In case you missed the memo, we are obsessed with puzzles. Even pre-pandemic it was an essential part of a soothing bedtime, or Sunday morning routine. It’s the ultimate moving meditation; an unplugged, offline hobby that doesn’t involve housework (one of the most glorious things about getting stuck into an engrossing puzzle is watching the washing pile take on a life of its own). 

Something else we are passionate about? Cake. As evidenced by our recent birthday parties in both Tāmaki and Pōneke. And cool creatives.

So the fusing of all these elements together to create the first Ensemble puzzle - and piece of merch - is, to be frank, a total career high.

Nail and makeup artist Tanya Barlow’s nail art seemed the perfect accessory on which to hang a puzzle off. Plus, if anyone can imbue personality into a hand it’s Tanya. The intricate nails she created matched the cake provided by Insta-stars Zi Sweet perfectly. 

To top it all off we had jewels from Meadowlark and Camille Paloma Walton alongside knickknacks from Tanya’s private collection and styling by Christopher Stratton. Photography came from frequent collaborator Kate Battersby who is always up for anything we throw at her.

We’ve completed this 1000 piece puzzle and found it utterly glorious to put together. Aesthetically pleasing, beautifully made, lots of little ensemble pieces coming together for a beautiful bigger picture, each part with clear boundaries that also allow for overlap. It’s a metaphor…

Lettuce x Ensemble’s ‘Cherry on Top’ puzzle, $45, is available by clicking here.