Introducing The Modern Muse issue, with cover star Maia Mitchell

There’s a certain energy in the air as a new season begins. A little more indulgence, a little more spontaneity, and a desire to live boldly — without worrying too much about getting it right. Who better to set the tone than our modern muse and cover star, Maia Mitchell?

Actress Maia Mitchell has arrived at a new kind of freedom — one grounded in curiosity, self-expression and a certain disregard for getting it ‘right’. It’s a mindset that extends beyond fashion, cementing her place among a new generation of screen-born fashion muses. More broadly, she’s embracing a way of living that feels increasingly self-directed, less concerned with expectation and far more interested in the pleasure of it all. For our spring issue, we meet Maia at this particular moment: living boldly, dressing boldly, and having a lot more fun with both.

But Maia is just the beginning. Her sense of boldness runs throughout the issue, from the jewellery redefining heritage codes to the people, places and ideas shaping the season ahead.

That spirit of reinvention continues across our luxury pages. At Gucci, Demna is rewriting the rules of High Jewellery, transforming the house’s iconic Flora, Horsebit and nautical codes into bold, sculptural statements of rare gemstones and unapologetic glamour. Meanwhile, Van Cleef & Arpels proves that reinvention doesn’t have to shout. The maison reimagines its iconic Alhambra motif in translucent pink enamel, bringing fresh energy to one of jewellery’s most recognisable signatures, while a new motif takes flight in an entirely new direction.

Spring is anything but subtle. Swarovski’s Millenia collection embraces colour at full volume, pairing vivid crystals in unexpected combinations and inviting a little more play into the way we dress. We bring you the new-season fashion edit, spotlighting the pieces set to make an impact, while award-winning hairstylist Anthony Bayer shares his expert tips for a fresh look.

And if retail therapy is on the agenda, we hit the city to explore its newest luxury arrivals, from Faradays and Cartier to Michael Hill’s stunning new flagship.

In a Remix exclusive, we sit down with Hollywood star Jennifer Garner, who opens up about her new series The Five-Star Weekend and why female friendships are the “breath of life”. Elsewhere, we enter the world of Assouline, the publishing maison that redefined the coffee-table book as an objet d’art, and speak with co-founder Martine Assouline about the philosophy behind the phenomenon. We meet the chefs behind New Zealand’s first Michelin stars, discover Josh Emett’s exciting new venture, and round out the issue with the greatest eats and newest haunts worth knowing.

Consider this your invitation to live a little bolder.

The Modern Muse issue, starring Maia Mitchell, is on sale now nationwide