1. TROPIC THUNDER
With at least one stunner of a weekend now under our belts, it’s safe to say we are stripping off our spring layering pieces and embracing spaghetti straps and high hemlines in the name of flaunting what our mama gave us. Coming in hot with their first drop of Resort 2022 which heroes ‘Kata’, the big, bold floral print of our dreams, Ruby has, as usual, understood the assignment with the halter-neck Kata silk slip, crinkle mini dress, silk wrap mini skirt, and long-sleeve silk shirt for the ultimate co-ord moment. Also featuring summery linen pieces in shades of pink and crisp white, Ruby Resort 2022 is an invitation to start the end of year celebrations early, save anything arduous for the new year and say yes to whatever fills your cup.
Shop Ruby’s Resort collection online and instore.
2. GIN CITY
As much an object d’art as they are a bar cart essential for the discerning gin lover, you’ll know local luxury gin brand Exhibit A for its distinctive cylindrical ceramic bottles with spherical stoppers. Now, the original black and white bottles will be complemented by a very exclusive range of handmade blown glass versions in collaboration with Auckland glass artists, Monmouth Studios. Taking inspiration from contemporary perfume flagons as well as more traditional Murano glass designs, Exhibit A founder Sara Bruce worked with Monmouth’s Isaac Katzoff and Stephen Bradbourne to create “the most beautiful glass gin bottle in the world”. Available now for pre-order, the bottles come in two variations with three different stopper options, and are custom made in a variety of dazzling jewel tones, for a result that’s as unique as you.
Discover Exhibit A’s limited edition collaboration with Monmouth Studios.
3. FLOWER POWER
Launched in 2019 by Aila Morgan Guthrie, Hands in the Dirt is a flower seller at the forefront of the sustainable floristry industry. Situated on a 12-acre farm in Ahuroa Valley, Aila grows select, seasonal flower varieties in smaller numbers following regenerative principles, working with the seasons to grow and harvest environmentally friendly flowers that are beloved for all their quirks and imperfections. And beloved they are – having been stocked exclusively at Tessuti for the past three years, Aila’s wild and wonderful bouquets have amassed a loyal customer base. So much so that Hands in the Dirt is expanding, with a second Auckland outpost at Little Rosie cafe in Parnell now open on Tuesdays and Saturdays, so you can get your coffee and flower fix all in one place.
Find Hands in the Dirt’s sustainable flowers at Parnell’s Little Rosie café.
4. SO SAVAGE
An event equivalent to fashion’s Superbowl, whose hotly anticipated half-time show she is headlining in February, Rihanna’s annual Savage x Fenty presentation took place this week and the fierce looks, live music, and size- and gender-inclusive lingerie did not disappoint. Choreographed as in previous years by Aotearoa’s Parris Goebbel – fresh from an Emmy win for her work on Savage x Fenty Volume 3 – this year’s 40-minute show featured models of the moment Lara Stone, Slick Woods, Precious Lee, Irina Shayk, musical numbers by Ricky Martin, Normani, Erykah Badu and Daddy Yankee, and a non-stop visual candyshop of racy intimates for all to enjoy, be it at home with your significant other(s), whenever you’re in the mood for some me-time, or as the reigning queen of boudoir dressing would have it, out and about, layered under or over your wardrobe go-tos for an empowered everyday look.
Watch Savage x Fenty Volume 4 on Amazon Prime.
5. GETTING WAVY
A very special stocking filler or the perfect pre-Christmas gift-to-self to help you battle the next few weeks of fluorescent mall lighting in style? We’ll let you be the judge, we’re just here to provide the details of this latest release from Karen Walker Eyewear that’s got the FQ team going googly-eyed. A subtle variation of the classic cat-eye silhouette, the True North Wave takes the original True North’s wide, squared off shape and energises it with a touch of ’70s psychedelia. Think on-trend hues of orange, brown and blush layered along the retro wavy arms, and vintage brown lenses for an ultra-nostalgic, sepia toned holiday. In fact, forget Christmas shopping. Pack your Polaroid camera and we’ll see you at the beach.
Shop Karen Walker’s True North Wave Sundown Triple online here.
