New Balance needs little introduction. For the past century (plus), the family-owned brand has been crafting high quality, high performance, and often — whether intentionally or not, high fashion sneakers, with considered craftsmanship and unmatched utility at the fore.
Their latest release, the New Balance Made in USA 990v6, is a modern riff on their most classic and timeless sneaker. Originally designed in 1906, with subtle changes over time, the 990v6’s appeal remains universal today, offering a contemporary take on the classic sneaker design that elevates its everyday wearability. This iteration furthers the sneaker’s fashionable allure, thanks to sleek new materiality, while an update to the practical tech makes this shoe’s undeniable appeal all the more ubiquitous.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in grey
As the name might suggest, the entire Made in USA collection is made in America — something that very few brands can lay claim to, with most American footwear now produced offshore. And while there are many hues on offer, from soft, pastel shades like maize and winter fog, to a warm, weather-ready neutral sandstone, a striking true camo, and macadamia nut and arctic grey iterations featuring contrasting black soles and two-tone hiking laces, it’s the original grey shades that have our attention. A perhaps little-known fact is that New Balance was the first sneaker producers to offer a grey sneaker. In a world of white, New Balance wanted to create a unique, urban offering — something that stood out while blending in with their surrounds. A colour now ubiquitous with the brand, and the shade that has remained New Balance’s calling card.
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white and grey
This dedication to carving a new path has always been central to the brand’s ethos, the Made in USA collection taking this one step further — born from an unwavering commitment to those who want to stand out from the crowd and express themselves fearlessly, without compromising on comfort and quality.
With an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation, New Balance is not only making strides in style — it’s setting the benchmark for what a sneaker brand should be.
Shop the range
New Balance Made in USA 990v6
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in grey available in Women’s and Men’s
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 in black with white available in Women’s and Men’s
With our collective obsession with the health of our skin showing no signs of abating, the beauty industry has further amplified its research and differentiated its value proposition. While you may have just mastered the triple-step cleanse routine, you are probably quite a few more steps behind that internationally lauded beauty influencer who has moved onto a new daily regime, delivering some awe-inspiring results. Upskill your knowledge with our guide to what to look out for in your quest for the fountain of eternal youth.
NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is a naturally occurring molecule in our cells that is responsible for DNA repair and cellular nutrition. As we age, there is a gradual decline in our body’s cellular NAD⁺ levels. This decline in NAD⁺ is linked to numerous age-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and strength), and frailty. Many diseases can be slowed down or even reversed by restoring NAD⁺ levels. NAD⁺ is also highly regarded for its unparalleled anti-ageing properties; it has become a powerful tool in beauty, used as both a topical ingredient and a supplement, either as a daily pill or intravenously infused (IV), with impressive results. NAD⁺ is also widely touted as a miracle ingredient that is believed to reverse age-induced deterioration of the skin.
These terms address the interaction between the mind and the skin and refer to the ways in which some skin conditions and issues can be addressed by looking internally first. They are about how our state of mind can affect us physically and how some solutions require a more than skin-deep approach.
Epigenetics is the study of our genes, and microRNAs are a class of molecules that influence how our cells develop and die and how our skin ages via epigenetic signals. For beauty companies, this particular area of epigenetics has fascinating potential in repairing older skin cells, with significant beauty brands already studying how the science can be harnessed effectively.
Product To Try
LYMA Laser Starter Kit & Serum and Cream Duo from net-a-porter
AI Skincare
AI has already been changing skincare, but it’s set to continue in a big way. The new platform, Renude, is a great example. This AI-powered tool, trained to think like hundreds of experts, can accurately identify skin concerns to create a personalised routine focused on ingredients with multi-brand product recommendations.
Throw shade from behind some sleek glasses this season, with these styles that will do more than simply frame your face. Whether bold and statement-making is up your alley, or classic, chic and timeless is more your bag, here we bring together a selection of frames to suit any taste — and face.
Soft, fluffy, and impossibly fresh bagels are what you’ll find at BB’s Bagels, the tasty new bagel shop in the heart of Ponsonby from the team behind Takapuna’s much-loved Domo Bakery. From sweet to savoury to Soy Mochi and more, here you’ll find something sure to satisfy, with a number of cult classics and novel takes on offer.
Right: Soy Cream Mochi bagel
On any given day, you’ll find an incredible array of unique and inventive bagels on the counter, as well as a four-strong savoury made-to-order menu covering the classics, from salmon and cream cheese with red onion, capers, and dill, to a delicious-looking corned beef iteration with mozzarella, cheddar, onion and a special burger sauce. On the sweet side of things, from what we’ve seen, flavours are ever-evolving, but the matcha bagel has our attention, as does the pistachio, and the blueberry is a delight both to behold and enjoy.
Left: Classic smoked salmon bagel
And while the menu clearly has an American influence, the clever team at BB’s Bagels have woven in a Japanese slant too, with the likes of Soy Cream Mochi on the menu (for those not familiar, Mochi is a cult Japanese dessert that sees pounded sticky rice in the shape of a sphere filled with ice cream, and it’s phenomenal), alongside Hojicha (a roasted Japanese tea leaf), Black Sesame, and a tasty Yuzu number.
There are also more decadent options on offer, from Biscoff to whipped feta, scallion and cream cheese, with more to join the line up next week. When it comes to the drinks, there’s fresh coffee, as well as matcha, hojicha, and a stunning, bright purple ube latte.
Left: Matcha, blueberry, and hojicha bagels. Right: Blueberry bagel
The American influence is clear in the fit-out, too, with green and white check detailing throughout. Floors are rendered in unfussy polished concrete, with pared-back, mismatched wooden seating spanning several small tables, benches, and one larger communal table inside, with bench seats in the front window and outside to perch and watch the world go by.
From what we’ve seen so far, and given the clever team on the tools, BB’s Bagels is a new spot that is well worthy of your attention. And given the inclement weather ahead, we can’t think of anything better than a tasty, satisfying bagel to quell the winter blues.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am until 2.30pm
In typical Denizen fashion, we’ll be making the most of the weekend ahead, with plans to get our social and cultural fix before cosying up at home with a good book or captivating film to round off the week. If your own weekend agenda is lacking, consult the below edit of everything we’re currently enjoying (or planning to relish over the coming days) — from must-try new dishes and cocktails to immersive cultural experiences and the books and films that have our attention.
From a delightful new burrata iteration to an impressive, French-inspired anchovy pissaladière (a delectable pizza-esque topped flatbread), Somm’s latest sharing plates have been thoughtfully crafted to compliment the incredible, extensive list of drinks on offer. Make for Somm this weekend to revel in its many gastronomic delights.
Left: Somm’s New sharing plates. Right: Bivacco’s Dopo Cena Cocktail
Settle into the season with this rich, smooth, and irresistibly tasty libation from the clever bar team at Bivacco. Marrying white chocolate liqueur, cream, and Cointreau, the decadent Dopo Cena cocktail is the ultimate indulgence, perfect to enjoy post-meal, paired with dessert.
Auckland Writer’s Festival is taking place this weekend, with a number of major literary voices taking to the stage to discuss the nuances of their work, alongside an impressive list of local talent that is just as worthy of your attention. There are a number of incredible events that still have tickets available, such as Katy Hessel‘s discussion on her groundbreaking book, The Story of Art Without Men, or Trent Dalton‘s conversation with Samantha Hayes, which is bound to be brilliant.
Left: The Idea of You on Prime. Right: Trent Dalton at Auckland Writer’s Festival
With nearly 50 million viewers and counting, it’s fair to say that The Idea of You is worthy of a watch. The film stars Anne Hathaway alongside Nicholas Galitzine in an age-gap romance, telling the tale of a 40-year-old single mum who ends up in a complex entanglement with the 24-year-old lead singer of the world’s biggest boy band. Based on the book by Robinne Lee of the same name, the film presents a tender portrayal of women and relationships, while maintaining a lighthearted (and at times hilarious) tone thanks to the stars’ unfaltering performances. Pitch perfect escapism.
Artist, producer, DJ, and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou’s new single, Lobster Telephone, releases today, taken from her long-awaited debut album I Hear You — out next month. The song is a perfect distillation of the kind of balmy, technicolour house music that Gou is globally renowned for, and also happens to be the artist’s personal favourite from the album, named for the Salvador Dali sculpture of the same name.
Left: Peggy Gou’s New Single. Right: In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
This inquisitive epic charts the astonishing story of a microbiologist who makes an extraordinary discovery that forces into focus everything she thinks she knows about life on our planet. With compassion and curiosity, In Ascension encourages introspection and illuminates matters of the heart, promising an unforgettable journey.
It’s as winter nears that we find ourselves craving the comfort of a shared, Sunday lunch or dinner. There truly is no better way to end the week well than gathering your loved ones for a comforting, hearty feast (with a glass of red for good measure), and thankfully one of our favourite, neighbourhood eateries has just announced the return of its popular Sunday series, Sìso Slow Sundays. A weekly event that began in 2022 and has continued ever since, so loved has it become, Slow Sundays offers a curated take on the traditional roast with a mouthwatering menu of dishes on offer for lunch and dinner that are reminiscent of a meal made at home (although with a decidedly elevated spin).
Right: Porchetta
In a banquet-style feast, guests will be given the option of two mains: a porchetta with free-range pork, braised puy lentils and pancetta, or a slow-roast lamb shoulder served with wild herb tabbouleh, pomegranate, golden raisins and pistachio. Both of which are to be enjoyed with an impressive array of toppings including romesco, jus, labneh and green harissa, and delicious sides like sautéed greens with lemon and toasted almonds, roasted heirloom carrots with pistachio dukkah, and harissa-roasted baby potatoes. It is a long lunch offering that perfectly showcases Sìso’s signature, culinary approach — simple food, exquisitely done.
Left: Slow roast lamb shoulder
Just like the traditional Sunday roast, Sìso Slow Sundays are designed to embrace food as it was meant to be eaten — unfussy, full of flavour and much better when enjoyed in good company. The menu is designed to be shared (among a minimum of two guests), making it the perfect excuse for getting together with friends and family at the end of the week.
Sìso Slow Sunday Menu
Available on Sundays only, bookings are essential with 48 hours’ notice, and at $45 per head, it is an easy Sunday commitment we’re willing to make.
Making it easier than ever to ditch the plastic waste that typically comes with all dishwashing products, Ecostore has unveiled its new range of Dish Soap Bars, a genius innovation for the kitchen sink. Equally as tough on grease as it is gentle on hands and, of course, the environment, Ecostore’s Dish Soap Bars are made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, and come in 100 percent recyclable cartons.
With the capacity to handle 125 washes (the equivalent of two 500ml bottles of conventional dish soap), these dish bars are the future.
Dish Soap Bars
How to use
For Individual Dishes
To quickly clean individual dishes, simply scrub the dish soap bar with a wet dish brush or sponge to create a lather, and run over dishes to clean before rinsing.
For Larger Loads
To clean a sink full of dishes, or a load of pots and pans, add the bar into a wire holder and swirl around inside a sink full of water to create a soapy base. Clean as you usually would, rinse, et voilà!
Ayrburn is nothing if not consistent. And the sprawling dining destination’s latest venue opening, The Barrel Room — an opulent underground bar and event space, is yet another example of how Chris Meehan and his team continue to redefine the boundaries of hospitality, offering unmatched and world-class gastronomic experiences.
Come King’s Birthday weekend, the subterranean sanctuary will transform into a regal banquet hall bathed in candlelight, where guests are invited to indulge in a decadent feast accompanied by the finest Ayrburn wines, soothed by the melodies of the venue’s grand piano.
Bubbles will greet guests upon arrival, followed by a three-hour beverage package showcasing Ayrburn’s curated range of wine, while on the food front, a delectable, share-style spread that heroes the best of local New Zealand produce promises to surprise, delight, and satisfy.
Following The Royal Feast, those indulging will be invited to linger over a glass of wine or two, and allow the night to reveal its secrets — for an uproarious evening will undoubtedly follow.
With only 50 tickets available, seats at this intimate, candlelit soirée are sure to sell out — so secure your spot today, and celebrate the monarch’s birthday in befitting style.
The Royal Feast is taking place at The Barrel Room on Saturday 1st June from 6.30pm — 9.30pm, and tickets are $289 per person. Secure your spot here.
Long beloved for the depth and richness it lends to contemporary spaces, velvet is a simple way to imbue homes with tactile charm. Embrace the luxury and opulence of velvet furnishings, which, when used correctly, are the perfect way to update your home for the cooler seasons.
“We want people to come in hungry and thirsty, and leave thinking ‘damn that was good’,” John Austin tells me of his new venture, Twofold — a retro-modern, Americana-inspired pub in the heart of Parnell.
Austin co-founded Twofold with friend (and fellow beer aficionado), Bernard Neate — a partnership that, he tells me, was a long time coming. “Twofold has been stewing away in our collective heads for a good few years now,” says Austin, “We wanted to create a place to enjoy with our friends, families, and workmates, and while Twofold is a brewery, we want it to be more than that. We want it to become a place that fosters community; where customers can really get to know one another.”
Left: anchovy po-tada.
The beer list (and entire drinks list, which spans beer, cider, wine, and cocktails on tap, plus a considered list of bottled wine, made-to-order cocktails, and several non-alcoholic options) is concise and incredibly considered. There are six beers and one cider on tap — featuring a range of styles that will pair perfectly with the tasty food on offer, served alongside three tap wines (a white, rose and red), and three tap cocktails, with a bottle list that spans a range of options from local and international makers, and a short list of inventive takes on classic cocktails thrown in for those looking to indulge.
Here, the offering is approachable but refined, and there really is something for everyone and anyone — something the duo placed much emphasis on. “We’ve worked extensively on our beverage programme with our front of house manager, Harry Huxley, who has recently been nominated in the Lewisham Awards for Outstanding Bartender,” Austin tells me, “We wanted a drinks list that catered to a range of beer, wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage drinkers alike, and a food menu that boasts a mix of fresh and bright options served alongside some inventive bar snacks and pub classics.”
The concept for Twofold was shaped and inspired by visits to breweries and restaurants across New Zealand, and the pair’s time spent exploring Australia, the United States, and Europe over the years. The European influence in particular is evident in the contemporary, all-day menu, which is split into sections based on what guests are in for. The ‘larder’ section is perfect for light snacking, and includes the likes of duck liver parfait and gabagool, while the ‘raw & oyster’ section is perfect for those looking for a tasty morsel to pair with a glass of sparkling. The ‘small plates’ section is perfect for sharing with the table, and the ‘large plates’ are best for those seeking the perfect, comforting feast to enjoy alongside a crisp drink or two, with the likes of steak de jour and burgers both featuring. A few stand out dishes across the board are the buffalo oysters, venison carpaccio, anchovy po-tada, lamb ribs, charred cabbage, and chilli oil chicken.
Right: charred cabbage
The fit-out is light and bright, with cleverly conceived details injecting life into the ex-restaurant. The Twofold team worked with hospitality design experts Millé to help bring their vision to life, changing the layout of the interior to breathe new life into the space and creating a clean and modern look. “We worked with brand specialist and graphic designer Carly Black through Millé, who was spot on with our retro-modern American themes,” says Austin, “They wove everything together to create a space that is great for people getting together for a good time.”
Given the pair’s collective background, it’s little wonder that an establishment of their own was on the cards. Neate is the head brewer and has just finished an eight-year stint leading Tantalus Estate’s on-site brewery, Alibi Brewing Co. where the ex-winemaker honed his skills (and picked up a few awards along the way). Austin, the brewery’s general manager, got his start in brewing at a small brewpub outside Aspen, before a stint in craft beer importing, distribution, retail and events, followed by a role that saw him visiting nearly every brewery in the country managing kegs, studying beer and brewing along the way.
Pooling their diverse skills (and calling on the skills of their families, too), Austin and Neate have created something novel in Twofold — bringing together the casual and convivial vibe of gastropubs and the more refined and considered nature of modern breweries to bring a new kind of hospitality venue to Auckland’s vibrant dining scene. And one that is proving a very welcome addition indeed.
Austin finishes our chat by telling me, “We want people to enjoy a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with great food, great beverage, great service, and some good old-fashioned fun,” and it seems like what they’ve created is a space where people can do exactly that.
Opening hours: Wednesday, 4pm until 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 12pm until 11pm Sunday, 12pm until 9pm
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