To flout the mid-century modern archetype that is synonymous with Palm Springs is a bold statement for any home in the desert, which is why a project like Desert Palisades could only have been undertaken by someone with a clear vision and a clever eye. It is hardly surprising then, that it was Brett Woods (of Los Angeles-based architectural studio Woods + Dangaran), who conceived the four-bedroom house as a weekend getaway spot for his family that would offer a true escape from the city. As such, Desert Palisades has been carefully designed to work in harmony with its surrounding landscape and to offer a fresh perspective on the Palm Springs we know.
Surrounded by rocky boulders, the Desert Palisades home stands proudly on a hillside that offers views over the city below. With a facade that combines generous glass windows with large brass panels (designed to patina with time) the structure is as striking as it is perfectly suited to its unique landscape, where the exterior invites light reflections that make it shimmer and almost disappear at times and the long, linear shape punctuated with natural materials hints at the area’s mid-century pedigree.
Capitol Complex chairby Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.
Piedra Black and White Onyx sconce by L’Aviva Home.
That said, Woods was clear on wanting to create something that felt like the antithesis of Palm Springs’ iconic design language, an objective that informed the home’s material palette and finishes. Here, many of the interior design cues have been taken from the landscape, including the use of travertine flooring, muted tones like sage green, dusty pink and sandy brown, and materials like walnut, teak, leather and natural stone. On details like lighting and furniture, pieces such as L’aviva Home’s Piedra Collection sconces and a modern re-edition of Cassina’s Capitol Complex Armchair deliver a kind of contemporary sophistication that really anchors the home in the now.
And while it might defy the area’s common architectural tropes, this home truly embraces its Palm Springs locale via a paved terrace and swimming pool that offer outdoor living at its finest. Here, the use of concrete acts as a connector between the interior and exterior spaces, from the exposed CMU blocks on internal walls to the use of concrete around the pool, the considered use of this material actually saw the home receive the Concrete Masonry Design Awards’ Grand Award earlier this year, a testament to the architect’s unique, innovative vision.
Both a warm family home and a bastion of cool, contemporary design, Desert Palisades embraces a new kind of Palm Springs lifestyle without disregarding its context completely, and is the ultimate place to escape.
Since the unfortunate, Covid-forced closure of La Cigale Markets in Parnell, there has been a market-shaped hole in our hearts that few things have managed to fill. But lovers of sourdough and stracciatella can finally celebrate in style with the announcement that the beloved foodie market is set to return this weekend, with a fresh new face at the helm and a delicious new approach to boot.
Rebranded as Parnell Gastro Markets to reflect the variety of cultures and cuisines on offer (it is no longer French-skewed), the markets will continue to offer much of the same delicious splendour that made them so beloved by Aucklanders for nearly 25 years, and will be open on both Saturdays and Sundays for the foreseeable future.
Expect to see the return of a number of favourite stallholders from the past that have been missing their usual spot, alongside a new cohort of vendors — many of whom have only been running their food businesses since lockdown.
Realised via the devoted vision of new owner Richard Casey, who recently opened the neighbouring Buono Deli (also serving up some of the most delicious, authentic Italian foods), and a few neighbouring friends, the Parnell weekend market promising to make a triumphant return to its former glory. Wholefoods refillery GoodFor, who closed its Parnell store earlier this year, will even be there every weekend with their entire refillery offering in tow — ruling out the need for a trip to the supermarket for your pantry essentials.
On the odd chance you don’t find what you’re seeking in the market stalls, of course, Buono Deli will be on hand to cater to all of your gourmet foodie needs, and then some. And as far as pastries and produce are considered… I, for one, can’t wait to get back to this beautiful weekend spot.
Opening hours: Saturday — Sunday, 8.30am until 2pm.
Parnell Gastro Markets
69 Saint Georges Bay Road,
Parnell, Auckland Central
While there is an abundance of supplements on the market that intend to provide a calming, restorative return to homeostasis, the recently-launched offering by BioKodeLab considers how we can elevate our everyday state of being to meet the constant demands of the current world and excel without compromising our health and wellbeing. Through three delicious, easy-to-take products, the benefits of these new products are impressive, and (as I discover) far deeper than anything else of this kind I have tried before.
BioKodeLab was born from a quest for optimisation that grew from the innovative minds at Fonterra, where Sales and Marketing Disruption DirectorCarl MacInnes began by asking how they could use their collective knowledge to change the future of brain health. After all, it’s no secret that we’re constantly under pressure to perform. In a world driven by a demand for more, and how we now have to keep up with the likes of AI, computers and robots, it’s hardly surprising that we’re collectively burning ourselves out — big time, MacInnes explains to me.
“So we went about asking ourselves, what is the fundamental thing we can do to change people’s lives?,” he shares. “How do we help humans perform better? How do we help our bodies to live and thrive in the modern world?”
That question prompted a deep dive into the effects of daily exposure to blue light and whether there was a simple way to effectively combat those effects. Blue light is something we are all increasingly exposed to, whether via the computers we use for our desk jobs (eight hours in front of a screen can’t be good for anyone) or the late nights we spend scrolling on social media (we know it’s bad, but we do it anyway). Not only is this leaving us chronically tired, but it disrupts our natural circadian rhythms — the body’s innate function that deciphers between night and day, basically telling us when we should be awake, and when it’s time to sleep.
BioKodeLab Probiotic Plus & Calm Plus
And excessive exposure to blue light does more than just hurt our eyes. It is capable of impacting mood, cognition, and sleeping habits and contributing to those secondary strains of headaches and computer-associated neck and back pain. “Our understanding of blue light’s impacts just keeps growing,” MacInnes explains. Internationally, some governments are even beginning to regulate blue light, with China restricting how many hours children can be exposed to blue light strain.
For this reason, the team at Fonterra created its own, innovative Pro-Sight™ filter — an ingredient bundle included in all BioKodeLab products to tackle the depleting effects of blue light on our bodies’ essential functions. This, MacInnes tells me, was the baseline on which the more specific BioKodeLab benefits were layered, with each product designed to address different issues. Carefully formulated with a potent mix of high-quality dairy and plant ingredients, BioKodeLab’s products are unlike anything else, and are putting research and cutting-edge science at the forefront.
For the user, BioKodeLab products are made to be stacked. “First we protect, and then we build,” MacInnes shares. Each product takes an area that high-performing people are known to struggle with and offers targeted ingredients to address it. Be it Focus Plus (a tropical flavoured powder that can be mixed in water, using ThinkSharp™ for alertness and clarity) for those who find themselves bending backwards to meet their job’s mental demands or Calm Plus (a similar powder with a delicious berry taste, using StresLes™ for mood and stress support) for those who need some assistance with their stress response. Probiotic Plus is another welcome addition in simple, daily capsules, formulated to support the digestion and immune health, which has been proven essential for our collective wellbeing. MacInnes confesses it is one of his favourites, too, for ease of taking. But he also stacks the products depending on what he wants to target, which (he tells me) allows him to make the most of the benefits.
BioKodeLab Focus Plus
There is certainly an argument to be made that one might gain the same benefits from consuming whole foods, but you would have to drink 1.3 litres of milk to get the same amount of beneficial phosphatidylserine (one of the key ingredients for supporting cognitive function) as you would from a single serve of Focus. And that doesn’t even consider the other essential nutrients these supplements provide (personally, I’ve been noticing a number of significant benefits after only two weeks of taking them). With a background grounded in research and development of the highest calibre, each supplement is formulated to meet the right clinical dose to address our current needs. As MacInnes says, “Science is trusted. People deserve products that can be trusted.”
Given that BioKodeLab’s products have only just launched, it feels premature to ask what is next — but as MacInnes shares, he is most excited about where BioKodeLab goes from here. Whether it’s developing new flavours or diving deeper into their research of the human psyche. As part of charting your progress with the supplements (which is recommended, as lovers of hard data), BioKodeLab’s interface will host a range of key assessments you can undertake at your leisure that start to map the human brain and stack you up with how your strengths and qualities compare to others in your field. It all sounds a touch dystopian, but we would be lying if we said it didn’t excite us for the realm of possibilities to come. For now, we’ll continue to drink our delicious daily supplements. They have us feeling great, and is there anything more we could ask for?
From cushioned quilting to supple leather, handbags in pillowy silhouettes are putting a decidedly soft spin on the statement sac de jour. Spotted on fashion week runways and hanging off the shoulders of style-savvy individuals, these cloud-like pieces are beautiful in form and promise to add interest to any outfit. So, if you’re looking to invest in a new bag for your wardrobe, scroll on to see some of our favourite iterations of this sumptuously soft accessory trend.
From left: Loeweflamenco bag from Faradays. 22 bag from Chanel. Isabel Marant Luz Pillow bag from Workshop.
While drawing a bath is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind after a long day, it can be hard with our busy schedules to find time to actually sit back and soak. Here, we round up a selection of divine tubs that will transform your bathroom into a bona fide zen zone — and a place you will want to make time for, no matter how busy you are.
The centrepiece bath — Wave Bath by Meek Bathware from Plumbline Typically, baths are made from smooth, white porcelain (or something similar) to make them nothing more than a seamless addition to the bathroom — only noticed when in use. But the rise of design-led bathtubs is ushering in a new era. Recently, it is concrete iterations that have caught our eye, with pieces like the Wave Bath by Meek Bathware standing as both a bold design accent and a beautiful place to relax, with a unique shape and solid structure. It’s time to put the ‘bath’ in ‘bathroom.’
The built-in bath — Ofuro Bathtub by Antonio Lupi from Matisse Slipping into a bath should always make the world feel as though it’s melting away, which is something that Antonio Lupi’s Ofuro Bathtub from Matisse delivers in spades. Reminiscent of soaking in a natural hot spring, this bath is designed to be built into the ground and will bring a subtle touch of grandeur to any bathroom space. Trust us, this tub will remind you what true bliss feels like.
The classic bath —Warndon Freestanding Bath by Victoria + Albert from Robertson Made from smooth white Quarrycast (a finely-ground volcanic limestone and resin mix that is hand finished) and featuring a subtly-detailed rim, the Warndon freestanding bath is strictly symmetrical and flush with the floor. Sleek and sophisticated, this is the ultimate bath for the purists — those who will always opt for classic timelessness over anything overly ‘trendy.’
An essential part of embracing seasonal change is sloughing away the dulling effects that winter has imparted on our sad-looking skin (blame the colder climate and a lack of vitamin D). If we want to emerge into the new season looking (and feeling) fresh and rejuvenated, it is to the experts that we must turn — experts who prove time and time again the miracles they can perform with rigorous massage, cleverly-layered products and handy tools.
For that reason alone (although we really could find any excuse to justify a facial), we have decided to round up all the best, glow-giving facials in Auckland, in the hope of delivering some insider’s intel on what your skin actually needs this spring. Because after a season of sitting under a heat pump, or having your face whipped by the wind on your way to work, your skin deserves some TLC, and these are the treatments to deliver exactly that and then some.
LED Light Boot Camp at East Day Spa Nothing restores and renews the skin quite like concentrated LED light treatments (salon-quality LED, mind you), and there is irrefutable scientific evidence to prove it as well. Spring is the time we’re all about harnessing these rejuvenating treatments to inspire a new glow worthy of the season. East Day Spa knows this too, and as such, is offering a facial boot camp treatment that we’re obsessed with — three treatments over a week to relaunch your complexion. If you have a big event in the months ahead, the 28-day program is a completely transformative experience, and we couldn’t recommend it more.
ProCalm 60 at Skintopia Celebrating the shift of Skintopia to its new Herne Bay address, a suite of new Dermalogica treatments have been specifically designed to address skin of every concern. Under the guidance of Morgan and her wealth of knowledge, opt for the ProCalm 60 to shake off your winter shell and rehydrate any impaired barriers. Each treatment is slightly tailored and moves through three phases, including the employment of LED lights, relaxing massages and most importantly, deep, long-lasting hydration.
Augustinus Bader Methode 120 at Spring Spa Designed as a head-to-toe treatment, this facial morphs into a whole-body experience, with the welcome use of cult-favourite Augustinus Bader products that replenish tired complexions and deliver unparalleled hydration and rejuvenation. Bringing together a rigorous body brush and massage, using The Body Oil and The Body Cream, and a premium 75-minute facial with a combination of aloe vera, antioxidants, amino acids and Vitamin A, B and C, with a relaxing fascia massage and LED light — this treatment truly is the ultimate seasonal indulgence.
Buccal Massage at Skinography Nothing uplifts the face or leaves us feeling taut and about five years younger than this unique facial. Designed to get into every crevice and muscle of the face, the buccal massage is similar in nature to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), as it helps to move stagnant lymphatic systems and any associated puffiness away from the face. Specially-trained facialist Kate Michelmore (one of the only practitioners in New Zealand qualified to deliver this technique) will treat your face to a rigorous massage using repetitive strokes that awaken and lift your muscles and get rid of tension (particularly in the jaw and cheeks). We like to see this treatment as a ‘summer shred’ for your face because of the way it results in a noticeably slimmed-down and glowing visage. And while this is the perfect pre-event treatment, its effects are far more long-lasting when undertaken regularly.
Super Greens Algae Hydrojelly Mask at Society There’s a reason we fill our spring diets with delicious greens — they’re some of the most alkalising foods available, which help to ‘detox’ your body for summer. Of course, the same principles can be applied to skincare, and we gladly embrace any facials that incorporate greens into their process. Grey Lynn hair and beauty salon, Society, has garnered something of a cult following for their pretty hydrojelly masks, which look as beautiful as they feel. The super greens algae version is a sumptuous yet powerful treatment to book into for spring.
Deep Cleansing Facial at Tonic Room Tonic Room’s most beloved facial has been conceived with the intention of drawing those deep impurities from the layers of your skin to resurface an effortless, natural beauty for the summer months ahead. Dubbed ‘the ultimate skin transformation’, this facial is designed to eliminate the skin’s toxic load and restore its natural physiological functions with the considered use of the finest organic, naturally active botanical products. Be sure to follow it with Tonic Room’s signature massage and reiki experience for utter relaxation.
Sothy’s Micro Dermobooster Treatment at Exhibit Beauty It has been said that summer skin is made in winter, but there is still time for it to be made in spring too. The innovative new treatment from Sothy’s, conducted at Epsom’s Exhibit Beauty, is the kind of experience that transforms your skin for the better. Offering a trifecta of aesthetic microdermabrasion, controlled cosmetic microneedling, and a modelling massage, over six weekly treatments — the results are actually noticeable and long-lasting. Our Editor-in-chief confessed that she would do it again in a heartbeat, should she find the time in her self-care schedule. After reading about her experience, we’re inclined to embark on the process ourselves.
The Supernatural Emma Lewisham Facial at The Facialist With another focus on massage, The Facialist has joined with Emma Lewisham to offer a treatment that beauty aficionados can’t stop talking about. Reducing puffiness by adopting The Facialist’s signature massage technique and rehydrating through Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Sleeping Mask and Skin Reset Serum, this facial offers a holistic approach in every way.
There are so many things that demand our attention today that it can feel hard to find the time for reading. But, when a book goes beyond compelling narrative alone and instead, offers up a trove of information on topics that are undeniably fascinating, it’s hard not to make time. Here, we round up four new, non-fiction books we have recently stumbled upon, each delving into a deeply interesting subject — from communication with animals to dynasties across human history.
How To Speak Whale by Tom Mustill When footage of Tom Mustill having his kayak breached by a humpback while went viral, it set off a chain of events that led the nature documentarian on an investigation into whale science and animal communication. Offering a timely and poignant look into how science may change the ways we interact with animals, How To Speak Whale is an intriguing, informative read. Uncovering how close we really are to being able to communicate with animals via cutting-edge science and technology, this riveting book prompts questions of how human-animal relations have the potential to alter our worlds for good.
Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks by Patrick Radden Keefe This new book by award-winning journalist, Patrick Radden Keefe features twelve stories of skulduggery and intrigue, gathered from Radden Keefe’s colourful career. From $150,000 forged wines to international black-market arms merchants, this book is a masterful and fascinating read.
The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel Discussing the landscape of art in a way that has never been done before, prolific art historian, curator and broadcaster Katy Hessel uncovers seminal female artists throughout history. From the Renaissance, to 19th Century America, these incredible women (who have remained largely unknown) are finally getting the attention they deserve.
The World by Simon Sebag Montefiore Glamour, intrigue and power collide in Simon Sebag Montefiore’s sprawling new release, in which the author chronicles the greatest dynasties across human history. Eye-opening and specific, this book moves from fearless Mayan leaders to ancient South Asian empires to the first female Pharaoh in a dazzling historical epic you won’t be able to put down.
It’s that time of year again. Milan Fashion Week is back, bringing with it an array of new season presentations by some of the most significant, luxury fashion houses in the world. Last week, Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele presented the luxury fashion house’s spring-summer 2023 collection Gucci Twinsburg, in which he unveiled a collection that toyed with themes of self-reflection, reality and illusion — a captivating affair that saw actual twin models descend the runway in identical pairs.
Set in the Gucci Hub headquarters in Milan, watch the extraordinary fashion show below.
As the ritual of Friday long lunch makes a welcome return, thanks to our ventures back into city offices, we’re all about celebrating a team meeting that turns into an early knockoff. And honestly, is there anywhere better to do just that, than downtown stalwart Ebisu? Which has been serving up utterly deliciously Japanese fare from its sleek, Britomart dining room for more than 10years.
Setting the tone for its sibling restaurants that followed in the wake of its success (here’s looking at you, Azabu and Azabu Mission Bay), Ebisu has long been loved for its contemporary Japanese fare, married with subtle touches of European influence. From fresh sushi rolls and sashimi platters to mouth-watering meats (the free-range Karaage chicken and char-grilled Angus Scotch Fillet are both particular highlights) and flavourful umami bites, Ebisu’s menu is a comprehensive offering that truly has something to suit any persuasion. With this in mind, we wanted to ensure that your next Friday lunch was one to remember — so we’ve partnered with Ebisu to offer the ultimate long lunch experience, destined to make you the office favourite.
We are giving one lucky Denizen a long lunch table for six at Ebisu, and $500 to spend on food and drinks. Our advice? Gather your colleagues (or five fortunate friends) and order an assortment of dishes to share alongside a few bottles of satiating sake, and toast to the return of Friday lunch in the very best way.
Whether you’re relaxing or on the go, tuning into a podcast is always a pleasant pastime, particularly if you’re in the mood for some entertainment, education, or a fresh and interesting viewpoint that challenges your perspective on the world.
We’ve rounded up the highly-anticipated and best new podcasts to listen to this September, so have your headphones at the ready, and be prepared for some excellent playlist inspiration that will have you coming back for more.
Borderline Salty In this new, weekly call-in podcast, hosts Carla Lalli and Rick Martinez talk all things food. From their latest ingredient obsessions to their thoughts on trends, this is a show for anyone with an interest in food, whether you’re a professional, an amateur or simply love to eat.
Mother Country Radicals Offering a deep-dive into The Weather Underground (a radical activist group from the 1960s) and its role in America’s cultural and social revolution, this podcast is a personal, politically charged exploration of those who wanted change, by any means necessary.
Look at Moi Marking 20 years since foxy morons Kath and Kim burst onto our screens, this fun new podcast sees host Rowie Walden joined by various special acquaintances on a nostalgic trip back to Fountain Lakes to unpack one of the most iconic Australian television shows of all time.
Griftonomics An exploration of the various online trends, metaverse start-ups, cryptocurrencies, get-rich-quick schemes and more defining the landscape of our digital age, this podcast looks to provide some necessarily real conversations that cut through the ‘dizzying, unending roster of 2020-era rackets.’
First Person This new podcast from The New York Times, offers intimate, personal conversations with people living the realities behind our headlines. From a gay Ukrainian solider who must suppress his sexuality to fight for his country, to a woman’s reconciliation with abortion, this podcast is thoughtful and moving.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
