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.
Lockdown has reawakened within us the need to bake. Whether it be for procrastination or as an activity to lift the spirits, baking at home has never had a more engaged audience. Capitalising on this with her Instagram (@kitchenoftreats) bursting with tantalising sweet treats, Liv Glazebrook is coming to our rescue with a raft of recipes to fulfil our lockdown needs. But this one caught our eye. The perfect mix of satiating and sweet, these pecan and caramel sticky buns are set to hit the spot, especially when served fresh from the oven. Here’s how to make them at home.
Pecan caramel sticky buns recipe Serves 12
Ingredients Dough ¾ cup water ¾ cup whole milk 8g active dry yeast ¼ cup caster sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons neutral oil 4 cups high grade white flour
Filling 1/4 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup cream 1 ¼ cups roughly chopped nuts (this recipe uses pecans, you could also use walnuts or macadamias)
Method 1. Mix together water and whole milk, heat in the microwave until lukewarm then add yeast and stir until dissolved.
2. In a large bowl, mix the yeast mix with the sugar, oil, salt and 1¼ cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface before kneading with hands until smooth and elastic — approximately 6-8 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
4. Punch the dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a rectangle shape, ensuring it maintains an even thickness.
5. Spread softened butter over the dough rectangle, then mix together sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top. Use your fingers to gently press the sugar/cinnamon mix into the dough. Give it another roll with the rolling pin.
6. Roll up the dough (from the long-side) and carefully cut into 12 even slices.
7. In a small saucepan combine brown sugar and cream until it is incorporated and smooth to form a caramel. Pour this caramel into the bottom of a baking dish, making sure that it evenly coats the bottom. I used a glass 40cm x 25cm baking dish.
8. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the caramel.
9. Arrange the 12 rolls on top of the caramel and pecans, then cover and let rise in a warm, draught-free place until doubled in size.
10. Bake at 180°C for 25mins, the scrolls should be golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then place a large serving tray over the top of the baking dish. Very carefully (using oven mits) hold onto both the tray and dish and flip over. Remove the baking dish and allow to cool for 15mins.
12. Serve immediately so that your sticky buns can be enjoyed warm.
Notes: Bread maker method 1. Mix together water and whole milk, heat in the microwave until lukewarm and add yeast. Stir until dissolved.
2. Pour the yeast mix into the bread machine followed by the sugar, salt, oil and flour. Set to dough setting as per bread machine instructions.
3. Once complete, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle. (Follow the rest of the method above.)
A good quality bag can only get better over time, as its supple leather moulds to your every need. Testament to this axiom is Dadelszen’s new luxury accessories range, showcasing soft yet hardwearing pebbled calfskin or sumptuous yet understated nubuck in instantly classic styles.
Handcrafted by the brand’s generations-old atelier in Northern Italy, the considered edit relies on traditional techniques and a modern design mindset for leather goods that are truly timeless. For that added personal touch, each style can be made bespoke to your requirements.
For the accessories that can take you anywhere, carry on reading:
Left to right: The Cross Briefcase in Anthracite Nubuck; The Kate Tote in Black Calfskin.
The winning briefcase The Cross briefcase was a custom design for Dadelszen’s chairman and now it’s proved its worth over a number of years it is available as part of the new capsule collection. The well-thought-out style comfortably stores a 13-inch laptop, with a secure internal zip pocket for important documents and two external pockets for those items you need to access during a busy day. Polished and practical, it’s available in ‘anthracite’ or black nubuck.
The elegant everyday tote One of those cherished handbag styles that will never feel out of season, the Kate tote can be worn in a multitude of ways. Configurations include wearing the bag open and square or folded in at the sides with either slender short handles or longer shoulder straps. It’s available in black with silver hardware or military green with gold hardware and is large enough to fit a laptop, iPad and all of your daily essentials. An oversized style in supple calfskin, the Kate has the right amount of slouch to be held close to your body, and held dear.
Left to right: The Boston overnight bag in Anthracite Nubuck; the Robbie Backpack in Military Green Calfskin.
The artisan all-rounder The Boston overnight bag is the kind of keep-all that you take on a weekend stay but don’t want to let go of. Complete with palladium hardware, an interior pocket and a removable shoulder strap, it’s a hardworking style. It’s available in all of the aforementioned material colourways.
The haute hands-free Another beloved bespoke design, the Robbie backpack was made for a client who requested a no-fuss, effortlessly elegant backpack. With padded shoulder straps and luxuriously soft microsuede lining, it will transport your necessities with care. It’s available in anthracite nubuck and military green calfskin, both with oversized palladium hardware.
The Everywhere Case in Anthracite Calfskin and Carbon Fibre.
The go-getter Plan ahead with the meticulous Everywhere Case. Incredibly lightweight yet reliably durable, the case is complete with 360-degree wheels, zipped internal pockets, a palladium plated padlock, a carbon fibre handle and luxurious leather tabs. In a suits-anywhere marine blue pebbled leather and the right size for a business trip or a long weekend excursion (when it is safe to do so) this is a versatile style you can’t look past. There is just one Everywhere Case left in stock, so get in quick — our enquire for a bespoke alternative.
Shop Dadelszen’s new capsule leather goods collection online, with contactless collection from Dadelszen’s Parnell Showroom available during Auckland’s level 3 lockdown.
Gone are the days of broken patio chairs and wonky umbrellas. In the modern home, a well-appointed outdoor area has become just as important as its interior counterparts, and these are the new pieces proving why.
Outdoor Dining Chairs Considering there’s nothing like a creaky or crooked dining chair to spoil a delicious meal, we have rounded up the best, from practical to polished.
Nodi armchair by Yabu Pushelberg for Tribù from Dawson & Co.
Left to Right: Portofino Dining Chair by Vincent Van Duysen for Paola Lenti from ECC; Belleville Chair by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra from Matisse; Landscape dining chair by Kettal from Studio Italia.
Outdoor Dining Tables A dining table is the centrepiece of any outdoor area. A monument to social interaction and family life, it is the piece around which everyone will inevitably gather, so whichever style you choose, it best be worthy of the attention.
Conix Oval Dining byKris Van Puyvelde for Royal Botania from ECC.
Top to bottom: Illum Dining Table by Merckx & Maes for Tribù from Dawson & Co. Mirto Outdoor Table by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia from Matisse; Spinnaker Extendable Dining Table by Gordon Guillaumier for Roda from ECC.
Outdoor Sofas For lounging in the sun or entertaining at night, an outdoor sofa that pairs luxury with comfort is a crucial component of any al fresco living space.
Butterfly Outdoor Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse.
From top to bottom: Charles Outdoor Sofa by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia from Matisse; Lagoon Sofa by Bullfrog from Sarsfield Brooke; Sunray Sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
Outdoor Occasional Chairs Is there anything better than curling up in a comfortable chair and basking in a warm, summer’s day? Meet the coolest occasional chairs in which to kick back, relax and take stock.
Rere Lounge Single Seat and Two Seater from Devon.
Clockwise from top left: Boogie armchair by Bullfrog from from Sarsfield Brooke; Basket Outdoor Club Chair by Nanna Ditzel and Jørgen Ditzel for Kettal from Studio Italia; CTR club chair by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga for Tribù from from Dawson & Co.
Outdoor Occasional Tables Sculptural, circular and as practically-minded as they are appealing to look at, meet the coffee tables causing us to take our morning tea outside.
Cala Side Table by Doshi Levien for Kettal from Studio Italia.
Clockwise from top left: Fat Fat Outdoor Tables by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse; Mesh Side Table by Patricia Urquiola for Kettal from Studio Italia; Block Outdoor side table by Minotti from ECC.
Poolside Pieces Emerge from the sparkling waters of a refreshing dip, and collapse onto an elegantly-appointed chaise lounge or recliner.
Orson Garden Lounger by Gordon Guillaumier for Roda, available from ECC.
Top to bottom: Mistral sunlounger by Rodolfo Dordoni for Roda from ECC; Piper Sunlounger by Rodolfo Dordoni for Roda from ECC; Rere Sun Lounger from Devon.
If you’re anything like us, you have excitedly and thoroughly mapped out your menu for the next few days to include your dream takeaways and eat-at-home meals from your favourite restaurants — sorely missed and now available at alert level 3. The selection is comprehensive indeed, as hospitality venues all across town pivot to make their offering available to enjoy in the comfort of our own abodes.
If you’re even more like us, the craving for a great burger has been growing steadily stronger throughout level 4. While it’s possible to make them at home, there’s nothing quite like a burger crafted by the experts with the perfect ratio of filling, sauce, salad, superior buns and great sides. The ultimate indulgence, here are the best burgers on offer in level 3.
From left to right: Parade Ponsonby; Cantine.
Parade Ponsonby Specialising in house-made pretzels, including pretzel burger buns, Parade’s burgers are next level — even when we’re not moving to the next alert level. Choose from a delectable array including smash or double smash patties, fried chicken, falafel and more, and don’t forget to supplement with ‘secret sauce’ fries. Place your order for contactless pick-up via DM through Parade’s Instagram, call 09 666 0027 or, for delivery, use Uber Eats.
Cantine The Bar Celeste team have brought back Cantine, slinging their delightfully gluttonous burgers. Sure to satiate the meanest burger craving, find Celeste’s famous Filet O’Market Fish and the hamburger-style Smashburger in the mix, as well as suitably indulgent sides. While they are so popular that they have sold out for the weekend, keep an eye on their Instagram and get in quick when they open orders again.
Hotel Ponsonby Having opened its pre-orders on Tuesday the 21st of September, Hotel Ponsonby has an irresistible selection on offer, including various renditions of its famous burger. A new chicken sub is in the mix as well as the vege burger, plus shoestring fries, sticky toffee pudding and more. Order online here and keep an eye on Hotel Ponsonby’s socials for updates.
Left to right: Baby G; Lowbrow.
Baby G Another cult favourite burger purveyor with hundreds of enthusiastic fans, Baby G is offering click and collect for its iconic smash patty burgers. Again, Friday’s offering has been eagerly snapped up already, but keep a close eye on the Baby G Instagram and website for the next round.
Lowbrow St Kevins Arcade’s resident fast-food-but-better outpost is one of our first ports of call for the ultimate burger thanks to its ‘sando’ menu. Our go-to order? The hot chicken sando, or the hot spice ‘fush’ sando. Or maybe, the Macdaddy… scratch that, we’ll have one of everything. Lowbrow is taking orders for pick-up via its website or delivery via Delivereasy and Uber Eats.
Burger Boy Satiate any burger craving with Viaduct Harbour joint Burger Boy’s selection of simple yet smashable burgers. It’s open seven days from 11am until 9pm for takeaway or delivery. Find breakfast buns like the BLT or the Vege Butty (free-range eggs with hash browns, veges and mayo) and any-time favourites from beef burgers to Korean chicken and more. Available for contactless pick-up and also delivery via Uber Eats. Order online here.
Left to right: Tiger Burger; Wise Boys.
Tiger Burger Known and loved for its Korean fusion-style burgers, Tiger Burger is back up and running so you can order the Gang-Jeong (free-range, double-fried chicken thigh with chilli glaze and gochujang mayo), the Galbi (beef, rice vinegar pickles, caramelised galbi onions) and more. Order online here.
Wise Boys Get your plant-based burger fix from Wise Boys, open from Thursday the 23rd of September for contactless pick-up at its Grey Lynn store. Along with all the usual favourites, there are spicy Buffalo chick and cauli wings specials. Place your order via Wise Boys’ website, call them on 09 360 0801 get it delivered through Delivereasy. The Wise Boys team are not accepting walk-up orders right now.
From left to right: Burger Burger; Burger Geek.
Burger Burger Auckland’s beloved burger joint Burger Burger is offering its full burger menu including specials, sides like potato skins and charred broccoli, plus milkshakes and sodas for contactless pick-up or delivery via Delivereasy from its Ponsonby and Takapuna locations. Its Commercial Bay location is closed, for now. Head to the website to order.
Burger Geek This Eden Terrace burger store was just about to open a new location in Grey Lynn when lockdown hit, so we suggest giving it your support. Just the main Symonds Street store is open for takeaways currently — keep an eye on their social media for updates and ordering details.
Houses with history often seem to have personalities of their own — idiosyncratic features that are either embraced or reinterpreted by their residents, where old and new are woven together to create a whole new living, breathing narrative. This dignified family home is one such building, whereby its heritage-listed status added parameters that were joyfully incorporated and updated by renowned Australian interior designer Blainey North, founder of global design firm Blainey North & Associates.
Located in Sydney, the Georgian Revival-style house was originally built in 1938 by Geoffrey Forrest Hughes, father of Robert Hughes, the famed art critic. It was Robert that North looked to for inspiration when she was commissioned by the family who purchased it in 2019. Guided by the late critic’s key tenets of what she describes as “democratising the elite world of art consumption”, North went about seamlessly integrating the home’s historic interior with contemporary and artful touches throughout.
While the initial impression is one of grand elegance and formal lines, step inside and a youthful spirit rises to the fore, captured in innovative materials and playful finishes. Abstract black and white Pierre Frey wallpaper adds a graphic touch on entry, in addition to other eye-catching wall designs that are employed in this house with tasteful confidence.
Maison C Coven wallpaper in one of the children’s bedrooms sees whimsical figures gathered, like nymphs in a Greek myth, and while the ensuite’s incredible alcove bathtub was unable to be altered due to its heritage status (although, we can’t see why you would want to), Pierre Frey wallpaper was utilised here, too, echoing the tiles to magnificent effect.
Left: TAPWARE FROM PERRIN & ROWE from In Residence.
Curves are a prevalent feature throughout, with rounded archways, entrances and furniture designed to echo the arched wall niches built into the entryway. The table, chairs, rug and chandelier in the formal dining room also ascribe to this softening of form, creating a welcoming centrepiece that seems primed to enfold those using it.
Considering all the elements holistically, lighting and texture must be duly recognised for the importance they play in creating both interesting and well-rounded environments. In particular, it is the varying, often statement-making light fixtures that offer contemporary punctuation to the more traditional elements of these rooms, like the kitchen’s Meshmatics chandelier by Moooi and the living room’s Roll & Hill Mini Farrago pendant light.
MESHMATICS CHANDELIER BY RICK TEGELAAR FOR MOOOI and Royal Vases Collection By Rina Menardi from ECC.
Rather than just existing as an austere monument to design, the renovation made sure to take into account the need for it to be comfortable for day-to-day family life. For its residents, a family with four young children under the age of 12, integration between the interiors and the architecture was paramount, especially seeing as there were juxtaposing principles at play.
Through respectfully restoring and celebrating the home’s unique history, while imbuing it with a charming irreverence, the team has created an enduring family abode that beautifully melds both legacy and innovation, a combination that is surely the definition of timeless design.
As we look forward to a lower alert level, takeaways are not the only delicious deliveries we have set our sights on. A well-timed cocktail delivery to accompany our new meal options creates much more cause for celebration. Here are our top cocktail deliveries to pore — and pour — over.
Caretaker cocktails
Caretaker It’s widely regarded as one of Auckland’s best bars, and Caretaker is allowing us all to enjoy its delicious cocktails from the comfort of our own homes. Choose from a selection of handcrafted classic and seasonal pre-mixed cocktails, including a martini, a ritz negroni (gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, a dash of absinthe) and more. The team have just added an 8-pack offering to the line-up, so why not stock up? All that’s left to do is chill and serve. Order online.
Clipper’s cocktails
Clipper Clipper’s ‘Cocktail Bottle Shop’ opens on the weekend for a much-needed shake-up. Given that it’s Negroni Week we are ordering its Rhubarb Negroni — a delicious and approachable twist on the classic with a blend of gin, Campari and bianco vermouth balanced with house-made Rhubarb cordial. Contactless deliveries within 5km of Clipper, on Ponsonby Road, are available both Friday and Saturday via online order.
Savor Goods cocktails
Savor Goods Savor’s sommeliers and bar gurus have lent their expertise to a series of ready-to-mix cocktails that come fully equipped with instructions and tips so you can execute them with ease. Offering classics like an Aperol Spritz and Whiskey Sour, you can also branch out with a Kyoto Negroni (premixed Kinobi gin, Choya traditional plum wine, Amaro Montenegro and dehydrated lemon) or a Margarita de Verde (Herradura Plata Tequila, Herradura Blue Agave Nectar, lime juice, avocado and jalapeño). Order online for delivery here.
Having been postponed in 2020, Milan’s major design event Salone del Mobile returned with a bang (and a new title) in early September after its 18-month hiatus. Dubbed ‘Supersalone’ this year, the seminal showcase was curated by Stefano Boeri and saw companies and designers display their best work from the last year and a half.
The result was, as usual, a collection of the most groundbreaking and innovative creations in the design realm, shown within a largescale ‘design library’ that also housed talks and other events and facilities. Our curation below includes the best of the selection for you to be inspired by, from lighting to seating, décor and even design offshoots from luxury fashion houses (more on that here). Our wishlists are positively overflowing.
Interior design virtuosi are not the only ones to frequent the famed Salone del Mobile in Milano. Many of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses also showed their extensive design prowess at this year’s special Supersalone event. They created furniture pieces that showcased talents extending well beyond our wardrobes — with statement furniture, shiny cocktail bars and showpiece art, to name a few.
Left: Urania by Pietro Franceschini. Right: Archivio Calacatta Viola’s Table by CARA \ DAVIDE Design Studio x Mille997.
Rick Owens Furniture Rick Owens may be a fashion maverick, but his newest collaboration homed in on his striking furniture designs. With the help of Michele Lamy and the founder of Ygaël Attali, Galerie Philia, ten emerging Italian designers were chosen to create new one-of-a-kind pieces in his honour, like couture for the condo. A marble chair by Pietro Franceschini of PF STudio and a ‘floating’ glass and brass vase by Milan-and-Buenos-Aires-based Agustina Bottoni were paired with a bronze bollard lamp by Owens. Like the other installations, the contrasting and complementary materials began a new, ongoing conversation.
Left: The Campana Brothers’ Aguacate artwork installation. Right: The Campana Brothers’ Merengue ottoman.
LV Objects Curators of style, Louis Vuitton commissioned several designer pieces centring around its artisanal leather. Marcel Wanders Studio’s Petal chair was covered in the Maison’s rich cream hand-stitched leather to resemble a flower in sublime bloom. Meanwhile, Raw Edges’ Cosmic Table rested a glass tabletop, resembling a frozen ripple on a lake, on an organic base shape covered with Louis Vuitton leather. The Campana Brothers’ Aguacate artwork installation was a constellation of brightly coloured, avocado-shaped room dividers in rays of handwoven leather straps by Fernando and Humberto Campana. The colour coordinated Merengue ottomans, also by the Campana Brothers, spiralled together with a soft wool lining and a brass stud at the centre.
The iconic Dior Medallion chair reimagined by Joy de Rohan Chabot (left) and Ma Yansong (right).
The iconic Dior Medallion chair reimagined by India Mahdavi (left) and Pierre Yovanovitch (right).
Dior Maison Since its famed salon opened at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Dior has seated guests in the Medallion chair — a symbol of refined Louis XVI style with an essential oval surmounted by a Fontanges bow. This year, for a different kind of salone, Dior Maison invited 17 artists to reinterpret the house code. While Christian Dior called the chair style “sober, simple and above all classic and Parisian”, the pluralistic collaboration drew on various cultural and artistic sensibilities to bring a new desirability through boundless creativity. The artists included Nacho Carbonell, Pierre Charpin, Dimorestudio, Khaled El Mays, Martino Gamper, Constance Guisset, India Mahdavi, Joy de Rohan Chabot, Atang Tshikare, Seungjin Yang, Tokujin Yoshioka and Pierre Yovanovitch.
Armani Casa bar cabinet.
Armani Casa All this time at home has us thinking we need a bar cabinet upgrade, and Armani’s Casa limited-edition bar cabinet ‘Royal’ highlights naturalist tones and textures to enhance your living environment. “I took my inspiration for this Armani/Casa collection from nature. We live on this planet, and we need to be in touch with the earth,” said Giorgio Armani. “Natural elements give us calm and serenity and provide the background against which we can express ourselves.” Also inciting a convivial sense of play at the end of the day, the Regini throw doubles as a large-scale chessboard.
Gucci Cartoleria.
Gucci Cartoleria To showcase its Lifestyle collection, The House of Gucci unveiled a whole world of curios at the Milan Design Week. Inspired by the traditional Italian stationery store, the Cartoleria was enriched with surprises, including notebooks in flight, chess sets that played themselves, endless bookcases, and a miniature living room that could be peeped through the skirting boards. All enchanted new releases were defined by the luxury brand’s motifs.
Versace Home.
Versace Home Versace called on the power of its community, to present a collection of objects by Luxury Living Group designed by architect duo Roberto Palomba and Ludovica Serafini. The clean and elegant forms of the collection were stamped with Versace’s iconic codes for a respectful but modern approach. Unveiled at the new Versace Home store in the city (which hosted a special installation by emerging Canadian artist Paul Kneale for the opening), it was an eclectic range of eye-catching decorative elements. The geometric La Greca pattern, which debuted with Versace’s fall 2021 fashion collection, looked mesmerising on larger-scale products, including wallpaper.
Bulgari.
Bulgari Metamorphosis With an eye for the finer things in life, Bulgari hosted an art exhibition at the GAM (Gallery of Modern Art), in the centre of the city. It invited three international artists Azuma Makoto, Ann Veronica Janssens and Daan Roosegaarde and one architect Vincent Van Duysento to develop a kind of metamorphosis, like that seen in the brand’s own Serpenti accessories. Makoto developed a life-size Garden of Eden with nature hanging from a man-made copper tree. Janssen created minimalist glass cases that experiment with light and reflection to show reality in a new way. Roosegaarde installed a wall covered in light and heat-sensitive metallic flowers, which bloom and close to the conditions for a dialogue between technology and nature. Finally, Van Duysen created a monolithic gold and silver metal maze inside a gallery room that became a contemplative space.
Hermès Interior Life Just as covetable, and exclusive, as its leather accessories, Hermès’ interior design collection focussed on luxurious, rich and raw materials. The Sillage d’Hermès armchair, for example, was designed by Studio Mumbai to have a vintage flair to its abundant rounded shape. It was crafted from beechwood, and upholstered with a sustainable cellulosic compound made of 70 percent recycled materials. Assembled in Apulia, the Italian region with a five-century-old tradition in the making of papier-mâché, it was truly precious.
Missoni Home outdoor collection.
Missoni Home With its colourful style and signature patterns, Missoni always makes a statement at Salone del Mobile. This year, it took over three entrancing sites, including the courtyard of the Università Statale di Milano. Here, the luxury Italian brand showcased its outdoor line, including the Nap Outdoor modular sofa, covered in striped fabrics, of course. It has us dreaming of summer days by the pool, complete with those iconic zig-zag towels.
Ask us what our dream wishlist from Partridge Jewellers might be, and we’d be here all day. As Partridge Jewellers’ Marketing and Communications Manager, Madeline Saxton-Beer is no stranger to beautiful things. Here, she gives us an insight into her current obsessions and shares some helpful advice around the latest jewellery trends.
My personal style can be defined by: Comfort, I’m afraid to say. Running around with two little people means that low maintenance is a high priority. I also like to feel polished, but relaxed, like, “I’m trying, but not too hard!”. A blazer, sneakers and some form of unkempt hair-do is probably the closest thing I have to a signature look.
Partridge is most known and loved for: Our family ownership. Partridge has such an amazing family history. It’s been around forever (150 years in New Zealand alone) and attracts many of the best international watch and jewellery brands because of how respected it is. It’s also a business that’s constantly evolving. We have some incredibly exciting projects on the horizon including opening in Westfield Newmarket’s luxury sector.
Currently, our most requested piece of jewellery is: Any Rolex watch. The demand is crazy!
When choosing a watch at the moment, it’s all about: The brand. Each one has different characteristics or caters to a slightly different personality. I think people are also taking the view that if they’re lucky enough, they might own more than one watch in their lifetime; it then becomes about building a collection with diversity.
An object I would never part with is: I’m sentimental about a lot of things but I don’t think I’m bound to any one object.
I am inspired by: My partner Ed, who is forever energised and inspired himself. He is annoyingly put-together. He knows how to work hard, enjoy life and never has any regrets.
An unforgettable place I visited was: This one is hard. I feel like so much of what makes something unforgettable is the people you’re with and the frame of mind you’re in. A few years back, I was lucky enough to spend a few nights at a place called La Colombe D’or in a medieval enclave of the South of France. It’s kind of like a mini Chateau Marmont; there’s a sense that those walls have seen a lot and your existence reduces down to the fortress-like accommodation. I was pregnant with my first child at the time and spent a lot of time contemplating how life was about to change for me. It was a good place to contemplate; surrounded by incredible art and soaking up the special light of the Côte D’Azur.
The other place that comes to mind, and I’m talking about my footloose backpacking days here, is a place called Chacahua on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. I went there with a couple of friends, many of them surfers, and it’s the closest I’ve ever felt to being at the edge of the world. There is no direct way to get there — it involves a flight, van transfer and questionable boat ride — and once you arrive at the incredibly small township, there’s nothing to do except live on the beach; eat, surf, swim, repeat. I don’t think there’s phone reception either. I’m sure it would be torture for some people I know.
Chacahua, Mexico.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: A teacher of some sort. I just wish it was made to be a more compelling profession here in New Zealand. I have huge respect for anyone doing this job.
I recently discovered: The Jane Goodall story, but properly. What a lady, what a life. I’m now having mad ideas about uprooting our family and going to work at her chimpanzee refuge in the Congo for a year.
My guilty pleasure is: The TV show Selling Sunset. Bonbons — any kind.
The latest music I’m loving is: Jungle’s new album Loving in Stereo and the Nomade playlist from the eponymous hotel in Tulum — it’s great for taking you to slightly more exotic pastures than your living room might allow at the moment.
The podcasts I listen to are: At the moment, any interview by Tim Ferriss on The Tim Ferriss Show. I recently went down a rabbit hole after listening to Joe Rogan’s talk with David Goggins. That guy is made of something else. Dig in people!
I can’t miss an episode of:Nine Perfect Strangers – I’m officially hooked! It’s the privileged, 21st-century pursuit for ‘wellness’ at its finest. And it makes me want to go to Byron Bay.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Sparkling water, leftover spaghetti bolognese.
If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Cy Twombly.
From left to right: Raf Simmons Ruffle-appliqué Oversized Shirt and Dior Book Tote.
The last thing I bought and loved was: A pink oversized Raf Simons tuxedo shirt. Not only can it hide a multitude of sins but it will take you almost anywhere on a dressy occasion.
My favourite cultural/style icon is: The whole Beckham family. They seem like they have it figured out.
On my wish list is: A black Dior book tote and a Patek Philippe Nautilus (below) for my fiancé.
Patek Philippe Nautilus.
The best jewellery investment to make is: Pink diamonds. They recently closed the world’s only mine in Western Australia which was the best-known source. They have one more tender for the last remaining stones, after which their value will likely steadily go up.
The jewellery trend at the moment is towards: At the moment I think layering is big, whether necklaces or bracelets, a combination of textures (both finer and bolder pieces) looks great. I also think there’s a movement out there that’s not about saving your jewels to put on for a special occasion but wearing them every day. Whether it’s a pair of diamond earrings or a gorgeous diamond bangle, these are things that don’t ever go out of style — it’s a very sustainable approach.
A new piece I’m currently in love with is: Some of the ASHOKA diamond wrap-around rings are drop-dead amazing. It’s definitely a ‘more is more’ look.
Anyone who has dined at Culprit knows the inner-city restaurant’s desserts are something special, thanks to its signature blend of nostalgia and innovation. Chef and owner Kyle Street shares his delicious recipe for a soft pavlova with orange and mandarin curd foam for you to make at home.
“My favourite style of pavlova is the one with the wafer-thin crispy topping and the thick marshmallowy centre, the texture found in pavlova roulades of old. Here’s a recipe that tweaks a roulade recipe, and bakes it in a cheesecake tin,” says Street.
“For best results, weigh and prepare all your ingredients before you start. Ideally, you should make the pavlova in one smooth process from start to finish, as when egg whites are whipped early and left to stand they tend to deflate and lose some of their ability to become thick and fluffy.
I came up with this combination when my wife and I were staying with my friend Elle at her cottages out in Waimauku. She had an abundance of bitter orange and other citrus and tasked me with coming up with a dessert on the fly one weekend, hence the crushed gingernuts on top.”
Culprit’s Soft Pavlova with Orange & Mandarin Curd Foam Recipe
Ingredients: Soft pavlova 190g egg whites 275g caster sugar 1 tbsp cornflour 1 tsp white vinegar ½ tsp vanilla essence
Orange & mandarin curd foam 300g freshly squeezed orange and mandarin juice 6 egg yolks 70g sugar 50ml cream 2 gelatine leaves, bloomed (sprinkled into a little tap water so they dissolve evenly) 50g cream (added separately to the first measure) 50g milk
Optional additions for serving: Fresh cream Grated or shaved dark chocolate Crushed gingernuts Freeze-dried mandarin from Fresh As
Method: Soft pavlova 1. Preheat your oven to 160°C on fan bake. 2. Line a cake tin with baking paper allowing a short collar of the paper to extend past the sides of the cake tin. 3. In a KitchenAid or stand mixer, whip egg whites on high until soft peaks form. 4. Once you have soft peaks, slowly spoon in the sugar 1 tablespoon at a time with the motor running at medium speed. 5. Once all sugar is added, beat for a further 5 minutes on high. The mix should become very thick and glossy. 6. Turn off the mixer and gently fold in all the rest of the pavlova ingredients, ensuring you fold from the very bottom of the bowl. Return to the mixer and whip for 1 more minute. 7. Using a clean spatula, dollop a very small amount of some mix into the bottom of the baking tin and press it right into the corners. Add the rest of your mixture and spread with an offset spatula till flat. You should press down firmly and spread right into the corners to ensure there aren’t any large air pockets left. 8. Bake for 20-30 minutes. It should rise evenly, wobbly but firm. If the centre has yet to rise, allow to cook further. 9. Once cooked, place the entire cake tin on a rack and allow the pavlova to cool completely in the tin.
Orange & mandarin curd foam 1. Reduce your orange and mandarin juice in a pot on the stove until half is left (150g). 2. Put your yolks, sugar and cream in a separate small, clean pot. Whisk together then add the hot mandarin juice reduction and continue to whisk until combined. 3. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a spatula until it thickens like a custard or anglaise. 4. Remove from the heat, add the bloomed gelatin and stir well to combine. 5. Add the milk and the second measure of cream and whisk well to combine. 6. At this stage you could chill in the fridge until ready to serve and serve as a more traditional curd.
Or, if you have the equipment: 7. You could place the curd into a clean 500ml cream whipper (like an Isi Whip) and charge with one C02 charger. Shake extremely vigorously, chill in fridge upside down until ready to use. Before serving, shake well to get the curd to fall to the head of the cream whipper before foaming. 8. Optional is to serve with a dollop of whipped cream, grated or shaved dark chocolate (or even a large shard like in these images), and a sprinkle of crushed gingernuts and freeze-dried mandarins.
Remember cauliflower pizza? It’s still delicious. This nifty alternative first appeared on our radar in 2015, becoming the food trend you simply had to try — and for good reason. The low-carb crust was both crispy and cheesy, while also sturdy enough to ferry your favourite toppings to your eagerly awaiting tastebuds. This recipe makes it easy to revisit this clever creation, whether you’re gluten-free or simply want to try something a little lighter.
Method 1. Heat oven on fan bake at 215°C. 2. Blitz cauliflower florets in a food processor until it resembles the consistency of breadcrumbs. 3. Place chopped florets into a microwave safe bowl and bake for 7-8 minutes until the cauliflower is very tender. Drain the excess moisture with a sieve, pushing the liquid out with a wooden spoon until it is mostly dry before allowing it to cool on paper towels. 4. In a bowl, whisk the egg and combine the finely grated parmesan, mozzarella and season to taste, add in the dry cauliflower and stir (note, if it is too dry, add another egg). 5. Once combined, pat the mixture into the pan, and bake for 5-10 minutes before adding desired toppings and cooking for a further 10-15 minutes.
As the co-owner of Grey Lynn local Lilian, alongside Hugo Baird and Otis Gardner Schapiro, Willy Gresson understands the ingredients of a successful restaurant. We asked him to serve up the details of his influences and inspirations.
My personal style is: Relaxed, comfortable, neutral colours — being on your feet all day and night you want to be comfortable for sure, I like my t-shirts slightly baggy to give a bit of leeway in the winter months.
The last thing I bought and loved was: New sunnies, can never have too many pairs of shades.
On my wish list is: To buy a house.
Chamonix
An unforgettable place I visited was: Chamonix, France. It was a family trip when I was 16 and one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I would love to live in France for a while, learn the language and immerse myself in their culture and lifestyle.
The next place I’d like to go to is: Melbourne and Sydney. I still have a lot of friends and family that I haven’t seen in a while living in Sydney and would love to check out the dining scene in Melbourne.
An object I would never part with is: A gold ring I was given by my grandfather. I don’t wear it all the time but it’s a special family keepsake.
The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: A pair of new pants from Commoners.
The person that inspires me: Peter Sullivan, my old boss at Chiswick Restaurant in Sydney. His leadership, passion and ethos in hospitality is something I look up to and try to pass on to my staff.
My favourite app is: Pinterest and Spotify. I love finding new things especially music.
If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood it would be: Paddington, Sydney. I lived there for three years and it has pretty much everything you need from clothing, groceries, bars and restaurants.
Dylan Rieder
My style icon is: Dylan Rieder, seriously slick operator. R.I.P.
The best book I’ve read in the last year is: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
I can’t miss an episode of: Don’t watch much TV but The Chase is always a good watch.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Anathoth Farm Tomato Relish and Best Foods mayo. Slap that on some Vogels with anything and you’re away laughing.
I recently discovered: During the lockdown I have been doing things I don’t usually have time for. Reading and bike rides are probably top of the list.
The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My girlfriend, mum and dad. I also have an amazing group of tight friends and we all rely on each other in one way or another. I think surrounding yourself with people you admire and have fun with is hugely important for your wellbeing.
Ken Griffen’s work on the wall at Honey Bones
The one artist whose work I would collect (if price is not an issue) is: I’m not really an artsy person but I really like Ken Griffen’s work. We have one up in the cafe and people are always asking about it.
The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Pici, simple and delicious with great service.
The best gift I ever received was: I’d been eyeing up some shoes for a while, so a group of mates got together and bought them for my birthday. It meant more that they’d gone to the effort to work out what I’d love.
The last music I downloaded was: Mac Miller — Circles.
If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: I have no idea and have been doing hospo since I was still at school.
For anyone watching, it would seem Chelsea Winstanley (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) has reached the apex of a successful career in film. However, the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker will happily tell you she’s still on a journey to discover what this looks like, both for herself and for the stories she wishes to champion. With an impressive amount of projects on the go and in the works, Winstanley’s storytelling prowess is as multi-faceted as the woman herself, and her formidable drive means that, whether pitching to Hollywood executives or putting her all into independent projects, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Raised in Mount Maunganui, Winstanley’s entry into film came “probably later than most”, but after majoring in film production at AUT and graduating top of her class with a Media Peace award for her first-ever documentary, even juggling single motherhood as a 23-year-old, Winstanley shone. Now, with nearly 20 years’ experience as a writer, producer and director, she is one of Aotearoa’s foremost trailblazers in the industry, with a unique and assured point of view that she wields with beauty, courage and sensitivity.
In 2014, she co-produced hit vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows with her former partner Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement (it became that year’s highest-grossing local film), and was the sole producer on acclaimed documentary Merata: How Mum Decolonised The Screen, which was picked up for distribution by famed US filmmaker Ava DuVernay. Winstanley became the first indigenous woman to be nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award after producing Jojo Rabbit and, this year, was recognised as a Kea World Class New Zealand Award winner.
With a passion for story sovereignty among indigenous peoples — particularly Māori women — Winstanley has dedicated herself to furthering these voices in the stories she tells. With her global outlook and connections, she is bringing Māori and indigenous voices to the world. Early in 2020, Winstanley founded production company This Too Shall Pass, under which she is currently working on a documentary feature film about the landmark Toi Tū Toi Ora exhibition that showed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, earlier this year.
Coming up, she and co-producer Tweedie Waititi have secured the rights to dub and release two more Disney films — (you may have heard of them, The Lion King and Frozen) — in te reo Māori, following the success of the te reo version of Moana. Here, Winstanley reflects on her journey thus far and shares her thoughts on the industry, her process, motherhood and overcoming imposter syndrome.
When I was young I had an imaginary friend called Kak. She was so real to me. I would make my dad set a place for her at the dinner table, insist the front door be left open until she came inside, and I would squeeze into the middle of the back seat of the car so she could sit next to the window. My siblings thought I was crazy and I guess my parents put up with it. The significance of her existence became more apparent to me as an adult, when I started to delve into my past. When I was around seven and my parents split up, Kak and I would sit in the lounge after school, surrounded by every large object from the kitchen drawer — the place where the sharpest knives are kept. Everything we could muster, from the heavy sword-like knife sharpener, the egg slice, the carving fork… anything we could get our hands on. We sat there, on edge, waiting for dad to get home from work. She was my protector, my best friend and one day she disappeared. I’ve written a short film about her that I hope to make one day.
My passion for film first came about when I saw the merging of still and moving images in the documentary Bastion Point: Day 507 by Merata Mita. I had always been interested in photography and had not seen it used in such a creative way in storytelling before. There was something so arresting about it that made me think about film in a different way. Although I had seen movies at the cinema when I was young, my childhood was rooted in the beach at Mount Maunganui so I wasn’t immersed in cinema or living near a city that had a film festival, so my discovery was probably later than most.
The journey to where I am now has involved a lot of self-belief. When I started in this industry I had put myself through university as a 23-year-old solo mum of a two-year-old baby boy. I had an intrinsic belief that education was the only way for me to get out of the situation I was in, which at the time was a statistic. By all accounts I was a young Māori mother on the benefit with no prospects, but something inside of me knew this wasn’t it. Merata Mita once said, “when you have children, you have an investment in the future”.
I wanted my son to see me achieving and contributing to making the world more empathetic, more understanding and more tolerant, and storytelling was a way to do that. Taking the time to listen to someone else’s journey can be life-changing. I wanted my son to see that no matter what happens in life, you have a choice and to not be held hostage by your past. Accept, acknowledge and move forward. Allow your past to motivate you, not define you.
After university, my first job was at Kiwa Productions, a TV production company owned and operated by two wāhine Māori, Rhonda Kite and Libby Hakaraia. It was thrilling and exciting to be working with women I admired and who are still, to this day, making transformational changes for Māori participation in storytelling. I had made a short documentary for my final year at university, based on my cousins at my marae, Paparoa, who were running a tourism venture while also holding down full-time study. What they were doing was finding a way to transfer traditional knowledge to the next generation, while keeping the ahi kā (home fires) burning. I was in awe of my cousins and I wanted to celebrate them. I called that film Whakangahau (to celebrate/entertain) and I won a Media Peace Award for it. It was the affirmation I needed and I’m grateful because it said to me, in that moment, the path I had chosen was right.
I’m into shining a light on the positive in everything I try to do.
The stories I like to tell are based on celebrating and highlighting the beauty that is Māori. Simply for the fact that, despite the imperialistic pursuits of Britain and the subsequent devastating effects of colonisation, Māori are still here and we are thriving. Our love for the whenua and for one another are values every single person living in Aotearoa can live by. It is only fear of the unknown that inhibits our growth together as a nation.
We are so excited to have secured a further two Disney titles to dub, especially after the Moana reo Māori was so successful. The Lion King gives us a really good opportunity to be quite pan-tribal, and delve into different dialects from different iwi.
For us, first and foremost, it’s about being able to normalise te reo Māori. Disney is such a well-known product — we all know it as a brand and also one that is family-orientated. Because it can reach both Māori and Pākehā, it’s almost like an ‘in’ for people, you know how sometimes people feel a bit afraid to give Māori a go, or think that because they’re not [Māori] that they can’t, but it’s just not true. We all live here in this country, we should all be able to feel like we can have these languages.
The cool thing about The Lion King is it spans so many generations. The themes of morals and looking after the land and one another, are universal themes. We’re really excited that Disney is taking us seriously and that comes down to what Tweedie [Waititi] and her team delivered the first time with Moana.
A goal I have that I’m yet to realise is to korero te reo Māori fluently.
I’d like to be known for being part of a movement that was dedicated to equitable participation in storytelling.
People would be surprised to know that I am named after a Black American singer. Her name was Chelsea Brown. My mother named me after this singer but most people associate Chelsea with England and football — I don’t particularly like either.
My working process is intention first, the ‘how-to’ comes later. When I first started directing and telling stories, I was just fascinated with people and I was genuinely interested in other people’s journeys.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “this too shall pass”.
I believe the fundamental factors to keep in mind when making a film are to ask yourself questions all the time. What is my intention? Am I the right person to tell this story? Will this story add to my spiritual growth?
Something I would like to see more of in the film industry is women at the table in every facet of the pipeline of filmmaking — from producing through to distribution. They don’t exist without each other and right now we do not (in Aotearoa) hold a position in distribution. I want to change that.
One of the most impactful cinema experiences I’ve had was going to watch Stop Making Sense, the Talking Heads documentary by Jonathan Demme. I loved it because I got to sneak in with my sister, who’s six years older than me. I remember watching her and her mates dancing in the aisles.
The most important lesson that life has taught me is “find the courage to stand up for yourself then stand up for someone else” — a quote from the formidable, late Dr Maya Angelou. I don’t believe in the singular or individual pursuit. We are stronger in numbers, we have to be. United we stand, divided we fall. It’s a classic imperialist colonial view to be an individual and it doesn’t work. Throughout history we have seen it played over and over again, and we see it now, with everything that is happening in the world from the current pandemic to mass migration due to famine, war and genocide to basic human rights. Most of the decisions that have led to the atrocities perpetrated by the human race have been made by men. It’s time to hand over the power. We would be better off if women were in charge.
Being a mother has taught me the hardest lessons in life but for that I am grateful. Compassion, love, empathy, selflessness, hard work, heartache and failure. Parenting is the hardest job ever. You have to constantly accept that the decisions you make were, or are, the best you could at the time, for the circumstance you were in. Upon reflection they might not be the best decision but you have to forgive yourself and know it is all part of your spiritual growth. As parents we need to be kinder to ourselves and to be in constant communication with our children about this. I have made some terrible choices but as Dr Angelou says, “do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I love a good quote!
I perform at my best when my intention is in alignment with my soul’s purpose. It might be weird to say that, at 45, I’m just realising what that is. I really feel like I’m coming into my own, I’m more confident, and more confident to say I’m a storyteller.
The rules are meant to be reimagined.
I would love to collaborate with many people. One is Ripeka Evans, on a story about the women involved in the anti-apartheid Springbok tour movement in the early 1980’s.
I really admire people who, despite what life throws at them, get up and keep going.
While I try not to be too angry these days, I am disappointed that the entitled and privileged in Aotearoa continue to ignore the fact that their intergenerational wealth is accumulated off the back of stolen land and dispossession of Māori.
My definition of success is freedom. Freedom from self-limitation. The freedom that comes from saying yes, and not being afraid.
I’m most proud of the film Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen. It was an honour to work with her son Hepi. I learnt so much about her that I didn’t know. To have Ava DuVernay distribute it was my most proud moment as a producer. I love her fearless approach to participation in the pipeline of storytelling. She is a champion for women, people of colour and groups who have been traditionally left out of the storytelling process. Without her support, the film would not have been seen throughout the world.
The personality traits that have contributed to my success are self-belief, tenacity, happiness, gratitude and gut instinct.
The future for me looks incredible. I am moving into spaces of the film pipeline that we have never occupied before. I am more confident in my choices as a director, writer and producer. I feel incredibly grateful but most of all, free.
Home is transient. I am happy to be living in Tāmaki Makaurau for now, my heart will always be in Tauranga Moana, and I look forward to the time we can travel again and see the world.
Something I want to instil in my children is a love for their culture and language and for them to know they have nothing to fear except fear itself.
The biggest thing I’ve had to overcome is imposter syndrome. When I was a child, I was not taught that I could belong anywhere I wanted to, so I have spent a long time trying to prove that point. I don’t, so much, anymore and I am not sure if that comes down to confidence, age or just not paying attention to that nagging voice anymore. I am enough, I’m enough for me.
I will say this: I accept that I am a work in progress and that life is a soul journey — right now I am just doing the best I can.
While we can’t get everyone together for after-work drinks at Hotel Ponsonby at level 4, we can bring the party to our place with the establishment’s Espresso Martini recipe. It’s sure to shake things up.
Hotel Ponsonby’s Espresso Martini Recipe Serves 1
Ingredients: 60ml vodka 30ml coffee espresso or cold brew 15ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa, Mr Black etc) 15ml sugar syrup
Method: 1. Add all ingredients to your shaker or vessel. 2. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. 3. Garnish with coffee beans or coffee grind.
Juvenile, thick, blobby, shapeless, comical. While these might not usually be overly positive words with which to describe something, when it comes to one of design’s current favourite trends, these characteristics couldn’t be more charming.
Surely you will have seen, inside the homes of myriad tastemakers and on the curated social media feeds of savvy aesthetes, plush and squishy furniture pieces resting benevolently in the space, looking almost like something out of a Pixar film. Pieces like Gubi’s Pacha sofa and Moooi’s Hortensia chair; Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly chairs, or Arflex’s Botolo armchair — rendered in an irresistibly fluffy finish, the latter would certainly not be out of place in the film Monsters Inc.
The Neotenic Collection by New York design studio Jumbo. Photo: Pippa Drummond.
These amorphous, chunky shapes are everywhere, and it’s a prevalence that has been steadily building in popularity for over ten years — although many of the pieces have been design icons for decades. In 2019, a widely attended exhibition held in Brooklyn examined this genre of design, curated by Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee of renowned New York design practice Jumbo. Donnelly coined a term to describe them: Neotenic.
Pacha sofa by Pierre Paulin for Gubi from Cult Design.
In science, the definition of neoteny is, essentially, the retention of juvenile physical attributes through maturity — in humans and animals. In Donnelly’s context, the reference was to a theory proposed by Nobel Prize-winning ethologist Konrad Lorenz who, in the 1940s, posited that juvenile features in baby animals elicit a nurturing response. In other words, he was talking about cuteness and how it attracts us.
It’s no wonder, then, that when we see something like the spongy Pukka chair by Yabu Pushelberg, we feel so drawn to it. In many of these pieces, their soft roundness is both comfortable and comforting in more than just a functional sense. They might be inanimate objects, but the response they induce is far from stiff and static.
Interestingly, Donnelly believed this overarching trend first came to the fore at the same time as the 2008 financial crisis, and while it has never truly receded, there is no doubt that the current fervour for these playful shapes is bubbling away enthusiastically. It seems logical that, given the dark and stormy state of the world right now, we would be drawn to a cheerfully simplistic lamp or a bright, squiggly chair.
The Family Home by Argyle Design features the Roly-Poly chairs by Faye Toogood for Driade from David Shaw.
This year, resulting (presumably) from much of the globe spending more time inside than usual, the evolution of the Neotenic trend is leaning towards forms that are even more pillowy and plump. The icon status of Mario Bellini’s bobbly Camaleonda sofa has reached new heights and Vogue reported in March that sales of Michel Ducaroy’s classic Togo Sofa (originally designed in 1973 for Ligne Roset) were up 203 percent.
From an interior curation point of view, both Neotenic and generally rotund pieces are often utilised for their ability to soften linear edges and silhouettes within the base architecture, a strategy that Matisse’s design consultant, Caroline Montague, corroborates. “Without a few soft curveballs, a new apartment can look like a hard-edged hotel,” she says. “New spongy, rounded Neotenic sofa designs blur the edges of rectilinear architectural features and turn that vast empty ballroom into an inwardly focused buffer of comfort and style.”
Structured materials like stone, wood, brass and tile are ripe for their role as a stoic backdrop to such playfulness.
Even as a response to mid-century style, one of design’s other key enduring furniture trends, softer pieces can be tastefully mixed in to provide balance and contrast, and are showstopping when employed with appropriate finesse.
The Brighton Colour Interior features the Moel chair by Inga Sempé for Ligne Roset.
The beauty of many of these pieces is that they are sculptural objects, offering functionality when in use and a visually interesting addition when not. Gaetano Pesce’s pioneering Serie Up 2000 armchair for B&B Italia is a prime example; with its undulating lines and anthropomorphous references, it is a work of art in its own right. While on the surface it might seem to embody Neotenic design, as Montague comments, it is also drenched in symbolism and meaning. “This chair is not a convergence of biomorphism, blobism and bug-eyed cutesiness. Gaetano Pesce’s streamlined fertility goddess with attached ball and chain is a layered, meaningful feminist statement from way back in 1969.”
The Collector House by Arent&Pyke features the Serie Up 2000 armchair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia from Matisse.
It’s important to remember that, although some of the shapes may seem reductive, the design nous required to create many of these pieces is sometimes more complex and thorough than a more outwardly intricate object, given that they often appear effortless and rendered as one. For many designers, the impetus boils down to a desire to explore what magical results can be found when one homes in on the essence of an object — Montreal-based lighting design house Lambert & Fils ascribes to this notion with its Parc collection, designed to evoke the archetype of a flashlight with ‘naive and functional’ forms that call to mind childlike, makeshift creations.
While there is a place for the formal and ornate, Neotenic design and its successors are about highlighting the poeticism that can be achieved when furnishings are designed to be welcoming, embracing, almost earnest. What could be more adorable than that?
Left to right: Pacific armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso from Matisse; Bellhop table lamp by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for Flos from ECC; Aalto vase by Alvar & Aino Aalto for Iittala from The Studio of Tableware.
Left to right: Infinity coffee table by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Arflex from Studio Italia, Plumy chair by Annie Hiéronimus from Ligne Roset.
Left to right: Botolo armchair by Cini Boeri for Arflex from Studio Italia, Oo table lamp by Eny Lee Parker, Pippi Dining armchair by Roberto Paoli for MIDJ of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke.
A favourite treat at the Little Culprit wine bar, these bierstick corn dogs are as much fun to make as they are to eat.
The secret is to choose a gourmet bierstick that is to your tastes. “We use very lightly cured nduja/chorizo biersticks made for us at Salash Delicatessen (which is open for online orders) or you can use your own favourite biersticks,” says Little Culprit‘s Kyle Street.
Little Culprit’s Bierstick Corn Dogs Recipe Makes 12
Ingredients 100g tempura flour 75g polenta (½ coarse, ½ fine) 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp baking powder 200ml soda water, chilled 12 biersticks Flaky salt, to season
Method For the batter 1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the dry ingredients and make a well. 2. Add the soda water and whisk the dry ingredients, adding more and more as you go. You don’t want to add all of the flour at once or lumps may form. 3. Whisk vigorously for one minute to activate the starch in the polenta and flour. 4. Pour into a mug or tall-sided glass and set aside. For the bierstick corn dogs 1. Pre-heat a benchtop deep fryer to 180°C or half-fill a tall sided pot with cooking oil and heat to 185°C. Pay attention to the temperature with a thermometer. 2. Peel the skin from each bierstick. (Sometimes it helps to score first and rub them with hot water). 3. Insert a skewer halfway into the bierstick. 4. Dip the bierstick into the batter, making sure that it goes up to the top of the bierstick and part of the skewer. 5. Place the skewer into the fryer and hold, allowing the batter to set for 5 seconds before letting go and gently pushing away with your hand. 6. Cook for 2–3 minutes depending on the thickness of your bierstick. 7. Allow to drain on a cooking towel. 8. Season with flakey salt and dip liberally into malt spiked ketchup.
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