Bill Cooper

In a surprise announcement, the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s artistic director, Ethan Stiefel, has said he will leave the company on September 1.
   Stiefel has been with the RNZB since 2011. Under his artistic leadership, the RNZB has enjoyed record-breaking seasons, including 38,000 tickets sold for the Vodafone season of Swan Lake in 2013. His production of Giselle, created in collaboration with Johan Kobborg, was the subject of a feature film. The company also toured China in its 60th anniversary year in 2013, and the US last month, receiving very positive reviews. Under Stiefel, the RNZB increased its number to 36 full-time members (up from 32), while the standards have also risen. During his tenure, Nigel Gaynor was appointed musical director.
   In a release, Stiefel said, ‘Since 2011, I have enjoyed growing alongside the RNZB, and I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand. Despite how rewarding the experience has been, it has proved difficult on a personal level to be so far away from family and friends. Furthermore, the distance has also made it challenging to explore other professional projects that have been presented to me, without taking too much time away from the company. For these reasons, I will be leaving the RNZB on September 1st. I cannot thank everyone in the organization enough for their support, and I look forward to seeing the company continue to evolve and achieve great things.’
   RNZB chair, Candis Craven, said, ‘Ethan has made an incredible contribution to the RNZB. It was his vision and energy that most impressed us when we interviewed him for the role in 2011 and he has delivered that in spades, and so much more.’
   Programming is in place through to the end of 2015, including two world premières.
   Stiefel’s last season will feature Allegro: Five Short Ballets, which opens in Auckland on July 30. Stiefel’s fiancée, Gillian Murphy, who is the RNZB’s principal guest artist, will dance in Allegro. The RNZB says it hopes to continue its association with her in the future.
   Coppélia, now in rehearsal, will première in Wellington on April 17.
   A new artistic director is expected to be appointed by September 1.

Top Rembrandt is in a blue mood for winter. Above Wayward Heir takes on a indie musical inspiration for the season.

Rembrandt and Wayward Heir have launched their autumn–winter 2014 collections, available on- and offline.
   Rembrandt has a blue mood, with refined tailoring, including a blue dinner jacket to help men stand out this season. Designer Jonathon Hall says the blue ties in with the season’s key fashion colours of burgundy and earthy brown.
   The label says its other key pieces are the Cooper jacket and Lotus trousers, in blue Reda Italian merino, and the navy and red Caxton jacket. The emphasis is on warm, soft looks for the season, with a slimmer fit in the Lewis and Cornwall jackets, and the Astor trouser.
   Wayward Heir, meanwhile, has a musical inspiration from indie, garage, punk and contemporary music in its An Heirful collection.
   Its press kit included a cool electric guitar lapel pin from the range, and an LP with a Beatles-like logo—although playing the LP we were entertained to the sounds of Strauss waltzes for the afternoon.
   But it’s the fashion that speaks greater volumes and designer Suzanne Roff says there’s a Pete Doherty moodiness to her winter ’14 vision.
   There are vintage tweed checks in the Proto jacket and blue flannel for the peak-lapelled Milano-Punk skinny suit. Wayward Heir also has a slim-fit double-breasted jacket which it dubs Carnaby, and narrow is the order of the day with the Punk trouser and Garage jean. Prints feature images of cassettes and ghetto-blasters, and there’s under-collar guitar embroidery on jackets and suits.

Above Looks from Rembrandt’s autumn–winter 2014. Below Wayward Heir has a modern, youthful style.

Elyse Glickman

The rooftop of the Luxe Hotel is a genius spot to plan a pre-award show event. Once again, veteran event planners Mark and Matthew Harris of WOW! Creations and Roger Neal booked the space hoping to continue their respective winning streaks with celebrities and VIPs against a 360-degree backdrop of Beverly Hills. However, when storms blew through town, a suite with an open roof patio may not be the most inviting. That said, these event planners’ past track records are so solid that their events are still going to be must-dos on the pre-Oscar week party circuit.
   Matthew and Mark Harris had a clever edge, bringing out the kid in everybody. The entry to the suite at the Luxe Beverly Hills’ entrance in itself was an event, with balloons, a pre-packed goody bag of treats and a greeting from Hollywood clown and author Jason Lassen, opening out to a “circus” theme that was three rings of beauty, wellness, and good taste on the roof (in the literal sense, with several artisanal spirits being poured to take off the winter chill) and a sideshow in a second-floor suite showcasing more sensory delights: Vance Family Soy Candles (de-light-ful, delicious and calorie-free bon-bons), a set of Pamper Me Organically skin care products from Toronto, Canada, and for the sports fan, BubbaGlove pom-pom gloves with all Los Angeles sports teams represented.
   Melissa Fego’s delicate natural stone droplets in earring, necklace and bracelet form brought a touch of elegance and formality to the occasion as did floral-scented Brville candles, medical-grade skin care from Love My Body and sweet-smelling travel kits and a beautiful tote bag from Florida-based Pura Botanica, which raises money for the Loggerhead Marine Life Center. You could also start your post-Oscar health resolution with a month’s supply of vitamins from GliSODin Skin Nutrients.
   The setting may have been celebrities under the Big Top, including Miss California, USA and Miss California, Teen USA, legendary NASA astronaut Dr Buzz Aldrin, Steven Rice, James Dumont (my former high school classmate), and Zacary Heinz-Erg, all tied to major Oscar-nominated projects, but there was a grown-up aspect to it via the wonderful artisanal liquors, from ParaVi’s dessert wine in chocolate-covered bottles, to Four Roses Whiskey to Bainbridge Organic’s gin, to delicious cinnamon bun and vanilla vodkas by Five Wives from Ogden’s Own Distillery to a blissful sip from dairy-free Kkada Sutra Caramel Liqueur.
   With everybody in high spirits, the next logical step was to head to the Luxe Beverly Hills’ restaurant for a brimming bowl of Chef David Padilla’s tangy and soothing tomato soup and truffle fries.

Elyse Glickman

Earlier in the week, Roger Neal and his team treated VIPs to a variety of on-site treatments such as SunLounge Studios spray tans, designer gowns by the Netherlands’ Addy van den Krommenacker and loans of red carpet jewellery by Erin Fader. VIPs were sent home with a bag of skin care product by G. M. Collin and hair styling tools by ISO Beauty. There were also hair care products by Olez Hair, integrating apple stem-cell technology in all their products, Muchachomalo hand-painted underwear and leggings, and pants and camis by Marena made with medical grade compression fabric. A former presidential chef was on hand with comforting German and Austrian fare. (Who knew a knish could be so gourmet, or so welcoming on the eve of a big storm?)
   Although her suite was moved from Circa 55 (where we later enjoyed an incredible dinner) to the Bar 210, the unflappable and ever resourceful Debbie Durkin charged forward with a more intimate version of her stalwart “eco” Oscar event. While Voss Water and Maya Tequila provided liquid refreshment, New Zealand-based lighting company WakaNine (with US distribution through its Austin, Texas office) set the tone and the cool mod-style for the space. The soul of the event was the Say Yes to Hope charity. Vendors showing their wares included local boutique LA + Jo, classic Will Leather bags, Eye by Panoptx glasses, and to bring it all home, BeautiControl skin care and a handy tote bag with millions of pockets (love!).—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Elyse Glickman

Award-winning writer Carolyn Enting (left)—whose work has graced our pages—has published her first novel, a labour of love called The Medallion of Auratus, now available at Amazon.
   Years in the making, Enting’s children’s book takes the reader on an other-worldly journey, already acclaimed by Meg Matthews of the Brancott Estate World of Wearable Art as ‘beautifully written and gloriously descriptive’ and ‘utterly engaging and believable’ by Weta’s Kate Jorgensen.
   ‘Enting takes us on a riveting journey that’s a mixture of Jules Verne and a Greek hero myth. It’s an intelligent read loaded with classical references that come to life for young readers,’ says journalist Patrick Rose.
   Its main character, Sam Donnelly, and his best friend, Jackson Brown, discover a magical gold medallion on the beach during the summer holidays. The pair must return the medallion to the Golden Tower in Auratus, in another realm which they had thought existed only in legends, or this world will be ruled by the evil Sea Lord, Sceleratus.
   Enting’s first draft was written as a teenager. Now 43, she completed the novel during her annual leave breaks while working as a full-time journalist over the last decade. She is now associate editor of Mindfood.
   The 65,000-word adventure is targeted at the seven- to eleven-year-old group but Enting says it equally appeals to adults.
   She says that the fantasy element is a logical step from her fashion coverage over the last decade and a half. ‘A big part of world of fashion, in particular haute couture, is pure fantasy,’ she says.
   Enting intends the book to be the first of an Ocean Quest series.
   In November 2013, Enting received the Star Beauty Outstanding Contribution to Beauty Journalism (New Zealand) award at the Beautydirectory Star Awards in Sydney.

Evan Li

Above The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Gillian Murphy and Qi Huan.

Martha Graham once said, ‘Dance is the hidden language of the soul.’ The famous American modern dancer and choreographer’s perspective of dance lives on, especially when watching immensely passionate dancers take centre stage. They rely on their bodies to tell a story, disregarding the use of words, to articulate a tale. Sir Jon Trimmer, a New Zealand ballet dancer, has expressed himself on stage since the age of 12. Numerous other talented ballerinas continue to convey their talent and flair for people to enjoy, capturing the mind, body and everlasting spirit.
   The Royal New Zealand Ballet came together in 1953 thanks to Royal Danish Ballet principal dancer, Paul Gnatt. After more than two decades, the Royal New Zealand Ballet came back to North America to provide viewers with a graceful treat. From Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, to Minneapolis and New York, they brought such elegance to the stage under Artistic Director, Ethan Stiefel. The bright lights glimmered on the Royal New Zealand Ballet at the Joyce Theater in Chelsea in New York City. February 12, 2014 marked its New York début, presenting a brilliantly unforgettable evening with a three-part performance, providing everyone with their personal coup de cœur. Each dancer shared a beautiful story with their powerful body movements, elegant hand gestures and expressive faces that induced smiles, curiosity and engagement from one spectator to the next. They demonstrated their aptitude in various ballet techniques without simply focusing on the classics. Dancers included Qi Huan, who joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2005, and Gillian Murphy, the guest principal dancer. They had both starred in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2012 production of Giselle, which was co-produced by Stiefel and Johan Kobborg, moving with nobility and charm.
   The first feature, entitled 28 Variations on a Theme by Paganini (2005), was choreographed by Benjamin Millepied with traditional ballet movements flowing to music by the famous pianist and composer, Johannes Brahms. The classic rhythm and serene atmosphere expressed a sense of tranquillity as the male and female dancers flowed to the tempo moving away from the simple pirouettes and ever-so tender plies, but setting the scene with sudden runs and swift leaps. The prospect brought a bit of the traditional steps into the 21st century, embracing classical dancing methods. Females wore luminous hues, adding a dab of colour reflected from the light that shone from the single chandelier, a solo feature focusing its radiant glow on every dancer’s stride.
   The next scene presented Of Days by New Zealand native Andrew Simmons, a choreographer, designer and former Royal New Zealand Ballet member. The piece, created in 2013, was flawless and stunning to watch. Silent interludes created spectacular tension, waiting for the next move to follow. Mirroring effects brought an extravagant image to the eye, as a result considerably flamboyant expressions came to life. Various international composers were on the playlist including Ludovico Einaudi, Olafur Arnalds and Dustin O’Halloran, expanding the options of music and allowing each personality to reveal their inner talents. Simmons’ work left spectators mesmerized.
   From Brahm’s classically traditional piano skills to percussionist Yim Hok-Man’s expressive Chinese drums pulsating through the speakers, there is a sudden transition as audience members are left to admire the dancers’ extraordinary skill in Banderillero. According to each gesture, dancers fight for their lives as a bullfighter would fight for his. The drums acted like a pounding heart frightened of the unknown outcome, expressing a sense of sheer excitement. Choreographed by Venezuelan choreographer, Javier de Frutos, the spectacular Spanish bullfight had the venue yearn for an encore as the dancers were given a well deserved standing ovation for their intense speed, incredible ability and impressive performance.
   The Royal New Zealand Ballet left audiences with an exceptionally marvellous treat. As they continue their international tour to the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2015, New York anxiously waits for their return.—Lola Saab, Paris Editor

Stoneleigh will open its Wonder of Nature garden at 89 Quay Street, Queen’s Wharf, Auckland, New Zealand, from February 28 to March 8, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It’s a dose of experiential marketing for the New Zealand wine label, bringing urban consumers closer to the brand.
   The suspended garden, designed by Jules Moore, promises to be a ‘multi-sensory experience’. The garden features sounds from the Stoneleigh vineyards in Marlborough, as recorded by Grammy Award-winning artist Paul McLaney. McLaney has reworked them into a unique soundscape. This complements the visual backdrop, giving visitors a sense of being in the vineyards in the summer.
   And what better way to extend the experience than to enjoy Stoneleigh wine in the garden? Winemaker Jamie Marfell (below) invites visitors to enjoy a glass while there. Entry is for 18 and over only.
   For those who cannot get to the garden itself, Stoneleigh has launched its Small Wonder of Nature app, where users can create their own part of nature, customize their photo and upload it to the gallery. All entries will be in to win a Stoneleigh Marlborough experience.

Three models share the cover honours for the 50th anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 2014: Nina Agdal, Lily Aldridge, and Chrissy Teigen.
   The 2014 edition was revealed Thursday night on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit blog and débuted on national TV Thursday night in the US on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
   It is the first cover for all three models. Teigen has modelled for the special issue since 2010, and Agdal had her début in 2012. It is Aldridge’s first year.
   The last time three models appeared on the cover was in 2006.
   The cover was shot by James Macari in the Cook Islands. The magazine itself will hit newsstands next week, in print and digital formats.
   Teigen also appears in Air New Zealand’s latest safety video, co-branded with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, which was also shot in the Cook Islands.
   Kate Upton had appeared on the cover over the previous two years.

A Lucire special promotion

Air New Zealand, a member of the Star Alliance network, has already received a bit of press for its latest safety video, starring four current Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue models, and veteran Christie Brinkley, who was put on the map thanks to the annual, iconic magazine special. But what happened behind the scenes of Safety in Paradise?
   For years, the airline has come up with some memorable safety videos, including one with air crew wearing nothing but body paint, another with fitness supremo Richard Simmons, a much talked-about Hobbit-themed video with Sir Peter Jackson and J. R. R. Tolkien’s descendants, and a puzzling animated one that made less thematic sense with Ed ‘Al Bundy’ O’Neill and actress and Lucire feature alumna Melanie Lynskey.
   The shoot for the latest safety video took place in the Cook Islands, a New Zealand territory and an idyllic, beautiful holiday location covered by Air New Zealand on its Auckland–Rarotonga and LAX–Rarotonga routes. Models Chrissy Teigen, Ariel Meredith, Hannah Davis and Jessica Gomes star in it, featuring on location, while the script called for a Brinkley’s involvement from a luxury home in Hollywood, California.
   All models are from the US with the exception of Gomes, who hails from Australia. She is the only Aussie to appear in four consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, and famously appeared in body paint, by New Zealander (and another Lucire feature subject) Joanne Gair, in 2010.
   Former Miss South Pacific Joyana Meyer also appears in the video.
   The video will be officially released on February 12, coinciding with the global celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It will be rolled out across the Air New Zealand fleet at the end of the month.
   The airline worked with the magazine, which reaches 70 million people.
   Air New Zealand has had a shot in the arm lately thanks to a new CEO, Christopher Luxon, whose former experience lay in branding for a multinational.
   Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand’s head of global brand development said, ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has a massive worldwide television, online and print campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary and we’re incredibly excited to feature in that activity. The magazine alone has more than 61 million readers annually and the safety video shoot with Air New Zealand will feature in the special anniversary edition. This is money can’t buy global attention focused on a key destination and our airline.’
   At Lucire, the announcement of the cover girl in February is usually a high spot for web traffic, adding to the views from the autumn–winter fashion circuit.
   And it’s not just Air New Zealand that’s happy with the result. MJ Day, the editor of the Swimsuit Issue, called Safety in Paradise ‘a raucous safety video in the true spirit of SI Swimsuit and our Kiwi friends.’

Article sponsored by Air New Zealand