In 2021, Gucci opened a multi-sensory, retrospective exhibition in Florence to celebrate 100 years since its founding. The spectacular show, ‘Gucci Garden Archetypes’, paid homage not only to the lauded Italian brand’s history, but to the incredible tenure of its current Creative Director, Alessandro Michele. Now, having made its way through Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul, the exhibition has landed in Sydney — giving us the perfect excuse to skip across the ditch.
Taking over the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, Gucci Garden Archetypes comprises a series of distinct, immersive spaces designed by Achivio Personale that feature cutting-edge technology, elaborate hand-crafting and innovative interior design to speak to different aspects of Gucci’s heritage. And, to delve in to the various campaigns that its lauded Creative Director has conceived for the brand since the start of his tenure.
From the exhibition’s entranceway (swathed in a distinct tone of Gucci pink) visitors enter through a multi-media room lined with screens that play all of Michele’s campaigns at once — an immersive ode to the way in which the creative director has shaped Gucci’s visual identity (and perhaps also, to the way in which his creative vision typically brings Gucci’s multi-faceted heritage into sharp focus, and grounds it firmly in the now). From there, the various spaces see visitors move from a floral, olfactory haven to a room finished in floor-to-ceiling mirrors and filled with shelves of soft toys, vintage Crocker and Gucci bags and a wall of cuckoo clocks (Michele has a fascination with collecting things — so much so he has basically turned it into a kind of eclectic art form), to a room recreated as a Milanese subway (complete with a very realistic mannequin).
Gucci Garden Archetypes is a carefully-curated, meticulously detailed look inside the mind of Michele — an iconoclastic designer who has transformed the house of Gucci since he took its creative reigns. If you find yourself in Sydney over the coming months, this fascinating exhibition is well-worth a visit.
On from the 17th of November 2022 until the 15th of January 2023, the exhibition is free to the public. Book your tickets here.
Tucked away in Melbourne’s leafy and opulent Toorak, Taylor Pressly Architects’ Curatorial House is a living showcase of what happens when art meets life. Here, the concept of curation has been applied thoroughly, where an interplay between architecture, design and art fulfils a brief that demands that these aspects be balanced. The result is a home that feels creative, unique and deeply personal.
Calling on local art gallery Otomys to provide a bespoke and complete curatorial service, the clients wanted more than just the architecture of their residence to speak to their creative flair and adventurous spirit. As such, the home has ended up with more than 60 artworks from 27 artists and gallerists across 15 cities, with the Otomys team taking charge of everything from procurement to installation. “Our aim is to ease the boundaries between art and interiors,” reflects Megan Dicks, co-director of Otomys. “Curatorial House expresses our belief that art is a necessity, not a luxury.”
But it’s not just the cultivation of a collection that embodies the idea of ‘art’ here. At this address, function itself is used as art too. The effect of light, for instance, which filters through the open windows from the trees above, has been cleverly maximised, even as the day begins to dim. Similarly, a range of sleek light fixtures have been introduced to not only highlight the home’s design but to create the kind of depth required to make the spaces feel interesting and dynamic. Take the vast entrance foyer, for example. In its impressive, three-storey void hangs an arresting light sculpture — delicate in nature, but grand in scale and offering a hint at what to expect from the house that lies beyond.
Armed with a creative brief and the understanding that few ideas were off limits, the architects were able to conceive a home that could capture the spirit of its clients via clever material layering, cavernous voids, light-flooded outlooks and a palette that is the perfect canvas for artistic interior touches. Think darker-toned marble counter-tops and neutral-coloured concrete on ceilings, cabinetry and walls, both elements against which brass accents were made to stand out unapologetically. These impeccable material details promise to ignite the more bold aspects of the build (from the sculptural lighting to the awe-inspiring art) and cultivate a contemporary vibe without feeling too ‘on-trend.’
Fil Noir dining chair by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
In all its grandeur, Curatorial House was designed with hosting in mind, and the architecture lends itself to that. In the home, communal spaces are bountiful, with three dining areas that each evoke a different story. The formal dining room boasts lofty ceilings and elongated tables, whereas the kitchen’s breakfast nook has been designed with intimate family meals in mind. For a more casual lunch, an al fresco dining space on the rooftop offers spectacular, sweeping views over Melbourne.
Reeves bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
While the main focus in this home is the art on the walls, appreciation should be shown for how artistically the architecture has been applied too. One cannot help but be drawn back to the rooftop, where a glass atrium and generous pool interact through a play of light that feels almost like a dynamic piece of art in and of itself. It’s spaces like these that prove that while some homes simply display art, others embody it.
My eyelashes are something I’ve never paid much attention to, yet a few months after discovering the RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner, the product has become very much entrenched in my daily beauty routine, and I’ve never had more compliments on my lashes. In fact, RevitaLash Advanced has made such a difference that even when I forget to put mascara on, my lashes still look lush, in a totally natural way. Read on for my experience with trialling RevitaLash Advanced, and why I consider it a daily beauty essential for everyone.
What is it? RevitaLash Cosmetics’ Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is the pioneer of lash serums. A simple yet powerful serum designed to lift and condition lashes, this ophthalmologist-developed product protects against breakage (which goes hand in hand with daily makeup use and repeated cleansing). It’s packed with peptides, lipids, biotin and green tea extract and is rich in panthenol too; all beneficial elements for the health of our lashes. In short, RevitaLash Advanced is a quick-and-easy step to nourish and strengthen, likened to skincare for your lashes.
RevitaLash Cosmetics Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
How do you use it? In a tube more petite than the average mascara, the serum comes with a small, precision brush for adding a thin lacquer to the roots of your lashes. When applied on the lash hair, rather than the eyelid skin, it activates an iconic lifting action — alleviating the need for daily curler use (whether heated or unheated). RevitaLash Advanced is designed for use once a day only — either morning or night, whenever is the most convenient — for enhancing and strengthening. And once your desired result is achieved, you can use it every second day for maintenance. It’s worth mentioning too, that RevitaLash Advanced is also safe for those with eyelash extensions, extending the health of the lashes to amplify any treatment results.
What makes it different to other lash serums? Despite being the formative product in its field, the brand’s prowess is felt in its legitimacy. Developed by Physician and Founder Michael Brinkenhoff, M.D, with his late wife Gayle to help her feel beautiful during her courageous fight against breast cancer, RevitaLash Advanced’s patented formula has gone through rigorous scientific testing, unlike other products in this space. Ultimately, RevitaLash Advanced’s use of innovative technology means that its curling, strengthening and enhancing effects are second-to-none.
My experience After a couple of weeks, I was surprised as anyone when I began to notice actual, tangible results — ones that saw my natural lashes reaching up to my upper eyelids (if you caught them at the right angle). And once I found the easiest way to build RevitaLash Advanced into my regime (in the mornings, between moisturising and applying SPF), my lashes were unstoppable. I’ve never found the formula irritating (although the recent addition of a new RevitaLash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner to the range makes it all the more palatable for those who have struggled with lash products in the past). And now that my lashes are the healthiest they’ve ever been, with others commenting on how fluttery they look, I apply the serum every second day.
The final verdict My experience with RevitaLash Advanced has been highly successful. It’s enhanced my natural lashes, accentuated their natural curl, and provided unparalleled natural confidence to match. So, for now, I’ve put down all the lash tools, and for special occasions, one sweep of mascara will easily do. The RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is key to effortless beauty at its absolute best, I say.
The Aotearoa Art Fair has officially opened today, and we’re welcoming the creative buzz in Downtown Auckland, particularly at everyone’s favourite shopping and food precinct Commercial Bay — a destination of both convenience and pleasure. When it comes to experiencing the immersive art, indulging in delicious fare and shopping up a storm, consult our recommended itinerary for a day to remember.
Morning Coffee at Camper Coffee All good art experiences begin with coffee, and few outposts around these parts do it better than Camper Coffee. Hole-in-the-wall style, the joint serves aromatic coffee brewed with its own fresh-roasted beans, making for the perfect pre-fair ritual.
A spot of shopping Commercial Bay is home to some of the best shopping in Auckland. Intimate lounges and showroom spaces offer an array of coveted labels like Wynn Hamlyn, Yu Mei, Superette and Sandro, not to mention beloved beauty boutiques Mecca and Dior Cosmetics. If you only have time for one stop, we recommend calling into the Yu Mei lounge. Here, the luxury leather goods label is supporting Xin Cheng, a multidisciplinary artist presenting mixed media installation ‘Stories from Te Auaunga Oakley Creek’ in partnership with Aotearoa Art Fair’s ‘Projects’, a non-profit exhibition designed to showcase contemporary practitioners across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Indulge in lunch at Pōni Since Pōni’s refresh earlier this year courtesy of local restaurant maven David Lee, it’s become a must-visit destination for any appetite. We recommend visiting at lunch, so you can take in the expansive outlook of the harbour through the floor-to-ceiling windows and indulge in Pōni’s Asian-inspired menu (ordering a serving of the delectable cuttlefish toast is a must).
Call into Season Gallery For an additional art fix, a call into Season Gallery will be more than sufficient. Currently on display are the works of local artist Nikau Hindin (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi), whose works explore traditional ways of working with Māori aute, a plant pounded into cloth to make adornments, garments and kites.
Make a dinner reservation at Origine Origine is the new French-inspired bistro courtesy of the brains behind nearby restaurant Ahi, and we couldn’t think of a better addition to Commercial Bay’s elevated food offering. Dining at Origine will make the perfect end to your day, complementing an afternoon of art and culture with its exquisite, flavourful and varied French fare.
Whether you need to give your living or dining room a timely refresh or you simply want to add an interesting element to your interiors, the Ringer dining chair by Michael Anastassiades is a beautiful, timeless piece that would feel perfectly at-home in any curated space. Conceived as a minimal approach to café dining furniture, the chair was named for its reference to the lucky game of Horseshoes, while nodding to the traditional and intricate Chinese horseshoe back chair.
As the first collaboration between Anastassiades and Kettal, the Ringer Chair makes use of an aluminium fabrication to appear to float without visible joints, while retaining sufficient structural support. Truly an expression of the designer’s clever eye and the kind of innovation on which Kettal has built its reputation, the Ringer Chair is pared-back and perfectly proportioned, and exactly what we’re coveted to introduce something new to our homes.
The Ringer dining chair by Michael Anastassiades for Kettal is available locally from Studio Italia.
Gretchen Albrecht, 'NONE (shadows begin to lengthen)', 2021, acrylic and oil on canvas, 1250 x 2500mm. Image courtesy of the artist and Two Rooms Gallery.
Tim Bučković, 'Sight', 2022, oil on linen, 91.5 x 183 cm. Image courtesy of the artist and FUTURES.
Turumeke Harrington, 'Ārai (Māreikura)', 2022, acrylic, steel, LED bulb, electrical components, 230mm x 230mm x 160mm. Image courtesy of the artist and Page Galleries. Photo: Cheska Brown.
One of the most significant art events in our annual calendar is taking place next week, with a vast and varied offering that will delight and inspire art lovers and collectors of any taste. Kicking off on the 16th of November and running until the 20th of November, the Aotearoa Art Fair is returning to Auckland’s The Cloud with a roster of impressive international and local gallery stands, as well as a comprehensive programme of art-related events, industry and artist talks and workshops.
Katherine Throne, ‘Conspirators’, 2022, oil on canvas, 900 x 900mm. Image courtesy of the artist and Sanderson Contemporary.
This year’s Aotearoa Art Fair will welcome galleries from Sydney, Singapore, Melbourne and Hobart, to sit alongside a raft of our best, most-beloved locals, to showcase some truly exceptional works. The paintings of Guido Maestri, for instance, set to be presented by Yavuz Gallery (based in Sydney and Singapore) mark the first time the artist’s work is showing in New Zealand. (In Australia, his pieces have been purchased by major institutions like the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Art Gallery of NSW.) Elsewhere, stunning pieces by Atom Ateng — a South-Sudanese artist who works primarily with photography and video — will be shown by Mars Gallery (Melbourne), while upstairs from the main area in the ‘He Iti’ space (dedicated to young galleries and artist-run spaces) three new galleries from Melbourne — Future, Haydens and Discordia — will be showcasing a range of interesting works.
Atong Atem, ‘The Bride Wore Pearls 1,’ 2022 Ilford smooth pearl print. Image courtesy of the artist and MARS Gallery.
As far as local booths to look out for, Gow Langsford will be showing new paintings by Judy Millar and New York-based neo-conceptualist painter Peter Halley, Sanderson Contemporary will be showing works from Natasha Wright, Kāryn Taylor, Katherine Throne and more, Jhana Millers Gallery will be hosting a solo booth for Jaime Jenkins’ ceramic works, Tim Melville will be showing pieces by Areez Katki and Page Galleries will present works by Reuben Paterson. There will also be an artistic collective of wahine Māori from Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Gisbourne called Hoea! Gallery, showing some incredible pieces in the He Iti space.
Reuben Paterson, ‘Hei Huahari Mā tatou I te Rangi Nei’, 2022, glitter on canvas, 1020 x 1020mm. Image courtesy of the artist and Page Galleries. Photo by Bridget Webber.
Outside the gallery booths, Projects is returning for another year (the non-profit exhibition designed to showcase the diversity of contemporary practitioners working across Aotearoa and the Pacific) curated by Micheal Do. Titled ‘Aotearoa Made’, this year’s exhibition sees the Aotearoa Art Fair commission seven artists from across the country to reflect upon our inherited understandings of land, geography and national identity, and is set to present some stunning pieces, showcased at The Cloud, as well as in Britomart and at the Yu Mei store in Commercial Bay. There will also be a separate Sculpture Space, which will include works by Simon Lewis Green, Semisi Fetokai Potauaine, Gregor Kregar, Monique Lacey and Paul Dibble.
Natasha Wright, Female 3, 2021, Oil on canvas, 460mm x 355mm. Courtesy of the artist and Sanderson Contemporary.
Offering something a little more interactive is the Aotearoa Art Fair’s Talks Programme, curated by Zara Stanhope of Govett-Brewster Art Gallery with support from Creative NZ and comprising a series of panel discussions designed to stimulate public debate. Similarly, there will be a comprehensive programme of Artist Talks on Stands, which will see your favourite artists talking casually and candidly about their works (the timetable can be found here).
All of this offers just a small window into what to expect from this year’s Aotearoa Art Fair. A true testament to the wellspring of artistic talent (and appetite for art collecting) we have here, the Art Fair is a must-visit, and as such, we have decided to give one lucky Denizen reader the chance to win a double pass to its official opening night (the best time to snap up some of the most sought-after pieces before the crowds).
The end of the week is here, and as the weekend stretches out before us, we thought it the perfect time to remind you of some of the excellent dishes and special foodie events happening over the next few days. From Sunday lunches to tasty pop-ups, these are the dining events to have on your radar for the weekend ahead.
Siso.
Siso’s final Slow Sundays lunch Don’t miss the last iteration of Siso’s beloved Slow Sundays lunch series, with the Remuera restaurant waving a final farewell to its mouth-watering menu of comfort food that has kept us so satiated over the last few months. Making way for more seasonally-appropriate offerings we’re sure, Siso’s delicious Sunday lunch has been the perfect antidote to winter’s inclement weather, and while we’re sad to see it go, we’ll happily raise a glass to it this weekend. (This is set to be popular so bookings are essential.)
Milenta launches Sunday Service Starting this weekend, Milenta will be offering an essential service to those seeking a delicious Sunday lunch. Every Sunday, the clever chefs at this popular eatery will be whipping up Perro Calientes (South American hot dogs) alongside a raft of other tasty dishes to satiate any craving. Open from 12pm.
Homeland’s Friday Happy Hour Celebrate the end of the working week the best way with Homeland’s utterly delicious Friday Happy Hour. From 4pm until 6pm today, this Viaduct Harbour restaurant will be serving a selection of elevated bar snacks like Pani Puri and three cheese polenta chips, alongside $10 tap beer, $14 signature gin-and-tonics and $18 cocktails.
Left: Ada. Right: Cazador.
Ada Sunday Lunch Serving up flavoursome food and the perfect, end-of-week vibe, Ada’s take on the Sunday lunch is simple, delicious and memorable. Offering a five-course set menu, designed to share, this popular Grey Lynn restaurant is giving us the only excuse we need to get some friends together and see off the week in style. This week’s menu features dishes like smoked kingfish toast with mascarpone and mint, alongside beef short rib with ‘nduja, beetroot and walnuts, and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival. The set menu is $65 per person, and spots can be reserved here.
Cazador Saturday lunch Rarely open outside its usual hours, lauded destination Cazador is hosting a one-off lunch this Saturday the 12th of November, with an exceptional three-course menu for $65 per person. The experience will start with one of Cazador’s signature charcuterie boards, followed by a delectable Fiordland Wapiti venison shoulder with goat’s curd, mint, chickpea, tomato, spinach, organic greens, asparagus and chilli, and end on a high note — with dark chocolate and brandy mousse. Bookings are essential and can be made here.
Left: Zi Sweet. Right: Fundraiser.
Zi Sweet cake pop-up at Kind Stranger Cafe Whether you’ve ordered a cake from Zi Sweet before or not, you’ll likely be familiar with its decorative, colourful, eye-catching designs. Having garnered a huge following for its cakes that marry tasty flavours with vintage-inspired frosting in fun, unexpected colour combinations, Zi Sweet is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, and this weekend, is popping up at Kind Stranger Cafe to serve cake by the slice. On from 8am until 2pm this Sunday (and next Sunday too), this is one pop-up you don’t want to miss.
Fundraiser’s Flour Power pop-up Included in our recent November Dining Guide, this is a reminder that cake- and dessert-maestro Dali McDonald (of Fundraiser) is bringing his signature sweet treats to No.7 in a delicious pop-up on Saturday evening aptly called ‘Flour Power.’ Kicking off from 7pm and serving things like Basque cheesecake, Russian fudge shortbread and lemon citrus cake alongside cocktails and wine, this is just about the perfect way to end the week, we think.
Public Bar.
Live music at Public Bar in Harbour Eats Tonight and tomorrow evening, Public Bar (set in Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats area) will be kicking the weekend into high gear with a lineup of DJs, bands and acoustic performers. Head to this sprawling, foodie destination from 4pm, sit back with a crisp beer or delicious cocktail and take in the rousing tunes and convivial, weekend atmosphere.
Festival Italiano
Newmarket Festival Italiano Back and better than ever before, Newmarket’s Festival Italiano is set to take over the precinct this Sunday for a celebration of all things Italy. Marking a grand return for the event after two years of disappointing postponements, this year’s iteration features food and drink, music and performances, Italian cars, activities for the kids and more.
If you have decided to put your hand up to host an event this silly season, bravo! Hosting at this time of year is like the Olympics for those who like entertaining at home — you need stamina, preparation and all the right equipment to ensure that any occasion is a success for your guests.
Lucky then, that a huge range of exceptional tableware, glassware, cookware, and kitchenware by renowned design brand Serax is on sale right now at ECC, providing us with the best opportunity to stock up on all of our at-home hosting essentials.
Read on to discover the Serax pieces we are coveting for the season ahead, and shop the sale online here.
← GO BACK
SEE ALL SLIDES |
Serax Feast by Ottolenghi Serving Plate by Yotam Ottolenghi & Bisignano
Serax Feast by Ottolenghi Serving Plate by Yotam Ottolenghi & Bisignano
Before you get carried away with trend-driven, seasonal fashion, first ensure that your wardrobe has the right foundations. A curated collection of simplified pieces, from a little black dress to the perfect collared shirt, these are the essentials you need to set you up in style.
Little Black Dress The ‘LBD’ has long been a mainstay of the well-curated wardrobe. As universally flattering as it is versatile, this simple, elegant piece will be your failsafe for any occasion, always able to offer subtle sophistication for very little effort.
From Left: Gucci Towards the Sun Collection, Helen Cherry Maggie dress from Workshop.
Light Overcoat Perfect for transitioning into warmer days, this particular style of outerwear is favoured for its ability to layer. Destined to remain with you for many seasons, the light overcoat is the easiest way to make an outfit feel complete.
Left: Acne Studios Cotton trench coat from Workshop.
Boyfriend Blazer Oversized is the name of the game here, with a generous blazer that takes cues from your boyfriend’s wardrobe. Putting proportion at the forefront and promising to elevate any casual look, this style has long been favoured for its timeless, sophisticated look.
Loafers Arguably the most versatile shoe in any wardrobe, the trusty loafer is a style to which you can return in any circumstance or season. Marrying sleek refinement with study style, this staple shoe should always be on hand (or should we say, foot).
From the top: Connelly Flat Loafer from Louis Vuitton. Women’s loafer with Interlocking G from Gucci. Bryer Loafer Flat from Jimmy Choo.
Transeasonal Knit A versatile knit is essential for spring dressing, ensuring any look will be able to stand up to the season’s changeable weather. Our advice? Opt for something in high-quality yarn (neither too heavy, nor too light) and a style that allows you to layer.
From left: Francesca Sweater from Dadelszen. Wool cashmere sweater from Gucci.
Button-Down Shirt Arguably the most crucial piece of any curated wardrobe is the classic button-down shirt. Simple, timeless and flattering on all, this tailored piece is the easiest way to make your day-to-day outfits feel polished. And while there are many iterations of the button-down out there, we suggest choosing one in a light, neutral tone.
Tailored Trousers Nothing steps up a simple look like a pair of beautifully tailored, perfectly fitting trousers. Whether worn with a plain white T-shirt or with something a little more formal, tailored trousers will make anyone look (and feel) put together.
White Singlet Having emerged from the Fall 2022 season as its hero piece, the plain white singlet is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Set to be one of the hardest-working basics in your wardrobe, a well-cut, high-quality white singlet will give you an air of cool, 90s-supermodel nonchalance.
From left: Miles Tank from Camilla and Marc. Bottega Veneta Fall 22.
At-home bartending should be a pleasure — not a chore — which is why Quarterpast is elevating the art of mixology with its newly debuted Quarterpast Classic Cocktail Mixer kit, perfectly timed for the festive season.
A fuss-free way to concoct premium cocktails, the kit contains a recipe book, trusty jigger, and four delectable Quarterpast Mixology Bases — Crisp Apple, Triple Peach, Tahitian Lime & Mint and Cranberry & Lime. Harnessing the punchy flavour of cold-brewed fruit, the Mixology Bases remove the need to squeeze citrus, muddle fruit and herbs — after all, who really wants to make an unnecessary mess in the kitchen?
Ultimately, the Classic Cocktail Mixer Kit is a trusty bartender in a bottle, creating up to 100 drinks with ease. It’s also the perfect present for budding hosts, the person who has it all, or a Secret Santa gift for a party-loving colleague.
Simple to make at home and designed to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones, we’ve already proven how effortless it is to whip up a cocktail with the Quarterpast Tahitian Lime & Mint Jalapeño Mule. In the spirit of giving, we’re also sharing the recipe for the Quarterpast Crisp Apple Gin Fizz — a tipple that infuses the wonderfully refreshing combination of tart apple and botanical gin.
Quarterpast Crisp Apple Gin Fizz.
Quarterpast Crisp Apple Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
30ml Quarterpast Crisp Apple Mixolology Base 45ml gin 30ml lemon juice 1 egg white (30ml) Ice (to shake) Soda water (for foam topping) Edible flowers (for garnish)
Method:
1. Pour the Quarterpast Crisp Apple, gin, egg white, and lemon juice into a Boston cocktail shaker. 2. Shake for 15 seconds. 3. Open the shaker and add a handful of ice. 4. Shake for a further 15 seconds until the shaker has frosted over. 5. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute. 6. Carefully top with soda water to build the foam head. 7. Garnish with edible flowers.
Follow Quarterpast on Instagram and Facebook for more recipe inspiration.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
