Not feeling ready to embrace the cooler months?
The following fashion and beauty inspiration may just change your mind…
Layer up
The joy of still-warm autumn days and cooler nights is the invite to straddle two seasons with your style choices, and a chic and warm outer layer is the best way to fit that brief. Wear lighter pieces like slip dresses in the evening with a chic coat thrown over your shoulders cape-style for added warmth, and pair tees and jeans by day with a stellar puffer jacket or vest for when the wind starts to whip itself into a frenzy.
Karen Walker’s Carlton jacket in oat is a beautiful piece that will work by day or night, a single-breasted style that redefines the classic dinner jacket. It’s designed with single welt pockets and a self-covered button for a sleek look, while the structured shoulders and tailored waist, accented by side panelling, create a killer silhouette. The label’s monogram bomber jacket and quilted monogram vest are the dream partner for casual autumn days, both vying for the role of 'ultimate layering piece' thanks to their utilitarian-chic style and supreme comfort. Crafted in 100% recycled polyester, they come stuffed with a vegan padded fill that offers warmth while being light enough for wear year-round.
From local label Marlow’s Origin AW24 collection, an ode to elevated simplicity, come the Astrid and Olympus trench styles, which again are perfect when thrown over a simple dress by day or are elevated at night. Or if you want to make a statement and nail the red/pink colour trend seen so many times on the international runways over the last few months, grab Kate Sylvester’s Bobby coat in a berry-tinged iteration of the standout shade. Sylvester’s Cooper coat is another great layering piece from the designer’s AW24 collection, Gloria Gloria, which imagines a friendship between artist, designer and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt and feminist activist and journalist, Gloria Steinem.
Lastly, Darling’s newest store on Ponsonby Road is a great destination for those looking to refresh their style with a little extra help from an in-store stylist and an array of fabulous local brands.
Love your locks
Our hair takes a battering over summer, with sea salt and sun wreaking havoc on even the healthiest locks. For advice on how to restore your crowning glory to exactly that, I turned to Emma Axford-Hawkins, the owner of Emma Frances salon on Jervois Road. One of my favourite local beauty faces, Emma – who started her career in London in 2008 – calls the New Zealand summer “so harsh for our hair, and using products that are going to care for it during the warmer months (and after) is so important. Using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner will help keep your hair from drying out, and we love recommending Nine Yards Big Noise and Go Loud, for a balanced, light, but nourishing shampoo and conditioner combo.” She also loves Oway’s Glossy Nectar Rebuilding Oil, “Which protects against UV damage and helps to rebuild your hair structure over time.” The Emma Frances team also does a lot of keratin treatments in the salon before summer, an intense protein smoothing treatment that helps to keep frizz to a minimum and maintain the integrity of your hair.
Responsible for the manes of some of Auckland’s most chic women, Emma also has a great eye when it comes to colour and changing it up for the cooler months. “Autumn is my fave time of year for hair changes,” she says, “when warm, rich and glossy tones all make a comeback. We’ve loved embracing the ‘Cowboy Copper’ trend for a rich, warm copper brunette and, also rich, golden blonde for a fresh but still bright vibe. Definitely throwing out the rule book, a bold change is good no matter what the season!”
A fresh face
With over 20 years’ experience in the world of makeup and a true passion for all things beauty, the preternaturally stylish (and very fun) Louise Rae is one of my favourite people to talk to about trends. MECCA’s New Zealand Education Partner, the brunette powerhouse is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to tips and tricks, making her the perfect person to talk to about what’s hot in the world of makeup.
“As a makeup artist for over 25 years, there is one point of view I have always remained the same on – there are never any rules when it comes to makeup,” says Louise. “Instead, let’s embrace individuality and champion experimentation, trying and playing with all textures, brands and looks. Throw those rules you have out the window and start having fun – the beauty of makeup is that you can take it all off if you make a mistake!”
When it comes to trends, the superstar MUA says: “We are seeing some incredible looks and trends coming through, from the Pat McGrath Maison Margiela glass skin look to the Mob Wife trend, which is all about smoky eyes, overdrawn lips and strong contours.
“If it’s a focus on eyes, try and experiment with textures and colours, if it's cheeks, absolutely try out the combination of powders and creams combined.” One thing she will say, though, is that there should always be a focus on healthy skin. “If you can perfect the look of your skin – whether matte, dewy, highlighted – then anything else is an added bonus.”
Make skin health a priority
Autumn is the perfect time to allocate some extra time to your skin, and the guidance of a talented professional can go a long way in keeping things on the right track.
You’ll have access to superlative skin knowledge and a lot more when you step through the doors of Kumo Concept Store and Skin Spa on Jervois Road, which was previously named Skinography and founded by renowned facialist, Kate Michelmore.
Kumo, inspired by the Japanese word for ‘cloud', is a haven for those seeking a holistic approach to skincare, with Kate saying: "The transition to Kumo signifies more than just a change in name; it's a reflection of our dedication to providing an unparalleled skincare experience. Our mission is to empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty and cultivate radiant, healthy skin.”
Whether it was addressing specific issues like barrier disorders, and stress-reactive conditions such as eczema and atopic skin, or hormonal reactions including menopause and acne, Kate felt the existing skincare ranges on her shelves lacked the comprehensive solutions her guests sought, so she created her own, also named Kumo. A bioactive and natural skincare line designed to support reactive skin synergistically, it’s the perfect complement to the facial studio’s incredible Skin Rituals, which have to be experienced to be believed.
Also, as part of their dedication to holistic skincare, Kumo is now offering naturopathic consultations with their resident Naturopath and Spa Manager, Francesca Deane. A degree-qualified, naturopath, nutritionist and holistic skin therapist, Francesca is also a joy to be around – even more of a reason to treat yourself as the mercury drops. (HELENE RAVLICH)
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Published: March 2024