Meet The Women Redefining Luxury in 2019

The concept of luxury is no longer defined by material possessions – was the resounding cry of our four interviewees when asked how their idea of luxury has evolved over the years.

It’s time. It’s enjoying a steaming hot cup of tea with family. It’s morning meditation, or daily acts of self-care that help you feel your best. It’s taking time in the morning to apply your favourite lipstick.

To celebrate the launch of Bobbi Brown Luxe collection, we spoke to four of Auckland’s power women working in media, hospitality, design and fashion for their take on what it means to live luxuriously.

New for 2019, the collection features a range of statement lipstick shades and powerful eyeshadow pigments to create endless beauty looks.

With one eyeshadow and five lipstick finishes available in luxurious formulas, every product in the Bobbi Brown Luxe collection delivers maximum coverage in just one swipe.

Viva loves Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick, which offers brilliant colour to lips while boosting moisture levels and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

For vibrant colour and sumptuous hydration, Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color replenishes lips thanks to the addition of vitamins C and E housed within this pretty golden bullet.

With matte finishes showing no signs of going anywhere, Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lip Color delivers 12 hours of matte wear in 18 shades.

Get glossy with Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip High Shine – the liquid lip formula helps deliver the perfect amount of ultra-vivid, light-reflective colour using a doe foot applicator.

Another gloss formula but in a velvety matte finish, Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Velvet Matte heroes Wild Mango Butter to deliver comfortable, liquefied matte wear all-day.

For those who love to dazzle, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Rich Metal dresses eyes in three impactful, multi-dimensional, metallic shades – perfect to play up for party season.

Inspiration abounds.

COURTNEY JOE
PR Director at Showroom 22
@courtneyjoe_

No two days are the same for Showroom 22 PR director Courtney Joe. The pint-sized powerhouse has risen through the ranks during her tenure at Auckland's premier fashion PR agency, building her own reputation in the industry for her professionalism, efficiency, and ability to spot an emerging designer from a mile off. Viva chatted to the multi-tasking PR maven about her sources of inspiration, and what's on her radar for 2020.

Talk me through what a day in your life entails. 
While I am aim for structure and routine in my day, working in PR means that no two days are ever the same, much to the disappointment of my type A nature! I begin most days with a reformer Pilates workout at K-core. This helps me set my mind and body up for the day. It's a strenuous workout but calmingly zen at the same time. Then I head straight to work to make a start on my inbox before meetings – whether that's a brand strategy meeting, a location recce for an upcoming event, or an appointment in our Showroom – I'm constantly juggling a multitude of tasks! As PR Director, I also oversee the production of unique ideas for our clients, the pitching of engaging stories and Showroom sample movements. Much of my day is spent casting a second eye over the work we produce and ensuring that our team is on track. A lot of work gets done in the space of eight hours! After work, I'll take a walk along Westhaven Marina, or through Grey Lynn Park to wind down from the day, before heading home to cook dinner.

What little luxuries do you look forward to throughout your day? 
A morning coffee (that is, if I get out of bed when my alarm goes off!) with my partner Blake, my morning skincare routine, a lunchtime spent outside in the sunshine, all those little things. Getting home and lighting a favourite candle, winding down with a good book and simply making the time to be still.

How has your idea of luxury changed or developed over the years? 
As I head into my late twenties, luxury has definitely become less of a materialistic concept. To me, luxury is time and self-care; it is sleeping in for that half hour longer on the weekends, a face mask, running a bath, time spent away from technology, exercise and getting through my endless list of good reads. All the things that I really should make more time for – something that is much easier said than done!

Who inspires you?
They say that you are a reflection, or rather, the average of the five people you spend the most time with. My work family of five very much inspire me with their creativity, wisdom and generosity, 40+ hours a week. They keep me in check – whether that's questioning a sartorial choice or offering sound advice in both life and work. And of course my mum, who is both relentless and resilient in whatever life throws her way.

What drives you? 
Seeing true creative potential. When I see something good, I want to make sure the world knows how good it is too! My drive comes from a need to help people and the satisfaction of helping people achieve their goals.

What excites you most about 2020? 
A new decade is a scary thought! As with every New Year I am excited for a fresh start, the opportunity to set new goals and a means of achieving them. We have recently undertaken some more amazing global brands, so I'm excited to connect, work and learn from more creative minds in the industry.

Talk me through your signature beauty look?
Dewy skin with a touch of bronzer and cream blush to contour, defined and brushed brows, tight lined eyes with a coat of mascara on my top and bottom lashes and a natural lipstick. I am a creature of habit – unless it's a special occasion, you'll rarely find I stray from this look!

Can you talk a little about the transformative powers of makeup? How do you feel when wearing your makeup is 'on point'?
Makeup is an essential part of my 'bag of tricks' – to do your makeup, and to do it well is a key piece of advice I always give to friends who are going through a rough time or feeling a little low. It's a mood-booster and an act of self-care, from a simple coat of mascara to a fully contoured face, makeup is an extension of your self-expression and creativity. With the simple act of applying makeup I feel empowered and ready for anything. It's my war armour for the day!

Which shade from Bobbi Brown's new Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick collection is your favourite, and why?
My favourite shade would have to be Bare Truth. Something that is close to my natural lip colour that can enhance my lip line and complement my skin tone is a must.

POI ERUERA
Operations Manager at Odettes Eatery and Hugo's Bistro
@poi_e

Walk into Odettes Eatery on any given day and you'll be greeted by a woman with a 100-megawatt smile and a sunshine personality to boot. Poi Eruera is as much of an icon as the esteemed Auckland eateries she spends most of her days in. Famed for her penchant for poppin' lipstick and her incomparable energy, Viva spoke with Poi about her low effort, high impact beauty look, and how her idea of luxury has evolved over time.

Talk me through what a day in your life entails. 
As Operations Manager of Odettes Eatery and Hugo's Bistro, my work days involve a bit of everything – event organising, hosting, waitressing, bartending, making coffee, trying to fix broken things, polishing glasses… so many things. But my day always starts with a delicious coffee (I'm addicted!) and working my way through emails and to-do list.

What little luxuries do you look forward to throughout your day? 
The first coffee of the day. Taking time out to do a Pilates class. A cup of Twinings' Earl Grey tea with my family at my parents' house. Or getting to taste new dishes from our amazing chefs Jonah Huang at Odettes Eatery and Alfie Ingham at Hugo's Bistro – it's one of the best parts of the job!

How has your idea of luxury changed or developed over the years? 
Luxury has become less about material things and more about time and experiences. I recently had a month-long holiday with my partner, one of my sisters and my mum. It was mum's first European adventure and spending time together in galleries in Florence and Paris was amazing.

What drives you? 
Our customers drive me. Regulars, some of which have been customers and friends for years, who choose to come and see us every day or every week. It's the people who let us into their lives and share their experiences with us.

What excites you most about 2020? 
I'm very excited about summer – it's my favourite time of year! Salty hair, a tan, a car full of sand, driving to the next beach with togs still wet from the first beach, a pile of books and magazines, road trips, summer fruits and picnics that are a bit gritty. I'm excited about planning more trips with my family, and experiencing another part of the world with my mum.

Talk me through your signature beauty look?
It's super simple – every day I go for clean skin, a tinted sunblock and a bright red, or super bright pink lip. Low effort, high impact!

How do you feel when wearing your makeup is 'on point'?
As I have a lot of face-to-face time with customers each day, I like to make sure I can do one thing, and do it well. I choose lipsticks that don't end up all over my face and teeth, so I can greet people all day, without worry. Lipstick makes for a fantastic focal point – no one notices if you are a little bit tired looking, as they are distracted by the brightness!

Which shade from Bobbi Brown's new Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick collection is your favourite, and why?
I love the Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick in the shade 'Showstopper'.

PENNY HAY 
Interior Architect
@pennyhay

Juggling her own business and two growing boys is all in a day's work for interior architect Penny Hay. While this may sound overwhelming for some, Penny takes it in all her stride – making time for herself with her morning meditation practice which keeps her grounded and focused. Viva spoke with the talented creative about her passion for her craft, new projects for 2020, and how her beloved father is her primary source of inspiration.

Talk me through what a day in your life entails.
I love to wake before the family (with our six-year-old and a nine-month-old this doesn't always happen) and start my day with my vedic meditation. This puts me in the best state of being to enjoy the day ahead. We are fortunate to live near a beautiful beach, so after walking my son to the local school, I like to return home via the beach with my youngest. Most days are spent working from home, but what I love is no two days are the same. At the moment we are close to completing several beautiful projects out of Sydney and New Zealand, while working on some exciting new designs. We have some wonderful clients overseas so we enjoy travelling for design meetings and site visits. I love the flow of being a mother to our precious boys and how work weaves around family life and home in unity together – all in the same space. Another meditation before school pick up is the best to then enjoy the rest of the day.  It's a wonderful age where our boys' friendship is full of love and laughter as my eldest chases our baby around the house both crawling.  When the boys are in bed I'll do a bit more work in the evening.

What little luxuries do you look forward to throughout your day?
Vedic meditation – this is what keeps my world shiny, and supports my family life and design. Without it I'd be very tired and going around in circles.

How has your idea of luxury changed or developed over the years?
It might sound a bit cliché, but with my design work and two young children I'd have to say time is a luxury that is cherished. I also love travel and find it so inspiring, but this is definitely more of a luxury now. I've been going to Great Barrier Island for many years and the remoteness and natural beauty makes it my favourite place to be.  Time slows down when you're on the island and the isolation and ability to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature defines what luxury is to me.

Who inspires you?
Thom Knowles and Lauren Godfrey (my vedic meditation teachers) both inspire me personally as do people who are kind – my dad, my children and my husband. Professionally there are many people and places that inspire me for different reasons. Working with (architects) Fearon Hay is really inspiring.

What drives you?
The collective energy that comes from working with creative people and interesting clients. I enjoy challenges and working with great people and seeing our designs evolve and come to life.

What excites you most about 2020?
As an interior architect, I am constantly sourcing new unique pieces for our projects from many different suppliers and countries. To support our designs and clients the ordering and procurement process is a really important part of our interiors and executing our designs. This year, my husband and I launched a new company (Christo) and have been focusing on the sourcing of pieces for our projects, pricing, logistics and really everything that goes on behind the scenes to make our designs come to life. I am excited to see where this goes as it evolves.

Talk me through your signature beauty look?
I am happy with minimal makeup (a bit of mascara and lip gloss is about as good as it gets) and seek out natural products for my skin and in my home.

Can you talk a little about the transformative powers of makeup? How do you feel when wearing your makeup is 'on point'?
If I have something special on to go to I love to get my makeup done by a makeup artist. I like the feeling of makeup to feel light, so to keep it simple, clean and natural so I still feel me.

Which shade from Bobbi Brown's new Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick collection is your favourite, and why?
Bare Truth, as I like the natural tonal hue. The colours are all really beautiful.

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CLAIRE HAHN
Milliner
@clairehahnnz

It’s the little acts of self-care that Auckland-based milliner Claire Hahn says make her life all the more luxurious. Between running her own business and raising a family, Claire’s days are certainly jam-packed, but she says she thrives most under pressure. She counts power women who have managed to nail that elusive work-life balance as the ones who inspire her most, but closer to home it’s her family that keep her focused and driven.

Talk me through what a day in your life entails.
I start each day at 6am pretty much on the dot; I don't need an alarm clock. I have a five-year-old bundle of energy who is fairly consistent at starting the day bright and early, seven days a week. Coffee is my first priority, as is a quick glance over my emails and social media channels to prepare for any urgent priorities for the day. Early mornings are a whirlwind in our house – lunch making, school bag packing, shoe finding – all before 8am, when the kids are out the door to catch the school bus. From the moment my three children are out the door, I'm in full work mode. My days as a self-employed milliner are tremendously varied. Throughout the week I have client fittings, material sourcing, media and advertising as well as production. There is always something pressing to achieve but I both thrive and work well in a highly pressurised environment.

What little luxuries do you look forward to throughout your day?
Daily luxuries for me are small consistent acts of self-care. Weekly or monthly practices can be afforded to be slightly more indulgent. I find scent to be such an easy way to create a sense of luxury in and around my home; a well-chosen perfume, a high quality scented candle or fresh weekly blooms. I am particularly partial to notes of gardenia, vanilla and citrus.

How has your idea of luxury changed or developed over the years?
Luxury for me is no longer measured by cost or expense, rather now it is measured by time. The luxury in my life is time – time to go slow, time to catch up with friends, time to travel or simply time to spend with my family.

Who inspires you?
I am always inspired by women who have seemingly managed that curious work-life balance – women who seem to know themselves and have a strongly curated sense of style in all aspects of their life. Olivia Palermo, Christine Centenera, Rozalia Russian, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are long time favourites. Closer to home, I think Rickie Dee is pretty incredible.

What drives you?
For me it always comes back to my three children. Ultimately the reason why I work so hard is so that I can afford to give them a life more rich in experience than mine has been. I am so driven to give them more, show them more – I want to be able to look back on my life and honestly say I gave them my all

What excites you most about 2020?
2020 is so very exciting for me! We are currently building on a new property in Taupaki which is a longer process of course than ever intended. I am so looking forward to using my creative flair and design eye to create our forever home once the construction side of things are completed. My youngest is turning six in January so opening up new experiences from a career point of view and the international travel that is required seems so much less overwhelming.

Talk me through your signature beauty look?
My signature makeup look has become more refined over the years. Having great healthy skin to start with has become more important as I start to creep towards 40. I have always favoured a strong, defined brow and smoky eye paired with a more neutral toned lip and a soft, blush cheek. I am always partial to that slightly 1960s heavy, well-defined eye crease in a modern interpretation of Brigitte Bardot's look.

Can you talk a little about the transformative powers of makeup? How do you feel when wearing your makeup is 'on point'?
I don't feel the need to have my makeup on point. I am not one to be strongly driven by makeup fads or trends. It's more important for me to feel like myself or the best version of that. I had a wonderful friend tell me recently that a real lady does not age – it just takes her longer to get ready. To be brutal though, I could not care less what others think of my makeup look – makeup has everything to do with the way you feel and zero to do with the way you look.

Which shade from Bobbi Brown's new Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick collection is your favourite, and why?
I am obsessed with the new Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense in Passion Flower. It's the perfect shade with a smoky brown evening eye as we head into the silly season!