1. Delighted, darling
Come for the menu and stay for the atmosphere at Tāmaki Makaurau’s latest hotspot, Darling on Drake. Boasting one of the largest outdoor terraces in the city, the newly-opened bar and restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in a few post-work aperitifs this summer, with an impressive wine and drinks list that features some of your favourite cocktails on tap (Pornstar Martini, anyone?). The fit out, designed by the team at Mitchell Addison Architects (Duo, Culprit, Fort Greene), offers a lavish space reminiscent of a metropolitan bar, where diners can try out the tempting food menu while soaking up the chic interiors. Having already made a couple of visits ourselves, FQ can confirm that this is an idyllic spot to spend a sunny afternoon with good company.
Darling on Drake is open seven days a week at 27 Drake Street, Auckland. View the menu here.
2. Second skin
Lap up as many long, sunny days as you can while donning the latest line of chic and sunsafe swimwear from Australian label, Anjac. Born from the creative minds of Jacqui Alexander McKay and Ana Vemic — who met as the marketing and design leads at esteemed Australian denim label, Neuw Denim — Anjac is seeking to fill a gap in the existing swimwear market with their range of high-end, UV-protective ‘swimmables’ — a collection of SPF 50+ swim tops designed to be worn in the water and out on the town. Taking you from the beach to the bar, and everywhere in between, the brand’s swimmables are the ideal addition to your summer repertoire.
Shop the range now at anjac.com.au
3. Heart to heart
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and what better way to express your fondness for a loved one than by gifting them a pint-sized mini heart accessory from Sydney-based label, Saint Valentine? Arriving just in time for this romantic holiday, the brand’s new capsule collection draws its inspiration from the beloved verses of E. E. Cummings’ poem, ‘I Carry Your Heart with Me’, debuting three dainty styles including a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. Available in both gold and silver, each piece is designed to serve as an expression of affection for every love story.
The Mini Hearts collection is available now at saintvalentine.com
4. Wild Ryde
For 2024, Ruby is bringing together what’s old and what’s new in their first collection of the year, Ryder. Pairing fresh new styles like Paradiso, Trulli and Noella with second hand Ruby pieces contributed through the brand’s ‘Ruby Says Recycle’ program, the vision for Ryder is for shoppers to curate enduring wardrobes for life. Featuring a continuation of the brand’s collaboration with local artist Ryder Jones from Resort ‘23, you’ll find an assortment of lightweight styles to carry you through the rest of summer. Our top pick from the collection? The Ariel minidress — the ultimate cotton mini for all your al fresco soirees.
Ryder is available to shop in store and online now.
5. Putting on the ritz
In case you missed the memo in last week’s summer events round up, the quaint city of Napier is soon set to host the Art Deco Festival, a celebration of the exquisite infrastructure the location is so well known for. Running from the 15th to the 18th of February, the event is finally staging a return after three years of cancellations; and to help bring an added touch of glamour to the festivities, actress Antonia Prebble has been appointed as event’s chief costume officer. Hosting approximately 200 events over the course of the four days, including fashion shows and a Great Gatsby themed party, Prebble has sought to inspire prospective festival-goers by releasing a photo series of herself donning some of the glitzy and glamorous styles associated with the Jazz age. “I have been a fan of this era for a long time and own many Deco-inspired items myself,” says Prebble. “Everyone is encouraged to dress up, but I know it can be hard to know where to start!” With a selection of free and ticketed events up for grabs, it’s an occasion you definitely won’t want to miss if you have a flair for fashion or history.
Find out more or book tickets now at artdecofestival.co.nz
