We’re regularly sent items and news from brands hoping to catch our (and your) attention. Some we’re happy to shout about; others, not so much. Many are fresh launches, others are cult classics worth coming back to. So, we’re sharing more of what crosses our desks, inboxes and feeds.

Some of these products or services may have been gifted, but the opinions are all ours – and we think are worth your time (and money).

Baina Apothecary, from $65

This is one of those brand extensions that makes total sense: six practical, beautifully scented bathing products joining Baina’s collection of ‘bathing essentials’ aka towels. There’s a body wash, scrub, bath milk and salts, plus hand wash and a post-bath oil, all featuring a woody scent they call Ebon Veil made from a blend of eleven therapeutic essential oils. Like Baina’s towels, the silver packaging is begging to be displayed; making even tiny rental bathrooms chicer.

Deadly Ponies x Dan Arps candles, $149

Another nice-smelling new thing! The local accessories brand is celebrating 20 years, and has released two new artisanal candles in collaboration with artist Dan Arps – fitting called Deadly, and Ponies, each with their own scent. Deadly is soft leather, warm wood and spice, while Ponies is a lighter floral, “sun worn on leather”. Arps has created the sculptural ceramic vessels in a soft pink and metallic silver; objects you’ll want to keep and display.

Zoe and Morgan ‘Twenty’ collection

Speaking of milestones: 20 years ago, Zoë & Morgan started around a kitchen table in London. Now, the three siblings behind the brand – Zoë, Morgan and Ruth – are celebrating with the Twenty Collection, a mix of reimagined archive pieces and fresh designs that nod to their roots. Highlights include a mini version of their signature ‘Gypsy Heart’ necklace, a little piece of their story you can wear every day.

Penny Sage joins the coolest block in Auckland

The brand is the latest stylish addition to the Grey Lynn shops, opening a new boutique next door to Florets cafe and stores from Dominique Healy and Rachel Mills (Wise Burger is there too). Designer Kate Megaw had been in her previous, quite hidden Penny Sage studio and showroom, for over 10 years but this new Great North Road spot is much more accessible. She’s just released a new range – we want the chartreuse silk shorts – plus there are other brands like Buddy basics, Shannen Young jewellery, Ueba Esou nail polish and more. And really good lighting in the changing rooms.

Dead Man Vintage x Gemini Vintage’s new store

Another new spot worth visiting on Great North Road, up the Karangahape Road/Ponsonby Road intersection end. Kate from Dead Man Vintage and Helen from Gemini Vintage (which you may know from Central Flea) are both known for their considered and experienced vintage eye, and their new collaborative space is packed with goodies. Look for the pink frame window!

Adidas moves down the road

In even more retail news: adidas has opened a big new flagship on Newmarket’s Broadway (it’s where the Dove Hospice shop used to be), with a wide selection of originals, sportswear (lots of rugby fits), footwear and kidswear. The store is a ‘grade A’ which means it gets more releases, including limited edition drops and collections. When we visited there were some great purple tracksuits, lots of SL72 sneakers and whimsical ruffled takes on the three stripes.

Emma Lewisham x Judy Millar holiday gift sets, $78-$158

Purple is Ensemble’s colour and we adore the work of artist Judy Millar, so we’re all about Emma Lewisham’s new sets featuring her distinctive brushstrokes. This year there are two, featuring mini versions of the brand’s signature products.

A bunch of new things at Mecca

Speaking of holiday gift sets, Mecca has released its latest artist collaboration, this year with Australian artist Karen Black’s colourful, painterly artwork adorning gift boxes you’ll want to keep, bags and cards including Ensemble-esque butterfly and sun motifs.

If skincare’s more your thing, we've been testing a few products from French brand Mimétique including the Skin Booster Radiance Face Oil and Skin Cloud Nourishing Cleansing Balm. We hadn't heard of the brand before now, but it was started by French cosmetic chemist Fabienne Sebaoun and leans into the 'biotech' angle.

And in other Mecca news: Victoria Beckham Beauty is launching in the store on October 21, including the cult Satin Kajal Liners.

Tāmaki Makaurau 2025: Essays on Life in Auckland, $32

It’s no secret that we love our complicated city, and those sticking around and doing things to help keep it vibrant. So we were excited to see this upcoming release, a book of essays from 12 people – including Anton Blank, Jean Teng (of Cringe), Jeremy Hansen, Tommy de Silva, Emmy Rākete and more – reflecting on the changing city. Even better: the cover photo and portraits inside were taken by regular Ensemble contributor Abigail Dell’Avo. Published by Auckland Council Libraries, the collection was edited by Damien Levi, who you might know through the online arts journal Bad Apple, Āporo Press or the anthology Everything That Moves, Moves Through Another. This book of essays will be released in November, but you can put it on hold at the library now. And you know how much we also love libraries! You could also go along to the opening next week (but you need to register here).

Wallace Cotton x Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki sleepwear, from $80

You know what else we love? Being in bed, and lolling about at home. Nice PJs help, and this new collab is a lovely new option: it features a ‘reimagining’ of the Reading painting by New Zealand artist Maud Sherwood (1880-1956), featuring on a robe and nightie. Find it at the gallery shop from October 24.

Meadowlark new charms, from $155

“A little bit of whimsy from Meadowlark,” read the subject line for this PR pitch; consider us interested. The jewellery brand has added a bunch of cute new charms to their collection, including a four-leaf clover, wishbone, fortune cookie, cat, bunny and sardine, for a sardine-girl summer. There are also select pavé versions, if you want a fancy version. There may also be a wee mushroom charm in drop two…