There’s nothing quite like a long, hot bath to shake off a stressful day, or to counter the chills that come with the onset of winter. Essential in any master bathroom, a large, luxurious tub — whether tucked away in a nook or positioned front-and-centre — will (we promise) revolutionise your after-work routine.
When considering a new bathtub, it is to the experts at Victoria and Albert that you should turn. For decades, this beloved British brand has dedicated itself to creating some of the most exquisite, freestanding baths we have ever come across, cultivating a global reputation for its pieces that balance beautiful design with practicality and a focus on high quality. With most of the brand’s tubs made from its specially-created QUARRYCAST™ material, a unique blend of Volcanic Limestone and high-performance resins (and each one coming with a 25-year guarantee), it’s hardly surprising that Victora and Albert has become the go-to for anyone seeking to step-up their bathroom game. Lucky for us, the brand is available locally from Robertson.
So, without further ado, we present some of the spectacular bathtubs that have caught our attention of late. Oh, what we would give to be able to post up in one of these with a good book and a glass of wine.
Tradition is a beautiful thing. So too, are new practices that don’t so much ‘break’ tradition as expand it. With the launch of its first men’s diamond engagement ring this month, Tiffany & Co. has brought a new offering to the magic of the marriage proposal. The luxury jeweller has been capturing couples’ hearts since 1886, when Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced a women’s solitaire diamond engagement ring — the Tiffany Setting.
Following in that ring’s iconic footsteps, the men’s engagement ring is named The Charles Tiffany Setting, with the first release available in both round-brilliant and emerald-cut diamonds up to 5 carats. Designed to recall a signet silhouette, the platinum and titanium bands are a bold departure from the traditional wedding band, putting a new spin on classic men’s style.
These rings are not delicate; rather, they make a confident yet elegant statement on the hand, with the round-brilliant cut diamond showcasing a streamlined, knife-edge band (inspired by the original Tiffany setting) and the emerald-cut diamond comprising architectural, angled edges.
With same-sex marriage on the rise and some couples, in general, approaching the marriage process in unconventional ways, Tiffany’s men’s engagement rings are sure to be chosen for and by stylish men with an eye for luxury, who are wanting to celebrate what is such a special moment in their lives.
Tiffany is also a globally unique company in its transparency efforts, with the full craftsmanship journey available for each and every diamond — including the Charles Tiffany Setting. From the diamond’s region, or country of origin, along with where it was cut, polished, graded and quality assured, the provenance of each diamond is traceable, an important aspect that increasingly astute purchasers are focusing on.
No matter how it takes place, everyone should be able to celebrate their engagement in a way that feels right for them. The release of the Charles Tiffany Setting ring captures Tiffany’s long-standing legacy of love and inclusivity, offering a new way to honour the important commitment.
The Charles Tiffany Setting is currently available upon request in Auckland.
In this decidedly cute new cafe, located on Khyber Pass Road (with another entrance from the base of the SKHY Apartment complex) incredibly fluffy bread and expertly-roasted coffee take centre stage. Started by partners Kayla Nong and Michael Nguyen, Fluff is the result of a passion project that grew out of the former’s penchant for baking uniquely soft, fluffy bread over lockdown and the latter’s years of experience in hospitality as a barista. Opening a cafe had long been on the cards for the duo, and now felt like the perfect time.
As you have probably already guessed, Fluff’s name was conceived to reflect its food offering. “I wanted to focus the menu around our special, fluffy bread,” Kayla tells me, which she explains, is the opposite of the classic sourdough we’re used to. “It’s soft like a pillow,” she says, “like a mixture between Japanese bread and brioche, so you have a bit of that sweetness, similar to a brioche, but it never feels too much and it works as perfectly with savoury dishes as it does with sweet.”
From left: Inside Fluff; The Gogi.
Fluff’s menu is a tasty, daytime affair (thanks to experienced Chef Jason Meng) where classic, Kiwi brunch dishes meet Asian-fusion flavours in a delicious mix of sweet and savoury. The Smashing, for instance, is an interesting twist on traditional smashed avocado, with edamame, free-range egg, tomato, coriander and lime juice on (you guessed it) fluffy bread. In fact, most of Fluff’s dishes are served as tasty mixtures of meats and/or vegetables on thick slices of the good stuff.
The Gogi is a highlight, where Korean bulgogi beef is served with kimchi, mixed slaw and candied sesame; as is the Chick Flick, with fried chicken, sriracha mayo, radish and fried basil. And for anyone with a penchant for sweet, we’re predicting that the Frenchie, with fluffy French toast, lemon curd, seasonal fruit, hokey pokey and maple syrup (and bacon if you’re feeling particularly naughty) will be an instant hit. Those with dietary restrictions should also note that despite Fluff’s bread-centric menu and meat-based dishes, there are still plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
From left: The Frenchie; The Smashing.
Alongside the food, Fluff is offering a range of specialty coffee from the beans of Kayla and Michael’s own roastery — Sorted. “Michael is very precise about our coffees and how they’re made,” Kayla tells me, “our long blacks, for example, are all brewed from single-origin beans, which taste totally different from a normal blend… they produce this very fruity, juicy flavour.” Cold-brew and batch-brew options made using Sorted beans are also available, as are a variety of non-coffee options, including pressed juices, smoothies, housemade sodas and teas, ensuring that there really is something to quench every kind of thirst.
Stepping into Fluff, it becomes clear that the name relates to more than just the bread alone. With pops of yellow, pink and blue and an eye-catching neon sign to offset the exposed concrete, the interiors of this cafe (which were finished with the help of Spaceworks and The Fitout Company) embody the light-hearted ethos of its food.
Fluff’s entrance from SKHY apartments.
“One day we would love to have a production kitchen so that we can sell our bread wholesale,” Kayla tells me, “and we also want to grow our roastery and maybe open a few mini espresso bars around town where the focus would be on our coffee.” For now, however, Fluff is open from today and will stay open every week, from Monday until Friday, 7am until 2:30pm (with the possibility of weekend hours in the near future). Whether you’re looking for a tasty bite or a delicious coffee to kick off your day, Fluff is a great place to start.
Sparking wonder and bringing boundless joy, a bookshelf with plenty of good books is fundamental for building small imaginations. From humorous to insightful, these new kids’ books are to be cherished.
G My Name Is Girl by Dawn Masi Celebrating girls around the world, this joyful, A-Z picture book depicts 26 girls from different countries and shines a light on their empowering traits. It is a reminder that we are all connected, and even includes a map at the back in which little readers can point out all the countries mentioned.
My Monster And Me by Nadiya Hussain & Ella Bailey Written by a former winner of The Great British Bake Off and a woman who herself has struggled with anxiety, this heartfelt tale offers subtle tools for children and their parents to deal with feelings of worry and anxiety, ensuring no one must suffer in silence.
No Pants! by Jacob Grant In this riotous book that will have you and your wee one laughing out loud, Pablo and his dad are getting ready for their day when Pablo proclaims that he won’t wear pants. A warm-hearted depiction of a father-son relationship, Pablo’s dad must learn that sometimes, pants aren’t for everyone.
Milo Imagines The World by Matt de la Pena Set to become an instant classic, this poignant book follows young Milo as he rides the subway with his sister, studying the appearances of those around him and picturing what their lives are like. It isn’t until an unexpected traveller gets off at the same stop as Milo, that he realises you can’t judge a book by its cover.
My Elephant is Blue by Melinda Szymanik and Vasanti Unka A warm, hopeful and humour-filled story about a child who is stuck carrying around an elephant, this insightful and empathetic book is about having the blues, and was written to help little ones who might be dealing with sadness, to identify and manage those feelings in a constructive way.
Where’s Brian’s Bottom? by Rob Jones In this ‘veeerrry long fold-out book’ Brian the sausage dog has lost his bottom and needs the help of little readers to find it again. Is it with Alan the hamster? Or Derrick the duck? Entertaining and interactive in equal measure, this hilarious book is suited to curious young minds and is designed to teach them about the different rooms of the house, various animals and the different sounds they make.
The Rock from The Sky by Jon Klassen This new work from celebrated picture-book creator Jon Klassen is a meditation on friendship (between a turtle and an armadillo), fate, shared futuristic visions and that feeling you get when something just isn’t right, and is full of wry wit, deadpan humour and visual suspense. This is one that you’ll enjoy and cherish just as much as your child.
Not all of us are dessert people, but those who are, know the joy of finishing a meal on the perfect sweet note. Whether you’re a fan of a creamy, chocolate-rich pudding; a delightfully doughy creation or something refreshing and tart, these desserts will leave you just the right amount of satiated.
Toasted brioche-infused crème caramel with roast quince and fresh creamfrom Culprit When we want to be sure our dessert will be just the right amount of comforting and clever, we make a beeline for Wyndham Street eatery Culprit. This crème caramel harnesses the flavours of toasted brioche for a doubly caramelised, toasty hit. Paired with the sweet, slightly tart roasted quince and a quenelle of cream, it is the epitome of an unforgettable pud that will leave your soul and belly warm.
Hello Beasty’s strawberry marshmallow dessert.
Strawberry marshmallow with jersey milk and miso ice cream, white chocolate crumble and lemon balmfrom Hello Beasty This dessert from the maestros at Hello Beasty centres on the caramelised, pillowy-sweet flavours of a large, house-made marshmallow, brought down to earth with a slightly salty jersey milk and miso ice cream. White chocolate crumble adds another layer of sweetness, with juicy fresh berries and lemon balm to garnish round off for a beautifully fragrant taste.
Soul’s warm chocolate pudding.
Warm chocolate pudding with Frangelico and hazelnut ice creamfrom Soul Bar & Bistro Served in your very own mini skillet, this chocolate pudding is for those who like to dive into a comforting, decadent dessert with no holds barred. While it may be rich, the texture is still very light and airy. Inside is a hazelnut and white chocolate praline, with an addictive crunch added from more hazelnuts dotted throughout. A generous dollop of hazelnut ice cream provides that delicious hot-to-cold contrast, in this dessert that you’ll be savouring until the very last bite.
From left: Fed Deli’s three pie combo, picture by @NZFoodLover; Ada’s cannoli.
The three pie combofrom Federal Delicatessen Sometimes, only a good ol’ slice (or three) of pie will do, and Fed Deli’s are some of the best in town. Our preferred combination is the NY Cheesecake (an unbeatable iteration of the classic), the silky lemon meringue pie, and the pecan pie with vanilla mascarpone cream. Banish dessert envy and get your sugar hit in one fell swoop — we won’t even judge you if you’re not sharing with anyone.
Cannoli, sweet ricotta, vanilla and pistachiofrom Ada This Italian dessert is an absolute classic, and Grey Lynn restaurant Ada has got it down to a fine art. Crispy pastry shells are dusted with icing sugar and filled with pipings of creamy and sweet, vanilla-tinged ricotta. Sprinkles of pistachios add the perfect nuttiness to this unmissable treat of a dish.
Onemata’s deconstructed carrot cake dish.
Burnt vanilla crèmeaux, roasted carrot purée and tonka bean ice creamfrom Onemata This dessert centres on the flavours of a vegetable, so we’re pretty sure we can say it’s a health food? The geniuses in the kitchen at Onemata have created a deconstructed dish that incorporates all the flavours of carrot cake that we know and love, but elevated even further. The earthy carrot purée is spiced with cardamom, star anise and cinnamon, and delightfully offset by creamy and complex burnt vanilla mousse. Tonka bean ice cream adds freshness, and there’s plenty of texture in every mouthful from added garnishes like house-made carrot crisps and Valrhona Dulcey ganache.
Gemmayze Street’s zalabia funnel cake.
Zalabia funnel cake with cardamom, feijoa, cream diplomat and coconutfrom Gemmayze Street This dessert sees funnel cake (a simple batter that’s swirled into hot oil and deep-fried to create a golden, basket-like treat) soaked in a fragrant, sweet cardamom syrup and paired with seasonal flavours. The latest iteration sees it married perfectly with feijoa, cream diplomat and coconut to create a suitably autumnal treat.
Azabu Ponsonby’s tempura custard.
Tempura custard with ginger jam and matchafrom Azabu Ponsonby Combining a delectably crunchy outside with a soft, creamy inner, these deep-fried tempura custard balls are tasty morsels that hit the spot every time. A slightly spicy ginger jam and a dusting of earthy matcha powder makes sure this dish has depth and complexity, and is the ideal last course following a meal of Azabu’s flavourful, Nikkei fare.
Granger’s tres leche cake.
Tres leche cake, coffee anglaise, raspberry ice creamfrom Grangers This pretty pudding is a bit like a trifle, served all to yourself rather than in a giant bowl. A base of sweet berry coulis is topped with a creamy coffee anglaise that incorporates the deconstructed flavours of tres leche cake. A scoop of raspberry ice cream on top rounds out the heavenly and flavourful treat.
Hotel Ponsonby’s sticky date pudding.
Sticky date puddingfrom Hotel Ponsonby Every time we see so much as an image of this dessert, we’re instantly daydreaming about the next time we can indulge. Served with custard to be poured over the top, this sweet treat comes with a hefty hit of nostalgia that will have you feeling all kinds of warm fuzzies.
The lead-up to winter can leave a lot of us wondering what to wear, when. That in mind, we made sure that the men’s and women’s looks featured in our Autumn Issue fashion editorial, were diverse and all-encompassing, running the gamut of the latest in luxury fashion to deliver ample inspiration for anyone feeling stuck.
As an endeavour, winemaking harnesses a harmonious infusion of tradition and innovation, heritage and modification. This is especially true for Brad and Warren Butterworth, whose Butterworth Estate is thriving on the Martinborough vineyard previously known as Julicher, both honouring what has come before and forging ahead into the future.
Indeed, while co-custodian Brad Butterworth may be best known for his renowned sailing career, both he and his cousin Warren have a passion for wine, and a viticultural heritage dating back to the founding days of the New Zealand wine industry through Warren’s great grandfather.
It’s gratifying to now be able to build on this legacy, says Brad, however they’re excited to look forward, rather than back. “What we’re doing now is really new and exciting. Our emphasis is on Martinborough, and making our wine as good as it can be.”
Butterworth Estate is planted in the iconic soils of Te Muna, overlooked serenely by rolling hills with the Huangarua River carving through the land beyond. While the Wairarapa winemaking region may be concise, it is home to some of the country’s most acclaimed vineyards and growers, and Martinborough in particular is known to have a climate and soil profile similar to that of Burgundy. This means it is home to world-class Pinot Noir, as well as imparting many other varietals with desirable characteristics from its cool, dry climate and free-draining soils.
Ultimately, after searching all over New Zealand for a vineyard to embark on their winemaking journey, it was after tasting the wines from Te Muna road’s growers that the Butterworths were sold on the region. “The difference in the wine appealed to our palate,” says Brad. “We liked it, and it made the decision easy.”
While, in more travel-friendly times, Brad often jets back and forth to New Zealand from his home base in Geneva, Switzerland, investing in New Zealand is what he is truly passionate about. “I was born and bred here, and while I’ve travelled and lived all over the world, I just feel more comfortable investing or doing business with New Zealanders” he says. “I think we’re inherently honest as a nation, and maybe that goes against us in the big bad picture of the world, but it’s a good thing when you’re involved with different overseas owners.” New Zealanders are, by and large, a trustworthy bunch, he says, and he prefers to conduct the bulk of his business here.
At Butterworth Estate, a large part of the reason why the cousins purchased the vineyard was because of the team. Julicher founder Wim Julicher set up the vines by hand some 25 years ago, building an excellent team in the subsequent years including head winemaker Martin Bell, vineyard manager Kyra Day, and general manager Nick Hewitt. “I didn’t want to change any of that,” says Brad. “I just wanted to really energise things, evolve and modernise it and give it a new lease on life.”
The response to the wines themselves has been overwhelmingly positive, and while the 2018 Pinot Noir is a personal favourite of Brad’s, coming off the back of summertime it’s been the 2020 Regatta Rosé that has really shone. As the name suggests, it’s certainly a fitting tie-in with Brad’s background, and the timing of its release couldn’t have been better with the America’s Cup. He thinks the racing itself has been pretty exciting so far, with no shortage of nail-biting moments. “Seeing the sport in its rawest form just shows you how fragile it can be.”
On the cards for Butterworth Estate’s near future is expansion into planting more grapes and developing the existing styles of wine, improving and refining. They’ve recently added eight hectares to the vineyard bringing it to a total of 28. The ranges themselves are tiered, with the slightly more accessibly-priced Layline by Butterworth wines utilising grapes from other local growers in the region, and an even more premium range potentially on the cards in the future.
For now, Brad’s excited to have lots to be getting on with at Butterworth Estate. When he visits the vineyard, his favourite place to be is among the vines, breathing that beautiful, clear Martinborough air. “There are some great vistas in terms of the surrounding countryside,” he says. “It’s a pretty nice part of the world.”
3 Butterworth Wines to Try Riesling 2020 The grapes forming this dry Riesling were picked to showcase optimum acid drive and flavour spectrum, complementing an aroma of lifted lime blossom, grapefruit, quince and lemon peel.
Pinot Noir 2018 A blend of only the vineyard’s best Pinot Noir vines, this unfined wine has a spicy palate with great length and Te Muna road’s signature minerality through the middle. Notes of aromatic rose petal, wild raspberry and blackberry, cinnamon and nutmeg spice precede lavender and earthiness in this distinctive, satisfying drop.
Regatta Rosé 2020 This limited edition drop is made with 100 percent hand picked Pinot Noir grapes. Notes of strawberry, raspberry and freshly-sliced watermelon, along with hints of vanilla bean custard and cream, make this a delightfully sippable Rosé.
Days spent in back-to-back fittings and consultations are par for the course for Adrienne Winkelmann’s Creative Director Jessica Grubiša, whose loyal clients are drawn to the brand’s made-to-measure pieces for their impeccable fit and unimpeachable quality.
Grubiša herself has been an important influence in the local fashion landscape since 2014, when she co-founded label Harman Grubiša with Madeleine Harman. After the brand’s closure in early 2020, she came on board with Winkelmann, and has been working alongside its eponymous founder ever since.
It’s a charmingly serendipitous moment for Grubiša, who worked and trained with Winkelmann back when she was at fashion school — and it was a phenomenal training indeed, she says. “Adrienne is the best tailor I’ve ever met,” Grubiša enthuses. “It’s always structured, tailored and impeccably finished.”
The two designers have been working together on a new direction for the company, refining the bespoke process and how that is undergone by the client. “It’s a pretty phenomenal experience,” she says. “You come in, look through the ranges with both of us or with Adrienne, and we’re designing your wardrobe from start to finish.” They craft everything from calico and fit that on the client three or four times before it’s rendered in the final cloth.
The overall aesthetic has a strong focus on sharp tailoring, with special attention paid to working women throughout the extensive ranges. While Grubiša is well known for her often-flamboyant and statement-making personal style, she and Winkelmann organically share a vision for the brand. “What I think is quite amazing (and rare) is that Adrienne and I speak the same fashion language,” says Grubiša. “The pieces we make are to be loved for a long time.”
Grubiša is a firm believer that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fashion, and this is certainly in keeping with Adrienne Winkelmann’s bespoke philosophy. Here, Grubiša shares her rules for embracing your individuality through fashion.
1. Don’t overlook the power of accessories “Personally, I love a lot of jewellery, or great shoes. I like adding different elements to my clothes like… feathers! But for every day, accessories can reinvent an outfit, and make you look at your clothes in a different way. If you’re wearing a classic white shirt and jeans, putting on the right jewellery and the right bag can elevate and transform it. I’ll have outfits that sit in my wardrobe for years, and then I’ll buy a different coloured shoe or a new handbag, and it’ll feel brand new.
The rules around mixing and matching silver and gold or things like that are totally outdated. I get that all the time, people saying ‘I’ve just had my colours done and I can’t wear blue.’ You can wear blue, honey, you can wear whatever you like.”
2. The right underwear goes a long way “When I dress myself, I feel like the right undergarments are my best hope of a silk dress sitting right, or a shirt not busting open because the bra is too padded. Underwear is like a canvas, or like skincare under makeup. The right base, and your clothing will sit how it’s meant to, and you’ll be more comfortable. I always wear a slip with my dresses, and you can’t go past a good pair of opaque stockings — that’s all I live in during the winter, with boots. If you’re going to try on an outfit for an important occasion, or something you want to invest in, bring the underwear you’re going to wear. A bride would do that for a fitting… basically, I’m saying treat every day like your wedding.”
Sophia wears Adrienne Winkelmann ‘Freda’ dress.
3. Don’t be afraid of colour “In my journey in New Zealand fashion, I’ve seen a lot of my clients (and a lot of people in general) be afraid of colour. Black is a safe colour, we’re told, a safe bet. But colour is amazing. When you play with it, and mix prints, it can be safer than black in some regards — not as heavy. If it’s naturally out of your comfort zone to mix prints, start with complementary colours or aligning textures and meet somewhere in the middle to give it a go. Try a spot and a stripe, or a floral and a check.
As a designer, the colour story for each season usually settles into place organically. This season, because of everything we’ve gone through the past year, we’re feeling very excited, flamboyant and hopeful for the future. So, our colour palette is centred on rich maroons and bright pops of colour.
It’s always reflective of what I’m feeling when I’m designing, what I’m going through in my life. If I’m happy designing a range, there’s going to be more pink, whereas in winter I’m always going to be a little more subdued. I do think that letting seasons dictate what colour you wear is a myth — wear what you want! Colour can also brighten your day. You feel bad? Wear pink.”
4. Confidence is key. If you love it, wear it “I love fashion because it can help you be whoever you want to be. It gives you so much feeling, and I say this for people who don’t work in the fashion industry too. I think people look at fashion and say ‘I can only do this’ and ‘I can’t be that’ but you can do whatever you want. That’s what I love about fashion — it can take you to so many different places, and it can also really change people’s first impressions. You can wear one outrageous outfit, one time, and everyone remembers. You can really have a lot of fun with fashion.
I’ve had a lot of crazy moments with my own personal fashion history, but I always thought I would never wear a crop top in public, because I don’t look a certain way or I’m not a certain size. But, I really wanted to do it, so I did — and it looked great.
When it comes to trends, if you’re in the changing room and you’re thinking ‘I should like this’ but you’re not really sure, you’re never going to wear it. Each season, at Adrienne Winkelmann, we’re definitely aware of what’s happening with trends and colours, and where the industry’s going, but we’re not a trend-based label. It’s imperative to us that we be a staple in your wardrobe for your whole life, so while we might nod to trends in a small way, it’s really not a focus for us.”
Sophia wears Adrienne Winkelmann suit from the upcoming Autumn/Winter 21/22 collection.
5. Everyone needs one good suit “I am a great lover of tailoring, and in particular I love suiting. My suits in my wardrobe have been so important, even if I’m feeling slightly more relaxed with my slouchy suit. One good suit in your wardrobe can take you to a lot of places.
If you’re going to invest in one, fall in love with the fabric and the colour. I don’t think everyone necessarily needs their suit to be black, it should reflect who you are. My favourite suit is a deep navy pinstripe, and I have both trousers and a skirt to match the jacket. For me, the way it meshes with my wardrobe regardless of season — it’s just always perfect. You’ve got to find something that works for you.
Fit is imperative, and there are so many things to look out for. You want the shoulders to be right, to check your back seam is perfect. Make sure you’ve also got enough room in the sleeves so in winter and summer you can wear a merino knit or a shirt underneath. Often people want the sleeves a lot tighter but it needs to live with you for a whole year.
I’m a big fan of a skirt-suit, but then I’m a skirt kind of gal. I do feel powerful when I’m in a pantsuit, though, it just gives me so much energy.”
6. Vintage is an important part of building a wardrobe “I have a vintage dealer on Instagram who goes by the handle @pechuga_vintage. The Internet is a beautiful place for finding vintage — I have pieces that he took years to source, and that’s where I get all my vintage Dior from. If you’re after high quality, iconic vintage pieces, there are people out there who will source things for you, and can facilitate finding it for you.
What I love about vintage shopping in brick-and-mortar stores is rummaging and finding new things, because I think when you shop with a designer, they’ve curated what they think you should wear this season. But, when you go vintage shopping, you’re buying what you want, and you’re thinking differently. I’m like ‘I never knew I wanted this sequin top,’ but you can find ways of mixing things into your wardrobe that can be really fun, and add unexpected moments to it.
So, I think vintage pieces are crucial to building a wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with wool and merino — you can find amazing woollen pieces at an op shop, as well as cashmere and natural fabrics like silk and linen.”
Hair and makeup: Alexandra Stanworth. Model: Sophia Frankish @62 Models.
In the 1950s, India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, a man with ambitions to propel his country into a new era unburdened by its past, commissioned Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (also known as Le Corbusier) to create the master plan for a new, utopian city, the like of which had never been seen before.
It was an investment — both figuratively and practically — in the promise of India’s future and became Le Corbusier’s most ambitious undertaking. Called Chandigarh, the project saw monumental architecture, cultural growth and significant modernisation and comprised a number of residential, commercial and industrial spaces including the now-famous Capitol Complex (which housed the city’s governmental buildings).
Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex.
Pierre Jeanneret’s original chair.
Recognising all of his groundbreaking architecture would need to be furnished with pieces that were in sync with his vision (and being decidedly less interested in dealing with the residential side of the city), Le Corbusier called on his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, to aid in the design process, which included creating the city’s furniture. Jeanneret conceived a number of chairs and tables to fill the spaces of Chandigarh and had them made by local artisans out of inexpensive Burma Teak that was resistant to both the humidity and the bug population of the area.
The sturdy Committee chair was one such piece that was constructed in large quantities, its distinctive V-shaped legs lending it a solid aesthetic that was destined to be its defining feature (and one of the reasons it would eventually become so widely sought-after).
Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret.
As is the case with many things ahead of their time, Chandigarh, which was mostly completed by the early 1960s, fell victim to changing tastes and by the 1980s, Jeanneret’s distinctly modern designs, including a significant number of Committee chairs were being cast aside in favour of furniture that was considered far more à la mode.
Oblique House by Studio Niels.
But in the early noughties, furniture dealers began circling Chandigarh, in particular, Eric Touchaleaume, Francois Laffanour, Phillipe Jousse and Patrick Seguin, who saw value in Jeanneret’s discarded chairs before anyone else did, buying up a number of the original pieces.
Alcázar de Toledo by OOAA Arquitectura.
Obumex by Joseph Dirand.
Inevitably, Jeanneret’s chair (among his other Chandigarh furniture) was revived and found global recognition as an iconic piece of design. Favoured by acclaimed aesthetes including the likes of Belgian interior designer Axel Vervoordt and French architect Joseph Dirand, the chair attracted such steady and consistent demand that since 2011, a rule has been in place stipulating that none of the original pieces still in Chandigarh are allowed to leave India without approval from the country’s Ministry of Culture.
Two of Pierre Jeanneret’s chairs sit in Kourtney Kardashian’s home office.
Kourtney Kardashian’s dining room also features Pierre Jeanneret’s chairs.
Jeanneret chairs in both original and restored condition still attract record prices at auction and adorn the homes of renowned designers and celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian.
More recently, acclaimed Italian furniture brand, Cassina, created a series of chairs and tables it dubbed the ‘Homage à Pierre Jeanneret’ collection, paying aesthetic tribute to the original designs via simple modernist shapes, distinct V-shaped constructions and woven detailing. Comprising the Capitol Complex table, and three incarnations of the Capitol Complex chair (a luxuriously-upholstered armchair, a simple office chair and an armless dining table chair) the collection capitalises on the demand for Jeanneret’s pieces and brings those infamous designs into a contemporary context.
Cassina’s Capitol Complex chair and Capitol Complex office chair from its Hommage á Pierre Jeanneret collection from Matisse.
Today, Chandigarh is considered one of the few master-planned cities in the world to have actually succeeded and still has around one million residents living within it’s stoically curving concrete walls. And despite it being over 50 years since the city was conceived, the iconic legacy of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret lives on in these chairs — reminding us of one the most significant architectural undertakings the world has ever seen.
Cassina’s Hommage á Pierre Jeanneret collection is available locally from Matisse.
There is something so universally comforting about a roast meal in winter. Luckily, we have stumbled upon the best in Auckland at Grangers, where they are putting on a roast dinner from 5pm every Sunday throughout the cold season — and it’s only $22 per person.
Located on The Promenade in Half Moon Bay, Grangers is conveniently even less than a hop, skip and jump from where the car ferry docks from Waiheke Island. What could be better, when you’ve spent a weekend on the Island, than coming straight off the ferry and having Grangers take care of dinner when you return to the mainland on Sunday evening?
While the exact components of the roast will change week-to-week, expect a delicious selection of tender, beautifully seasoned meat, satiating potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and perfectly cooked veggies drenched in tasty gravy. We’ll be pairing ours with a beverage from Grangers’ substantial drinks list — comprising a selection of mostly New Zealand wines (with a few from France and Australia dotted throughout), or if beer is more your style choose from a hefty number of tap and bottled beers. House cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages round out the spread.
With tall, stool-lined tables indoors and an outlook that faces straight onto the marina, Grangers is the ideal place to take in the sunset while digging into a piping hot roast dinner. This promotion is on now, right through to October, and sounds like just the situation we’ll be seeking out to get through the winter.
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