Every year, Milan Fashion Week draws the who’s who of fashion for some of the most significant shows of the season. From Gucci (where Sabato de Sarno continues to unveil his vision for the storied brand) to Jil Sander’s characteristically chic collection, to Prada’s proliferation of hats, here, we round up some of our favourite looks from the best shows of Milan Fashion Week’s Fall 2024 season.
When Cotto, the beloved Karangahape Road dining destination renowned for its flavoursome fare and epic pasta, closed suddenly last year, it left a significant hole in our lives. After all, it had firmly established itself as one of the best places to pop into for a tasty bite, or a convivial dinner with friends. It even had a private room that had become popular for a range of events, from intimate celebrations to large parties. In fact, Cotto’s potent mix of delicious food, good vibes, great service and its position in the heart of Karangahape Road had made it something of an iconic Auckland destination, one of those places that seemed to keep getting better with every visit.
Arancini sweetcorn taleggio basil
Maltagliati Lamb Shoulder Ragu
But after a series of internal disruptions towards the end of last year, Cotto had to close its doors, leaving a number of question marks lingering around when they would reopen, and if indeed they were planning on reopening at all.
Fast forward to this week and we are delighted to say that Cotto is back in business, and while much of the offering has remained the same, from the space to the menu, and even the waitstaff (why mess with a good thing, right?) there are a couple of key differences.
Spinach & goats cheese dumplings
Zucchini fritti Lemon
Firstly, Cotto is now Otto. A subtle name shift to indicate the second big change: that the restaurant has a team of new owners, including Edward Hurrell and John Pountney (also the Head Chef) and two of what was previously Cotto’s core team members. “We hope to bring back what we managed to achieve as the Cotto team and more,” Hurrell tells me. “To resurrect a restaurant that people loved with its delicious food, fun atmosphere and great value, amongst the energy we all enjoy about K’ Road. The entire team is thrilled to have this opportunity to be a part of the community again.”
For Hurrell and the other new owners, the shift from ‘Cotto’ to ‘Otto’ was significant despite its simplicity. It was important for the team to disassociate themselves from the restaurant’s previous owner (whose poor business dealings had not only lead to the restaurant’s initial closure but had left a legacy of debt and burnt bridges). “We felt that, although we created the brand Cotto, the bad debts left around town by the owner/investor warranted a subtle rebrand,” Hurrell explains. “It’s close enough to the original name, but also indicates a new era for our loyal staff, suppliers and customers.”
So for anyone who was mourning the loss of their favourite dining spot, Otto is now open and busy again, as it should be! If you haven’t been there in a while, this is a great time to book a table.
No matter the occasion, there’s always one day of the week that leaves Aucklanders in the lurch when it comes to dining. Eating out on a Monday isn’t always the standard, but sometimes, whether it’s an occasion to celebrate or a friend in town, the situation calls for it. And because hospitality workers are deserving of their own weekend too, many places are closed.
So, to avoid getting caught out next time you want to dine out on a Monday, our editors have rounded up a few of their favourite restaurants that can be relied upon any day of the week.
Imbue your home with a tactile warmth by employing natural textures and materials. Raw timber, stone, bouclé upholstery, brass and leather detailing and soft woollen carpets all play into this trend, and will (when used correctly) result in an interior that feels inviting and cosy, but still decidedly contemporary and cool.
Perfectly positioned within the charming enclave of London’s Notting Hill, a new architectural marvel has been unveiled, redefining the notion of refined urban living. Crafted by the visionary team at Banda Design, this exquisite townhouse on Leinster Square seamlessly blends the past with the present, drawing inspiration from the natural world to create a sanctuary of unparalleled elegance and sophistication. Here, we take you inside.
There is a sense of serenity that has been embedded into the design of this home, from the earthy, calm colour palette to the foundations of period features, and the soft, natural light that has been introduced in every space. Here, Banda has managed to create what feels like a modern family home with an aesthetic that is still deeply historic. Not an easy balance to strike.
The living space sets the tone for the rest of the home. A testament to Banda’s commitment to artistry and comfort, this room boasts a striking Aubusson verdure tapestry, dating back to the late 17th Century, alongside bespoke furnishings that effortlessly marry old-world charm with contemporary allure. Other sculptural furniture (including a 1960’s Äôs Swedish high back armchair, sourced from The Loods, and a rustic Joseph Berry dark timber coffee table), illuminated by the warm glow of a Murano glass chandelier, gives the space a sense of understated luxury and a timeless appeal.
In the kitchen, this idea continues, where intricate cornicing and a leaf-moulded ceiling rose (on which hangs a Beetle Chandelier in antique brass from Gallery L7) are juxtaposed against a modern marble island and Charles Dudouyt oak dining chairs from the 1950s, while a reupholstered mid-century Scandinavian daybed stands as a welcoming window seat. It’s a piece of architectural theatre set firmly within the context of contemporary design, creating a space that is as functional as it is visually captivating.
Upstairs, the master bedroom is a study in tranquility, with a bespoke headboard upholstered in Watts of Westminster Cumulus fabric and linen bedcovers adding to the ambience. A wrought iron stool and sculptural silk piece by Ursula Nistrup and Lotte Henriksen complete the space, offering an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Custom headboards and oak flutter side tables stand in the other bedrooms, too, where no detail has been left to chance. Even a child’s bedroom is a charming piece of design, adorned with a bed canopy in Alice Palmer’s embroidered lemon fabric with matching lemon box pleat lampshade.
Downstairs, the lower ground floor beckons with spaces designed for entertaining and relaxation. A bespoke bar and round travertine table provide the perfect setting for after-dinner drinks, while a gym flooded with natural light and finished in natural materials like timber, linen and leather offers an exceptional space for wellness and rejuvenation.
Exuding the kind of sophisticated, thoughtful, pared-back and ultimately liveable design for which Banda Design has become so known, this London townhouse is an exquisite example of how modern design is enhanced by honouring the history of a space. It’s hardly surprising that such a seamless home has come from the Banda team, a design office that its owner, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, has (in just 15 years) taken from a niche London development office to a burgeoning global property practice, with projects spanning the world.
A classic from kitchen whizz Liv Glazebrook of Kitchen of Treats, this fresh and succulent ceviche recipe is filled to the brim with umami flavours, pops of citrus, vibrant herbs and a touch of spice. Make the most of the few summer weeks we have left by whipping up a plate of this mouthwatering dish for your next get-together. It’s sure to impress.
Kitchen of Treats Ceviche Recipe
Ingredients
300g fish (trevally or kingfish recommended)
For the dressing: 65ml water 65ml white vinegar 65g sugar 65ml fish sauce 2 Tbsp lime/lemon juice 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
To finish: 1 ripe avocado, halved & sliced lengthways 1 long red chilli, finely sliced Mint leaves, thinly chopped Coriander, thinly chopped Crispy shallots
Method
1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Set aside. 2. Place the sliced avocado on the base of the medium plate and top with fish, sliced sashimi-style and evenly spaced. Generously spoon dressing over the fish. 3. Sprinkle with thinly sliced chilli, mint leaves and coriander. Finish with crispy fried shallots.
Set in an iconic building that dates back to the 1950s, a new restaurant and bar has landed in the heart of Epsom and it should definitely be on your radar. Meet The Emerald, owned and operated by Darren Tolley (a hospitality veteran with over 15 years in the industry and multiple venues under his belt) this welcoming, lush and sophisticated new dining destination marries timeless elegance with sophisticated flair, and offers a menu of delicious, modern-bistro fare to boot.
Inside, diners are immediately enveloped in a unique world. Loosely inspired by the idea of a greenhouse, The Emerald was designed by the experts at CTRL Space and boasts towering ceilings painted in a lush, verdant hue and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both spacious and intimate. Here, the carefully curated decor is almost reminiscent of a bygone era of glamour and refinement, where Art Deco charm meets sleek, contemporary details. “Think Hong Kong’s Raffles Hotel meets Islington local,” Tolley explains. “It is just the most beautiful space to be in, even photos do do it justice… it’s welcoming, light and airy and at night it takes a beautiful turn as the sun sets on the inside bar and the beautiful warm feature lights take over.”
At the helm in The Emerald’s kitchen is Executive Chef Ross Birch, a master of his craft with decades of experience and close to 10 years working with Tolley at his various venues. His innovative, modern bistro menu showcases the finest in locally-sourced ingredients and reimagines classic dishes with modern twists. Small options include salmon ceviche served with a mix of blood orange, soused fennel, hazelnut and sloe gin, salt n pepper crusted prawns and a ‘hand cut’ steak tartar with fried quail egg, truffled chips, shallot, pickles & beef fat mayo. While those seeking something more substantial should look to dishes like the classic steak frites, with grass-fed Lansdowne beef, pan juices, vine tomato and marmite hollandaise, or the torched kahawai fillet, green lip mussels, green marsala, potato and cucumber. On the sweet side of things, desserts like the Emerald eat ‘n mess, with meringue, macerated summer fruits and elderflower, or the chocolate delice with salted caramel, hazelnuts and coconut yoghurt are sure to satiate any cravings.
Beyond its tasty food, The Emerald is a vibrant social hub that buzzes with energy all day long. Whether it’s for a leisurely lunch with friends or a convivial after-work gathering, The Emerald’s vibe is always busy and bustling. Its central location on Greenwoods Corner, coupled with its reputation for impeccable service and ambiance, have already made it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, and as Tolley tells us, this is just the beginning.
Open seven days a week, from noon till late, The Emerald invites its guests to indulge in an unforgettable experience that transcends the ordinary. And whether you’re a local of the area, or are simply seeking a new watering hole that offers something a little different, this new destination should definitely be on your radar.
In a cool reimagining of traditional black and white, modern monochrome calls for a bold approach. Here, while the palette is simple, it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. From geometric prints, to chic monograms; graphic detailing to glamorous touches, we have rounded up an edit of our favourite monochromatic pieces to shop now.
Whether you’re in need of a celebratory sweet centrepiece, a delectable lunch, or simply require a little treat to get your morning off to the perfect start, the following bakeries are making a name for themselves in the pastry, bread and cake department. But, don’t take our word for it, this is the time to conduct some of your own ‘research’.
In the vast and varied culinary landscape of Auckland, where every new opening vies for attention, Darling on Drake has quickly risen to the top. Set on a sprawling site on the edge of Victoria Park, this latest venture is the brainchild of Fraser Kirby, who has harnessed his background in advertising, large-scale events and hospitality to create something truly unique to this city.
From the moment you step through the doors of Darling on Drake, it’s clear that this is not just another restaurant, nor is it a typical bar. Meticulously curated, the space was inspired by Kirby’s desire to bring something of an international calibre to Auckland, the founder drawing on his time working in cities like New York, Chicago and Melbourne to cultivate a venue that would seamlessly blend romance and elegance with a touch of whimsy and a convivial vibe.
Left: Darling’s dining room. Right: Short Rib and Mozzarella Nuggets with English mustard
From its sleek dining room finished in tones of crimson, black and cream and boasting views out to Darling’s terrace and Victoria Park beyond, to its elegantly-curved bar framing one side of the interior, to the second bar on its sprawling deck (the biggest outdoor terrace in Central Auckland) with a vibe that feels both lively and intimate, Darling was designed to offer several distinct but connected spaces within its confines, with Kirby calling on Mitchell Addison and Jeffery Construction to help him bring it to life.
Left: Tuna Crudo with scorched peppers, thyme and roasted almond. Right: The interior bar at Darling.
“I wanted Darling to become somewhere you could have different experiences on different nights,” Kirby tells me, “or even the same night.” He continues, “Whatever the occasion calls for, you can find it here, whether that’s an intimate dinner in our dining room, or drinks in the sun on the terrace while enjoying our rotating roster of DJs and live music… or a bit of both.”
At the heart of Darling lies a pretty impressive culinary experience too, thanks to a menu created with the expertise of Chef Ryan Moore, whose pedigree includes stints at a number of acclaimed establishments, including The Grove and Bivacco. From starters to mains, sides and desserts, every dish harnesses locally sourced ingredients to offer elevated bar and bistro fare that plays on nostalgia and reimagined classics.
Left: Darling daiquiri. Right: Matangi Farm Poor Man’s Ribeye with bone marrow gravy.
To start, there is a range of tantalising small bites, from Tuna Crudo with scorched peppers, thyme and roasted almond to Short Rib and Mozzarella Nuggets with English mustard, to a deliciously delicate Wagyu Carpaccio and a particularly glorious Mushroom Parfait that has swiftly captured the imaginations of almost everyone who has tried it. Those seeking something more substantial can find it in the larger menu items, including dishes like the Chicken Leg Corn Dog (a unique take on a classic, fast food), the flavourful Fish Schnitzel with tartare butter, the undeniably indulgent Smashed Dry Aged Patty Melt with mortadella, burger sauce and fries, and the Matangi Farm Poor Man’s Ribeye, complete with utterly mouthwatering bone marrow gravy.
Those with a sweet tooth would do well to order a smorgasbord of Darling’s desserts, which come in at a tightly curated threesome of a Religieuse, which is a French delicacy made up of a small choux pastry stacked on top of a larger one, both filled with crème pâtissière and served with banana and salted popcorn, a Strawberry and Sherry Trifle and a Chocolate and Hazelnut Smore.
Of course, no dining experience at Darling on Drake would be complete without exploring the carefully curated drinks menu. Designed with the help of the venue’s very capable General Manager, Marie Courtessole, the beverage offerings showcase a blend of classic cocktails and more innovative concoctions, each crafted with precision and care. From the crowd-pleasing Serpent (with tequila, mezcal, cointreau, jalapeño water, Kiwi puree and pineapple juice) to the sophisticated Ugo Martini (with pisco, Cocchi Americano and maraschino) to the signature margarita on tap (a strong crowd favourite, apparently), the libations at Darling on Drake are designed to surprise and delight even the most discerning palate. While the curated wine list spans a selection of good French and New Zealand drops, bringing together the best of of what both regions do best.
Beyond all of this, what truly sets Darling on Drake apart is its dynamic atmosphere. Whether it’s for a leisurely lunch or a lively night out, the vibe here is always electric, thanks to its well-designed spaces and its diverse and thoughtful offering.
Since opening at the end of last year, Darling on Drake has continued to captivate the hearts of Aucklanders looking for good food and drinks and a great time. It makes sense then why this new dining destination has become such a regular watering hole for some of the city’s most discerning foodies. Whether you’re looking for a place to catch up over cocktails with friends, a new date-night dinner spot, a high-energy haunt for after-dark drinks or anything in between, Darling on Drake seems to have all the answers and is definitely the kind of venue that Auckland has needed for a long time. If you haven’t visited it yet, consider this a sign.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 3pm until late Thursday to Sunday, 12pm until late
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