There’s always room in our wardrobes for chic and classic tailoring, especially if it’s custom made. Auckland-based fashion label, Reine, is offering a tight edit of refined garments handcrafted from premium textiles in the brand’s Herne Bay workroom. With limited collections and bespoke tailoring at the core of Reine’s approach, and an aesthetic driven by founder Fleur Clarke’s 12 years of pattern making in international couture and luxury fashion houses, this exceptional new label is creating pieces grounded in timeless, elegant design, destined to be on rotation in your wardrobe forevermore.
Founder, Fleur Clarke.
Playing into the trends of the moment, which conveniently ground themselves in an enduring sense of style, Reine’s designs embrace the elevated minimalism that so many seek. Clarke takes classic cuts like trenches and blazers, all as timeless as ever, imbuing them with her signature elegant appeal. The result is a refined curation of wardrobe essentials our editors can’t get enough of for the days, months and even the years ahead.
When it comes to rediscovering your reading spark, nothing is quite as enticing as a book that makes you laugh. And while there are a plethora of new titles emerging from great literary minds and formative thinkers, these hilarious new books are offering the kind of brevity, dry wit and warm humour that remind us of the joy to be found in reading. Trust us, these books will make you forget about your phone for an afternoon — and what a relief that will be.
I’ll Show Myself Out by Jessi Klein Penned by the former head writer of Inside Amy Schumer, this book takes a self-deprecating look at life for a woman in her 40s, and mines the various absurdities of midlife motherhood to find nuggets of comedy gold. Marrying candour and humanity with her award-winning wit, Klein writes essays that include, ‘Listening to Beyoncé in the Parking Lot of Party City,’ and ‘Your Husband Will Remarry Five Minutes After You Die,’ that will have you laughing from start to finish.
Human Blues by Elisa Albert In this hilarious, provocative novel (told over the course of nine fertility cycles) the story of singer-songwriter Aviva Rosner and her struggles with infertility plays out in bold, fearless fashion. Touching on femininity, fame, art, commerce and autonomy in a brilliant and utterly original way, this funny and heartfelt book looks at our cultural obsession with childbearing in a searing new light.
I’m More Dateable Than a Plate of Refried Beans: And Other Romantic Observations by Ginny Hogan Expect to laugh out loud at this humorous collection of observations of the peaks and troughs of modern romance. Comprising a series of absurd yet relatable stories in which comedian Ginny Hogan sends-up the arbitrary rules of modern dating, this book is perfect for anyone who needs a giggle.
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman In this thoroughly entertaining read, beloved British author Richard Osman returns with the third iteration of his Thursday Murder Club series, this time involving a decade-old cold case, a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Told with Osman’s signature wit, this thrilling mystery will draw you in for its story and keep you there for its humour and heart.
Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris Having long set the standard to which other humour essayists can only aspire, renowned writer and storyteller David Sedaris is back with a new collection of personal essays. Here, Sedaris offers a moving, deeply personal and undeniably funny analysis of his complex relationship with his father, through 18 stories set in the lead up to, and just following his death.
Everything is Washable by Sali Hughes Offering the advice you need, but none you ever seek, journalist Sali Hughes has curated everything she has learned thus far that has carried her in good stead. From her signature martini recipe and 37 things to have in your cupboard to how to support a friend going through IVF, it is humourous, with only an iota of seriousness, and is utterly relatable for everyone at some level. Everything is Washable is a forever bible that makes a superb gift to friends, or even your own library as a guilty pleasure. Released next month, you’ll want to pre-order a copy, stat.
Since opening almost a year ago, Faradays has become a haven for Auckland’s most discerning fashion and homeware collectors. Its curation of high-end brands is one of the most impressive in the country, and its chic interiors offer the kind of experience you might expect to find overseas.
More importantly, however, Faradays is a store that acknowledges our collective appetite for high-quality, fashion-forward, luxury, with the clever minds behind it refusing to underestimate the taste of the New Zealand consumer and buying collections that feel fresh, elevated and international. Naturally, it has become one of our favourite retail destinations in Auckland.
Now, Faradays is about to kick off its inaugural Spring Sale, offering an unmissable opportunity to pick up a special piece for anywhere between 40% and 70% off. On from tomorrow (Saturday the 17th of September) and running for one week only, the Faradays Spring Sale will see a huge number of pieces from brands like Loewe, Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Bordelle, La Perla and more available at enticing prices, and will span ready-to-wear, accessories and selected homewares.
Only running for a limited time and given how rare it is for a store of this calibre to offer discounts, the Faradays Spring Sale is set to be wildly popular. So, we suggest popping over to Parnell promptly this weekend, lest you miss out on the best in-store exclusive deals.
Taking inspiration from the best of the Mediterranean, West Auckland’s delicious new dining destination clearly indicates the calibre we can expect in suburban dining across the city. Two Good Guys is the latest eatery that we anticipate will soon be the talk of the town. (Although if local reviews are to be trusted, it looks as though it already is.)
Co-owners Lovepreet Lubana and Vasu Pulka met when working together at Titirangi’s Deco Eatery, before going on to Point Chev’s Nomad and The Beekeeper’s Wife in Riverhead.Now, at Glen Eden’s Two Good Guys, inspiration is found in the kind of food that would feel right at home in Ottolenghi’s kitchen, offering fresh, South East Mediterranean-style dishes with mouthwatering flavours. And given that it is open from the morning until late into the night, Two Good Guys offers a wide variety of dishes across both its day and night menus — promising to cater to every persuasion.
Right: Sesame Coated Calamari, green leaves, sambal mayo.
For brunch, we’re inclined to reach for something like the Two Good Guys wrap, where the Mediterranean influence results in a tasty morsel that will get any day off to a good start. Yet Singh confesses that the most popular dishes have been the unbelievably fluffy vanilla pancakes or the aptly-named ‘Hangover Breakfast’. And we have it on good authority that, come dinnertime, the 24-hour braised beef cheek is a clear winner, served with a butternut purée, horseradish parfait, onion jam, dates and a bordelaise sauce.
“Our food combines the best flavours of the Mediterranean with high-quality New Zealand produce,” Singh explains to me. “We offer a wide range of vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free dishes, and our meat is Halal, to ensure that we can cater to everyone.”
Mediterranean inspiration isn’t just left to the food, either. Even the space at Two Good Guys offers a summery sojourn. We recommend booking a table in the plant-filled brick courtyard, reminiscent of the kind of al fresco Italian dining we’ve been scrolling past enviously on our Instagram feeds of late.
Right: Smashed Avocado.
When Singh first moved to New Zealand, Glen Eden was the first suburb he called home, although he quickly noticed that there were no places to go out for breakfast and dinner that were fully licensed. So, in conceptualising Two Good Guys, the co-owner was drawn back Glen Eden, and naturally, everything fell into place.
And while it might not be an obvious location choice for an eatery of this kind, for the Two Good Guys team, it couldn’t be a more perfect address. Most of the staff are locals and inherently passionate about catering to the growing hospitality needs of the community. But these delights shouldn’t only be shared among neighbours — if you’re looking to escape your regular haunts and try something new, it is the perfect pitstop on your way to the western beaches this sunny weekend.
The global, members-only phenomenon that is Soho House comprises a number of exceptional, design-led properties in major cities around the world. It is a brand renowned for the unique environments it creates, offering rest and comfort, as well as meeting, working and entertaining spaces for its community of creatives. And although we might not have our own Soho House here, tapping into the vibe has never been easier with the recent arrival of Soho Home in New Zealand.
Available to order exclusively from local interior-design authority Design Central, Soho Home aptly mirrors the look and feel of Soho Houses worldwide, allowing you to infuse your spaces with sophisticated savoir-faire. Design Central’s masterful experts are well versed in the heritage brand, able to guide you through the luxurious array of furniture, lighting, textiles and dining accessories that Soho Home has to offer.
Certainly a sophisticated, noteworthy offering to consider, whether you’re looking to refresh your existing decor or source a one-off piece to elevate the ambience of any room, we highly recommend you experience the intangible magic of Soho Home for yourself.
Come Friday afternoon, the conversation inevitably turns to weekend plans. In the Denizen office, this means discussing which restaurants we plan on visiting, and which dishes we intend to order. With social media providing all manner of temptation throughout the week, a curated shortlist is vital for weekend dining success. So without further ado, here are the delicious dishes from around Auckland that you need to try over the weekend ahead.
1. Wild Red Deer Sirloin from Ahi While the days of wintry dishes are almost numbered, we plan on returning to Ahi for a final taste of a seasonal favourite. The Wild Red Deer Sirloin is simply unparalleled, with tender, juicy meat that is premium quality and cooked to perfection. Served with equally-tender coal-baked beetroot, creamed horseradish, activated walnuts and a cheese savoury, it is a dish we would happily order all year round.
2. Duck & Waffles from Jervois Steak House We have it on good authority that this dish is set to be our new favourite — and while we haven’t had a chance to try it yet, it’s one we’ve been hanging out for. Here, the kitchen has paired duck liver parfait with croissant waffles, roasted grapes and vin coyto, giving us the elevated take on the ‘croffle’ we’ve long been craving.
3. Hot Fish Sando from Alpha Despite its small, intimate nature, there is no shortage of dining inspiration at Alpha. Set up as Pasture’s ‘test kitchen’, this cafe (which has recently expanded into night-time service, too) showcases how creative the culinary process can be. The absolute must-try dish is a simple sandwich that might just be the best iteration of this classic staple we have ever tried. Hot market fish (both in temperature and spice) is placed between fluffy shokupan bread, with homemade tartare and crunchy lettuce. It’s perfectly spiced, outrageously flaky and completely, utterly delicious.
4. Gochujang Charred Octopus from Gochu The popularity of Gochu head chef’s latest venture, Tokki, has us looking back to his Commercial Bay roots (conveniently easier to find a booking for). And while diners often come for the milk buns, they always stay for the unassuming favourites — the gochujang charred octopus being one. Resting on a bed of garlic chives, shallot namul and cashews, one could almost call this healthy, if it wasn’t so damned delicious.
5. Hot Buttered Lobster Roll Combo from Lobster & Tap Sweet, divine, and always best served with lashings of butter, lobster is something we often crave. Leave it to Lobster & Tap, purveyors of the most elevated humble lobster in the city, to hit the spot just right. We’re quite grateful for the Hot Buttered Lobster Roll, with chopped lobster meat, clarified butter, lemon and chives, served warm on a hot toasted bun. Paired with chips (or crisps), coleslaw and pickles, it’s the most delightful addition to a weekend of dining.
6. Wagyu Oxtail Raviolo from Soul Bar & Bistro It’s a big call but this just might be Soul Bar & Bistro’s greatest pasta to date. Never a venue to shy away from bold new flavours, Soul’s heavenly raviolo is the crown jewel of its current menu. Served with celeriac and pickled onion gremolata, this satiating dish is packed with rich, warming flavours that complement a perfectly-filled piece of al dente pasta.
If you’re lucky enough to have a canine companion, you’ll be pleased to know that Auckland’s delectable food scene extends its offering to eateries that will welcome you and your four-legged friend with open arms. And what better time to explore these pooch-friendly destinations than on a Saturday or Sunday morning, after a leisurely stroll? From casual cafes to more elevated establishments, here are some of our favourite dining spots to take pleasure in with your best friend by your side.
Dear Jervois, Herne Bay A popular Herne Bay stalwart among the two-legged set, your pup will be barking at you to take them to Dear Jervois in no time. There’s ‘Dog Parking’ aplenty if you dine outside, and with dog bowls on hand, we hear the tap water goes down a treat. In the meantime, indulge in the delectable, all-day menu for yourself because anytime is the right time to feast on eggs benedict and creamy mushrooms.
Hotel Ponsonby, Saint Mary’s Bay We hear that this Saint Mary’s Bay hotspot welcomes dogs both in its bustling outdoor courtyard and at its tables inside, so you can be sure your pooch will appreciate the chic yet approachable atmosphere while you devour some elevated pub fare. Perhaps they’ll even socialise with a few Ponsonby pugs along the way.
Takapuna Beach Café, Takapuna Chaperone your doggo on their dream date, that is, careening across a long stretch of sand, dipping in the sea, and lazing in the sun after a vigorous shake-off. Experience this for yourself at Takapuna beach, taking your dog to the outdoor deck at the nearby beach-front café as a post-walk treat. They’ll love you for it.
Orphans Kitchen, Ponsonby This one’s for the pup rearing to prance down Ponsonby’s main stretch at the crack of dawn (Mini Schnauzers, we’re looking at you). They’ll feel right at home in the outdoor courtyard at Orphan’s Kitchen, as will you, while you feast on wholesome meals showcasing the best locally-sourced ingredients (if in doubt, order the house-made crumpets with a lashing of honey). Afterwards, extend your stay in this dog-friendly precinct with a spot of boutique shopping, pooch in tow.
Ozone Coffee Roasters, Grey Lynn Allow your beloved pet to soak up the delicious, coffee-infused aroma (smell, but don’t touch) at Ozone Coffee Roasters — they’re allowed to chill under your inside table or soak up the Westmoreland rays outside. It’s a win-win situation for you as you sip on a quality brew (or two) and enjoy the delectable, innovative fare.
Andiamo, Herne Bay Herne Bay locals will be familiar with the ritual of rolling up to Andiamo early on a beautiful afternoon in order to secure one of its coveted, sunny outdoor tables. Wander up to this neighbourhood drop in with your four-legged friend in tow and park up outside for a few delicious drinks and aperitivo as your pooch revels in the springtime sunshine.
Hotel Ponsonby.
Pocket Bar & Kitchen, Grey Lynn This is a Grey Lynn establishment with a love for canines at its core. Dogs are welcome inside and out, and occasionally they put on ‘Dog and Grog’ to bring the community together. Excitingly, four-legged attendees can go off the leash and run wild in the closed-off beer garden while you partake in gourmet tapas, gorgeous platters, and thirst-quenching beers. It’s like the dog park experience, enhanced with a drink in hand.
Wynyard Pavilion, North Wharf Let your precious pooch pick either the garden bar or waterfront seating because dogs rule the roost at Wynyard Pavilion. We’ve even been told that at 1pm on the first Sunday of every month, the seaside venue is transformed into ‘Wynyard Paw-vilion’, promising pup-cakes galore. After all, it’s a dog-eat-dog world.
Annabel’s Wine Bar, Ponsonby Any dog will salivate with joy if they accompany you to Annabel’s Wine Bar, the cosy nook nestled in the heart of Three Lamps. As you pore over the extensive wine list and nibble on delectable morsels, snuggle up to your pup as they dabble in some people-watching to pass the time.
Brewport Ponsonby, Ponsonby Head straight from the paw-fice to Brewport Ponsonby, because the word on the street is that every Wednesday from 4pm, the inner-city micro-brewery offers Happy Hour for four-legged friends. While you socialise with your pals, your pup can indulge in a homemade dog treat (or two), because why should humans have all the fun?
The Garden Shed, Mount Eden Sporting a sheltered courtyard that’s perfect for the rain-averse pooch, Mount Eden’s The Garden Shed has much to offer with its homely meals and delightful cocktails. Its hospitable atmosphere will mean your pup won’t want to leave, but they’re barking up the wrong tree if they think they’re the boss of you.
Parade Ponsonby, Ponsonby Parade Ponsonby boasts a gorgeous (and covered) outdoor area for when you fancy decadent American-influenced fare — think appetising Pretzel bun burgers and indulgent sides. If your pup is lucky, they may get to lick your plate — if you don’t beat them to it.
The future of haircare is sustainable — proven by the impressive measures many world-class salons are taking to use products that are as good for the environment as they are for our tresses. Here, we sit down with Servilles’ Newmarket Salon Manager, Olivia Davies, to talk about her recent trip to the Davines Village in Palma, and what she learned about the latest innovations in haircare.
Why is there a big shift to sustainability in haircare? I believe clients are so much more interested in and knowledgeable about the actions and environmental impacts of cosmetic companies these days. Our individual and daily consumer choices can really impact the bigger picture and we don’t have to look too far to see the effects global warming is having on our earth. Sustainability is becoming more important in our lifestyles than ever before and the hair industry is no different. Davines is a pioneer of sustainable hair care and the driver of innovation for the rest of the industry, with it’s priority to not only be the best in the world, but the best for the world.
Why should someone switch to sustainable products? My favourite benefits would include knowing there’s no animal testing and that the products are all vegan friendly with fewer chemicals and more naturally derived ingredients. Renewable energy production is used to make the products and packaging — contributing to the reforestation and organic farming projects that help take care of our planet during production. Last but not least, these products often lead to much healthier hair.
Davines scientific garden.
Davines is known for the scientific garden, which informs the beautiful formulas. What happens there? Davines uses this place to study and find inspiration through its organic farming techniques and biodiversity. When I was there it was used to host guests with cocktails, canapés and live music. It is used for a range of purposes, but it was by far the most beautiful and memorable part of the village for me.
What philosophies do Davines and Servilles share? Although hair care is our main business we like to focus on the bigger picture. Creating an environment both our teams and clients can be proud of and in which they enjoy spending time — delivering expert advice, experiences and services that help educate and inspire our people.
If you could only pick three products from the Davines range, what would they be and why? Davines’ Oi all-in-one milk is my number one favourite and I use it on almost every single client. It is a beautiful, lightweight, leave-in treatment that nourishes, repairs and protects the hair from daily life and excess heat. Invisible No-Gas spray is my close second. It’s a non-aerosol hairspray that also has high heat protection, perfect to use pre and post-curling your hair. The Natural Tech Renewing conditioning treatment I could not personally live without. I have incredibly sensitive skin and have never found a range I can continually use that deeply nourishes without weighing my long, fine hair down.
As a hairdresser, what difference do you notice when working with sustainable products? Since Servilles converted to a Davines salon six years ago I haven’t suffered from dermatitis or an inflamed scalp post-colour service since. Not only are the products very sustainable, but they also have the highest concentration of naturally-derived ingredients of any brand we have used. We have far fewer client reactions and are able to dispose of over 96 percent of our waste created in the salon sustainably.
What impact do you hope this will have on the world? That it will inspire our clients to make the best choices for their hair and our environment simultaneously; that it will hold other companies accountable for their carbon footprint and environmental transparency; and that more companies follow suit, so our earth can really start to repair.
On Kingsland’s main drag lies Nanny’s Eatery, its happy-go-lucky ambience propelling co-owner JP’s vision of stepping into a place that feels like home. “It’s no different than going to your cousin’s house and having a laugh”, he tells me, a twinkle in his eye.
This laissez-faire vibe (with a side of JP’s banter) provides a taste of what’s to come — hearty, belly-warming dishes with bountiful flavour, best shared with family and friends. After all, JP intended Nanny’s Eatery to be a place that satiates your appetite and nourishes your soul.
Left: Nanny’s Eatery. Right: Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Rum Barbecue Sauce.
Migrating from Kingston (Jamaica’s capital) to Wellington at the age of fifteen, JP quickly realised that his homeland’s cuisine would fare exceptionally well in Aotearoa. “I knew it would work because when my friends came over and had my parents cooking, they’d rave about it, and the next day at school, they’d be like, ‘dude, can you bring me some [more]?'”.
His love for food ingrained in his DNA, JP recalls fond memories of his childhood in Jamaica, where his mother and grandmother taught him how to cook (and bestowed him with a few trade secrets along the way). After completing high school, he moved overseas to hone his culinary craft, holding an impressive two-year post at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Denmark. His ambition to found his own operation led him back to our shores, where his well-received Wellington-based food truck paved the way for his present bricks-and-mortar space, which has been open since the end of last year and we are told is the only Jamaican eatery in the Auckland region.
Left: Five Cheese Mac N’ Cheese. Right: Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
As JP puts it, what makes Jamaican cuisine so palatable is that it is “spicy and full of flavour” — but not too fiery — as “not a lot of Kiwis can handle heat”. The infusion of two key ingredients, scotch bonnet pepper and pimento (allspice), produces a full-bodied heat that’s not overly intense, meaning you can still appreciate the meal’s flavours without setting your taste buds on fire.
When it comes to ordering your aromatic soul food at Nanny’s Eatery, it’s a given that newcomers should try both the Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork Belly, served with a lashing of JP’s rum barbeque sauce. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, we have it on good authority to try the Pork Fried Ribs or BBQ Wings. For those partial to plant-based morsels, the ‘I can’t believe it’s not chicken’ Cauli Bites and vegan Ital Coconut Curry will satisfy your cravings like never before. Our favourites included the moreish Jalapeño Poppers (a true test of my self-control) and the creamy Five Cheese Mac N’ Cheese, the exact formulation of which JP guards closely — believe us when we say we tried to get it out of him.
Jalapeño Poppers.
For a comforting accompaniment to any dish on the menu, try the Rice and Peas, its succulent taste enhanced by Scotch bonnet peppers, although, do take note, no green peas are used in the making. While in Jamaica, pigeon peas are utilised for this traditional dish, at Nanny’s Eatery, the nutty-tasting legume is substituted for good old red kidney beans.
Inviting food isn’t all Nanny’s Eatery has on offer either. JP has a few more tricks up his sleeve, including the City’s most extensive array of rums (76 and counting) should you wish to sip on a Caribbean-inspired cocktail alongside your meal. We recommend a taste of the house rum, which hails from Jamaica, for its exceptionally smooth texture and rich notes of toffee. It goes down a treat served neat or on the rocks, but if you’re lucky JP might offer you a shot.
Left: Jamaican Jerk Pork Belly. Right: Nanny’s Eatery & Rum Bar.
So, for a mouth-watering taste of the Caribbean that’s closer to home, Nanny’s Eatery is the place to be. With its unassuming atmosphere and humble fare elevated with just the right amount of heat, pull up a seat, indulge in the flavours, and see for yourself why Nanny’s Eatery has become a mainstay on the Kingsland food scene.
The power of a pair of sunglasses should never be underestimated. In fact, picking the right shades for your face can enhance your natural features like nothing else. Consider shape, colour and lens style carefully — alongside flattering your visage, sunglasses can be made to pull an outfit together as the perfect finishing touch.
Here we present a curated edit of our favourite styles right now. From uber-cool cat-eyes to colourful lenses and sporty shapes, these are the slick new sunglasses to add to your collection.
From left: Celine Cat Eye S220 sunglasses from Parker&Co. Projekt Produkt RS2 C06 sunglasses from Parker&Co. SL 563 sunglasses from Saint Laurent.
From left: LV Charm Cat Eye Sunglasses from Louis Vuitton. ValentinoXVI Pilot Sunglasses from Faradays. Christian Dior Missdior B2u Sunglasses from Parker&Co.
From left: Wrap D-frame Sunglasses from Balenciaga. Moscot MESHUG SUN sunglasses from Parker&Co. Moscot Shtarker Gold Sunglasses from Parker&Co.
From left: Wire Cat Sunglasses from Balenciaga. Christian DiorBobby Sport sunglasses from Parker&Co. Bottega Venetahue sunglasses from Sunglassbar.
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