’s a bit of a mad place,” Garland laughs, “but we wanted people to get caught up in the madness and forget their worries.”
Of course, given the experience of Garland and Walker, it’s hardly surprising that at Rocketman, a well-crafted drinks list is the hero. From seasonal cocktails showcasing the finest spirits and ingredients sourced locally (including citrus from the owners’ own citrus farm) to a carefully curated wine list featuring local gems handpicked by esteemed sommelier Camilo Deichler, there’s something to satisfy every palate. And for those who prefer hops to grapes, Rocketman’s Manager (and resident beer aficionado), Lennox is always at the ready to guide guests through an impressive array of local brews.
But Rocketman isn’t just about the drinks — it’s about the entire experience. Chef Chino Salazar’s concise but hearty menu of bar classics with a modern twist provides the perfect accompaniment to the libations, ensuring that every craving is met with culinary finesse and flair. And hidden behind a discreet cupboard door lies Kitty’s Karaoke Parlour, a secret enclave where patrons can unleash their inner rockstar amidst a backdrop of pink ruffles and neon lights.
More than a typical bar, Rocketman is a destination. Whether you’re seeking a night of revelry with friends or a unique venue for a special event, its eclectic interiors, tasty cocktails and friendly service promise an experience that is as unlike anything else in this city. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider this your sign to.
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