While Auckland has no shortage of exceptional eateries, few venues in the city boast the ability (and capacity) to host large groups with ease and efficiency without compromising on the dining experience, particularly with cuisine as delicious and satisfying as contemporary Chinese eatery Huami. We find ourselves turning to this SkyCity favourite time and time again for all manner of occasions — from birthdays and celebratory feasts to a convivial catch up with friends or simply a Sunday feast with the family, secure in the knowledge that we’re guaranteed to be well taken care of in a sumptuous space well adept at catering to larger numbers (without the admin and stress of entertaining at home).
Right: One of Huami’s private dining rooms
The Jade Dragon
If you do have a special occasion on the cards, diners can opt to book out the entire venue, vibrant bar space, or outdoor courtyard for larger events, with capacities of 130, 50, and 50 respectively. Or, for smaller, more intimate gatherings, three stunning private dining rooms are available, holding between 7-12 diners each. And if you find yourself heading to the city with a larger group for an impromptu feast, Huami is a more than perfect option, with the friendly staff always on hand to accommodate.
No matter the space you select or your reason for visiting, Huami’s exceptional menu awaits, showcasing the very best of elevated Chinese cuisine. With a menu influenced by cooking styles from regional provinces across China, including Canton, Sichuan, Huaiyang, and Beijing, the clever team in the kitchen fuse traditional techniques with the freshest seasonal New Zealand produce to craft modern Chinese dishes that deliver on all fronts. From some of the city’s best Yum Cha to an incredibly diverse and extensive menu featuring the likes of handmade dim sum (served steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried), exceptional dumplings, wonton noodle soup, traditional wok-fried noodles, bang-bang chicken with spicy peanut sauce, and more, here, dishes are perfect for sharing, and promise big, bold and authentic flavours sure to satisfy.
Huami’s famous wood-fired duck
Speaking of the food on offer, it would be remiss of us not to mention Huami’s famous wood-fired duck. The first restaurant in New Zealand to have a commercial wood-fired duck oven (and boasting an entire room dedicated to its preparation), this dish has become the eatery’s specialty — with their bespoke oven infusing the succulent meat with unique fruit flavours you won’t experience elsewhere. Each duck cooks for 45 minutes, and while the fire is crafted from long-burning wood such as Kanuka (white tea tree), which adds a smokiness similar to that of Manuka, the true depth of flavour comes through in the addition of fruit orchard wood, such as plum, apple or feijoa — which adds a richness that elevates this dish to new heights.
Huami’s vibrant bar space
With a very well-stocked bar, always lively vibe, and the most central of locations, plus free parking for diners* — there are very few boxes Huami doesn’t tick. And given the cosy and convivial dining spaces on offer, there’s nowhere else we’d rather celebrate a milestone with friends.
In our pursuit of optimal health, we are faced with a seemingly endless array of powders and pills that promise to change our lives. But what should we actually be consuming in the mornings? Our nutritionist makes her recommendations.
Firstly, it’s true that the morning is the best time to consider establishing a solid supplement routine. From my years of experience working one-on-one with clients, the most common feedback I’ve received is that if they don’t take something first thing in the morning, then it often gets forgotten altogether.
Increasingly, more supplements are available in powder form, which not only allows the inclusion of multiple active ingredients, but also ensures that these ingredients can be present in more effective doses. Plus, a powder is super easy and efficient to add to a smoothie, water bottle or cereal, as opposed to having to take various tablets separately.
And while what you need to take will depend entirely on your personal health, diet, goals and lifestyle (what may be essential for one person, won’t necessarily be useful for another), generally speaking a fantastic morning supplement blend should address the basics to kick-start your day: energy and mental performance, immunity, skin health and gut health. These can all be covered by looking out for the following ingredients and nutrients. (Those seeking personalised recommendations should talk with a registered nutrition expert, or book with me at Belle Epoque Nutrition.)
Collagen
This is an everyday must for anyone over 25 years old as it promotes collagen production and boosts your total protein intake which is especially important for recovering from a morning workout, weight loss and ageing. Taking a collagen supplement that includes the necessary cofactors (such as zinc and vitamin C) for collagen synthesis is essential, to ensure that the collagen is going where it is needed most.
Greens Powder
I always recommend to my clients to eat eight servings of vegetables every day to get the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients the body needs. But for some (including me sometimes) this doesn’t always happen. For those who can’t, a good quality greens powder including ingredients such as broccoli sprout, milk thistle, spirulina, chlorella and wheatgrass is ideal.
Adaptogenic Botanicals
For most busy people, starting the day with anything that is going to help manage stress, anxiety, and balance mood is going to be beneficial. A few adaptogens I’ve found to have the most scientific support behind them include ashwagandha and rhodiola which can be found in powder form and added into almost anything.
Probiotics
From gastrointestinal health to immune support to hormonal, cardiovascular and mental health, probiotics are the heavy-lifters you definitely need to take every single day (especially given that most people are not consuming probiotic food regularly enough).
Brothers and designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have cultivated an enduring legacy that spans three decades. Making a name for themselves through partnerships with iconic furniture brands such as Vitra, Alessi, Kettal and Ligne Roset, the pair’s collaborative bond is a fusion of their contrasting personalities, underscored by a shared commitment to meticulous functionality and detail. Since founding their eponymous design house in Paris in the mid-nineties, they have continually pushed the boundaries of design — traversing a spectrum of mediums and leaving an indelible mark on the industry in the process. Here, we explore the creative works of this prolific design duo.
Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
The Bouroullecs’ legacy began in 1997, when, after capturing Giulio Cappellini’s attention at a Paris design fair, the pair were entrusted with his label’s inaugural industrial project. This marked both the beginning of an enduring creative alliance, and the brothers’ foray into industrial design — setting the stage for a prolific career and body of work that redefined contemporary design. The Cappellini partnership not only provided the brothers with a canvas to experiment with shapes, materials, and forms; its success opened doors to collaborations with the industry’s most visionary leaders. Over the years that followed, the Bouroullecs established themselves as design luminaries through partnerships with the likes of Kettal, Issey Miyake, Vitra, Kartell, Alessi, Ligne Roset, Flos, and more. From their iconic meandering bench for HAY, to architectural stained glass for Skyline Design, vibrant vases for Henri Matisse, and a line of minimalist eyeglasses for JINS, the brothers have amassed an incredibly diverse body of work — each new realm further sealing their collective identity. What unites their work is a unique connection to human touch, evident in the pair’s meticulous attention to materiality — rejecting sleek, machine-made finishes in favour of imperfect, handmade aesthetics. The brothers’ creations have become so synonymous with our generation’s cultural fabric, that now, much of their work is enshrined as art in the permanent collections of major galleries around the world — from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris to MOMA in New York, and the Design Museum in London. Oft-dubbed the Charles and Ray Eames of our time, thanks to their era-defining ingenuity, the brothers’ dedication to impeccable craftsmanship and unique penchant for merging form and function has shifted the design landscape entirely. After an incredible collective career spanning three decades, the Bouroullecs’ collaboration ended at the beginning of the year, as the brothers parted ways to pursue individual projects. Their legacy, however, much like their timeless designs, will endure for decades to come.
“What unites the Bouroullecs’ work is a unique connection to human touch, evident in the pair’s meticulous attention to materiality.”
This innovative room divider, inspired by the delicate forms of seaweed, merges artistry with functionality to add a sculptural presence to contemporary spaces. Comprising plastic branches that elegantly interconnect, Vitra’s Algues, imagined by the Bouroullec brothers, allow for endless creative configurations. Whether used as a functional space divider or a piece of art, Algues brings the organic, fluid beauty of nature into our most design-led spaces.
The past and present collide in this timeless, versatile chair, as rustic charm melds with modern elegance in a piece that will effortlessly adapt to any setting. The Bouroullecs conceived the Steelwood’s design in the late noughties as a reaction to the widespread trend of rendering chairs in plastic. The pair challenged conventions by taking the shape of flimsily-produced plastic chairs and reimagining the design with sturdy, enduring materials. Featuring a hardy wooden seat and legs, with a supporting steel frame, the Steelwood Chair is a design that marries simplicity and sophistication, reflecting the brothers’ commitment to timeless aesthetics.
Launched in 2007, the iconic Slow Chair seamlessly fuses comfort with contemporary elegance in a design built to transcend trends. Its distinctive, ultra-wide and embracing seat, supported by an intricately woven, transparent knit cover, redefined relaxation. The translucent sling replaces the thick padding and upholstery of traditional armchairs, resulting in a design that is lightweight and generously proportioned. In the living room or on a sun porch, the Slow Chair maintains an understated presence while offering superb comfort, making a statement in indoor and outdoor settings alike.
Likened to an overripe piece of fruit, the Ploum Sofa effortlessly blends sumptuous aesthetics with ergonomic precision to craft a truly contemporary piece of furniture. Renowned for its comfort, the sofa is an incredible example of the Bouroullecs’ dedication to innovation — sitting as a masterpiece in both form and function. Here, the brothers have reimagined a traditional seat construction, combining a stretchable fabric covering with ultra-soft foam, which, alongside truly ample dimensions, results in an unparalleled lounging experience. The sofa’s plush, low-slung, asymmetrical form paired with unique quilted upholstery turns the Ploum into a veritable nest where all lounging positions are possible.
Draping any space in an enchanting glow, the AIM Pendant Lamp for FLOS epitomises luxurious illumination. Stripped to its most basic and beautiful essence, the thoughtful design comprises undulating cording suspended from the ceiling like entangled jungle vines, and a central pendant constructed from a varnished aluminium with an optical polycarbonate shade. With adjustable suspension to allow light distribution to be aimed in whichever way you choose and its minimalist but thoughtful design, the AIM transforms lighting into an art form, belling maximum impact in any space.
Officina Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Magis from ECC
Italian design and traditional craftsmanship collide in the Officina Collection, which explores a new creative language through the ancient fabrication process of iron forging. From the lounge chair to the ottoman to the tables, stools and more, the Bouroullecs’ various iterations seamlessly fuse ergonomic precision with artisanal finesse, showcasing an intricate wrought-iron frame doubling as a sculptural artform. The sumptuous cushioning invites repose, while the wrought iron finishing gives a distinctly industrial feel, guaranteed to create interesting contrasts in any setting. The Officina Collection boasts a unique, imperfect elegance, standing as an enduring emblem of refined relaxation.
The Stampa Dining Chair by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Kettal, combines refined aluminium craftsmanship with minimalist design codes. The chair’s perforated goblet frame effortlessly straddles comfort and durability; crafted through precise punching techniques, the calyx-shaped metal shell ensures both aesthetic appeal and resilience. Designed to evolve gracefully over time, the Stampa Dining Chair seamlessly blends innovative craftsmanship with timeless style, making it a sophisticated addition to any outdoor dining setting.
Challenge your perspective and elevate your surroundings with this selection of refined masterpieces. From the captivating and colourful to the big, bold, and brilliant, these are the most sought-after pieces to add to your collection.
The Art Market
Our Editors’ Picks
Abbey eyes seeing the back of the head neurons firing regret by Dale Frank, 2008 $155,000, Varnish on linen, 2000 x 2600mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
KORE TAITARA 2 by Jon Tootill, 2023, $9,000, Acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 1300mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Esk River I (after Gabrielle) by Kate van der Drift, 2023, $4,700, C-type photograph, framed, edition of 5 + 2AP, 1090 x 875mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Ripple (edition of 3) by Josephine Cachemaille, 2023, $850, Cast bronze, 80 x 160mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Briefly Gorgeous by Natasha Wright, 2023, $26,000, Oil on canvas, 1219 x 914mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Motif Architype by Ramon Robertson, 2023, $4,200, Plaster, concrete & steel rods, 720 x 220 x 170mm From Föenander Galleries
Pink Forest Blue Pool by Paul Davies, 2022, $20,000, Acrylic on canvas, 1220 x 910mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
Composition 10: with notations, additions and subtractions by Hugo Koha Lindsay, 2023, $2,800, Synthetic polymer and graphite compound on cotton duck, 450 x 600mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
Untitled Study by Nick Herd, 2024, $5,800, Oil on Canvas, 610 x 510mm From Föenander Galleries
His Mumbling by Sasha Mariana, 2023, $1,500, Charcoal on canvas, 604 x 802mm From Kaukau
Rock Melon Pop by Max Patté, 2023, $56,000, 1618 Diameter x 72mm, 90kgs, Automotive paint, acrylic paints, clear cast acrylic, epoxy resin, clear coat custom board, 2 way glass mirror, leds, 24v power supply, electrical cable, 240v plug From Lightworx Gallery
According to Pharrell Williams, “Jewellery is the punctuation mark of a person.” And given the megastar’s storied (and well-documented) history of trend-defining adornment, we’d say punctuation is something he takes very seriously indeed. In his debut collection for Tiffany and Co., dubbed ‘Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams’, the newly-instated men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton has tapped into his unmatched creative prowess to design a body of work that defies the conventions of fine jewellery, and lives up to its mighty moniker.
Williams called on ancient Greek mythology when conceiving the 19-piece collection, looking to Poseidon’s trident for inspiration. The resulting designs are an expression of energy, power and force, centralising the trident motif, juxtaposed by a uniquely shaped link that is curved and soft against the sharpness of the spear. “I’m very inspired by the water, and the name of this collection “Titan” draws inspiration from Poseidon, ruler of the sea, King of Atlantis.” muses Williams, drawing attention to the fact that Atlantis is also the name of the community where he grew up in Virginia Beach.
Across an array of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, the structure of the trident is enlivened with spear-like spikes, almost punkish in design — available in 18k yellow gold or a deep, dark titanium with all metal and diamond iterations. The pavé pieces offer an unexpected twist on traditional settings, featuring reverse-set diamonds that expose the diamond’s pavilion, with many of the designs offering a unique riff on the ever-iconic Tiffany Lock.
Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams medium link clasp necklace in 18k yellow gold with pavé diamond
The titanium used across several designs sits in stunning contrast to the lustre of gold, making an impactful statement, and a carefully-considered one at that, “The detail in all of the jewellery pieces is very intentional, the use of black titanium…it’s a physical manifestation of beauty in blackness.” Williams reveals. While the technical precision in each piece is intended to move with the wearer, further showcasing the House’s commitment to flawless craftsmanship.
“We are excited to unveil Pharrell’s inaugural collection for Tiffany. The Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection defies the conventions of fine jewellery design. It represents a balance of Pharrell’s creative vision with Tiffany & Co.’s inventive craftsmanship,” said Alexandre Arnault, Executive Vice President, Product, Communications and Industrial, Tiffany & Co. “Each piece embodies Pharrell’s distinct style and unique point of view.”
Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams is available now in the US (exclusively on tiffany.com and in-person at The Landmark in New York City), with the collection available to shop globally at Tiffany & Co. stores and on tiffany.com from June.
Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams
Our Editors’ Picks
Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams medium link clasp necklace in 18k yellow gold with pavé diamond
Bracelet in Titanium, Gold and Diamonds from Tiffany & Co.
Five-row Ringin Gold with Diamonds from Tiffany & Co.
Clasp Necklace in Gold with Diamonds from Tiffany & Co.
Pendant in Titanium and Yellow Gold from Tiffany & Co.
Titan Medium Earrings in Gold with Diamonds from Tiffany & Co.
Medium Link Station Bracelet in Gold from Tiffany & Co.
Ring in Titanium and Gold with a Diamond from Tiffany & Co.
Earrings in Titanium, Gold and Diamonds from Tiffany & Co.
Words Sjaan Askwith | PHOTOS Jono Parker & Jake Dennis | 8 May 2024
“Our overall goal is to create one of Australasia’s most iconic offerings,” says Callum O’Brien, co-founder of Queens Rooftop & Wineshop (or ‘Queens’), a landmark new restaurant and bar within the Commercial Bay precinct with 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, “A rooftop site on the waterfront in the heart of New Zealand’s biggest city was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”
If the entrance is anything to go by, revellers can expect the unexpected at this future institution, which is accessed via Queens Wine Shop off Te Komititanga (the new public square at the harbour end of Queen Street). Past the towering shelves of hand-selected local and international wines sits a storeroom housing a private elevator, ready to transport guests up to the 21st floor. Doors open into the sprawling eatery and terrace beyond, with its unrivalled vantage point, and warm, elegant dining space that instantly immerses guests in a lively ambience.
Right: Market Oysters
Conceived by hospitality veterans Callum O’Brien, Andrew Roborgh, and Kristian Lloydd (the trio who established Saint Alice and Dr Rudi’s at Viaduct Harbour), and new partners Reuben Ruscoe (Queens’ General Manager) and Maia Atvars (Queens’ Head Chef), Queens is starting on strong footing, with the clever cohort pooling their diverse experience to create something truly exceptional that is already proving a hotly-anticipated addition to Auckland’s diverse dining scene.
The thoughtful space was designed by Melbourne’s Techne Architects (the team behind the likes of Tonka, Garden State Hotel, and The Espy) with support from Warren and Mahoney, and it’s clear that the vision — to create something approachable yet worldly and sophisticated, has been realised to stunning effect. Here, unfussy polished wooden flooring meets textured walls, impeccably-crafted shelving, and simple but chic leaners and tables topped with a deep rust marble, complimented by light olive seating with a sculptural edge. The bar area is bedecked in a stunning teal panelling that curves upwards to wrap the ceiling, while a clever mix of materials (from striking marble, to cream tiles and slick panelled wooden shelving) creates a warm, elevated vibe.
Queens breathtaking view
When dining on the terrace, the view undoubtedly takes centre stage. “When you walk out on the rooftop, it’s breathtaking,” O’Brien tells us, “The terrace wraps right around the outside of the building, so there are uninterrupted views east to the Coromandel, to the north and the west to the Waitakere Ranges.” But the Queens team want to make clear that, while the outlook is undoubtedly magic, a striking vista isn’t the only thing on offer. “It was important to us to create a concept that was equally as impressive as the view,” O’Brien tells me, “We want Queens to be the best hospitality spot in New Zealand, and instead of relying on the view, we have gone all out to create a venue that is special in its own right.”
Left: Pork Belly ‘sando’
Housed within the recently completed high-rise which the InterContinental Auckland also calls home, Queens’ prime position makes it one of Auckland’s most convenient and central spots for every occasion, further adding to its allure. From breakfast meetings to long lunches, celebratory feasts and nightcaps, or simply a place to take in Auckland’s stunning surrounds, the all-day menu makes for a reliable go-to, right in the centre of the city. “We want everyone to feel welcome, relaxed and at home,” says O’Brien, “It’s a place you can book for a special occasion, but also a spot you can pop into for a quick beer and snack,” “We have tried to create an approachable space that can be enjoyed as much for formal occasions as it can for something more casual.” he continues.
Left to right: Calamari & Pork Belly, Negroni and Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters
Right: Rocket salad and Slow Cooked leeks
When it comes to the food, the menu is approachable yet refined, offering both worldly delights and local fare — often blending the two to stunning effect. Maia Atvars (ex-Depot, Saint Alice, Hotel Ponsonby) heads up the kitchen team, and has crafted a menu that screams contemporary European, and caters to not only every occasion, but every taste and proclivity too. Standouts include the duck breast confit leg with kumara hoisin, cucumber with cherry jus, and butter lettuce, and line-caught snapper schnitzel with peas and a caviar beurre blanc. There’s also calamari and smoked pork belly skewers with a tangy green olive and shallot dressing, Cloudy Bay popcorn clams with spicy salt, and a panko-crumbed pork belly milk bun sando with Japanese gravy (which is a favourite of O’Briens, alongside Maia’s take on pāua croquettes which are “incredible”). In addition, a raw bar will hero the freshest seafood from around Aotearoa, while The Seafood Tower is sure to become an instant cult favourite, featuring an array of freshly caught delicacies from oysters to crayfish, clams, kina, pāua, sashimi, and more.
Calamari & pork belly
The drinks at both Queens Rooftop and Queens Wine Shop follow a similar ethos, calling on both local and international flavours to offer something unique. Reuben Ruscoe (ex-Dr. Rudi’s, Saint Alice) has developed an envelope-pushing drinks offering for both the bar and the wine shop. At Queens, creative cocktails draw inspiration from global trends whilst utilising contemporary techniques and fresh, seasonal New Zealand produce, while, when it comes to the beer and wine offering, you’ll find familiar favourites on tap alongside a host of local craft beers, and an extensive list of fine wines (including a selection of premium champagnes). Downstairs in the wine shop, you’ll find a diverse offering from heralded regions globally, O’Brien tells us, “Whether you’re interested in picking up some fine Champagne, floral Italian Fiano, or a robust Australian red, you’ll find it here, not to mention a great range of stalwart NZ producers that continually showcase what an amazing wine-growing region we have.”
Much-loved DJ Jono Bougen (aka Jon Boogie) is in charge of the entertainment, curating a roster of genre-pushing talent promising to set the musical scene throughout the week.
Two years in the making, with a notable team at the helm and one of the best spots in the city, Queens has all the makings of a future icon. In O’Brien’s words, “At Queens Rooftop and Wine Shop, you’ll find what we think is a pretty special venue, serving delicious eats and drinks with 270-degree views, a raw bar featuring the freshest kaimoana, and a rotation of local DJs spinning vinyl — all the ingredients of a place you want to spend hours at.” Watch this space.
Known for holding some of the country’s most coveted bottles in its expansive cellar, Somm Cellar Door has quickly solidified itself as a revered local authority on wine. This month, the chic destination has a new guest in residence — stalwart New Zealand winery, Church Road, and we’re giving away an exclusive dining experience for two.
With a month-long line-up of exclusive offers, there are more reasons than ever to visit Somm, with bespoke Church Road wine flights, a special set menu thoughtfully created around the prestige TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, and an unmissable wine tasting event with Church Road’s Chief Winemaker Chris Scott.
Church Road set menu
Celebrate the residence with a special set menu, created with Church Road’s lauded TOM wine in mind. Here, a glass of 2019 Church Road TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (from the cellar) is served with a delectable Carrara Wagyu sirloin with Hawke’s Bay jus, chimichurri, shoestring fries, and rosemary salt, which beyond being delicious, presents a unique opportunity to try a wine that is seldom available by the glass. The Guest in Residence set menu is $75pp and is available until Sunday, June 2nd.
Church Road’s Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott
Or, if you consider yourself a bit of a wine connoisseur (or you’d like to become one), secure a spot at a wine tasting with Church Road’s Chief Winemaker, Chris Scott. Known as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated winemakers, having been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Winestate Magazine five times, Scott will be pouring some of his favourite Church Road wines while sharing insight into their nuances. In each tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to experience four of Church Road’s most exceptional vintages while feasting on a delectable spread from Somm’s clever culinary team, with the option to purchase the wines to take home and enjoy further post-event.
Church Road wine flight
And if it’s simply a taste of one of the country’s oldest and most-loved wine regions that appeals, make sure to request one of the curated Church Road wine flights when you’re next visiting.
Somm’s reputation as one of the preeminent and most delicious wining and dining spots in the city is further solidified with this new Guest in Residence, bringing a taste of Hawke’s Bay to central Auckland, offering city-siders more than a few ways to fill their May dining agendas.
For your chance to win an exclusive dining experience for two and sample Somm’s exceptional Guest in Residence set menu, enter below.
The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new spring exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, that plays muse. The associated dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’, taking inspiration from a 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard, whose narrative centres on a dwindling garden of flowers with the ability to slow down time. Attendees donned their botanic-inspired and dystopian-esque interpretations, some taking the story’s inspiration more literally than others (we’re looking at you, Zendaya), while others leaned into the Sleepy Beauty motif wholeheartedly.
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.
Met Gala 2024
Our Editors’ Picks
Anna Wintour Wearing custom Loewe
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky Wearing Tom Ford and (Elsa wearing) Bulgari jewellery
Bad Bunny Wearing custom Maison Margiela and Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses
Demi Moore wearing Harris Reed and Cartier High Jewellery
Jennifer Lopez Wearing custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. High Jewellery
Kylie Jenner Wearing custom Oscar de la Renta
Gigi Hadid Wearing Thom Browne
Kendall Jenner Wearing archive Givenchy 1999
Greta Lee Wearing Loewe
Tyla Wearing Balmain
Karlie Kloss Wearing custom Swarovski
Omar Apollo Wearing Loewe
Dua Lipa Wearing Marc Jacobs and Tiffany & Co. jewellery
Mindy Kaling Wearing Gaurav Gupta
Madelyn Cline wearing custom Tommy Hilfiger
Emily Ratajkowski Wearing Atelier Versace FW01 Haute Couture
Riley Keough Wearing Chanel
Kaia Gerber Wearing custom Prada and Tiffany & Co. Jewellery
Lana Del Rey Wearing custom Alexander McQueen
Nicholas Galitzine Wearing Fendi
Lana DelLil Nasx Wearing custom Luar (covered in 50,000 Swarovski crystals)
Rebecca Ferguson Wearing Thom Browne
Irina Shayk Wearing custom Swarovski
Elle Fanning Wearing Balmain and Cartier jewellery
Zendaya Wearing Maison Margiela Couture and Bulgari Jewellery
Naomi Campbell Wearing custom Burberry
Nicole Kidman Wearing iconic 1950s couture gown by Cristobal Balenciaga — albeit, a recreation
Anok Yai Wearing custom Swarovski
Kim Kardashian Wearing custom Maison Margiela Couture
If, like us, you’ve left planning for Mother’s Day a little late this year, don’t panic. There’s a one-stop shop that offers not only everything you could possibly want when it comes to gifting, but a host of exceptional restaurants to treat Mum to a tasty meal out too.
We’re talking, of course, about Commercial Bay — the vibrant shopping and dining precinct in the heart of the city brimming with exceptional eateries, a number of boutiques and gift stores, a florist, a chocolatier, and everything else you need to pull off a Mother’s Day for the books.
Here, we round up where to dine, shop, and find incredible deals sure to make Mum’s day.
Fashion lore credits Celine’s recognisable Triomphe logo to a minor car accident in Paris in the 1970s. So what is the story behind this sought-after icon? And how has it impacted the house of Celine?
The year was 1973 and Celine Vipiana, founder of the now-iconic fashion house that carries her name, had just been in a minor collision on the Place de l’Etoile when she noticed a motif adorning the chain around the outside of the Arc de Triomphe. It was a moment that would change the visual identity of her brand forever. Fascinated by the subtle inverted ‘C’ link, Vipiana allegedly reached out to the City of Paris to seek permission to adapt the symbol as her house emblem, and soon, it was emblazoned across labels, on pieces of ready-to-wear clothing and on sought-after bags and accessories.
Celine winter 23
Known then as the ‘Blazon Chaîne’, the symbol quickly gained icon status. Not only did it represent the deep ties between Celine and the city in which it was founded but it also spoke to the maison’s intrinsic spirit of victory and resilience, respect for history and timeless sophistication. It was a subtle marker of status, embodying that simple but undeniable nod to luxury that the French do so well. And it persisted for a number of seasons before eventually (and unfortunately) falling out of Celine’s collections altogether.
In fact, it wasn’t until fairly recently that the Blazon Chaîne was pulled from the archives of Celine to be given a new life as the ‘Triomphe’, gaining fresh meaning in the context of contemporary, 21st Century fashion, and bridging the gap between Celine’s rich history and its hugely impactful role as a forward-thinking player in the industry today.
Celine Victoire bag available in-store at Faradays
Back in 2018, when Hedi Slimane took the reins of Celine, the designer meticulously studied the maison and its origins in search of inspiration for his creative direction. There, in the brand’s archive, he realised that he was sitting on a piece of fashion gold; a symbol that hadn’t been utilised in nearly five decades, but that spoke perfectly to the unique vision that Slimane was bringing to this storied brand.
“The Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine… and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
In Celine’s Spring 2019 show, titled ‘Paris La Nuit’, Slimane reintroduced the logo as the ‘Triomphe’ and adorned a series of simple, chic handbags with the icon as a gold clasp, a move that not only reinstated its standing as one of the maison’s central motifs, but that marked the start of what can only be described as the Triomphe era. Truly it was a pivotal, full-circle moment for Celine. The Triomphe exemplified Slimane’s sophisticated eye, as well as his commitment to honouring the brand’s history while anchoring it firmly within the contemporary landscape. With the Triomphe, the designer managed to both reaffirm Celine’s status as a leader in the luxury field, and remind everyone of the richness of its past.
Celine Triomphe cap available in-store at Faradays
It also, almost immediately, birthed a new ‘It’ bag. Very quickly, Slimane’s Triomphe design became one of the fashion set’s most sought-after styles, and since its introduction in 2019, its cache as a coveted symbol for luxury and refined design has only continued to grow.
According to Constance von Dadelszen, Creative Director of Faradays (the exclusive New Zealand stockist of Celine ready-to-wear) the brand’s Triomphe pieces, particularly accessories like belts, and any clothing that features the logo will sell out as soon as they hit the store, von Dadelszen explaining how the Triomphe speaks to such a wide cross-section of their customers and can look as modern as it can classic, depending on who is wearing it and how it is styled. “I think the Triomphe emblem offers a perfect balance between the history of Celine (I have a number of early-era Celine vintage pieces in my collection which feature the marque), and the idea of commercial iconography that creates sell-out items each season.”
Chic, timeless and imbued with history, Celine’s Triomphe logo is more than just an undeniably successful selling point for the brand. It is a symbol of Celine’s values, a representation of its Parisian origins and a testament to the ways in which Hedi Slimane’s clever creative strategy continues to drive the brand forward.
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