Not only are Van Cleef & Arpels’ exquisite Snowflake pieces on the cover of our Winter Issue, but the historic French jewellery Maison has just opened the doors to its first New Zealand store — making its romantic designs and incomparable jewels readily available to us for the first time.
In anticipation of this recent opening, and as a way of celebrating the craftsmanship of this iconic brand, we photographed a selection of pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels’ high jewellery lines as part of our new issue cover shoot.
Paired perfectly with ready-to-wear by some of our favourite brands (from Dior to Louis Vuitton) these Van Cleef & Arpels pieces are utterly showstopping. You only have to peruse the images below to understand this Maison’s uniquely creative take on high jewellery.
Balancing the delicate with the dazzling and weaving precious stones into impossibly intricate designs, Van Cleef & Arpels has always been ahead of the game and looking at these images, it’s easy to see why.
Bouton d’or earrings, ring and bracelet from Van Cleef & Arpels. Golden cady dress from Fendi.
Magic Alhambra long necklace, 16 motifs and Magic Alhambra Between the Finger ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. GLITTER KNIT MINI DRESS from Louis Vuitton.
Once again embarking on our effort to highlight the best of the best in local hospitality, our new Winter Issue delivers the highly-anticipated results of our Hospo Heroes awards, in association with American Express. Peruse the winners and the honourable mentions in each category — voted by you — for some winter dining inspiration. May it serve as a reminder that there really is no better time than the cold season to support our stellar hospitality industry and show appreciation to the people who continue to serve us with grace and warmth (despite the myriad challenges they have had to overcome in the last couple of years).
Elsewhere, we have rounded up the best in design, and the trends to know from the FW22 runways so that you may give your homes and looks a timely update. If you’re heading to the snow this winter, consult our in-depth ski-wear edit to ensure your first tracks make a bold first impression; or if you are using this season to re-think your wardrobe, look no further than our interview with Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman (of Camilla and Marc) who offer a Masterclass in style and business (and speak to the essential pieces everyone needs).
Alongside the curated line-up of things to wear and brands to know in our fashion pages, we have shone a particular light on Van Cleef & Arpels — celebrating the opening of its first store in New Zealand. Our cover shoot showcases some the brand’s most exquisite pieces of high jewellery paired with the latest ready-to-wear from the likes of Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Alexander Vauthier and Alaīa.
Over in our Wellbeing pages, writer Tess Patrick explores the benefits of Botox that go deeper than the surface, we reveal why Spring Spa’s latest spa concept has us booking plane tickets and we delve into the local perfume atelier reimagining how we wear fragrance.
And if it’s cultural inspiration you’re after, our detailed guide on what to read, watch and listen to while tucked up on the sofa will keep you entertained and totally engrossed. With the return of in-person events, we have also delved into some of the shows and exhibitions to book tickets to in the coming months.
Further afield, our Editor-in-Chief takes her regular food column, ‘My Year of Magical Eating’ to Queenstown with a whirlwind 48-hour eating extravaganza that documents some of the tastiest places and dishes in the area. If you’re heading south for the holidays, allow this in-depth guide to be your bible.
From design to fashion to beauty and wellbeing and of course, the very best food in Auckland and beyond, our new Winter Issue is designed to keep you in the know and help you navigate the season ahead with elegance and enthusiasm.
Sustainability and design have been dovetailing in their practices of late, with one informing the other to fulfil a brief that considers form, function and the future. The notion of sustainability is a concept now inherent in architecture and design, with many leading schools instilling this value in students from an undergraduate level. That said, there are a few pioneers in the space who have long embraced sustainable principles in their design practice, and whose work offers something of a blueprint for the future.
Thomas Bina Peyton Media Console.
Enter Thomas Bina, a celebrated American designer whose designs find solace in simplicity. His aesthetic is marked by slight and soft lines and where he differs from many of his contemporaries is that sustainability, for him, is the drawing board rather than simply an afterthought.
Thomas Bina Natal Media Console 3 tier; Thomas Bina Bridge Dining Table.
His use of reclaimed timber drives the sustainability element in a way that feels anything but rustic. Bina’s traditional designs offer a raw but refined aesthetic, one that is often attempted yet rarely executed. The result is beautiful, considered pieces that are just as suited to a simple, modern home as they are to a more sumptuous, layered interior.
Recently, new Thomas Bina has arrived at local purveyors of considered design, Frobisher and these are the pieces we’re coveting right now.
Nespresso’s World Explorations Range celebrates coffee cultures around the world, and encourages Nespresso devotees to enjoy their morning brew in different ways. The latest addition to this collection (one of four new coffees added) is the Limited-Edition Miami Espresso, inspired by the melting-pot culture of Miami.
Infused with the boldness and vibrancy of the Hispanic influence in this city, Nespresso’s new coffee delivers an intense roast and dark crema with peppery, tobacco-leaf aromas. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, do as Miami locals do and enjoy yours with brown sugar sprinkled on top. Or for a more conventional coffee, this blend makes the perfect cappuccino.
World Explorations Miami Espresso has been released as the first part of a limited-edition line-up with flavours that go from Miami to Paris to Istanbul and even Rio de Janeiro (a blend previously known as the Cafezinho do Brasil).
These cities are no coincidences either, they all embody a strong history of coffee in their own unique ways; from the first coffee merchants and coffeehouses of Istanbul, to Paris’ rich coffee culture which boasts more than 35,000 cafés and coffee-serving restaurants. Coffee drinking in Miami is deeply ingrained in the local culture, while Rio de Janeiro is part of the world’s largest coffee-producing country, Brazil.
While the limited-edition espresso is exactly that, limited, we’ve been enjoying the opportunity to step away from our usual brew and explore the tastes of Miami from the comfort of home.
For Mt. Eden locals, De Nada has been a long time coming. Located in the heart of the suburb’s village, it’s a space that has been drawing speculation from passers by on their daily commutes and now, after months of renovations, it is finally opening its doors. For the owners, it’s been a much longer wait (two years in fact), and they intend to celebrate accordingly.
De Nada is a new Mexican eatery and taco joint — aptly named after the common Spanish phrase for ‘you’re welcome’ — and it’s set to be a place where you can truly leave your worries at the door. From the funky fit-out to the the joyous drinks menu that puts a creative take on traditional Mexican cocktails, De Nada offers a convivial atmosphere that promises to set the perfect tone every time.
But as much as we love a margarita, it’s the food here that is the real drawcard. While the classic offering of sharing plates (platitos) will allow you to sample all the sumptuous flavours on the menu, there are still options for those who prefer to order just for themselves — think tacos, nachos and larger comidas. Of course, to experience the full effect of this menu, we recommend taking a bunch of friends and getting at least one of everything to share (and at least two servings of chimichangas for good measure).
Located directly next door to local favourite, Scarlett Slimms and Lucky, the team behind De Nada certainly know what they’re doing and who they’re doing it for and with a track record of excellent hospitality, we’re expecting De Nada’s offering to be delicious, memorable and fun.
Opening hours: Monday — Friday, 12pm until 12am Saturday — Sunday, 8am until 12am
For design purists, cordless lamps hold their own aesthetic power by removing the visual clutter of wires, and allowing the space for creativity to flourish.
Column table lamp by Norm Architects for Menu from Tim Webber, Dipping light table lamp by Jordi Canudas for Marset from ECC, Bellhop Table Lamp by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby for Flos from ECC.
Lafleur table lamp by Adriano Rachele for Slamp from Matisse, Clizia table lamp by Adriano Rachele for Slamp from Matisse, Carrie lamp by Norm Architects for Menu from Tim Webber.
Caret MF1 Portable Table Lamp by Matteo Fogale for &Tradition from Cult Design, Last Order lamp by Michael Anastassiades for Flos from ECC, Lucca Table Lamp by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition from Cult Design.
For those who can eat gluten without a care in the world, I envy you. I also warn that this article may be of little interest unless you’re planning a meal friends for whom gluten-laced food is a problem. But for my fellow diners who can’t indulge in gluten, knowing that your needs are still catered to throughout the city is paramount. No one likes to be the person who can’t go anywhere because of the food on offer, so we’ve uncovered the restaurants serving Auckland’s best gluten-free food (that your gluten-loving friends will adore too).
Faraday’s Bar The beautifully-appointed bar attached to Parnell’s Faradays, knows how to cater to the most discerning of diners, with elevated offerings unlike anywhere else in the city. Here, the superbly-crafted menu is mostly gluten-free, with sumptuous substitutes on offer for any dish that does contain gluten. It’s the finest of dining experiences for everyone — regardless of dietary requirement.
Azabu Where would we be without Azabu, one of the city’s favourite establishments? Gluten-free is often the norm here, and the fresh flavours and Japanese fare ranks as some of Auckland’s best.
Hello Beasty, Jervois Steak House.
Hello Beasty Viaduct Harbour’s beloved Hello Beasty serves up some of our favourite gluten-free dishes in the city. With a specialty menu, so your needs don’t feel amiss, you could spend days dining on these tasty offerings.
Jervois Steak House A simple steak done well is an easy, reliable option that manages to more than satisfy us every time. Renowned for serving some of the best in Auckland (and Queenstown, too), Jervois Steak House is an impressive option to add to your gluten-free dining agenda.
Pici K’ Road cult-favourite Pici is known for its pasta — the vice for many gluten-free folks. But they make their addictive offerings inclusive with homemade gluten-free alternatives, meaning you can indulge in the beloved cacio e pepe without a care in the world.
Honey Bones, Ahi.
Honey Bones This Grey Lynn brunch gem truly is a wonder. All menu foods can be made gluten-free if you need them, and the staff are only too happy to accommodate.
Ahi In all its fine glory, Ahi’s menu is renowned for being both innovative and delectable and decidedly delightful for those with a range of dietary requirements. Here, gluten-free dishes can be found in great abundance (although we suggest letting the kitchen know when you book).
The Butcher’s Son Generally speaking, if a kitchen knows how to cater for one dietary requirement, they’re pretty good at adapting for them all. Perhaps that’s why plant-based eatery, The Butcher’s Son’s gluten-free menu is just so good and is filled with delicious options.
Odettes, Giapo.
Odettes The Crown jewel of City Works Depot, Odettes, offers a menu that’s always accommodating. Here, most meals that aren’t already gluten-free can be made so easily, and it provides some of the city’s most beloved brunches.
Giapo It’s another little known secret that Giapo’s famed waffle cones are naturally gluten-free. This means that those who need to avoid gluten, need not compromise on deliciousness or be relegated to the use of a pottle and spoon.
INCA With two outposts now, this Peruvian-meets-Asian joint offers the best of the two cuisines and a dietary-friendly take on the menu. We love the Pacifica ceviche and the spicy tuna tostada (both dairy-free too).
Taco Medic, Masu.
Taco Medic Ponsonby Road’s taste of Mexico is a fiesta for all. The 100% gluten-free outpost (with a second venue coming soon) often has lines out the door and serves some of the most divine tacos in the city — we love the Kaimanga for vegan folks too.
Masu Skycity’s Masu is revered for Nic Watt’s fresh take on Japanese cuisine, but it’s a little-known secret that some of the best gluten-friendly foods in the city can be found here too.
Cafe Hanoi Those who have been gluten-free for a while will know how accommodating Asian cuisine can be. Although Cafe Hanoi is not purposely gluten-free, dishes are often accidentally so or can be made to cater to your needs. This is inspired, flavoursome dining at its best.
After the appointment of Gabriela Hearst as Creative Director at the heritage fashion Maison Chloé, the fashion set eagerly awaited the brand’s new era. Over the years, Chloé has retained its recognisable aesthetic, tied in with whimsical silhouettes and uber-feminine detailing. And where other houses made bold shifts, Chloé remained steadfast and true to its signature (and to the women it dressed).
With the world already having had a taste of Hearst’s offerings through her own, eponymous label, anticipation for how she would make her mark at Chloé was high. When the brand’s SS22 collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week, its arrival at Workshop couldn’t come soon enough.
From left: Lauren Lace Up Sneaker, Lilli Leather Slide, Nama Mesh Sneaker.
A simple way to add a touch of summer to winter days is with the Kattie Bag in Soft Tan. Featuring a refined, structured form and a braided handle, the juxtaposition is quintessentially Chloé. It’s perfectly paired with the Nama Sneaker — destined to elevate any classic look. And it’s in this sneaker where the creative direction of Hearst comes alive, showcasing her unique aesthetic and love for natural forms.
Also landing at Workshop straight from the runway is the Lilli Slide, a perfectly coquettish sandal that draws on athleisure foundations and one that is high on our wish list.
Marcie Shoulder Bag, Kattie Mini Shoulder Bag.
That said, where Hearst’s impact is most felt is in her approach to sustainability. It’s a question that underlies the industry at large — how will the world’s most revered design houses evolve into the future of fashion? And it is certainly one that Hearst has never shied away from.
Hearst’s bohemian approach and affinity for the sustainable draw on a childhood spent working on her father’s sheep ranch in Uruguay. And while her tenure at Chloé may be remembered for her designs, it will most certainly go down in history for her leadership in environmentally-friendly fashion, with the announcement of a goal to use 80% dead-stock fabric within three years and no virgin materials by 2022. In this alone, Chloé is paving a new path for considered luxury design.
Arguably the most prolific precious gem to exist, diamonds have long been synonymous with luxury. But recently, this recognisable stone has been given a decidedly more pared-back look. This modern interpretation of the glamour that diamonds are known for is resulting in pieces that are perfect for the contemporary woman and is making a strong case for adorning yourself in these stones everyday.
From Bulgari’s fine Serpenti Viper bracelet to Tiffany & Co.’s T1 ring, these diamond-set pieces will look as good with day-to-day denim as they will with showstopping occasional looks.
Temperatures have taken a turn, which in the Denizen office, usually signals the beginning of a recurring conversation around where to find coats and jackets that will keep us warm without sacrificing style. This year, however, we haven’t had to look far.
JH Down, the aptly timed collection of outerwear from the local fashion house Juliette Hogan, is equal parts warm and considered, and has been made in keeping with the kinds of elevated, timeless design this brand is known for.
JH Down Puffer Coat in Olive.
The collection is small but impactful, and comprises two styles of outerwear — a puffer jacket and a puffer coat — made from 100% recycled materials, including a recycled polyester outer (sturdy enough to withstand the elements) and a recycled duck down and feather inner. In a world plagued by textile waste, this sustainable twist is where the collection truly sets itself apart.
JH Down Puffer Jacket in Black.
Alongside classic, monochromatic options, this year the puffer styles have also been rendered in a sleek, olive colourway that promises to add some tonal inspiration to your winter wardrobe. The shape of this outerwear is gorgeous, too. Gone is the Michelin man aesthetic of puffers past, replaced with a sleek and totally wearable structure that is both flattering and functional — where high collared necks are both of-the-moment and practical. Each style also boasts a double zip and button closure to provide warmth against the season’s chilliest days.
Reimagining the puffers of old with an elevated twist, these new styles from JH Down really are the only outerwear you need this winter (and for seasons to come).
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