The new edition of Viva’s quarterly magazine, featuring Grammy Award-winning singer Lorde (Ella Yelich-O’Connor) as special guest editor and cover star, is on sale today. The internationally award-winning fashion and lifestyle magazine is available in retail outlets Aotearoa-wide.
Lorde (Ella Yelich-O’Connor) commented, “I feel privileged to have been invited to work with the talented team at Viva. We loved putting this issue together, and I learnt a lot. I can’t wait to share it with everyone”.
Viva editor Amanda Linnell added: “We’re so proud of this very special issue, guest edited by the extremely talented Ella. The issue is filled with inspiring and insightful reads, and we’re so looking forward to New Zealanders picking-up a copy and enjoying it.”
As Viva’s inaugural guest editor, Ella worked closely with the Viva team to bring the pages to life. The issue explores the theme of ‘designing a better future’, from indigenous fashion and innovative design, to the importance of te reo Māori and protecting our environment – subjects close to Ella’s heart. Ella is photographed for the cover shoot wearing a host of sustainably-minded local designers, accompanied by an in-depth interview by published author Megan Dunn (Things I Learned at Art School).
“Shooting the cover story with Hōhua Ropate Kurene at the beautiful Te Uru Gallery in Titirangi was one of the most special days I’ve ever had on set,” the star writes in her editor’s letter. “Hōhua blew me away with his world-class skill and gorgeous energy... I went home that evening buzzing.”
Lorde worked closely with Viva’s fashion and creative director, Dan Ahwa, to ensure the shoot focused on sustainable and indigenous designers.
“We spent a lot of time discussing the brands, the inspiration behind the garments and the materials used — from Maungarongo Ron Te Kawa's handwoven quilt to an embroidered skirt from Dunedin-based label Sleeping Profit,” says Dan.
“The shoot took place at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, among works by artists such as artist Salome Tanuvasa, Teuane Tibbo, and Dunedin-based ceramic artist Blue Black. Lorde was an extremely generous collaborator who wanted everyone’s work to shine.”
Viva Magazine Volume Seven also features writing from BBC documentary maker and environmental journalist Sharron Ward, who highlights unique places worth preserving in Aotearoa, from Putiki to Pukeiāhua.
Award-winning writer and published author Shilo Kino (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Maniapoto) explores the rising popularity of full immersion te reo Māori study.
Readers can step inside the unique home of artist Martin Basher and his director wife Martha Jeffries, located in Ian Athfield’s iconic hillside complex in Khandallah. Plus, sought-after interior designer Katie Lockhart shares the inspiration behind some of her most exciting projects.
Viva food writer Leisha Jones investigates the future of hospitality in New Zealand, and wine writer Jo Burzynska rounds-up innovative wineries in the sustainability scene, recommending the best drops from around the country.
Following its launch in August 2020, Viva’s quarterly magazine has gone from strength to strength, winning First Place in the Best Use of Print Award at the INMA Global Media Awards in 2021, and being inducted into Kātoitoi - the Aotearoa Design Archive.
Also available as an annual subscription, Viva Magazine Volume Seven is available on magazine shelves right across New Zealand from today.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Gunn
GM Communications - NZME
+64 27 213 5625
kelly.gunn@nzme.co.nz