Auckland’s latest lockdown news may be a slightly bitter pill to swallow. So why not disguise it with a sweet treat? We are still making the most of the best dining our city has to offer — via takeaways — and nothing brings more delight to our door than a professionally prepared dessert, with all the delicate trimmings. Here are the beloved local desserts you can order now to console your soul.
Carrot cakefrom Amano A piece of carrot cake hits that sweet spot of satisfying our sugar cravings while helping us feel almost healthy, thanks to its carrot component. Amano’s flavoursome spiced carrot and walnut cake is topped with delicately piped whipped cream cheese, and sprinkled with walnuts and pumpkin kernels.
From left: Hotel Ponsonby’s sticky toffee pudding; Pici’s cheesecake.
Sticky toffee pudding from Hotel Ponsonby A heart-warming pudding wouldn’t go amiss, and Hotel Ponsonby’s sticky toffee pudding, served with a delicious drizzle of custard, goes down a treat. As the weather takes a turn for the worst this week, you won’t regret placing an online order for this classic comfort dish.
Cheesecakefrom Pici They say change is as good as a holiday and while Auckland’s alert level boundary stays in place, Pici’s definitely different cheesecake is dessert escapism at its finest. Served with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil, it’s something you have to bite into to believe.
Black forest cake from The Pantry.
Cake selection from The Pantry at Park Hyatt For those who can’t skip past the most decadent option on the dessert menu, look no further than a slice of The Pantry at Park Hyatt’s dreamy cakes. For those who need something more, renowned pastry chef Callum Liddicoat has created a selection of six new cakes, available to order as of next week, for the ultimate treat.
Tiramisu from Andiamo As the Italophiles among us will know, Tiramisu translates to ‘pick-me-up’ in the dessert’s native tongue. Andiamo’s take on the dessert darling will boost any mood, and its infused coffee will give an extra burst of energy too.
In spring, sunshine is often met with refreshing rain, so it seems fitting that Veuve Clicquot (the Champagne House known for its sunburst-yellow bottle) and K-WAY (the fashion label known for colourful outerwear) have teamed up for the season’s most unexpected accessory — a waterproof, and chic, Champagne jacket, which can also be worn as a bag.
Revealed recently at Milan Fashion Week, the very limited-edition Ice Jacket dresses a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in K-WAY design codes, including a hood and zipper, tailor-made to miniature scale. Its house colours of yellow, orange and blue are the perfect match for Clicquot Yellow, both with a sense of bold optimism.
The provenance of the jacket design stretches back further, with the coveted collaboration being a reimagination of the original Clicquot Ice Jacket — first invented 15 years ago as a stylish, high-tech isothermal solution for sippers who expect to enjoy their Champagne whenever and wherever.
While the Veuve Clicquot x K-WAY Ice Jacket is an aesthetic accomplishment, it is also a functional feat — keeping a bottle chilled for up to 90 minutes for oenophiles on-the-go. Made with a special triple-layer design that combines neoprene with nylon, it’s a durable design to be used time and again. For a fashionable second life, the Ice Jacket transforms into an actual-size waist bag (which can be strung over your shoulder or strapped around your waist) with one simple fold.
While it may seem like a surprising collaboration to some, for these two French lifestyle icons, it’s all part of the fun. Join in on the party by picking up your own bottle as it lands in New Zealand today. The Veuve Clicquot x K-WAY Ice Jacket is exclusive to Smith & Caughey’s online store. Each is sold with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, of course.
When the starting point for a new build is a site rich with raw, elemental beauty, the temptation to create a glass-walled monument for taking in each angle of the spectacular view must be strong. In designing this Dunedin home, looking out over Purakanui Inlet and Blueskin Bay, Francis Whitaker of Mason and Wales Architects has managed to both make the most of its surroundings while ensuring the resident family is cocooned in comfort and livability.
The project is special in more ways than one; the owner has long had a family connection to the 17.5-hectare property, punctuated by tall gum trees around 20 minutes outside of Dunedin. Whitaker, too, was delighted to take the reins on the design, its site overlooking the bay where the Mason and Wales Director has lived for many years.
Rather than try to change the surroundings to fit a building brief, the architects allowed the site and views to be responsible for dictating the floorplan. The execution sings in its simplicity, resulting in a restrained external impression that does well to minimise its impact on the nearby environment. Inside, the clients’ main request was for separation between their master suite and the bedrooms of their young children, but otherwise, they were happy to let the design team interpret freely.
Flexibility within the interior allows for the residents to adjust its form at will, opening and closing spaces in response to weather shifts and their personal needs. It is divided into three main areas — the master suite, central living area and children’s rooms — and treats anyone moving around it to carefully orchestrated snapshots of the surrounding vistas through purposeful placement of Altherm Window SystemsMetro Serieswindows and APL Architectural Series sliding doors.
These doors can be thrown open to any one of the three decks — ingeniously set into the recessed space at different sides of the house, allowing sheltered outdoor lounging to take place no matter the position of the sun or the direction of the wind. (This was a key consideration, given how exposed the site is.) In the kitchen, the sliding doors are especially impressive, opening right up to allow for an almost al fresco dining feel.
While the house is a new build, it is anything but sterile thanks to well-chosen natural materials, namely an abundance of wood. Outside, black-stained cedar contrasts nicely with beautiful recycled heart rimu on the interior floors, and natural cedar on walls, ceilings and even wrapping the kitchen island and shelving. This is punctuated throughout by black accents that mirror the exterior — all the aluminium window and door frames are powdercoated in ‘Matt Black’, matching a floating kitchen benchtop in black-oxide concrete, and black seating and lighting.
Easily one of the most sensational spaces is the living room, with its sunken floor and hanging Gyrofocus fireplace. Here, sweeping floor-to-ceiling APL Architectural Series picture windows on two sides blur the boundary between landscape and lounge, again with Matt Black framing that echoes the fireplace and the fireproof, burnished black oxide concrete.
This house is a testament to the fact that enchanting, enduring design needn’t shout to make itself heard. That sensitively allowing the site’s inherent qualities to guide the project, as its residents and design team have done, results in a wholly unique, functional and comfortable home that — as the family continues to grow — will no doubt continue offering new ways to captivate.
Whether you’re building or renovating, selecting the perfect windows and doors for your home can be daunting. Luckily, Altherm Window Systems has a variety of design tools to make this easier. The Altherm Design Box is jam-packed full of bespoke product brochures, up to three aluminium colour samples and a step-by-step guide for a seamless decision-making process — from the comfort of your own home, and in your own time, before discussing in person at your local Altherm manufacturer.
With her quick wit and innate sparkle, it’s no wonder Anita Wigl’it was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow castmates during season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race – Down Under. The fabulous drag performer is also the co-owner and resident queen of Auckland’s Caluzzi Cabaret, and co-host of Warner Brothers TV show House of Drag. Here, Anita steps off the stage to share some artistic musings.
What do you look like?
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
What makes you smile?
What makes you sad?
What’s your secret talent?
What’s your favourite song to perform?
Who is your favourite cultural icon?
What are you excited about?
What is something you’ve never done but would like to?
A lockdown baking favourite, banana bread is back on our radar with a delicious twist thanks to Amelia Ferrier from Melie’s Kitchen. Covered in both a chocolate and espresso glaze, this decadent loaf is just the ticket for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Banana Chocolate Chunk Loaf with Oozy Espresso and Dark Chocolate Glaze Recipe
Ingredients: Banana loaf 3 very ripe bananas ¾ cup caster sugar ¾ cup canola oil 3 eggs 1 ¾ cups self-raising flour 1 tsp vanilla extract ¾ tsp baking soda (sieved to remove any lumps) ¼ tsp table salt 150g milk or dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks
Chocolate glaze 40g dark chocolate, roughly chopped ½ tsp canola oil
Espresso glaze 1 ½ cups icing sugar 2-3 Tbsp strong black coffee ½ tsp vanilla extract
To serve Handful of chopped, roasted nuts (optional) Edible flowers (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line a regular-sized loaf tin with baking paper.
2. Peel bananas and add to a large bowl. Mash well with a potato masher or fork, until no chunks remain. Add caster sugar, oil and eggs and whisk well, until combined. Add self-raising flour, vanilla, baking soda and salt measure and whisk again, until just combined. Fold through chocolate chunks.
3. Spoon batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake on the lower-middle oven rack for 45-55 minutes, until golden and risen. A skewer inserted should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
4. Leave to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Once the loaf has cooled, make the glazes. For the chocolate glaze, add dark chocolate to a small heat-proof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst until completely melted. Stir through oil and set aside.
6. For the espresso glaze, add icing sugar to a medium bowl followed by 2 Tbsp of the coffee, vanilla and a pinch of salt (a little pinch of salt is important as this glaze is quite sweet). Whisk well until combined, adding more coffee 1 tsp at a time, until the icing has a thick but drizzle-able consistency. Be careful as it can become quite runny quite easily if you add too much liquid.
7. To assemble, spoon coffee glaze over the top of the loaf, spreading it out to the edges and corners. Let the icing drizzle down the sides of the loaf on its own. Immediately drizzle over the chocolate glaze, then swirl the two glazes together on top with a palette knife or the back of a spoon.
8. Sprinkle over roasted nuts and edible flowers, if desired.
This spring, softly woven bralettes provide intimate wardrobe support — especially when you’ve skipped wearing lingerie with lockdowns of late. Worn with colour-coordinated outfits, they allow a peep into your style prowess. Look for natural fibres, like cashmere, and wear with confidence.
The genius of Frank Gehry is immediately apparent to anyone who has visited the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain or the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, but it’s just as easy to appreciate by taking a seat.
Frank Gehry
Before the blockbuster buildings, Gehry’s fascination with unusual materials hit an early high point with the Wiggle Side Chair. Take a look back at something worth looking down on, in the nicest possible way.
1929: Frank Gehry is born in Toronto and, after working as a radio announcer and truck driver, studies architecture at the University of California and Harvard in the fifties.
1969-1972: Having established his own firm in Los Angeles in 1961, Gehry saw a pile of corrugated cardboard outside his office and started to experiment. Inspired by a childhood spent exploring his grandfather’s hardware shop, Gehry set about creating the Easy Edges furniture series, highlighting the strength and versatility of cardboard.
“I discovered that by alternating the direction of layers of corrugations, the finished board had enough strength to support a small car, and a uniform, velvety texture on all four sides,” he told The Christian Science Monitor in 1972. “I found I could cut these edgeboard sections into geometrical forms, or bend them into sculptural, ribbon-candy folds.”
The shape is reminiscent of Verner Panton’s 1960 fibreglass Panton chair. Gehry’s cardboard pieces were originally designed for artist Robert Irwin’s studio but become popular when produced for the public.
1973: With the ever-growing popularity of the Wiggle Chair, Gehry was worried that it would overshadow his reputation as an architect and stopped production of the Easy Edges collection.
1982: Gehry stopped producing the noise-reducing and environmentally sustainable cardboard furniture, ceding the rights to Vitra. It was a fortuitous relationship with Gehry going on to design the Vitra Design Museum in Weil-am-Rhein, Germany, which opened in 1989.
Ivanhoe Home by Doherty Design Studio
Today: The Wiggle Chair is in New York’s Museum of Modern Art and continues to be used by interior designers to add impact with its unique silhouette and immediate aesthetic integrity. It is available in New Zealand at Matisse.
Around the world, September is the biggest month for fashion — with New York, London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks unfolding one after the other. As the rest of the world returned to the street style schedule, there was a rambunctious range of looks that celebrated being able to dress up again. While we prepare our wardrobes for a return to outings and outfits (soon) we are inspired by the low-key yet luxurious looks that show an assured appreciation of style.
From Christopher Esber’s effortless dresses (available from Muse Boutique) to Chloé’s cult-status Woody tote (now online at Workshop) some key pieces are already on our shores. Snap these up from Auckland’s foremost, forward-thinking boutiques, and thank yourself later.
Right: Kat Collings wears Christopher Esber, brand available at Muse.
From left: Chloé Woody Tote available from Workshop; Filippa K Hutton Trouser available from Workshop.
Aissata Kourouma wears Ganni, brand available at Workshop.
From left: Nanushka Idris Twist Shirt available from Muse; Tibi Suit, brand available from Muse.
Designed, as its name suggests, to be a seat more suited to special occasions (and not to be exposed to the eroding effects of everyday use) the occasional chair is a thing of beauty. Sculptural and serene, it sits in the centre of the living space, or in the corner of a bedroom as a perpetual reminder to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to finish and put your feet up — even if it is only once or twice a week.
From sensual curves to jutting angles and delightfully awkward structures, the occasional chair comes in a variety of shapes and finishes, suitable for any kind of space. Here, we round up the 10 we’re coveting at the moment.
Long beloved for its ability to add sumptuous texture to an interior arrangement, velvet furniture is still making its presence felt — literally — with tactile charm. Double down on the sensory effect with a piece like Michel Ducaroy’s Togo sofa (pictured below); already distinctive for its bunched fabric rolls, the addition of velvet takes it to another level.
From top to bottom: Amsterdam sofa from BoConcept; Marenco sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex from Studio Italia; Bowy sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina from Matisse.
From left: Togo Fireside Chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset; Healey Chair by PearsonLloyd for Walter Knoll from Matisse.
From top to bottom: Pukka Armcahir by Yabu Pushelberg for Ligne Roset; Utrecht Armchair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina from Matisse; Ruché Armchair by Inga Sempé for Ligne Roset.
She’s been called New Zealand’s ‘encyclopaedia of design’, and working with a leading supplier of world-class furniture, Matisse, means Caroline Montague is a wealth of knowledge and style. We took the chance over lockdown to quiz her on her current inspirations and frequent fascinations.
My personal style can be defined as: Ironic Havelock North.
The last thing I bought and loved was: The austerely plain Lemaire low heels from La Garçonne.
An unforgettable place I visited was: The giant Sequoia forests in Northern California (currently a fire hazard).
The next place I’d like to go to: Anywhere with snow.
An object I would never part with is: My Andy Warhol silver Elvis Cowboy vase.
On my wish list is: An industrial/hospital-style bathroom.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: A cartoonist.
I am inspired by: Youtube declutterers.
My favourite app is: RNZ for the Concert Programme.
My guilty pleasure is: You can’t have too many furniture books.
My secret talent is: A well-placed backhand.
Private residence in San Sebastian, designed by Andrée Putman in 2005.
My favourite cultural/style icon is: Andrée Putman (French interior and product designer).
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Tom Stoppard: A Life by Hermione Lee.
I can’t miss an episode of: University Challenge, UK Version — Work that cardigan!
In my fridge you’ll always find: S.Pellegrino and not much else.
I recently discovered: I am more likely to show up for a personal trainer.
My favourite website is: 1stdibs.
From Left to right: Zissou in his Tire-Boat, 1911 and Bouboutte, Rouzat, 1908 by Jacques Henri Lartigue.
If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Jacques Henri Lartigue.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Amano — Lamb shoulder with roast potatoes, then rice pudding — an actual proper dinner.
The podcasts I listen to are: Matt Bradshaw’s Coffee Break Tennis.
The best gift I ever received was:Either a hardback set of Proust with the original Enid Marx covers or my apartment.
The latest music I’m loving is: I love Baroque Opera, especially Rameau and Handel — those very weird, avant-garde French and German productions add another layer.
Left to right: Aluminium Group chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller; Alanda Low table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, available from Matisse.
I’m obsessed with the work of: Konstantin Grcic (German industrial designer).
My favourite piece of his work is: Table B Concrete for BD Barcelona.
The one thing people should invest their money in when it comes to furniture is: What they absolutely love and cannot live without. I recommend always buying authentic, original furniture that can be used for a lifetime then handed on. Matisse, of course, has a superb selection of both classic and contemporary designs to meet your requirements.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Comfort is a visual thing.
The word ‘takeaways’ conjures different associations for different people. For some, it’s pizza that gets them daydreaming of dinner, for others, perhaps burgers. For those who immediately start craving a selection of dumplings or a warming, fragrant curry; fresh noodle salads or salty, spicy kimchi, these are the places you should be ordering from.
Saan.
Saan Should a craving for authentic Northern Thai cuisine hit you, look no further than Saan on Ponsonby Road. Offering its fragrant tiger prawn Pad Thai, Mussaman lamb curry, crispy pork belly, and wok-seared eggplant and tofu (to name a few), both contactless pick-up and delivery via Uber Eats are available. Saan’s opening hours for this service are Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Order online here.
Hello Beasty Viaduct Harbour’s Hello Beasty melds Japanese, Korean and Chinese flavours in its punchy, clean and vibrant dishes, and has a take-home menu of dinner packs for between two and four people, which include all the dishes you could desire for a scrumptious feast. Receive a delicious main like chargrilled Sichuan lamb shoulder with sides like broccolini, spring onion flatbreads and rice. Vegetarian options are available, plus individual dishes and sides like karaage chicken, sticky pork buns and chicken katsu sandos. Order online here and follow @eatupbeasty for updates.
Azabu Those with a hankering for Azabu’s supremely fresh Peruvian-Japanese fare will be pleased to hear a selection of its most popular dishes will be coming to a plate near you. Find sushi and sashimi, Nikkei steak, free range chicken karaage, crispy pork belly, prawn dumplings and more, available for pick-up from Azabu’s Ponsonby and Mission Bay locations. Order online here.
Ghost Street.
Ghost Street Recently-opened, subterranean Chinese eatery Ghost Street is all set to bring its flavourful fare to your dining room. A curated menu is available for both pick-up and on Uber Eats for delivery, including delicious dumplings, noodle and rice-based mains, dishes like soy-braised dong po pork belly and fried organic chicken leg with sweet soy black vinegar sauce, plus vegetables and even sweets to finish like Hong Kong-style egg tarts. Available Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Order online here.
Mr Hao Known for its sharing plates and spice-centric fare, look to the level 3 offering of this modern Chinese eatery to impart a kick to your dinner. Mr Hao has come up with a set of ‘comfort meals’ for pre-order, a combination of dishes that are designed to feed either two-to-three or three-to-four people. Dishes on offer include Hao’s spicy chicken wings, fried noodles, dumplings in spicy broth and more. Delivery is available from either of the Dominion Road or Albany locations. Order and see all delivery and payment details here.
Gochu Attention Gochu’s many fans, the Commercial Bay Korean eatery has two of its most popular dishes available for you to eat at home. Order Jason’s Fried Chicken and four-packs of the signature Milk Buns, both designed to reheat and enjoy within your own abode. You can pick-up from a collection point on the ground floor of Commercial Bay or arrange for delivery to selected suburbs. We’ll take ours with a Gochu x Checks t-shirt, thanks. For availability, delivery zones and ordering click here.
White & Wong’s Modern Asian eatery White and Wong’s has its Viaduct and Newmarket location open for contactless pick-ups. From dumplings to warming soups, starters like Peking duck, mains like curry and BBQ’d meats, and much more, you’re in for an at-home feast thanks to the restaurant’s extensive menu. Or if you would prefer to stay at home, you can find them on Uber Eats. Order online here, in person or over the phone.
1947 Inner-city Indian favourite 1947 Eatery has got your curry cravings under control, with a menu full of its most popular dishes available for pick-up and delivery via Uber Eats. Try something from the tandoor or the famous bang bang butter chicken — and the street samosa chaat and garlic naan is a must. Order online here.
Ebisu.
Ebisu Britomart’s elevated Japanese restaurant Ebisu is offering a curated range of its signature dishes including the Ebi Mayo roll, sashimi and sushi platters and the tuna ceviche roll for contactless pick-up online. There is also a new selection of Omakase (chefs choice) set meals, and a range of bottled cocktails, sake, Champagne and wine to add to your order. Children will be well looked after too, with the kid’s sushi platter also available. Order online here.
V.T Station Should a hankering hit you for Indian dishes that pack a punch of flavour, we suggest making Newmarket’s V.T. Station your first port of call. V.T. Station melds fresh ingredients and a street-food sensibility to create its moreish fare. Already adept at serving takeaways, choose from its substantial eat-at-home menu that you can order online for pick-up or delivery via UberEats. Order online here.
Bali Nights A culinary trip to Bali from your bubble just became possible thanks to Bali Nights’ level 3 menu — order delicious street food-style dishes such as beef rendang, nasi goreng and more online and over the phone for contactless pick-up. The team are also working on deliveries, coming soon. Bali Nights’ sister restaurant, Indonesian eatery It’s Java!, also has online ordering available on its website, plus deliveries through Delivereasy and Ubereats. Order Bali Nights online here. And It’s Java! online here.
Ginger When it comes to takeaways, Thai is one of our favourites for fresh and flavoursome fair. Ginger in Remuera is offering contactless takeaways and deliveries on its colourful menu — from classic ka ree puff and tom yum soups to sweet chilli snapper and papaya salad. The team encourages placing orders ahead for the following day, to avoid long expected wait times as its locals rush back. Order online here, or over the phone on 09 523 2626.
Gaja.
Gaja Ponsonby Central’s popular new Korean eatery has a delicious menu available for contactless pick-up. Find a takeaway-friendly selection of its moreish modern Korean fare, including kimchi and tofu or beef brisket Mandu (Korean-style dumplings); various renditions of Korean Fried Chicken; Dupbap bowls; noodles and more. The takeaway service will be running 7 days a week, 12pm — 8:30pm. Order online here or phone 09 600 3466.
Cafe Hanoi A hankering for the freshness and flavour of Vietnamese food can be satiated thanks to Cafe Hanoi’s at-home menu, available for pick-up from its Britomart premises or delivery via Uber Eats. On offer are fresh rice paper rolls, main dishes like wok-seared market fish and roast duck, curries and vegetable dishes, salads and more. Available Wednesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Order online here.
Ockhee Open for both contactless pick-ups and delivery within a 3km radius from its base, beloved Ponsonby Road Korean spot Ockhee has us sorted with its flavourful dishes — from rice-based Dubbap and Bibimbaps, to that moreish fried chicken, noodles, sides and delicious soup kits. The level 3 offering is available Thursday to Sunday, 5pm — 9:30pm with last orders at 9pm. Order online here or call on 09-217-2020.
Tasked with bringing this majestic heritage house into the present day, the team at Alwill Interiors kept colour and mood at the forefront of their approach. Situated in Sydney’s Centennial Park, the home already contained exquisite turn of the century features which, having been lovingly restored, sing when paired with a Bauhaus-tinged modernity.
Fortuny petite floor lamp by Pallucco from Studio Italia.
While natural light was not abundant throughout, Alwill Interiors worked with this inherent quality to create moody spaces that exude a sumptuous romanticism. The main living space is bestowed with impressively large-scaled proportions, and gently curved furniture works to create flow, comfort and softness in contrast to the traditional in-built features. Rounded sofas and chairs invite residents to recline on their organic, cloud-like cushions, while oval rugs, pebble-shaped coffee tables and arched mirrors all hone in on the effect.
Varying shades of paint and wallpaper were utilised to create individual schemes for each room in the house, resulting in a home that offers shifting environments to reflect (and perhaps influence) the dispositions of those within it. In the study, hand-painted silk Wisteria De Gournay wallpaper adorns the walls with inky ambience, melding artful expression in a way that feels characteristically cohesive with the overall aesthetic. The living and dining areas lean into the heritage character with textural grey Porter’s Fresco paint, designed to replicate the plaster walls of ancient European buildings, while white walls and ceilings in both the hallway and the informal living room to the rear of the house assist in bouncing light around for a brighter, fresher effect.
Left: PACHA LOUNGE CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN FOR GUBI from Cult Design, Cloud pendant by Apparatus from ECC. RIght: GRACE DINING CHAIRS BY EMMANUEL GALLINA FOR POLIFORM from Studio Italia.
As well as delving deep into the impactful properties of colour, an understanding of scale and proportion was key to the success of this project. Soaring high ceilings and archways, an imposing fireplace and generous windows require furnishings and object d’art that can hold their own with the substantial quality of the aforementioned aspects. The Apparatus Cloud pendant mirrors the living room furniture’s curves without being too nebulous, its frosted glass orbs adding a contemporary centrepiece that is still in-keeping with the solidity of the home’s structure. Weighty coffee tables peppered throughout provide purposeful sturdiness, and generously-sized seating casts assured forms that avoid being too dinky.
Zefir chair by STUDIOPEPE for baxter, PARSEC DESK BY PIETRO RUSSO FOR Baxter from Cavit and Co.SCULPTURE BY CAROL CRAWFORD.
To introduce welcoming warmth into each space so as to remain comfortable for the young family who live here, plush rugs have been utilised with gratifying enthusiasm, each room’s iteration both complementing and offsetting the curation of furnishings. A long, sandy-hued rug stretches the full length of the entrance and hallway, and in the study an Italian Baxter rug, artisanally crafted from plant-based silk, adds beautiful texture underfoot.
Fundamentally, this home is a supreme showcase of what happens when the existing characteristics are comprehended so attentively, with comfortable and contemporary updates that still manage to celebrate its heritage rather than trying to impress upon it a detached aesthetic.
Such cohesiveness ensures the house will stand the test of time, as it has done so far, with a singular confidence that is never out of style.
Oh, to be tucked into one of Andiamo’s terracotta-toned booth seats and tucking into a free-range chicken parmigiana made with love and tomato fondue. While we can’t make ourselves comfortable at the convivial Herne Bay neighbourhood institution yet, we can let some of our worries slip away as we enjoy its melt-in-the-mouth Andiamo To Go menu from home.
The considered edit of its modern Italian-inspired menu has every course you need to delight and indulge. Start with a special gnocchi cacio e pepe and perfectly proportioned pizette, perhaps with pork and fennel sausage and chilli. Then, impress your bubble with the famed Andiamo favourites, including the pappardelle and the aforementioned parmigiana — with a roasted tomato caprese and caesar salad on the side. For the ultimate pick-me-up, finish with a classic tiramisu, made all the more memorable with amaretto crumb and valrhona cocoa.
Making gourmet takeaways all the more enjoyable, Andiamo To Go is available via phone order from 4 to 8pm, with contactless pick up from 5pm. (Contactless delivery is also available for its surrounding Auckland suburbs for a small fee.)
To celebrate this fine offering from Andiamo, Denizen has a $250 restaurant voucher to award one fortuitous foodie.
Fresh from university, Jessie Wong launched her leather goods label Yu Mei in 2015 with just six styles. Now with 36 stockists around the world, flagship stores in Wellington, Newmarket and at Commercial Bay, the understated luxury brand can be found in the hands of stylish women everywhere. Wong’s excellent and refined taste goes far beyond her stylish accessories, and we asked this driven fashion entrepreneur to share her mental mood board.
My personal style can be defined by: Steadfast favourites, unfussy and utilitarian. I live in trousers and a blazer or trench, usually with some combination of a classic t-shirt in summer, or a cashmere sweater or vest outside of summer. I believe so strongly in this uniform-like approach to dressing, that my quest to curate the perfect capsule wardrobe led to us collaborating with local sustainable knitwear experts, Standard Issue, on a range of luxurious cashmere styles, which I live in and predict will continue to, for eternity.
The last thing I bought and loved was: My partner, Jack, and I are currently mid-overhaul of the landscaping on our property, so my shopper’s mind is consumed by outdoor furniture and various stone/concrete/material finishes.
An unforgettable place I visited was: Despite being lucky enough that my work has taken me all over the world, I’ll forever cherish memories from our trips to visit the farms and tannery right here in New Zealand. Waking up before dawn in the frigid cold to track a pod of deer across multiple council lines in Timaru and Lake Hawea was nothing short of breathtaking and gave me such an appreciation of the regenerative agriculture and climate-conscious farming innovations taking place in our very own backyard. I’m so proud to be part of this supply chain in some small way — the leather we use is a byproduct of the venison industry so we’re diverting it from the waste cycle and creating buttery soft, luxurious handbags in the process.
The next place I’d like to go to: Back to China and Europe to rediscover my family history — my brother recently mapped out our family history and we’re so excited to retrace the routes our ancestors traversed, when we can travel internationally once again.
From left to right: Gypset Earrings by Jessica McCormack, available from Simon James; Whetū brooch by Matthew McIntyre-Wilson (Taranaki, Nga Mahanga and Titahi).
An object I would never part with is: A woven whetū brooch by artist Matthew McIntyre-Wilson (Taranaki, Nga Mahanga and Titahi). It was gifted to me by Jack and while I don’t often wear it, it is an incredibly special piece and I feel so honoured to own it.
On my wish list is: A pair of Gypset earrings by Jessica McCormack. Make that anything Jessica McCormack — her pieces are so beautifully unique and have a perfectly balanced nonchalance to them.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: A Magazine Editor, Fashion Designer or a Lawyer.
I am inspired by: The fearless females that came before me, who weren’t afraid to challenge the status quo, get on with the job and occupy space. My great-grandmother Vi who wore trousers in the 1920s; my grandmother who drove trucks and believed in her ability to do any job as well as anyone else; my grandparents on my dad’s side who came to New Zealand from China, making huge sacrifices to give future generations a better life.
My favourite app is: Asana — this speaks to the goal-setting listmaker in me.
My guilty pleasure is: Nutella on crumpets. Can’t beat a childhood favourite.
My secret talent is: Making salad dressings. It sounds simple but the transformative power of a good dressing cannot be overstated in my books.
My favourite cultural/style icon is: Penny Martin, editor of The Gentlewoman, aka my favourite magazine to ever exist.
Yu Mei Spring Summer 21/22.
My top Yu Mei picks for the season ahead are: 1. Our new Suki Multi Strap Bag in Matisse Blue, the best colour and a perfectly minimal form. 2. The Scrunchie Vi Bag in Sunshine, to dance along to Solar Power. 3. The ever-faithful Braidy Bag in Cocoa, because you can’t beat a classic.
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Imagining Decolonisation — it has changed and challenged how I view the world as a citizen of Aotearoa and what it means to be living on these lands.
I can’t miss an episode of: The podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Elysian marinated olives. Black Estate Chardonnay and assorted ingredients for the aforementioned salad dressing obsession.
Irecently discovered:Commonsense organic veggie box delivery. They also do milk in glass 1L containers that they pick up the following week.
My favourite website is: Matchesfashion.com
The new Yu Mei piece I’m currently most inspired by is: Our re-release of the new, refined Georgie Bag. It’s the ideal size and profile for a summer of festivals, hikes, beach wanders and everything in between.
Ayesha Green’s Elizabeth the First exhibition.
If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Ayesha Green from Jhana Millers Gallery.
The podcasts I listen to are: How to Fail by Elizabeth Day, the BoF Podcast by Business of Fashion.
The best gift I ever received was: My education.
The latest music I’m loving is: Lorde’s Solar Power album, Harper Finn’s cover of Maybe Tomorrow and a recently-rediscovered Spotify inclusion of Now that’s What I Call Music 1-50
Left to right: Rita, Wellington; Yeli Coat by The Row.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Rita in Wellington is always a treat — such care and intention in every element.
A classic piece I never tire of is: A lightweight beige trench by The Row with black leather accents. Great to throw over everything, travels well, and I know will be a wardrobe staple for years to come.
This spring/summer, I predict that everyone is going to be wearing: Button-down shirts. You heard it here first.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: No one knows what they’re doing until they’re doing it.
David Robb was living in Hong Kong at the beginning of 2020 when Covid-19 came along and changed the way we all live, and subsequently, breathe. As the government mandated the full-time use of face masks outside of the home, including at places of work, Robb saw how the metropolitan area took the challenge in their stride. “Being immersed in this culture, I really got to witness how effective ‘proper’ face mask-wearing strategies work at containing the spread of the virus,” he says. “Not only was it mandatory to wear a face mask, but your face mask had to be one that was genuinely protective. No homemade (nor designer) cloth reusable masks were permitted if they did not have a certified protective rating.”
On returning to his home country, Robb launched Respiratory Protective Masks New Zealand, to help our team of five million come accustomed to mask-wearing. “I want to help everyone understand that while a face mask without a protective rating certification may make you (and some others who are unaware of the failings) feel good while you’re wearing it, as per all studies, the masks that have a medical/surgical rating outperform all others. And mostly, the results are substantial.”
Robb notes that early recommendations around wearing non-surgical face masks from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were based on saving supply of the surgical face masks for the front line staff, but with Respiratory Protective Masks New Zealand’s surgical face masks having greater than 99 percent BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) and PFE (Particulate Filtration Efficiency), an insufficient stock of high-grade masks is no longer an issue.
In particular, the Korean Style face masks provided by Respiratory Protective Masks New Zealand have a comfort, fit and filter that “is able to perform equal to an N95 medical mask while providing more than 99 percent protection”. And, they have an added bonus for those who wear lipstick as it doesn’t get smudged off.
“For Hong Kong and some other Asian countries, this strategy of face mask-wearing is well-rehearsed and falls into place easily,” says Robb. “For us in New Zealand, long term face mask-wearing is one we are certainly not familiar. It is understandable then that here in New Zealand, people are ill-informed and unaware of the what/how/why of face mask-wearing.”
It is worth noting that the WHO recommends reusable cloth masks should be washed in at least 60°C in the washing machine to be safe to be re-used. If that is not possible, then they should be washed in soapy water and then boiled for at least one minute. — Two options even the most well-meaning of mask wearers may not be able to do on a daily basis.
Of course, we’d like the face masks we don to re-enter the world to be a little more chic than a surgical style face mask. Respiratory Protective Masks New Zealand come in a range of colours and patterns, which are all part of encouraging us to look after one another. Its specifically designed junior and child sized masks help us protect our families as well.
“Ultimately, wearing face masks protects both ourselves and the people around us,” says Robb, reiterating the New Zealand government’s advice. “Whenever Covid-19 rears its ugly head, we can drastically contain the spread through wearing highly protective face masks.”
Even if you don’t know its name or origin story, you’ll surely recognise the Camaleonda sofa. Originally designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, this distinctive and innovative piece of furniture is one of the most sought-after interior additions by anyone with a nous for statement-making design. It was introduced to the international market with a bang in 1972, after appearing in that year’s landmark exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art: “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape”. Other equally-as-Instagrammed pieces from that very same exhibition include the undulating Ultrafragola Mirror by Ettore Sottsass, also designed in 1970.
Bulbous yet inviting, unique yet versatile, Camaleonda was one of the first modular sofas to go mainstream, preceding what would come to be a widely-adopted design choice. It is endlessly customisable, transforming at the whim of the user from a linear form that might sweep along a wall, to a group of pillowy seats crowded around a table; an angled daybed to a series of separate lounging chairs.
“Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are [an] infinite number of possible configurations,” said Bellini.
While Camaleonda was only originally in production until 1979 (no doubt contributing to its sought-after rarity), Bellini and B&B Italia worked together to re-issue the exact same design in 2020, updated with more sustainable materials and available locally from Matisse.
Both the seventies design and today’s version comprise rounded modules of fabric-covered polyurethane, cleverly connected to one another with a simple system of carabiners, rings and cables to be unhooked and recombined at will. Today’s system contains either recycled or recyclable materials that can also be easily separated once the seating reaches the end of its life — from recycled PET to stainless steel, brass and solid beechwood. The outer fabrications can be customised to suit whatever interior they are to be situated in, from rich jewel-toned velvet to earthy leather and neutral tones too.
Right: Archive imagery of the original design.
Bellini came up with the name Camaleonda as an amalgamation of two words that aptly describe both the shape and function of the sofa. The first comes from the Italian word “camaleonte”, which means “chameleon” (an animal able to adapt to the environment around it), and the second is “onda”, meaning “wave”.
Still designing at age 85, Mario Bellini’s legacy is one of exceptional and renowned pieces that have changed the way we view our living spaces. Camaleonda embodies this perfectly, and its dynamic yet anchoring sensibility is sure to be sought after, still, for years to come.
Now that takeaways are back on the menu at level 3, no doubt many of us are able to enjoy some of our more indulgent cravings that were a little further out of reach in level 4. Case in point — fried chicken. While it’s certainly possible to make delicious fried chicken at home (this excellent Azabu recipe is a perfect example), why not let someone else take care of the cooking, supporting some local eateries at the same time? To save you from having to hunt around, here are the tastiest fried chicken dishes on offer to indulge in at home, from wings to Korean fried chicken and more. Each venue offers different takeaway or delivery options, make sure you check on their website or social media.
From left to right: Ockhee; Lowbrow.
Karaage chicken with Beasty Japanese barbecue saucefrom Hello Beasty Now available as an add-on dish to their delicious meal kits this week, Hello Beasty’s Karaage chicken is irresistibly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with the eatery’s signature Beasty Japanese barbecue sauce, a sprinkling of fresh parmesan and with a side of lemon.
Dak gang jeong fried chickenfrom Ockhee Yeah, we’ve had a hankering for KFC — Korean fried chicken, that is. Packing a gochujang-spiked punch of flavour, Ockhee’s Korean fried chicken is addictively sticky and just as delicious eaten at home as it is when its Ponsonby Road restaurant is open for dining in. Spice fans will love the spicy soy and sesame glazed chicken; trust us, it brings the heat.
Organic wingsfrom Lowbrow Anyone who’s tried Lowbrow’s fried chicken selection knows it’s legendary. While we’re the first to say the chicken sando is a thing of beauty, Lowbrow’s wings are what we order when we want to go straight to the source. Made with Bostocks organic, free range chicken, you can choose your own spice level and that ranch dipping sauce? Chef’s kiss.
Left to right: Azabu; Gochu.
Karaage chickenfrom Azabu No order from Azabu is complete without a side (or a main, no judgement here) of its famous chicken karaage. The eternally popular Japanese snack is deliciously realised here, with pickled daikon, crispy oregano and aji amarillo mayo, and is available for pick-up from both Azabu’s Ponsonby and Mission Bay restaurants.
Jason’s fried chicken from Gochu During level 3, Commerical Bay Korean favourite Gochu has only two dishes on offer within its Gochu At Home selection, because it knows they’re that good. The first is its signature milk buns and the second is Jason’s Fried Chicken. Crunchy, sweet, spicy and juicy, it’s some of the best Korean fried chicken in town.
Left to right: The Lodge Bar & Dining; Beau.
Spicy fried chicken sando with friesfrom The Lodge Bar & Dining As part of its ‘dine out’ offering, you can order an excellent fried chicken sandwich from The Lodge Bar & Dining. Brined and spiced fried chicken is joined by cheddar cheese and bread and butter pickles, sandwiched in a brioche bun and served with fries. Divine.
Fried chicken burgerfrom Beau Three Lamps wine bar Beau doesn’t just have a great selection of the good grape juice on offer; its fried chicken burger and signature fried chicken bites are must orders (especially with a side of mac ‘n’ cheese and fries).
From left to right: Wise Boys; Orphans Kitchen.
Spicy buffalo chick burger from Wise Boys We may have also mentioned Wise Boys’ ‘Spicy Buffalo Chick’ in our recent burger round-up, but we had to include it here as it’s just that good, and all without an actual chicken in sight. Original recipe vegan ‘chicken’ is drizzled in a spicy buffalo sauce, served up with a tangy slaw, jalapeños, pickles and house-made vegan ranch dressing. Yeehaw.
Organic fried chickenfrom Orphans Kitchen Serving daily from its Ponsonby Road-facing window during level 3, Orphans Kitchen’s organic fried chicken is quintessentially moreish. Served with pickles, ranch dressing and lime, pull up to order on the spot for contactless pick-up or call 09 378 7979.
An elevated bar station within the home is, we would warrant, an essential addition — particularly for those who love to entertain, even just within your bubble at present. A focus on the bar’s materiality will take cocktail hour to the next level, while well-chosen bar stools will complement the surrounding aesthetic. The same rings true for the kitchen; an impressive, design-led island or counter requires equally stylish stools on which to perch. From pared-back silhouettes to geometric designs, these are the best stools to peruse for any occasion.
Left to right: Caratos swivel bar stool by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto from Matisse, Kashmir bar stool by Simon James for Resident from Simon James, Skin stool by Archirivolto for Calligaris from Dawson & Co.
Left to right: Kekke bar stool by Piet Boon from ECC, Nina bar stool by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani from Studio Italia, Torii bar stool by Bensen from Tim Webber
Left to right: Cab Bar stool by Mario Bellini for Cassina from Matisse, High Stool by Mater from ECC, First Steps bar stool by Christophe Pillet for Flexform from Studio Italia
Dedicated followers of fashion now have even more options for giving life the luxury touch, thanks to exceedingly stylish lifestyle accessories from high fashion and jewellery houses. From sporting equipment to tech and even vehicles, there’s no reason why style should stop at our wardrobes.
Blue Crush For Chanel’s 2021 Coco Beach resort collection, Creative Director Virginie Viard embraces youthful exuberance and vitality. Surfer chic has been hit with a splash of refinement, as easy separates like blouses, shorts and swimsuits are adorned with an elegant tropicana motif. But it’s the accessories we’ve got our eyes on — in particular, the highly coveted wakesurf board, ideal for showing off your wave riding prowess.
Left: Dior x Vespa 946; Right: Prada Outdoor Frisbee.
Couture Cruiser This highly desirable collaboration between Dior and Vespa is sure to make a memorable odyssey of even the most mundane commute. A contemporary update of the seminal Vespa 946, this scooter harnesses both French joie de vivre and Italian dolce vita, and has been redesigned by Maria Grazia Chiuri since its initial 2012 launch. It includes a Dior Oblique motif top case specially crafted to fasten to its luggage rack; top with the matching helmet and you’ll never have to worry about an inherently practical accessory cramping your style.
Fashion Fling From garden to coast to mountain, nature in all its varied glory is the central muse of the Prada Outdoor collection. Comprising three separate capsules that call to mind each specific environment, we’re particularly charmed by the Prada Frisbee designed for days on the beach — just make sure whoever you throw it to is certain to return it.
Hermès Savana Dance Roller Skates.
Wheeler Dealer Giving this retro pastime a refined reinvention, the Savana Dance Roller Skates from Hermès harness the brand’s quintessential use of sumptuous materials and ingenious design. Combining a white, calfskin high-top sneaker and a maple wood platform with a modified version of the signature Savana Dance print, an innovative fixation system within the sole allows for the skates to be removed at will for two-in-one fun.
Left: Versace boxing gloves; Right: Fendi x Polaroid x Sarah Coleman camera.
The New One-Two The popularity of boxing now endures beyond merely a fitness fad, and we’d be willing to place bets on these eye-catching Versace boxing gloves helping our punches land that much more victoriously. Covered in the fashion house’s iconic Barocco print and with a 100 percent leather outer, they hit the mark when it comes to a stylish sweat session.
Snap Happy Capture memories in style with Fendi’s wavy collaboration with artist Sarah Coleman and Polaroid. Adding a psychedelic 70s touch to the 90s favourite and bringing it decidedly into the modern day, both Coleman and Silvia Venturini Fendi worked together on a fresh interpretation of the iconic FF logo pattern, making this everyday object a work of art in itself.
Left: Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen Beosound Edge Speaker; Right: Tiffany pool triangle and custom-made ball set.
Press Play Saint Laurent has long been connected with the musical realm, frequently garnering inspiration from musician muses. It follows that the house would delve into audio accessories, with this Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen Beosound Edge speaker. Darkly chic, it is crafted with a marble-look fabric front and black aluminium sides that allow for a simple tap to control, delivering B&O’s state-of-the-art listening quality.
Take a Cue From the display case to the dining table, the home office and even the pampered pet, Tiffany & Co. has been lending its luxurious touch to everyday objects for some time now. Place a hint of the signature Tiffany blue in the games room with this meticulously crafted, oak pool triangle and custom-made ball set, featuring a removable sterling silver plate that is perfect for personalisation.
Louis Vuitton x Maison Tamboite bicycle.
Pedal to the Metal When it came to the creation of its first bicycle, it makes sense that Louis Vuitton turned to artisanal Paris-based bike-maker Maison Tamboite, which was established in 1912 and is known for its assured, technologically innovative designs. With its instantly recognisable, brown leather monogrammed frame and pops of red, the LV Bike is a beautiful extension of the fashion house’s artful heritage.
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