1. New direction
Abel’s latest fragrance, Black Anise, is set to shake up the natural perfume category. This sultry, moody scent replaces Grey Labdanum in the Wellington-based perfumer’s lineup and represents a new direction for the brand. Of the replacement founder Frances Shoemack says it’s in line with their ‘one in one out’ policy. “Our policy is there to ensure we only launch excellence (if you have to kill a darling), means that our collection is constantly improving (with the latest natural science and biotech), and is our way of taking a stance about the amount of “stuff” in the world,” she says. “It’s very hard to make a decision to say goodbye to a scent. Grey Labdanum is a beautiful scent with a strong following (we’ve found out just how strong since announcing we’ll be discontinuing it!), but it was the scent I felt we could modernise the most.”
Made in partnership with Master Perfumer Isaac Sinclair, Black Anise challenges the notion that plant-based fragrances must be light and airy. Instead, it offers a rich, complex, and daring alternative that will appeal to conscious consumers looking for a scent that is both non-toxic and sexy. Featuring a vibrant, smoky Amber, with star anise top notes, a black currant and cacao heart, and a tobacco base, this is a chic and nuanced option for the conscious consumer.
The scent itself has been in the pipelines for two years. “I knew I wanted something dark and edgy, but the creative process was very open from there and the scent evolved a lot throughout the creative process – ie. the dark fruit accord was a relatively late in the game experiment that we both adored.”
Black Anise will be available from April 20, 2023 online and in select stores nationwide.
2. In motion
It’s not too late to begin – or get back into – a healthy movement routine. This week we’re loving the new Choose Your Challenge program on offer led by expert Pilates trainer Kirsten King on Fluidform At Home. Introducing a second instructor, Hattie, this 21-day program offers six dynamic workouts with over 60 combinations to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this challenge allows you to personalise your experience by choosing your own focus and intensity. And if a particular workout isn’t feeling right, you can switch things up on the fly.
Learn more or join the challenge at fluidformpilates.com
3. One step ahead
After more than 30 years stocking some of the most coveted international shoe labels, sisters Liz Savage and Pip Larner of Scarpa are releasing their first ever in-house footwear collection for winter 2023. The collection will feature 15 styles, with each pair drawing inspiration from the sisters’ family, the women around them in the fashion footwear industry, and their devoted customer base. In true Scarpa style, the capsule collection has been produced with a small, family-owned footwear factory in Tuscany, underpinning the brand’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. Each pair is made in a hand-to-order system ensuring that minimal waste is produced during their production. With styles like metallic slingback heels and classic black loafers among the collection’s offerings, we’re adding everything to our cart!
View the winter 2023 collection at scarpa.co.nz. Scarpa the Label is available to shop from April 21, 2023.
4. Colour me happy
Staging a jewellery takeover, vibrant hues including brilliant pink, light blue lake, apple green, bright violet, and golden yellow have emerged in Karen Walker’s latest collection. There are two pairs of hoop earrings and five rings crafted in 9 carat yellow gold, 9 carat rose gold, sterling silver, and gold plate options. Inspired by an artist’s studio, COLOURS transports you to an artistic world of luxury and sophistication.
Karen Walker’s COLOURS collection is available from April 19, 2023 in all Karen Walker stores, on karenwalker.com, and in select boutiques, department stores, and jewellers.
5. Dynamic duo
Right on queue for Mother’s Day gifting, Chloe Zara has produced a beautiful bundle of her top performing products to create the ultimate at-home beauty ritual for a transformative effect in your hair health: the scalp facial. Similar to a skin facial, it involves deep cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising to get rid of buildup, reduce inflammation, and promote strong, glossy hair. With Chloe’s twenty years of experience as a hairstylist, she has developed a plant-based ‘scalp facial’ that uses efficacious ingredients to slough away product build-up, dead skin, and increase blood circulation to stimulate hair follicle health and growth. The Chloe Zara Scalp Facial is designed to be used at home, using a few simple steps in 30 minutes. The treatment starts by combining the Chloe Zara Silk Hair Balm and Hair & Body Perfume Oil and evenly applying to the scalp and hair. You then spend about three to five minutes massaging the product into the scalp and leaving the hair mask on for 30 minutes before rinsing and completing your normal hair routine.
The Chloe Zara Scalp Facial Kit is $185. Available online at chloezara.com and select stockists around Aotearoa from April 19, 2023.
