There are certain signatures at Bvlgari that need no introduction. Serpenti coils with unmistakable sensuality. B.zero1 stands as a sculptural ode to Rome’s Colosseum. Monete transforms ancient currency into wearable history. Now, with the debut of Vimini, the Roman maison proves that its archives remain as fertile as ever.
Vimini marks the inaugural chapter of Bvlgari Eternal, a visionary initiative that revisits foundational designs from the house’s past and reinterprets them for a contemporary audience. Its point of origin is a 1942 bracelet discovered in the archives, created during the material and social constraints of wartime Italy. In an era defined by limitation, the piece stood as an act of creative defiance. Crafted in yellow and rose gold, its woven geometry drew inspiration from the wicker baskets of ancient Greece and Rome, humble, utilitarian objects elevated through rhythm, repetition and hand-shaped dexterity.
The name Vimini, meaning wicker, feels instinctive. Its structure is built from undulating rhomboid elements, stacked and interlocked to create a supple, woven effect. There is an architectural clarity to the design, an echo of Italian Rationalism’s essential forms, yet the overall impression is fluid rather than rigid. The bracelet remains faithful to its precursor, while benefiting from the elevated craftsmanship made possible by Bvlgari’s state-of-the-art Valenza manufacture. The collection extends to a necklace, ring and two earring styles, each piece designed to move naturally with the body, tactile and rhythmic in its articulation.
Bvlgari Eternal debuts in Los Angeles. The Vimini collection, unveiled on Rodeo Drive’s new flagship store
In its high jewellery expressions, Vimini ventures further. Yellow gold meets black Diamond-Like Carbon, a high-tech coating more commonly associated with watchmaking. The interplay of light and shadow creates a striking bi-colour dialogue that feels both ancient and futuristic. Diamonds are set into this darkened architecture, amplifying contrast and lending the collection an avant-garde edge. On the global stage, the Eternal Vimini High Jewellery necklace has already found its moment, worn by global ambassador Lisa Manobal in a powerful display of modern Roman glamour.
“With Bulgari Eternal, we open a new chapter in our creative story,” noted Jean-Christophe Babin. It is a sentiment embodied in Vimini’s weave, heritage threaded through innovation. By drawing from a wartime bracelet shaped by constraint and reimagining it with contemporary mastery, Bvlgari demonstrates that true icons are not invented overnight. They are rediscovered, reworked and reborn.
Vimini is not simply a revival. It is proof that the house’s past remains an inexhaustible source of modernity, and that in Rome, history is always in motion.
There are few ridgelines in Auckland as instantly recognisable as the one at the junction of Ponsonby and St Marys Bay. Thousands pass it daily, glancing up toward the elevated sweep across the city skyline. In recent months, there have been signs of a new development that have caught our attention. Pillars is set to sit confidently at the top of this iconic stretch. Promising an unmistakable presence and architectural façades, signalling that something both considered and enduring is soon to take shape.
Developed by Precinct and designed by Jasmax, Pillars is defined by proportion, restraint and permanence. Sculptural façades, fluted concrete detailing and carefully articulated forms give the building a strong civic presence while remaining respectful of its established setting. From its exterior, it reads as composed and assured. Step inside, and that architectural confidence gives way to a quieter, more intimate understanding of how people want to live.
That combination of prestigious, highly visible location and confident, design-led execution helps explain why Pillars has generated sustained interest since its unveiling. But the appeal runs deeper than architecture alone. Buyers are responding to what Pillars represents at this moment in time. Right-sizing, redefined.
Increasingly, Pillars is appealing to buyers transitioning into a new phase of urban living. People who want the ease of lock-and-leave security, yet refuse to compromise on space, privacy or quality. The appeal lies in homes that still feel substantial and complete, with the reassurance of thoughtful design, long-term build integrity and a setting that supports everyday life as much as it elevates it.
Across a limited collection of two and three-bedroom residences with additional media rooms, Pillars offers homes that feel expansive without excess. Full-floorplate sensibilities and dual-aspect layouts allow light to move naturally through the interiors, creating a sense of volume rarely associated with apartment living. Integrated storage is generous and purposeful, supporting daily life without visual clutter, while flexible layouts accommodate entertaining, working from home and evolving needs.
Private outdoor spaces are equally deliberate. Deep balconies extend the living experience outward, encouraging genuine indoor-outdoor flow, while select ground-floor homes open onto landscaped gardens that offer privacy and greenery rarely found in urban apartments. These are homes designed for people who still want space, but no longer want waste.
The location reinforces that philosophy. Positioned between the energy of Ponsonby and the established residential calm of St Marys Bay and Freemans Bay, Pillars offers immediate access to the city’s best while maintaining a strong sense of neighbourhood. Cafés, restaurants, galleries and waterfront walks are moments away, yet the address retains the reassurance of long-held community and character. It is urban living with depth, connected without feeling transient.
Underpinning the development is the long-term thinking of Precinct Properties. Best known for shaping Auckland’s commercial centre, Precinct brings the same rigour and placemaking mindset to Pillars. Sustainability features that enhance comfort and efficiency, secure parking with EV infrastructure, private lift access and robust construction speak to a development conceived for longevity rather than trend.
As availability becomes increasingly limited, Pillars prompts a broader reflection on what right-sizing truly means. It is not about giving something up. It is about choosing better. Better design. Better location. Better use of space. And a home that aligns with how life is lived now.
Recognised instinctively and increasingly understood for what it offers, Pillars will become more than an iconic landmark. It’s set to be a confident expression of modern urban luxury, defined by clarity, quality and living well without compromise.
There’s something deeply reassuring about a restaurant that knows exactly what it is.
Agnes, newly opened in Birkenhead, does not shout for attention. It doesn’t need to. Housed in a former Hellaby’s butchery, the building’s original tiles, marble and even the reinstated counter remain proudly intact, lending the space a quiet gravitas that feels increasingly rare.
Behind the project are hospitality veterans Fran and Aaron Mazza-Carson, whose 15-year track record includes Hello Friends & Allies, Winona Forever, Sugar at Chelsea Bay, Queenies, ADA and Pie Rolla’s. With Fran’s background in patisserie and Aaron’s roots in marketing and music, the pairing has always been complementary. For Agnes, they’ve partnered with head chef Alfie Ingham, whose experience spans New Zealand, Australia, the UK and France, but whose heart lies in traditional European bistros.
left: Sticky Toffee pancake with dates, caramel and Crème fraîche. right: Biscoff Mont Blanc
“We share a real appreciation for uncomplicated food that is of excellent quality but not pretentious or too flowery,” they explain. The result is a menu that reads like a love letter to simplicity done properly.
Sausage with mashed potato and jus
There’s a house-made sausage that already feels like a signature: pork shoulder, seasoned traditionally, served by day or at night with mash and jus. Brunch swings between sticky toffee pancakes with dates, caramel and crème fraîche, and sardines on toast with tomato-chilli butter and pickles. Come evening, baked Camembert with roasted grapes, cornichons and walnuts is the kind of dish you order for the table without hesitation.
left to right: Ricotta dumplings with brown butter and pesto. Mussel Gratin with Rockefeller sauce and bacon. Heirloom tomatoes with black olive tapenade and buffalo
The wine list follows suit. Tightly edited rather than encyclopaedic, it oscillates between familiar favourites and intriguing alternatives, each chosen to work seamlessly with the food or stand confidently alone. The marble counter is primed for aperitifs and people watching.
Baked Camembert with roasted grapes, cornichons, walnuts and toast
Fran has designed the interiors herself and drawn on her Italian heritage for inspiration. The front room is relaxed and family-friendly; the back bistro is more intimate and softly lit.
More than anything, Agnes is built for its neighbourhood. The ambition is not occasion dining, but somewhere you return to weekly, even daily. A place where owners are present, the welcome is genuine, and the food is unfussy but good.
There is something quietly compelling about the way lighting can change the mood of a room. With the introduction of the Luna Wall Light, Powersurge distils that idea into a sculptural piece inspired by the timeless silhouette of a lunar eclipse.
Composed of two solid brass discs, Luna diffuses light while casting a soft halo that gently illuminates surrounding surfaces. The effect is calm and atmospheric, more like a presence than a fixture, bringing a sense of serenity to contemporary interiors without demanding attention.
Distilled into a classical geometric form, Luna is designed to sit effortlessly within a range of settings, from softly lit corridors to living spaces where ambience matters most. Encasing a dimmable LED light source, it allows the glow of a space to be subtly adjusted to suit the mood and moment.
“I wanted the piece to feel calm and celestial, as though the light is gently hovering rather than fixed in place. The solid brass grounds it, while the halo softens the space, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, timeless, and quietly transformative,” says designer Todd Stevenson.
Available in two sizes and finished in aged, dark antique or blackened brass, each Luna Wall Light is meticulously handcrafted in Aotearoa at Powersurge’s Tāmaki Makaurau studio. Understated, considered, and quietly transformative, it is the kind of design detail that makes a home feel more composed.
If you find yourself stuck in a streaming slump, let our handpicked list spark your next obsession. From must-see new shows and limited series already making waves, discover what deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Disney+ Starring: Sarah Pidgeon, Paul Anthony Kelly, Naomi Watts
The original ‘90s It-couple returns to the cultural spotlight in this glossy new anthology drama from Ryan Murphy. Chronicling the magnetic, ill-fated romance between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the series delves into love under the glare of paparazzi flashbulbs — equal parts fairy tale and slow-burn tragedy. For those still referencing Carolyn’s minimalist wardrobe as a mood board, this is essential viewing.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Netflix Starring: Emmet J. Scanlan, Roisin Gallagher, Sinead Keenan
If you loved Derry Girls, this sharp, chaotic new comedy-mystery is your perfect next binge. Written by Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee, it follows three old friends re-uniting after one of their group dies under mysterious circumstances — what starts as a quirky road trip becomes a surreal detective caper full of laughs, sharp banter and real heart. Critics are tipping this one as one of the top must-see shows of 2026 so far thanks to its blend of humour and mystery.
The Night Agent (Season 3)
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Netflix Starring: Gabriel Basso, Jennifer Morrison, Stephen Moyer
The high-stakes spy thriller that turned into one of Netflix’s big 2020s hits returns for a third season, think political rabbit holes, globe-trotting conspiracies and a relentless pace that makes you watch “just one more episode.” This season digs deeper into hidden intel networks and buried secrets, perfect for fans of slick, bingeable suspense.
Tehran (Season 3)
When & Where to Watch: Apple TV+ (streaming) Starring: Niv Sultan, Shaun Toub, Hugh Laurie
One of the most talked-about spy dramas of the last decade is finally back. Tehran returns with its third season in early 2026, exclusively on Apple TV+. The Israeli espionage thriller follows Mossad hacker-agent Tamar Rabinyan as she tries to survive and reinvent herself after going rogue at the end of season 2, navigating a labyrinth of political dangers and fractured alliances that expand far beyond a typical spy story. This season also introduces multi-Emmy nominee Hugh Laurie into the mix, upping the stakes as new players bring fresh threats and uneasy partnerships into Tamar’s world. If you love slow-burn tension, morally grey characters and high-stakes international intrigue, Tehran is exactly the kind of smart, binge-worthy series that deserves a place on your 2026 watchlist
Steal
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Prime Video Starring: Sophie Turner, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd
A British crime thriller that’s earned strong reviews for its tense plotting and commanding performances, especially from Sophie Turner, Steal is more than just a heist series. Critics praise its provocative look at conspiracy, class and chaos beneath the polished surface of the financial world, making it a standout among 2026 dramas.
Vladimir
When & Where to Watch: March 5th, Netflix Starring: Rachel Weisz, Leo Woodall, John Slattery
If your watchlist is craving something that’s equal parts dangerous, clever and unashamedly adult, Vladimir is the limited series everyone’s talking about this year. Based on the bestselling Julia May Jonas novel and packed with razor‑sharp dark humour, it knits together obsession, desire and self‑discovery in a way that feels both provocative and deeply human. Rachel Weisz gives one of her boldest performances yet as a professor whose life begins to unravel when she becomes dangerously fixated on a charismatic new colleague, a slippery boundary between fantasy and reality that invites you into her inner world with every beat. It’s stylish, daring and just unpredictable enough to make you question who’s really in control.
Ponies
When & Where to Watch: Out now, TVNZ+ Starring: Emilia Clarke, Haley Lu Richardson, Adrian Lester
Think Mad Men meets spycraft with a twist. Set in 1977 Moscow, Ponies flips the Cold War genre on its head by following two American widows — women who should be “persons of no interest” — as they’re thrust into CIA work to uncover why their operative husbands died under mysterious circumstances. Equal parts intelligent espionage and character drama, the series excels because of its layered lead performances and the unlikely friendship at its core.
Tell Me Lies (Season 3)
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Disney+ Starring: Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, Catherine Missal
College lives, tangled romance and the kind of emotional chaos that actually keeps you up at night. Tell Me Lies returned this January 2026 with its third and final season, and it’s everything critics and fans have been buzzing about. Centred on Lucy and Stephen’s toxic, twisty relationship, splashed across dual timelines from campus days to the consequences that follow, this season ups the stakes with scandal, betrayal and secrets that touch every corner of their friend group.
After 48 years shaping the way New Zealanders live through design, Dawson & Co. is entering a bold new chapter and inviting its loyal audience to be part of the transition.
As its long-standing Rosedale chapter comes to a close, Dawson & Co. is marking the moment with a rare opportunity to acquire ex-showroom pieces from one of the most respected design portfolios in the country. This is not surplus stock or seasonal filler. These are considered floor-tested designs that reflect how far the business has come, and are now available at 30 to 50 per cent off.
Included are pieces from Molteni&C, Tribú, Dedon, Timothy Oulton, Tolv, Natadora, Cove Outdoor, Jardinico, Audo and Weave, each designed for longevity, restraint and relevance.
But the sale is just the beginning of a new era of expansion. In Parnell, Dawson & Co. is furthering its footprint, creating a bold destination for design. A dedicated home for Kett. A flagship Molteni&C gallery next door, this new precinct is designed to give each brand the space, clarity and context it deserves, and offer clients a more immersive, design-led experience.
Timothy Oulton Cortado modular sofa and Frozen Pendant Chandelier from Dawson & Co.
Audo Copenhagen Wine breather carafe from Dawson & Co.
Don’t miss this chance to capitalise on the legacy of Dawson & Co design brands at heavily discounted prices, before the future opens its doors at a bigger Parnell precinct later
The Year of the Fire Horse has arrived in a blaze of optimism and forward momentum. Lunar New Year is the moment to gather properly, order generously and lean into dishes that symbolise abundance and prosperity. Across Auckland, dining rooms are marking the occasion with seafood towers, prosperity tosses, wood-fired showpieces and cocktails designed for toasting new beginnings. Here, in alphabetical order, are the restaurants worth booking.
Huami’s Lunar New Year menus are designed for proper reunion dining. The Nectar Menu at $129 per person offers a procession of premium Chinese dishes that honour tradition while presenting them with modern elegance. For larger family gatherings, festive banquet menus for five to twelve guests deliver abundance in format and flavour. It is ceremonial, considered and ideal for a long, lingering evening.
At Commercial Bay, Advieh brings drama to the table with its Limited Edition Seafood Tower, priced from $179 to $289. This is a celebration in vertical form. Crayfish, pāua and shellfish are layered generously alongside Turkish pide and Lou Sang sashimi, nodding to tradition while staying unmistakably true to Advieh’s bold Middle Eastern sensibility. It is lavish, abundant and designed to anchor the table. Pair it with the aptly named Miracle Fortune cocktail, and you have a Fire Horse feast that feels both symbolic and indulgent.
Bivacco approaches Lunar New Year with woodfire confidence. From 16 to 28 February, Crayfish Mafaldine brings sweet lobster together with garlic, chilli and bisque, brightened by cherry tomato and finished with pangrattato for texture. For those wanting a true centrepiece, whole or half crayfish roasted over flame and finished with seaweed butter delivers drama and depth. It is bold, generous and entirely aligned with Fire Horse energy.
Ebisu joins the festivities with its own vibrant Prosperity Salad, bringing sashimi, shredded vegetables and golden crackers together in a dish that feels bright and celebratory from first glance. Finished with honey ume dressing and tossed high at the table, it captures the essence of Lunar New Year in one generous bowl.
Also at Commercial Bay, Ahi is marking Lunar New Year with a cocktail that feels refined rather than theatrical. Vodka is layered with rose fen chui and strawberry hibiscus, sharpened with fresh lemon and softened with faba for a silky finish. The result is light, floral and quietly celebratory, a subtle nod to the restaurant’s Shanghai pop-up and a polished way to toast the year ahead.
At Azabu Mission Bay, the Prosperity Salad returns as both a ritual and crowd-pleaser. Premium tuna and salmon sashimi are woven with shredded carrot, red cabbage, pickled ginger, daikon and wakame, finished with sesame, golden crackers and ume-honey dressing. The theatre comes with the traditional toss. Lift it high and invite abundance into the year ahead, preferably with a table full of friends leaning in enthusiastically.
Cāntīng’s Lucky Set Menu at $88 per person and Prosper Set Menu at $138 per person deliver a classic Lunar New Year experience done properly. Dumplings arrive first, followed by the essential yusheng prosperity toss, a joyful and symbolic ritual that invites good fortune with every enthusiastic lift of chopsticks. Cantonese favourites round out the menu, while BBQ duck and black cod appear for those choosing the more opulent Prosper option. It is festive, flavour-driven and built for communal celebration.
High above the city, The Lookout is pouring a limited-time Lunar New Year cocktail and mocktail menu through February. The Xin Xiang combines Chivas 12-year-old whisky with ginger syrup, citrus and grenadine for warmth and brightness, while the Shi Cheng layers orange apple juice, mango syrup, lemon and cranberry for a vibrant alcohol-free option. With Auckland glittering below, it is a celebratory toast served with perspective.
At MASU, the celebration unfolds with Japanese precision and robata fire. The Tokyo Platter, laden with crayfish, oysters and sashimi, arrives as a sculptural centrepiece that immediately elevates the table. Alongside the broader seafood and robata menu, it offers a refined and quietly indulgent way to mark the New Year.
Sìso’s celebratory Seafood Platter reads like a greatest hits of the ocean. Grilled scampi, fresh oysters, smoked mussels, Southland clams, poached prawns and market fish crudo arrive together in a spread designed for convivial dining. Guests can add half a crayfish for an extra flourish. It is generous, social and perfectly suited to a table that plans to linger.
Origine keeps things elemental and impressive with its Whole Wild Legend Fiordland Lobster, priced at $99. Wood-fired and made for sharing, it is simple in concept yet rich in impact. Crack, pass and savour. It is exactly the kind of centre-of-table dish that signals abundance without excess.
Azabu Ponsonby serves the same vibrant Prosperity Salad, and it lands perfectly in a room that thrives on sociable energy. Rich sashimi meets crisp vegetables and fragrant dressing, balanced by the crunch of golden crackers. It is celebratory without being heavy and interactive without being forced. Order it early in the evening and let the mood build from there.
However you choose to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, the message is clear. Gather widely, order generously and lean into the symbolism. This is a year to move forward with confidence, and preferably with something delicious in hand.
Designed for the creation of tops, backsplashes, tables, doors, and infinite tailor-made furnishings, Marazzi’s ‘The Top’ offers a sophisticated and endlessly versatile selection of large-size porcelain stoneware slabs with the power to transform a space. Given the material’s innate versatility and incredible durability, it lends itself to endless uses and visions, from striking benchtops to furnishings and surfaces, both inside and outside the home. The marble-look variation is particularly alluring, offering the appearance and tactility of marble without the distinct cut lines and parameters of natural stone.
Each new year, Föenander Galleries takes the opportunity to heighten our artistic focus with an annual Summer Exhibition. On view from 28 January to 28 February 2026, the exhibition titled Fire Horse is a curated constellation of new works by gallery artists and invited guests, in a considered selection of bold new works that feel both responsive to the moment and grounded in strong individual practices.
Among the highlights are two names already drawing strong attention: Chauncey Flay and Nick Herd. Flay’s sculptural pieces, often crafted from stone, coral and concrete, explore memory, entropy and our relationship with material worlds. Through a meticulous process of breaking down and rebuilding found elements, his work retains traces of deep time while revealing austere, geometric forms that feel both ancient and contemporary.
Herd’s canvases, meanwhile, are visceral celebrations of oil paint itself. Known for his richly textured impasto, he transforms floral still lifes and figurative impulses into works that feel kinetic and alive. His process, a spirited play between energy and restraint, results in paintings where texture is subject and form, animation.
These works are displayed alongside pieces by Michael Dell, Gavin Chai, Matthew Carter, Vishmi Helaratne, Harry McAlpine, and Michael McHugh, and collectively create a dialogue across mediums and sensibilities, unified less by a single aesthetic than by a shared attentiveness to the present.The formal opening takes place on Wednesday, 11 February, from 5.30 pm, with all welcome to attend. This show is emblematic of what Föenander does best: engaging, conversational and quietly energised. Fire Horse offers a timely reason to recalibrate, pause and engage, and feel something unexpected.
Auckland is no stranger to refined, contemporary Indian food. Restaurants like Cassia and Sidart have already reshaped expectations, and in many ways, Aarth begins from that same lineage, but redefines and refines it through a deeply personal lens.
At the centre of Aarth is chef and owner Vicky Shah, whose career has quietly shaped some of the city’s most respected kitchens. With more than a decade of experience spanning Cassia, Sidart, The French Café and Ponsonby’s KOL, Shah brings a level of technical confidence that allows him to cook with restraint rather than excess. Senior leadership roles at SkyCity’s The Sugar Club and The Grill followed, before his most recent chapter as head chef at Ki Māha. Aarth is the moment where those experiences converge into something unmistakably his own.
Vicky Shah, Tuna Crudo with buttermilk and sea grape
The idea behind Aarth was to move beyond expectations. Not to discard the familiar, but to explore the breadth of Indian cuisine through lesser-seen regional influences and contemporary formats. It is a restaurant shaped by meaning, memory and intent, conceived as a welcoming third space for locals, travellers and first- and second-generation Indians alike.
left: Khemeri Roti. Right: Palak Patta Chaat
The menu balances comfort with surprise. Playful beginnings include whitebait bhaji and heirloom tomatoes infused with pav bhaji flavours, while lighter dishes such as oyster sol kadhi, sev puri and palak patta chaat showcase precision and brightness. More substantial plates ground the experience, from duck nihari and beef laal maas to lamb finished with layered chutneys and buffalo milk paneer treated with the care of a centrepiece protein. Desserts nod to nostalgia without sentimentality, reworking mango lassi and offering a refined interpretation of Black Forest.
Lamb & too many chutneys, spinach, naga chilli and mustard
Crayfish Tikka-masala
The drinks offering mirrors the same thoughtful approach. Cocktails are designed to support the food rather than compete with it, weaving Indian flavours through familiar spirits. Mezcal meets aam panna, whisky is lifted with carrot and honey, and the house Amaretto ‘Shah’ offers a subtle signature.
left: Prawn Ghee Roast. Right: Amaretto Shah and Carrot & honey whiskey, amaretto
The dining room is warm, intimate and quietly confident. Rather than spectacle, Aarth is designed for connection, encouraging diners to slow down and settle into the experience. Subtle interior updates introduce depth and calm, anchored by a custom botanical artwork by Auckland studio The Plant Parlour NZ. Interpreting the Ganges River, the piece symbolises life, continuity and nourishment, reinforcing the idea that nothing here is decorative without purpose.
“Aarth is my way of welcoming people into my home,” Shah says. “The food draws from my heritage, expressed through where I am now in New Zealand. It’s personal, intentional and unapologetically me.”
Early in its journey, Aarth is already looking forward. Rooted in Indian culinary heritage and shaped by New Zealand sensibility, it offers a more intimate, more considered expression of modern Indian dining in Auckland.
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