Stories

A city institution since ’99, Cook ‘N’ With Gas has been a go-to city haunt where tasty cuisine combines with an eclectic environment. A short hiatus saw the award-winning restaurant shut its doors but now the booming Worcester Boulevard hotspot is back and better than ever! Sharing the space with sibling venue Astro Lounge, hit ‘The Gas’ for a bite to eat and carry on through to Astro Lounge where they have live music sessions on the reg and where you’re guaranteed rad times. cooknwithgas.co.nz

There’s nothing like a good cup of tea to soothe the soul and set you up for your morning adventures or offer some form of relaxation as you coast into the evening. If you’re on the hunt for quality tea, the extensive range of t leaf Ts available at Total Food Equipment – the only stockist of the Kiwi brand – needs to be on your radar. From classic flavours such as traditional English Breakfast through to an Earl Grey Blue Flower (TFE’s best-selling flavour) and a plethora of fruit and herbal teas, you are guaranteed to find something that tickles your fancy. While you’re at it, why not enjoy the full tea experience by splurging on this Finum Tea Control brewer and warmer stand and pour up your loose-leaf and whole-leaf teas in style. tfe.co.nz

Just because the weather is cooling down faster than you can say “Season 8 of Game of Thrones should be re-done” doesn’t mean that you have to ditch that #fitspo life. In fact, we say embrace it and get amongst the wicked new additions the team at The Gallery Fitness have added to their swanky gym. Road-test their new ‘Rise and Grind’ HIIT-style class which will get your blood pumping, kick your sweat glands into gear and give you the boost you need to power through the day in 30 minutes; taste some of the new supplements they’ve added to their supplement store, which is also open to non-members; or take advantage of their online training option (available for members at an additional cost) where you’ll get a tailor-made workout updated fortnightly, a custom meal plan updated weekly and easy access to The Gallery Fitness app with its multitude of exercises,...

Kick your skincare regime up a few notches with the beautiful Ginger & Me range from Nicola Quinn Beauty & Day Spa. Focusing on skin recovery and neuroaging, the range follows the A.C.D skin approach. The four A’s focus on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-pollutant, while the C hones in on the prevention of collagen and D puts emphasis on detoxification and cell survival. With a diverse range of products from brightening cream to detoxifying micellar water and luxe cleansing oils available, treat your skin to next-level skincare this winter. gingerandme.co.nz

We caught up with the talent behind one of the city’s hottest nail salons, Nails by Tomo – about 2019 trends, her vast experience and which celebrity’s nails she’d love to glam. What’s trending in the nail industry for 2019? Coffee colours are really popular at the moment, as is black which has been given a glamorous new lease of life. Pastels are also popular for those wanting something nice. Tell us a bit about the products you use. All of the products I use are either from Japan, USA or South Africa – some of which are vegan. My gel and acrylic products are gentler on your nails, which helps to maintain good nail condition. You’ve had over two decades in this industry; tell us about the different countries you’ve worked in. I have been lucky enough to work in a few different countries doing nails. I first started in...

Combining an abundance of textures and a rich, earthy colour palette, Cutler & Co’s latest Textural Nostalgia collection will create a look that will have you dapper and sophisticated throughout the cooler winter months. Take your pick from their expertly crafted threads either online or in their Colombo Street store. cutlerandco.co.nz

Want to give your winter wardrobe a twist that’s unique, affordable and right on trend? There is no denying that vintage fashion and op-shopping have seen a resurgence - just take it from the like of Kim Kardashian West and the Duchess of Sussex who recently donned vintage threads from both Versace and Dior. Shoppers are becoming more environmentally conscious, so could vintage boutiques, consigment-based stores and op shops be the way forward? Check out our top tips and go get reducing, resusing and recycling! Shop vintage like an expert 1 – Check the fabric: cheaper, synthetic fabrics will not wear or age as well. 2 – Inspect the garment for stains, rips or imperfections. Smaller tears or stains can easily be fixed, however bigger issues are not worth the investment. 3 – If you’re afraid of a one-time-wear investment, try renting! Sites such as Designer Wardrobe, Designer Affair and Lend...

Heritage and high-end fittings bookend the luxury of townhouse project Hagley Mews. And that’s the way developer Grigori Koulanov wants it. It’s the details that mark out the Hagley Mews development as the epitome of luxury. Things like the 50mm concrete panels that lie behind the exterior plaster finish, giving a real sense of solidity. Or the Otis elevators in the three-storey flagship homes overlooking Hagley Park, future-proofing against ageing joints creaking on the stairs. Or the communal area with a gym, swim pool, spa and sauna. Did we mention the German tapware, Italian tiles, tilt turn windows, and solid-core European doors with Italian hardware and invisible hinges? Developer Grigori Koulanov, of Profico Group, is building the 26 townhouses on the site of the demolished Heatherlea apartments, on the corner of Deans Avenue and Ayr Street. Nearly half have sold, including some of those with million-dollar price tags. Nestled in the...

Cityscape surveys what’s on offer in some of Fletcher Living’s inner-city residential developments. One Central Fletcher Living’s plans for its One Central site, which runs from Lichfield Street to Kilmore between Manchester and Madras Street, are for it to be “the new beating heart of inner-city Christchurch”, with its residents living alongside city eateries, retail outlets and open green spaces. Up to 900 homes catering to a variety of lifestyles and stages will accommodate over 2000 people on the site. The range of architectural styles and home designs is intended to create a vibrant, connected, urban community that will attract a diverse mix of people and cultures. Open shared spaces will help build a community that “balances the ability to live, work and play”. All homes have a Homestar 6 rating, which provides a warmer, drier, more efficient home that has been independently verified to perform better than the Building Code. Fletcher...

If you’re an avid fan of the Star Wars franchise, mark August 3 in your diary and prepare to get whisked off to a galaxy far, far away when the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra perform the epic soundtrack to Star Wars: A New Hope while the film screens in the background. It’s been over four decades since the film’s release and there’s no denying the sheer impact Star Wars has had on both cinema and culture. Witness first-hand the NZSO perform the extraordinary soundtrack live and ensure you don’t miss out on your chance to see this performance, it’s going to be a goodie! nzso.co.nz

Inject a dose of colour into your winter wardrobe this season and be bold with your colour palette. 1 twenty-seven names Dani coat from Infinite Definite2 Lulu Guinness Velvet Half Covered Lip Issy Hot Pink Clutch from Ballantynes3 juliette hogan Marni Tunic from Ballantynes4 King Coat from RUBY5 Frida Silk Skirt from RUBY6 L.K. Bennett Floret Ultra Blue Heel from Issimo 7 Lack of Color Teak Rancher Hat from Ballantynes8 Triangle scarf from Kate Sylvester9 Yu Mei 2/6 Grace Bucket bag from Infinite Definite10 JUST COAT IT Coat from Trelise Cooper11 Recycled Cotton Tee Sweater from Untouched World12 Barbour Leather Thinsulate Gloves from Ballantynes13 Zoe Kratzmann Protege from Issimo 14 Button Through Shirt from Witchery A, D, G Photo: Alessandro LucioniB, C Photo: Filippo FiorE Photo: ZimmermannF, H Photo: Kim Weston Arnold

Defying fashion conventions and proving her creativity prowess once again, Karen Walker’s latest sunglasses collection, Monumental x Marlon Williams, sees the couture queen teaming up with local muso Marlon Williams in a boundary-pushing collaboration. Taking inspiration from compelling outsiders who captivated the world with their rebel tendencies such as Steve McQueen, Sidney Poitier and Allen Ginsberg, the seven Monumental styles are “an homage to iconoclastic men who possess a transcendent rock ‘n’ roll energy that somehow makes the very atmosphere around them electric”. As well as taking its creative cue from the mentioned men, an exploration of looks that span several eras including the 50s and 70s is also incorporated into the design and execution of these styles – exaggerated size and contrast were contributing design specs. A firm favourite of Walker’s for many years thanks to his poetic lyrics and rebellious approach to music, it was only natural that the New...

Whether it is the sun, slopes or staycation you are dreaming of, Cityscape has you covered with the latest trends to inspire your winter holiday escape. Heating Up Tropical glam is all about chic swimsuits, beautiful dresses and understated sandals. Accessorise with a simple, oversized hat and up your arm candy with a cute bag. 1 Karen Walker Checkmate Crystal Madder2 Plaited Wide Brim Sunhat from Zimmermann3 Market Bag from Ruby4 Kora Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion from Ballantynes5 Sol Sana Teresa Slide from Infinite Definite Après-ski When you make tracks on your winter adventure puffer jackets, turtlenecks and cosy beanies are the go-to! 1 Sherbert Beanie from Ruby2 Photo: Dave Lehl Photography3 Sorel W Tofino 2 from Issimo4 Karen Walker Hallelujah from Ballantynes In the city Cruise around the city in effortless style by pairing oversized knitwear with silky skirts and comfy sneakers. 1 Photo: W Room, Lisa Marie Prang2 Karen...

The scaffolding is coming down, the show home signs are going up and so are some ‘Sold’ stickers as early adopters make their move. Cityscape dishes the deets on what’s going up downtown as Christchurch’s inner city becomes home to some very hip addresses. The council wants it, the developers want it, and the many central-city hospo and entertainment businesses are pretty keen. And now the home buyers of Christchurch are coming to the party as well. Little by little, the many and increasing opportunities available for inner-city living, from luxury apartments to more modest developments, are turning the tide. And having all the delights of the CBD within strolling distance is a big part of that – people are being won over by being able to step out their front door into a city popping with hip eateries, fresh entertainment offerings, green spaces and unexpected urban delights. Research also shows...

Want to get ahead of the curve with your interior colour scheme? Resene consultant Rebecca Long gives Cityscape the skinny on the trends and where they come from. Do interior fashions follow catwalk fashions? Yes! Don’t be surprised to see that your outfit complements your interior colour scheme. Runways produce an array of colours and styles and often illustrate social movements and change. For example, with the increase in concern for the environment, fashion designers are experimenting with natural fibres and finishes. These fabrics are also used for interior décor (curtains, cushions etc) and patterns and colours often follow on after. Soft greens such as Resene Peace create a beautiful backdrop for these fabrics to enhance the sense of wellness. What dictates where interior colours and styles are going? Colour trends are influenced by what is going on around us in the world. For example, pastel pink tones were popular in...

The ultimate resort party town, Queenstown is where white-knuckle outdoor adventure activities sit alongside swanky bars and some serious dining. The area is a great outdoor playground with its tranquil lakes and ragged, towering mountains (and wait until sunset!). Any time of the year is good for a lavish escape to Queenstown but the town and its surrounds really shine when it comes to winter escapes. Ski slopes, roaring fires, red wine, stunning views and a blanket of snow that brings out the adventurer in everyone; Queenstown in winter is a wonderland like no other. And what better way to explore it than in a new MINI Countryman. We took one with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive option for a spin down to Queenstown and it was perfect for keeping out of trouble on sweeping highway bends and the occasional patch of ice as well. The elevated roof racks mean it’s easy to...

Here’s a heads-up to all those Cityscapers who like their sport – bigger is better when it comes to watching the game on TV, and with the Rugby World Cup coming in September now is the time to scale up the screen. In fact, whatever you like to watch on TV looks better on one of these monsters. Samsung’s latest Q900 QLED 8K televisions combine unbelievable picture quality with a slick, sophisticated design. That crisp picture is the result of 33 million pixels doing their thing, and with a range of sizes up to 98”, you’ll be well placed to argue with the referees. When not in use, the screen can be quickly transformed into a stylish display to complement the rest of your interior. Display pictures, art, time, weather, or take a snapshot of your wall to let the screen seamlessly blend in. LG also has 98” and 86” screens...

Winter luxury is all about feeling cocooned and the dramatic new colour trend of dark tone-on-tone rooms does just that. Furnishings that almost blend into the wall colour allow you to keep the overall look minimalist or plush, depending on accessories. The room’s grid format feature wall in Resene Twilight Zone adds another layer. Complementary tones such as the coffee table and sideboard in Resene Indian Ink; the vase, tealight holder and bowl in the true blue of Resene King Tide; and the muted Resene Excalibur on the tray and pot add strength and depth to the room. resene.co.nz