On Tuesday, Fashion Quarterly kick-started a glamorous week of 45th anniversary celebrations with yet another blissful sleepover. Our backdrop? The luxurious JW Marriott, located in the heart of downtown Tāmaki Makaurau.
Upon arrival, our guests dropped their bags with the hotel’s concierge before being whisked away for their first appointment of the day in one of two sleek, chauffeured Lexuses (the Lexus NX450h+ F Sport in Graphite Black and the Lexus ES300h Premium in Titanium). It was the definition of travelling in style.
A short drive later we arrived at Anthony Bayer Hair, where we were treated to a glamorous hair glow-up courtesy of Joico. We settled in, sipped something sparkling, and took a moment or two to flick through the summer issue of Fashion Quarterly. An expert blow wave later, we floated back to our awaiting Lexus with party-ready hair that was refreshed, revived, and camera-ready.
It was then time to officially check into our rooms at JW Marriott, offering us the perfect chance to freshen up, slip into something fabulous, and get ready to toast an unforgettable Fashion Quarterly milestone. But, all thoughts of lush king-sized beds and city views were put on hold as the famed FQ Sleepover gift bag was waiting. This season’s gifting included MediK8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream, a Medik8 sleep mask and facial massage tool, BePure’s refreshing Magnesium Restore supplement and Everyday Wellness Pack, a selection of revitalising products from Joico, a luxe bottle of The Reid Single Malt Vodka, and an activewear set from Sweaty Betty.
With a final swipe of lip gloss and a spritz of perfume, we made our way to the Executive Lounge, where the evening’s celebrations were set to begin. Our dress code? Brights, sparkles, and a touch of glamour. Set to open on 26 November, the exclusive Executive Lounge (which is designed for suite guests and elite Marriott Bonvoy members) was the perfect location for a tasting and interactive cocktail masterclass courtesy of The Reid Vodka, Cardrona Distillery. Decadently rich, The Reid Single Malt Vodka is crafted with nuanced notes of pear drops, lemon, toffee and malt biscuits and is just as exquisite neat as it is mixed into a crafted cocktail. Following a perfectly shaken martini, a selection of canapés by Trivet’s head chef Wallace Mua, and a generous bump of caviar (or two), it was time for the main event.
Dinner was held at Kureta, JW Marriott’s newly opened Teppan House. Here we embarked on a culinary journey through an 11-course omakase (“Trust the chef”) meal prepared by Chef Aki. Crafted using a blend of authentic Japanese culinary traditions and modern Teppanyaki techniques, this was truly a dining experience unlike any other. The meal itself took us on a sensory journey with highlights including dry-aged line caught fish, kombu cured japanese yellowtail and hokkaido scallop, Japanese A5 Wagyu Yakishabu and a decadent matcha cheesecake. His menu reflects a philosophy of clean, simple flavors punctuated by moments of surprise, with every dish prepared live in front of the delighted room.
Content from a delightful evening of celebration, we headed back to our rooms where the evening wound down with a little pre-bed pampering courtesy of MediK8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen Peptide Cream and facial massage. For ultimate relaxation, BePure’s Magnesium Restore supplement was ready and waiting to help support muscle relaxation and recovery, and quality sleep.
After a blissful slumber we started our morning by indulging our hair with the ultimate Joico ritual, featuring the K-PAK Shampoo and Conditioner Duo to cleanse and strengthen, the Dream Blowout Crème for smooth long-lasting style, the Heat Hero Thermal Spray for essential protection, and the Humidity Blocker to keep our looks flawless all day.
Eager to make the most of the picture-perfect day ahead of us, we donned our chic Sweaty Betty activewear and joined Freya McKernan for a revitalising wellness session featuring breathwork, Pilates, and (for those ready to take the plunge) an invigorating ice bath. Feeling oh so centered and refreshed, the last thing left to do was refuel our bodies with a delectable brunch from Trivet Dining.
And just like that, it was time to check out. The FQ Summer Sleepover was a celebration of indulgence, glamour, and 45 stylish years of Fashion Quarterly. Until next time…
