1. Solar power
A couple of weeks ago, we found ourselves doing sun salutations in Sala’s new Solar Room for an event, and to say it’s taken up residence in our minds when we need a little mental stillness ever since would be an understatement. The multidisciplinary movement studio based in Auckland’s popular suburb of Ponsonby has recently entered a new phase to become a full wellness mecca by doubling its physical space to host a new reformer Pilates studio, healing room, concept store and a community co-working space. Driven by increasing post-pandemic demand for holistic health, unwinding and connecting, this is one change we can feel positive about.
“The Solar room is inspired by the light of illumination that radiates in all of us and embodies everything SALA represents as a community,” says Sala Founder Sarah Lindsay. The new Solar room houses Yoga, Meditation and more restorative classes. The space features cork flooring and a custom light experience by Award winning designer, Angus Muir. As for the co-working space we will undoubtedly be frequenting? This space is complete with a kitchen offering koha Kōkako coffee, tea and cacao, with all proceeds going towards a different charity each quarter. Their first charity is Birthright, which supports single-parent families. “Whilst creating these spaces, we questioned how we transform the energy of our movement practices into social action to benefit our wider communities” says Founder Sarah Lindsay.
Book now at sala.studio
2. Fine wine
The brand who brought us ‘slow skincare’ with formulations taking up to three-weeks to create has added a third product to their lineup: Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser. Having amassed a cult-following with their Active Botanical Serum and Active Treatment Essence which are inspired by the processes used in winemaking, the Active Renewal Cleanser completes the minimalist set. At the heart of the formula is Vintner’s Daughter’s proprietary three-week-long, whole-plant Phyto Radiance Infusion that uniquely delivers full-spectrum nutrition to the skin with every use. Combining an innovative 2-in-1 cleanse which thoroughly removes makeup, sunscreen and daily buildup, Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser visibly brightens, balances and energises skin. Made from 100% natural ingredients, not only is this cleanser suitable for all skin types, but it’s also B Corp certified, cruelty-free and vegan.
Available exclusively in New Zealand in store and online at The Tonic Room. 115ml, RRP $175.
3. Square dance
Kathryn Wilson is bringing the energy we all need right now with her AW’23 collection which celebrates ‘the revival of events and the promise of good times ahead’. Including some beloved styles in dance floor-ready colourways and textures – including pleated textiles and metallic finished leathers in deep pinks, golds, and vibrant fuchsia – it’s all about joy and optimism. But it’s her exploration of deep chocolates and crisp creams for their more daily loafers, boots, and sneakers that we’re excited about. Always sleek, always versatile, yes, but with subtle updates to the hardware of heel details, we sense the brand is entering a new era.
Available now at kathrynwilson.com
4. Winter bloom
Fashion is in the midst of a seismic shift: florals are no longer reserved for spring and colour is seemingly more favourable than black. For New Zealanders under the age of 75, embracing these sartorial cues can feel daunting… Which is why we’re loving Helen Cherry’s drop for autumn which breaks away from ‘seasonality’ and offers a capsule of timeless suiting and feminine layers. Colours are there, but they’re subdued; so, too are dark foundational pieces that perform like black without the severity. In short, this collection is your gateway to embracing fashion’s directional pivot (without abandoning your sense of style). Edgy yet elegant, Helen Cherry has juxtaposed painterly prints with tomboy-inspired silhouettes in a wash of jewel tones for truly understated glamour.
Available online and exclusively at Workshop. Visit workshop.co.nz
5. Spring fling
On the topic of florals, every year, Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates nature to symbol new beginnings. And with our current issue’s days numbered on the shelves, we’re all about new beginnings (hello, FQ Autumn Issue). The iconic Maison has enhanced their Lucky Spring collection with four new pieces: two pendants, a between-the-finger ring and a bracelet. The creations are steeped in poetry, combining gentle floral and animal motifs with the brilliance of ornamental stones to express the grace of awakening nature. In the Northern hemisphere, this feels fitting for spring, but for us, it’s about embracing the dualities of nature: it can be soft, beautiful and kind, but also unpredictable and often out of our control. Not to mention, how stunning the combination of rose gold is with the Mother-of-Pearl in the florals. Sometimes, fashion is about functionality, and sometimes it’s just about having fun. And these new additions certainly satisfy the latter.
Discover the collection at vancleefarpels.com
