1. Sunny side up
Texture, texture, texture is the name of the game in Deadly Ponies’ latest Resort collection. Hand-woven suede in soft oat gives the Vault Tote and Clutch an intricate finish, while velvety nubuck arrives in sunflower, an orange bright enough to bring summer forward. The Rush Capsule returns in natural raffia and black leather, from a tall carryall to a reworked Bandit and a curved Mini Sling, made for warmer days. Find it online and in stores now.
2. Honey, we’re home
Back in January, when RUBY closed its High Street store, the promise was a quick ta ta for now rather than goodbye. Now it’s official, the city centre is getting its comeback. A temporary new home has opened at 125 Queen Street, styled by Emma Harkness and timed as the CRL brings fresh energy to the CBD. Come along, say hello and soak up the new space!
3. Sleep on it
RAESO is wrapping its circadian science for the festive season with two limited-edition gift sets. The 3-Step Overnight Facial brings a spa night home through travel-sized Golden Nectar Mānuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser, Tranquillity Water Activating Mist and Lunar Veil Chrono-Active Sleep Mask, all in a vegan-leather bag for $105. Smaller but no less lovely, the Sculpt & Lift Mini Ritual pairs the award-winning Golden Nectar with a gua sha tool inside a bauble made for Christmas morning, at $39. The perfect treat for anyone who deserves a little respite from the December rush.
Launching on 23 October raesoskin.com.
4. Well travelled
Raglan painter Sam Mathers is opening his studio this Labour Weekend, unveiling a series of large-scale paintings finished in glassy epoxy that truly comes alive in person. Part illustrated travel journal, each piece measures 1.5 metres square and layers landmarks, quirky details, slang and currencies from around the world with scratches, drips and weathered marks, rewarding anyone who looks closely. Head to 536 Wainui Road from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October.
Entry is free, with more details at sammathers.com.
5. Recovery mode
Ice baths have gone from extreme to everyday, and Les Mills is leaning into it. Its Auckland City flagship now has a 100 square metre recovery space, with a cold plunge for ten and expanded saunas seating more than twenty each. Free for members and accessed straight from the changing rooms, it opens on 23 October.
