This week, the FQ team gathered to toast the launch of our newly released ‘Ambition’ issue with another blissful sleepover. Join us as we relive 24-hours of pampering and festivities with a special group of women at the picturesque Hilton Auckland.
9:30 AM – A stylish arrival with Lexus
We arrived at Hilton Auckland, where the concierge seamlessly took our bags, allowing us to slip into one of two sleek Lexuses (the Lexus LS500h Limited and the Lexus RX 350h Premium) that whisked us away to our first appointment of the day.
10:00 AM – The ultimate hair refresh with Kérastase
No true sleepover is complete without a beauty session. We arrived at Commercial Bay where Rodney Wayne and Kérastase were ready to breathe new life into our locks. A personalised hair ritual and expert blow wave later, and we were officially refreshed, revived, and camera-ready.
11:30 AM – Harbour views and FQ autumn reads
Back at Hilton Auckland, it was time to check into our harbourside rooms, where floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline and Waitemata Harbour provided the perfect backdrop for a leisurely moment with the latest issue of Fashion Quarterly. But, all thoughts of lush king-sized beds and harbour views were put on hold as the famed FQ Sleepover gift bag was waiting. This season’s gifiting included hand-selected products from Kérastase to nourish and revitalise our hair, a sleepwear set from Wallace Cotton, skincare essentials from La Roche-Posay, a stylish scarf from Artifact and a bottle of Roku gin.
3:30 PM – A skincare masterclass with La Roche-Posay
Next up was a bespoke La Roche-Posay consultation with Dr Mark Lawrence. From expert SPF recommendations to tailored insights on transitioning your skincare for autumn, we emerged with a newfound appreciation for skin health.
Now, with the afternoon stretching luxuriously ahead, we embraced the slower pace, and took some time to read and refresh before getting ready for an evening of celebrations.
6:00 PM – Cocktail hour at Bellini Bar
Cue the clink of ice against glass. We gathered at Bellini Bar, where newly revealed skincare secrets were shared and compared as celebrations officially kicked off with a bespoke Roku gin cocktail, crafted exclusively for the occasion. But, the real fun started when we tried our hand at bartending with a cocktail making class run by a Roku gin mixologist. Some pours were more precise than others, but every guest’s final creation — a refreshing Momiji Fizz — was equally delicious. Kanpai!
7:00 PM – A taste of local luxury
Cocktails in hand, we headed upstairs to FISH Restaurant where we were treated to a curated selection of Whitestone Cheese. Here we marvelled at the beautiful “cheese cake” (one of the highlights of the night) while we indulged in the rich, creamy flavours of New Zealand’s finest artisanal offerings. The perfect prelude to dinner.
7:30 PM – An exclusive first taste at FISH Restaurant
Dinner at FISH Restaurant was no ordinary affair. We gathered around a candlelit table adorned with Amaranthus and champagne coupe’s courtesy of Slow Store where Editor-in-Chief Sarah Murray opened the meal with a toast to another successful issue, as we raised our glasses in celebration, surrounded by a breathtaking waterfront backdrop. We were granted an insider preview of the restaurant’s upcoming autumn menu, featuring fresh produce and flavour-rich creations every bite was a testament to the changing seasons. The menu included roast duck breast, handpicked prime scotch fillet, herb-crusted Mount Cook Alpine salmon, and pan-fried gnocchi, with a decadent chocolate walnut slice to finish.
A new day
The next morning we woke from a blissful slumber in Wallace Cotton sleepwear – soft, luxurious, and perfect for autumn evenings. Feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the day, we completed our morning routine with a Kérastase hair refresh and a generous application of La Roche-Posay SPF.
Before checking out, a final touch awaited—an elegant Artifact piece to elevate our look, whether worn around the neck, draped over a handbag, or adorning a suitcase.
Until next time…
As we departed the Hilton Auckland, we left with more than just refreshed skin and glowing hair. The FQ Autumn Sleepover was a celebration of indulgence, style, and the art of slowing down—a true luxury in itself. Until next time, sweet dreams.
