Taken in Fran’s dining room. The artwork is by British artist Janine Roux (an old friend), and hydrangeas are in an antique glass buoy from Vitrine.Fran and Jude
Jude taken in her covered terrace with a beautiful light made from French green glass.Fifteen years ago, Verve was founded by two lovers-of-life, Jude Mitchell and Fran Ninow. Since then, independent publishing has become a way of life for Jude, Fran and the long-standing small team at Verve who obsessively curate a life-affirming eclection of life, style and happenings in Auckland and beyond, every month.
At Verve we believe a little escapism is good for you. Which is why we continuously cultivate light and happiness by sharing the exceptional stories, trends, products, places and upcoming events we’ve discovered. Our mantra is ‘all joy and no judgment’, because Verve exists for your enjoyment. We’re here to inspire, to provoke thought, to positively influence — not to dictate.
Celebrating Verve and all that it means, editors Jude and Fran take some time out to share precious moments outside of work.
Jude standing in front of her son’s, Dane Mitchell, artwork, Meanwhere #6, 2020. Digital C-Type Print.“At Verve we believe a little escapism is good for you.”
Fran sitting in her favourite thinking spot in her lounge. “The couch is an old one, recovered many times, but really comfortable. The cushions, a collection of old and new. And the artwork is a floral explosion by Emma Bass.”“I love my home! It’s actually a former panel beater’s workshop in Grey Lynn. Before being transformed into a home, we could literally drive our car into the living room. Over the years we have made many changes to it, such as a beautiful garden and jasmine-covered terrace. There is an abundance of plants inside and out. It’s a home that naturally lends itself to celebrations of all kinds. It’s quite often full of people, laughter and music and we have hosted many wonderful 21st, 40th and 70th birthday parties, as well as weddings and engagements. Every piece of art I have in my home is from an artist that is close to me, one of these being my son. I love buying beautiful vases, my latest purchases being from Gidon Bing and an amazingly oversized purple vase from Kartel. My home is my sanctuary.” – Jude x
“I am a bit of a homebody outside of work and truly in my zone when pottering around the house, in my garden and beach-side neighbourhood. Being a sentimentalist, the most treasured things in my home have a story behind them. Sustainability is important to me too, so I do my best to re-purpose as opposed to buying new. Design and art have always brought me great joy and while I do not yet have all the things just perfect and exactly what I aspire to for my home, I am enjoying the journey getting there.” – Fran x
Verve is Auckland’s favourite FREE independent magazine, and brings you a life-affirming eclection of life, style and happenings every month. Found everywhere and anyway you need — in print, online, or delivered to your inbox.
Photo ― Neil Gussey
