Nestled above San Fernando Valley stands Clear Oak, a sprawling, single-story, mid-century residence (once the home of Bing Crosby’s manager) that has recently undergone a meticulous renovation at the hands of renowned Los Angeles architects, Brett Woods and Joe Dangaran.
What started as a small refresh eventually turned into a full-scale reimagining, with the duo ultimately creating a home that is deeply connected to its surrounding environment via a clever, considered palette, the prolific use of glass and the optimisation of natural light.
Arrow pendant light by Apparatus from ECC, Platner dining chair by Warren Platner for Knoll from Studio Italia, Saarinen Conference chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia.
Inspired, to a degree, by Brazilian modernism, the interiors were informed by materials like rich teak, anodized aluminium, plaster and travertine, providing the perfect foundation on which the owner could layer furnishings that placed repurposed vintage perfectly alongside sleek, contemporary pieces, and a few custom-made ones for good measure. The effect is a home that is inherently timeless, in some ways a nod to the past, in others, undeniably grounded in the trends of now.
Arrow pendant light by Apparatus from ECC, Platner dining chair by Warren Platner for Knoll from Studio Italia, Saarinen Conference chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia.
Crucially, the architects wanted the architecture itself to fade effortlessly into the background and create space for the surrounding landscape and the elegant furnishings and art to take centre stage. Here, they reduced the noise inside and created a sense of calm, pared-back sophistication, with rooms anchored by generous windows and skylights that work to draw the eye up and out.
From the wide, welcoming entranceway flanked by mature bamboo plants and a water feature, to the way in which the home opens seamlessly out to its patio and pool area, Clear Oak is a veritable oasis that promises a private sanctuary for its occupants — a place to find rest, relaxation and connection to nature.
Atollo Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce from ECC.
In Auckland, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to exquisite dining. And the outlook is only getting better — particularly with restaurants that know how to harness the beauty of the City after dark. It is at these elevated, inner-city spots that we are reminded of the ways in which Auckland’s culinary landscape really does contain experiences akin to those we might find overseas, as we gratefully partake in their unique offerings.
One such place that has been on our radar for a while (but that we didn’t try until recently) is Harbour Society. Located on the 15th floor of SO/ Hotel Auckland, high above the downtown fray, this intriguing restaurant has just been treated to a fresh reimagining, which has seen a new chef arrive to create a menu of flavoursome Eastern cuisine with a distinctly New Zealand twist (you could call it Asian-fusion but it deserves more specificity than that). As for the interiors, they are sleek, elegant and atmospheric, lent a sense of gravitas by the surrounding windows that offer exquisite views out to the glittering city below — the perfect setting in which to enjoy a meal that feels as elevated as its surroundings.
From the left: Harbour Society wine cellar. RAW MARKET FISH, Aoraki malossol salmon caviar, jalapeño and raspberry ponzu.
Deciding to book in for dinner with a friend, we were immediately seated at the corner table from which we could take in an arresting view of Britomart, and started our night with a glass of 2020 Marc Bredif Chenin Blancand oysters from Kaipara (a varietal that SO/ Hotel’s Director of Culinary, Marty Kindleysides explained as his absolute favourite). In fact, the restaurant offered a section of the menu entirely dedicated to oysters and toppings, allowing us to choose exactly how we wanted our morsels to be served (including traditional vinegarettes or unique, Asian-style garnishes). We opted for ours to arrive with flavoursome, Thai-style toppings (nam chim and micro coriander) and I have to say that they were some of the best oysters I had ever tasted. This immediately set the tone for the meal to follow, which ended up being a vertibale feast. And while we can admit that our eyes were certainly bigger than our stomachs, our enthusastic ordering allowed us to try a wide variety of dishes from Harbour Society’s menu, each leaving us more impressed than the last.
The plates that followed our oysters were exquisite. Burrata was given an unexpected Asian-inspired flavour twist, served with sous vide beetroot and Japanese onion dressing. The raw market fish (trevally was the catch of the day) was supremely delicate in its flavour balance, served with Aoraki malossol salmon caviar, jalapeño, cucumber, raspberry ponzu sauce, chilli and herbs. To round out the entrees, we tucked into an impossibly tender pork belly served with torched scampi, red sauce and foraged herbs — the perfect accompaniments to offset the richness of the meat.
From the left: Cloudy Bay Clams Spaghetti. Harbour Society dining area.
But it was the next dish to arrive that ended up being the unexpected favourite (one that we almost didn’t order) — Cloudy Bay Clam Spaghetti. In a stroke of culinary genius, spaghetti alle vongole was given a flavoursome edge, courtesy of a house-made XOXO sauce. It is the one dish that I would recommend to anyone without hesitation.
Despite being almost bursting at the seams by the time the lamb shoulder arrived, it only took a few tender bites for us to find a second wind. Falling off the bone, the perfectly-cooked meat was served with a rich Rendang sauce, pickles and prawn crackers, which, when paired with sides of crispy kimchi potatoes and a baby cos salad, was the ultimate comfort food (and something I would definitely order again on my next visit).
From the left: Miso glazed Ora King salmon. Seiryu.
All of this food was, of course, enjoyed with a range of wines from Harbour Society’s comprehensive list, which offers Coravin, an innovative technology that allows diners to purchase by-the-glass wines from varietals that would usually only be available as a whole bottle. It is a novel concept, but one that allowed us to embrace the suggestions of Restaurant Manager Arjun Gupta, which saw us indulging in glasses of the 2012 Gillman Vineyard Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Malbec, the perfect accompaniment to our mains.
To round out the dinner, we really did feel that dessert was necessary. After all, we had come this far. Not to be called quitters, we opted for a lighter take on dessert, where the pastry chef prepared a delicious assortment of petit fours that were wonderfully indulgent but perfectly light — ending our meal on the best note.
Food aside, my first experience at Harbour Society really did leave a very good taste in my mouth, as much for the dishes I was served as for the impeccable service and a beautiful atmosphere. Here, it seems, a focus on excellence has resulted in a restaurant that really does live up to its elevated nature, and one that I, for one, am looking forward to experiencing again soon.
Harbour Society
SO/ Auckland, 15th Floor
67 Customs Street East, Auckland
When it comes to cosying up at home, fuzzy textures and shaggy upholstery are exactly what we want our living spaces to be filled with. Reminiscent of winter holidays spent rugged up by a roaring fireplace, textiles like bouclé or sheepskin are as comforting to recline on as they are chic to look at — their unique textures adding depth and dimension to any space.
Take the Fergusson Chair from BONZ, a piece that is easily at home in a luxurious library, or the brand’s Mongolian Sheepskin Rug, which concerns itself with warmth underfoot. Not only will pieces like this add a layer of sophistication to a space, but they also offer durable and hearty natural surfaces — ones that, when treated with care, will become timeless pieces to keep in your home for years to come.
As far as wardrobe foundations go, you can’t beat a white T-shirt. Promising to deliver a crisp, clean edge to any outfit, the white tee is a must for any man, no matter how wild the rest of their style. And while it might seem a straightforward piece, trust us when we say that not all white tees are created equal. Our advice? Diversify your white T-shirt collection to ensure that you have an iteration for any occasion (and a few extras for when the one you’re wearing gets inevitably marked).
Start with the basics — a straightforward, plain white tee, no frills, in a slim cut. Versatile and universally flattering, this tee will look as good with your favourite day-to-day jeans as it will with your nicest suit pants. Our picks are Dadelszen’s Reno T,Workshop Denim’s Standard T or James Perse’s S/S Crew all pieces we suggest buying more than one of.
Who could resist the rich and varied flavours of India — from curries to dosa, street food snacks, biryanis, delicious bread-based dishes and so much more, when we feel like deeply comforting food that leaves a long-lasting feeling of satisfaction, it’s to the food of India we turn. As we suspect you might feel the same, we’ve put together some of our favourite Indian restaurants, a list that includes some enduring favourites but also some lesser-known gems that you may not be overly familiar with.
Mumbaiwala Aneri Nathu opened Mumbaiwala in Ponsonby to mix up the local Indian cuisine scene. Her parents, Anup and Sadhana Nathu, have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, founding the Tandoori Palace in 1990 before it swept the South Island with the success of its restaurants and sauces. Off the back of a successful Mumbaiwala restaurant in Christchurch, Aneri opened the Auckland outpost this year with a goal to showcase the lighter side of traditional, Indian cuisine to local, discerning diners. As such, the menu offers a raft of authentic street food and sharing plates in a casual, all-day eatery setting. The Dahi Puri is a particular favourite, seeing mini puffed puris with delicately soft mashed potatoes, chickpeas and a spicy yoghurt on the inside, as well as the fried Mumbai Chicken (which has its own secret spices) and Cauliflower Manchurian, which could be mistaken for meat with its pastry-free dumplings covered in chilli and garlic sauce.
Ras Vatika Its humble interior may be the opposite of a polished restaurant like Mumbaiwala, but Dominion Road vegetarian Indian restaurant Ras Vatika is where we head if we are craving a delicious dosa — an incredibly moreish thin pancake or crepe, that originates from Southern India. Made from a fermented batter that gives them a slightly sour taste, Ras Vatika’s dosa are extremely generous in size, and come stuffed with fillings like spiced vegetables. We also love Ras Vatika’s Thali, a varied plate comprising various dipping sauces, breads, pickles and a curry or two.
Saravanaa Bhavan.
Saravanaa Bhavan Also specialising in the mouth-watering flavours of Southern India, Saravanaa Bhavan is an incredibly popular global chain, and is successful for a reason. From its Hobson Street location, it boasts an extensive takeaway selection of dosas, plus Uttapam which are thicker breads cooked with delicious toppings, curries, biryani and more.
Cassia Something about stepping down the stairs into Cassia’s inviting space has us feeling instantly cocooned. Sid Sahrawat‘s acclaimed menu takes diners on a masterful journey of modern Indian cuisine; from its flavourful, delicate snacks to its soul-stirring curries, it’s always a winner.
Satya Chai Lounge.
Satya & Satya Chai Lounge Sammy Akuthota is a beloved personality on the Auckland hospo scene and his Satya restaurants have been firm favourites since the first was opened by his parents Swamy and Padmaja Akuthota in 1999. He has a knack for creating a convivial vibe, with Satya Chai Lounge specialising in fun Indian street food and craft beer, and the attached GG X Flamingo a must-visit for cocktails on K’ Road.
Tiffin Forever our go-to for an easy and delicious takeaway, Kingsland restaurant Tiffin’s curries hit the spot when it comes to flavour, and are never too creamy or too sweet. Spice fans can rest assured that Tiffin will bring the heat when you order ‘hot’, and we have to recommend the classic butter chicken or the beef Madras.
Hobson Indian Takeaway Recently touted by a friend of Denizen as ‘the best Indian in Auckland’, Hobson Indian Takeaway is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot on Beach Road, specialising in Indian street food. Grab a delicious samosa chaat or two, or one of their plain or flavoured parathas for a wholesome snack.
Oh Calcutta.
Oh Calcutta Parnell’s local Indian favourite, Oh Calcutta’s signature Billy Goat curry is a must-order. Slow-cooked in a signature spice mix, it’s a deeply flavourful, earthy and complex curry that will have you beaming from first bite to last.
Paradise This Sandringham stalwart needs no introduction, with its stellar reputation for rich Indian fare that is just as delicious eaten at home as it is onsite — and heated up the next day, we’re not embarrassed to say. It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite, but aside from the usual suspects, we highly recommend the Veg Manchurian, irresistibly tasty, spiced vegetarian dumplings in a sticky glaze.
Sidart.
Sidart Sidart’s sublime, fine dining fare is on an entirely different plane to your standard curry, and this just goes to show the breadth and variety possible within the flavours of Indian cuisine. The Three Lamps restaurant offers both a la carte and degustation menus that marry progressive Indian flavours seamlessly with the highest quality New Zealand produce and impeccable techniques. All these elements come together with warm, attentive service to make for an exceptional experience, each and every time.
iVillage At Victoria Found in Victoria Park Markets, a destination that is in dangerously close proximity to Denizen HQ, is one of our favourite under-the-radar Indian restaurants that knows a thing or two about traditional food in an utterly palatable (and surprisingly chic) way. The menu is centred around quintessentially Indian dishes, made with home made spices and masalas. You’ll be hard pressed to find a butter chicken here… Instead, opt for the Tandoori Murg Makhanwala — a more authentic approach to the time-honoured favourite.
It has long been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while we are inclined to agree, we also think it is in the eye of those in the know. The last few years have seen the beauty industry make impressive strides in new and innovative products that do more than simply create an even base or add a pop of colour.
And while I might have started my beauty journey in the era of Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse, I’m the first to admit that I am not always the easiest to impress (largely due to my sensitive skin and damaged barrier, courtesy of the products I am constantly trialling in the name of editorial research). That said, over the last few months, there has been a raft of new beauty products released that have proven more than impressive. Here are the highlights.
La Bouche Rouge Lipstick Literally translating to red lips in French, this sumptuous makeup brand produces environmentally responsible, natural formulas in refillable, recyclable, plastic-free cases. Since its debut in 2017, the world’s most discerning fashionistas have fast become obsessed with its lust-worthy offerings. Each of La Bouche Rouge’s serum-infused makeup formulas is free from petrochemicals, toxins, plastic powder, micro-plastics, silicones, beeswax and preservatives — all without compromising on the luxury aesthetic that has made this brand so sought-after. Having just arrived in Faradays as the luxury department store’s first ever beauty brand, we are particularly enamoured with the lipsticks, for their silky, stay-all-day formula. Discover more about the beautiful brand (and enter our exclusive La Bouche Rouge giveaway — valued at more than $3000 — here.
Tronque New Body Butter Formulation Tronque’s beloved Firming Body Butter has finally returned, with a new formulation that prides itself on a divine new 100% natural fragrance designed in Grasse, France — one that the perfumer shares, is their most natural ever produced. Just as soothing and luxurious as their previous weighty formulas, this body butter is our all-over essential for any time of year.
Sisley Paris Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Skin Care Lotion As pioneers of sublime skincare, Sisley Paris’ Supremÿa is a proven, powerful, anti-aging lotion that will become an essential first step in your night-time ritual. Combining the efficacy of a serum with the luxury of a cream, it harnesses Sisley’s Phyto-Complex LC12 to deliver seriously impressive, visible results.
Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer Harnessing the beautiful glow garnered from a stint in the sun (without the harmful UV), the latest beauty trend is all about dusty blush and perfectly-placed bronzer. Enter Rose Inc: the gorgeous sustainable brand from the equally gorgeous Rosie Huntington Whitley, whose cream bronzers deliver the long-lasting sunkissed moment our winter skin is craving. Opt for generous application using a fluffy brush to achieve a look that will leave you luminous.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask When Emma Lewisham announces a new addition to her coveted range, those in the beauty realm know that it is guaranteed to be a cult favourite. This ‘beauty sleep in a bottle’ night mask offers a rich dose of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and unparalleled hydration. I’m not one to overexaggerate, but this Supernatural Sleeping Mask is divine, having literally healed my damaged barrier and winter dry patches overnight with ease.
New Dyson Airwrap & Attachments As the Dyson Airwrap’s most loyal fan, little could part me from the trusty model that I’ve held onto for years. However, the latest re-edition of this haircare investment offers more in the way of much-needed bells and whistles, working through a few tricky design flaws to make my daily blow wave entirely fuss-free. The new curling barrels, for example, have interchangeable airflow directions, removing the need to change them out on every curl. But my favourite part is the new rough dry attachment, which minimises those final flyaways that few products seem to take.
RevitaLash Cosmetics Brow & Lash Masque Between swiping RevitaLash Advanced on my lashes and RevitaBrow Advanced on my brows, my lashes and brows have never looked so healthy. But the latest addition to my collection promises some of the most coveted conditioning yet. Launched earlier this month, the RevitaLash Cosmetics Lash & Brow Masque is a physician-developed treatment that addresses visible signs of compromised lashes and brows, both immediately and in the long term. This is a nutrient-rich, hero product for those beauty addicts all too familiar with over-styling, daily make-up usage and the damage caused by environmental stressors — an easy addition to work into your Sunday night mask ritual.
Byredo Shimmering Lipstick in AmberIn Furs Byredo is an adored name in the realm of luxury fragrance and is a mainstay in most curated perfume collections. Yet this latest addition to the brand’s beauty offering is another example of why we often ask, ‘what can’t they do?’. The nourishing formula and beautiful casing make for an easy lip balm replacement, and the long-lasting pigment (especially in Ambur In Furs) makes it the ideal everyday lipstick.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask Despite laying down the hot tools in favour of nourishing our tresses, it’s still hard to minimise the drying and damage hair is subjected to on a daily basis. Trust Dr. Barbara Sturm to develop a new nourishing formula that provides intensive, targeted repair and care for dry and damaged hair. Using Cationic Hyaluronic Acid (the same that we put on our faces), this new product is perfect to use on those days when you feel like rocking a slick, glossy supermodel bun.
La Mer The Micro Peel La Mer rarely adds new products to its already impressive stable, but when it does, we know with certainty that they’re bound to be some of the most luxurious (but still effective) new additions to any beauty routine. The brand’s new Micro Peel lives up to its promise of ‘visible transformation by morning’. Offering polished perfection and a clarified complexion, this formula is soothing and nourishing while getting the hard work done (while you sleep). Availabe at Mecca Commercial Bay.
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch As a clean beauty aesthetic reigns supreme, innovative new makeup is at the top of our wishlists. Take Chanel’s Les Beiges Touche De Teint, for instance, a new serum foundation that blends seamlessly onto the face to become a lasting, hydrating base for effervescent skin, all day long.
Costa Brazil Aroma — Jungle I’m of the firm belief that fragrances should be curated just like a closet or accessories collection — with different scents answering to the needs of the day. Because there are certain times I like to call on Costa Brazil’s Jungle Aroma, a unisex fragrance with just the right hint of masculinity. Inspired by the natural resin produced in the Amazon, this fresh yet spicy fragrance features a blend of ingredients that are known for their stress-reducing properties, transporting you to a calm, canopied rainforest in your mind (if not in reality).
Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick While contour may not be cut and carved with the same intensity as it was a few years ago, there still remains a place for a subtle and reliable contour stick in every beauty regime. Westman Atelier’s Face Trace stick is both parts luxurious and utterly wearable, with a creamy formula that blends perfectly into any base and incorporates skincare-like properties of hydration and oil absorption, to help the product stay in place. To top it all off is the signature essence of luxury — a hallmark of Westman Atelier products. Because if you’re going to be investing in your beauty routine, why not add a little touch of opulence? Availabe at Mecca Commercial Bay.
Balmy summer days have been replaced by cold, rainy nights, and a hunger for foods that warm us from the inside out. While it’s not quite soup weather yet, we’re nearly there, and dinner reservations see us seeking comfort and warmth. The city’s restaurants know this too, with many adapting seasonal menus to offer the best winter warmer dishes that are inspired and soul-soothing.
So for when the fireplace doesn’t feel quite warm enough, or your usual favourites no longer cut it, these are the dishes across the city that you need to be eating for a touch of winter warmth.
Slow-Cooked Coastal Lamb Shoulderfrom Hello Beasty. Roasted Eggplant from Onemata.
Slow-Cooked Coastal Lamb Shoulder — Hello Beasty While Hello Beasty’s menu is designed to be shared, we wouldn’t blame you for keeping this dish to yourself. Again drawing on the wintery flavours of lamb at its best and served with red chilli, Szechuan sauce, coriander and mint, it incorporates heat in every sense of the word and is drawing us down to Viaduct Harbour this winter.
Roasted Eggplant — Onemata Although often praised for its elevated seafood offering (which makes sense considering its views across the water) Onemata’s vegetarian options are nothing to be sniffed at. In fact, the roasted eggplant is one of our favourite dishes, particularly at this time of year. Served in a pool of babaganoush with truffle and date syrup, the magnificent flavours of this dish shine in their simplicity, and will enchant even the most avid meat-eater.
Gnocchi with Roast Cauliflower — Faraday’s Bar Faraday’s Bar — located in Faradays department store — is perhaps Parnell’s best-kept culinary secret, with a refined menu that heroes some of the country’s best produce. Now, as cooler days start to take over, it is dishes like Faraday’s Bar’s gnocchi with roast cauliflower that we turn to. Served with golden raisins, toasted almonds and gorgonzola, this is a creative take on classically comforting flavours, and we can’t get enough.
Chargrilled Chicken — Amano Amano can always be relied upon for its sensational takes on seasonal produce, and this dish is no exception. Embracing the best of winter foods, this chargrilled chicken feels much like a precursor to a Sunday roast, only here, its celeriac, onion and rosemary that drive the flavours. Our advice? Order with side of chargrilled Brussels sprouts to round out the meal.
Bar Magda, Andiamo.
Lamb Ribs ‘Pyanggang’ — Bar Magda Lamb is one of the most comforting things to eat in winter and Bar Magda’s fresh take offers both the warmth and flavour we crave. Made via a traditional Filipino method of cooking, this iteration of lamb ribs is served with soft herbs and green sambal, and is a flavoursome, moreish dish we can’t help coming back to time and time again.
Beetroot Risotto — Andiamo This Herne Bay mainstay offers exactly what we crave in the cooler months, with a number of dishes designed to satiate our seasonal needs. That said, the new beetroot risotto is a particular standout, offering a comforting combination of red wine, roasted shallot, salt-baked beetroot and ricotta salata.
Aged Beef Fillet — Non Solo Pizza Hearty, beautifully-cooked and full of mouth-watering flavour, Non Solo Pizza’s aged beef fillet is a must on any winter warming list. Proving the power of simple foods done perfectly, this beloved dish pairs its expertly-prepared meat with slow-roasted tomatoes, crispy polenta and a healthy dose of garlic butter, for good measure.
Cotto, Cazador.
Maltagliati & Beef Cheek Ragu — Cotto Cotto’s seasonal pasta dishes have all of the makings of winter classics, and the restaurant’s refined approach keeps the offering elevated. Here, mouthwatering beef cheek ragu is combined with fresh handmade pasta, peppercorns and guanciale to offer the perfect medley of warmth, comfort and flavour.
Braised Boar — Cazador Dominion Road’s Cazador is renowned for its approach to meat that is second to none in this city. With a delicious menu and cosy interior perfectly suited to winter, Cazador boasts a range of options that will warm the soul this season, but its braised boar with saffron fazzoletti, red wine, juniper, tomato and rosemary is one of our favourites.
Ricotta Tortellacci, Pumpkin, Sage, Pancetta — Ortolana Offset rainy days by cosying up in the pillowy fit-out of Ortolana to enjoy this delicious ricotta tortellacci. The classically warming combination of pumpkin and sage hits the perfect note, making this dish must for anyone seeking some lunchtime comfort on cold days.
Aegean Island Goat — Lokanta Grey Lynn’s Lokanta is a hidden gem, beloved for its homely take on Mediterranean cuisine, and its Aegean Island Goat is a must-try. A traditional, beautiful dish of braise-roasted goat served with barley risotto and caramelised carrot and soaked in pan juices, it is exactly this kind of tasty goodness we want to eat right now.
Mumbaiwala, Federal Delicatessen.
Murgh Makhani (with Garlic Naan) — Mumbaiwala When it’s cold outside, few things hit the spot like a butter chicken. At Mumbaiwala, the elevated take on Indian cuisine provides the perfect comfort. Murgh Makhani is a traditional take on butter chicken (and so good that we are ruined for others), served with impossibly tender chicken pieces in a rich silk (Makhani) sauce with fresh tomatoes, sundried fenugreek and a side of satiating garlic naan.
Matzo Ball Soup — Federal Delicatessen Known as the ‘Jewish Penicillin’, this particular type of chicken soup boasts the remarkable ability to make one feel like all is right with the world. The Fed’s take is truly delicious, and will indeed encourage this feeling of toasty wellbeing, served as it is with shredded chicken and bagel matzo balls, for a dish is destined to warm you from the inside out.
Alpine Merino Lamb Rump — Oyster & Chop Viaduct Harbour’s Oyster & Chop is renowned for its cuts, and the Alpine Merino Lamb Rump can’t be faulted. Cooked to your definition of perfection, this is one of the best places for a steak in the city, and one that should not be looked past this season.
Few garments have remained a wardrobe staple quite like a leather jacket. Equal parts necessity and style statement, a leather jacket has always asserted itself (and will continue to do so) as a key piece for both the fashion set and those who apply a ’buy once, buy right’ philosophy to their wardrobes.
In its many iterations, the leather jacket is timeless, essential, and a provider of just the right balance of warmth and steeze. Be it in the more elegant and tailored shape of a blazer, or a rebellious take on the boxy biker silhouette, one should always consider the importance of adding a little leather to any look.
From the left: Leather Suit Jacket from Saint Laurent. Double-breasted leather jacket from Prada. Totême Double-breasted croc-effect leather blazer from Mytheresa. Embossed GG leather jacket from Gucci.
From the left: Bottega Veneta Leather coat from Mytheresa. Embossed Monogram Bomber Jacket from Louis Vuitton. Nanushka Hide Puffer Jacket from Muse Boutique.
From the left: Acne Studios Cropped Biker Jacket from Workshop. Biker Jacket from Dior. Suki Slinkskin Jacket from BONZ. Alexandre Vauthier Leather Biker Jacket from Faradays.
From the left: Aje Porta Nuova Trench Coat from Commercial Bay. Flare Hourglass Coat from Balenciaga.
The vision for the Dream Weaver penthouse by YSG Studio was to be an expression of its experimental, open-minded owners, and a home that refused to play into contemporary trends. As such, the interiors are a kaleidoscopic cacophony of colour and texture, almost cinematic in scale, and pulling from a vast array of inspiration. From a nod to the tonal tiles found in traditional Spanish tapas bars to a material expression of the Northern Lights, to a futuristic, 2001 A Space Odyssey vibe with a twist of Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavillion thrown in for good measure, Dream Weaver is rich and layered and full of life — which is really what all homes strive to be.
Here, there is a compelling tension created between the straightforwardness of the penthouse’s boxy construction and pared-back (but essential) glass facade and its “Pantone party” interiors, in which oversized soft furnishings, plush deep-piled rugs and swirling stone surfaces collide in unexpected harmony. And while the intriguing material layering offers a fascinating masterclass in courageous design, it also serves to demarcate the apartment’s spaces, lending depth and dimension via tactile warmth.
The home’s interior also benefits from its Darlinghurst location and floor-to-ceiling windows that not only offer unbeatable views across Sydney Harbour but act as conduits for natural light. As a result, the colours used here, from deep blue, red and purple, to splashes of citrusy orange, bright yellow, brass and soft pink, come alive when illuminated by the antipodean sun.
Really, the charm of this home lies in its disinterest in fitting into any kind of mould. And while there is a lot going on here, it miraculously never feels too much. (Such is the skill with which those at YSG Studio have ensured that everything feels perfectly balanced.) It is also refreshing to see a home in which fun and creativity have been allowed to take centre stage — a timely reminder of the wonderful things that can happen when our spaces truly reflect who we are.
Everyone drycleans. Be it your regular laundry preference or a more occasional service, reserved for expensive suits and luxury gowns, regular trips to the drycleaner are unavoidable. And while nothing else is as effective at reviving a beautiful garment, there can be an ugly side to this service; where historically, harsh chemicals and single-use products have been required in the cleaning process, significantly impacting the planet (and the quality of our clothes too). That said, not all drycleaners are created equal, and recently, our longstanding go-to, Regal Drycleaners, was officially announced as the country’s only certified zero carbon outfit, so now, our conscience can be as clean as our clothes.
Despite its long history as the leading drycleaner in Auckland, Regal’s recent acquisition of an Ekos Certification (a New Zealand-based measurable and verifiable standard) really cements our trust in the brand’s ethos. It has been a rigorous road to reach this point, but this status now means that an independent body has observed the carbon emissions within each element of the company’s business activities. And in instances where Regal was unable to change its processes to be more eco-conscious, efforts have, instead, been directed towards fully offsetting its carbon footprint by supporting the Babatana Rainforest Project in the Pacific Islands.
But it’s where changes have been made that is the exciting and industry-disrupting part. Unnecessary packaging is a thing of the past, with single-use plastic garment bags banned entirely, and biodegradable film only offered as an optional extra, giving the power of choice back to the customer (something that should really be the new standard). In addition, there is also an offer of a reusable garment bag, which can become your new drycleaning regular (and doubles as a laundry bag when you’re ready to take everything back again). To add to that, the Couture Care service (the only service we would use for our most precious pieces) offers wooden hangers instead of the typical plastic.
As far as the chemical impact is considered, there are many benefits to using Regal’s cleaning processes — the gentler solutions help our beloved garments last longer. This limits potential textile waste and avoids toxic chemicals that some other drycleaners use (that have been shown to harm the planet, as well as the workers exposed to them daily).
Continuing in the vein of maximising the lifespan of our clothes, Regal’s specialised restoration services will bring pieces that we might have written off (and thrown out) back to life, and the company also offers a free pick-up and delivery service, which (in addition to being utterly convenient) tackles the cumulative carbon emissions of our individual, sole-purpose trips to drop off dry-cleaning.
With all of these thoughtful additions considered, it makes sense that Regal is our drycleaner of choice. And, given that the brand was voted the best in the city by our readers in last year’s Everyday Heroes, it’s safe to say that whenever we need drycleaning done, there’s only one place we’ll be calling.
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