Katey Mandy (the inspiring NZ founder behind world-class skincare brand RAAIE) shares her 'list of loves' lately...
Wearing
I’ve been living in a long-line coat from The Row – a gift from the wonderful Lucy from Sans [Ceuticals] (I know, what a woman!)
It’s beautifully tailored but also relaxed. But what I’ve really got my eye on is the Belted Doublé Tote from Toteme
– its slouchy but sculptural, and very versatile. I saw it in a store last month and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Listening To
Lately it’s been Cleo Sol and Olivia Dean on loop. Cleo Sol is an old favourite (especially ‘Life Will Be’)
and Olivia Dean is a new one that we discovered when she featured Raaie in The File -
her voice is pure velvet and upbeat without being too pop-y.
Reading + Watching
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. It’s less a book and more a philosophy on creativity, and one I keep dipping back into.
And I just rewatched The Talented Mr Ripley, which has such lush Mediterranean escapism, it made me want to
move to Italy and ride around on bikes and never wear shoes again.
Podcast
The Diary of a CEO episode with Mo Gawdat on happiness really stayed with me.
It talks about joy not as something you chase, but return to which feels strangely aligned with how I think about skincare and simplicity.
Eating / Drinking
When I need a reset, I make a tonic with mānuka honey, ginger, cayenne, loads of lemon, sparkling water,
apple cider vinegar, and a splash of capsicum extract. It’s spicy, sharp, but also very calming.
But the best meal I’ve had lately was a solo dinner at Langosteria in Portofino
- Spaghetti alle vongole and a glass of vermentino. Heaven.
Following
@eyeswoon – Athena Calderone’s world is just beautiful.
I love the way she weaves together interiors, food, and artful living.
Looking Forward To
We’re about to launch our new mist, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s engineered with new technology to
hydrate deeply and boost the efficacy of everything you layer on top.
It’s a skin reset in a cloud - and it’s been a long time in the making.
Dreaming Of
A week at the Aman Kyoto. Onsen baths, moss gardens, no phone.
I’d pack a stack of books and disappear for a while. Just thinking about it is a calming me down.
Thinking About
I’m constantly thinking about resilience in nature, skin, and life.
The way New Zealand flora survive in extreme UV has become a metaphor I return to.
I also admire people who build things slowly and intentionally, which feels like a radical act in a world of fast everything.
A Recent Moment
Swimming in the sea with my son as the sun set behind us in Greece.
He shouted “Mum, this is the best day of my life!” and honestly… same.
It reminded me why we do all of this.
Enjoying
I’ve been playing with contrast showers (cold, then hot, then cold again) which feels wildly invigorating
and oddly calming. Also using the RAAIE Golden Nectar Mānuka Cleanser
as a mask twice a week for 10 minutes while I drink my tonic, and my skin glows all day.
Adding to Cart / Sunday Fave
The BAINA Josephine Hand Towel in Sage + Chalk. I already own the bath towel, and it brings me joy daily.
The Abel Pink Iris Parfum which is a modern floral that smells fresh and botanical and uplifting.
I also love the Author Ceramics Pillowish Vase because you know I love a soft curve and I love that they are made with sand from Waihi Beach!
