Viva uncorks luxury edition with fashion, food, wine and travel temptations

Rising New Zealand-Iranian actor and model Roxie Mohebbi is Viva Magazine Vol 8’s cover star, bringing her chameleonic talents to the magazine’s special luxury issue, on sale from Tuesday.

The fascinating local performer revels in a range of elegant looks inspired by old-world glamour, and talks exclusively about her tumultuous journey to the screen. The accompanying fashion shoot, overseen by Viva creative and fashion director Dan Ahwa and photographer Mara Sommer, is Viva Magazine’s biggest and most opulent to date, taking place over two days at the Civic Theatre — the epitome of luxury.

As Viva Magazine editor Amanda Linnell explains, however, the issue’s theme of modern luxury is just as much about finding meaning, integrity and connection as it is appreciating the good things in life.

“Luxury is open to the individual, open to interpretation and doesn’t always have to cost the earth.”

The 75 pages are packed with sumptuous winter fashion. Yet the luxury of time spent well is also celebrated, with a range of top-end experiences curated by an all-star editorial team.

Award-winning chef Sid Sahrawat (of Sid at The French Cafe, Cassia) takes on the mantle of food editor, presenting an exquisite dinner party menu, (think crayfish roasted with nduja butter and watercress; duck breast with caramelised leek; and cardamom crme brle.)

Renowned New Zealand jewellery editor Annabel Davidson, (Vanity Fair, Telegraph, British Vogue, NY Times) writes an exclusive piece on luxury jewellery. Famed photographer Derek Henderson captures the luxury of time spent in nature with a stunning shoot in Arrowtown.

And London-based New Zealand writer Jessica Beresford of the Financial Times’ How to Spend It supplement writes on the state of luxury now, from the glamour of Paris couture week to the thriving luxury retail scene in New Zealand.

Viva also reports from Northern California, where they test-drive the latest Range Rover, from Fiji, with a Six Senses resort escape, to the most decadent dining experiences in Aotearoa.

Viva also speaks to Kiwi design duos excelling overseas, uncorks luxurious wines, and trials 25 luxurious beauty buys.

For more info, go to viva.co.nz