Craft and design come together in this two-day conference featuring designers and curators from both here and abroad. Each one of the 25 guests speaking as part of Parallels is, in their own way, working in a realm where craft and design meet. In an increasingly industrialised world, where does the value lie in home made creations? The general consensus is their rising significance shows no sign of slowing down, as commercial design and crafted objects look to each other for inspiration, and dare we say it, in some cases are even beginning to resemble each other. The talks are aimed at both those immersed in the craft or design industries, as well as those who have a keen interest in the area. The influence of technology, sustainability, digital connectivity and globalisation will also be examined. Get ready for a series of informative, inspirational and provocative talks revealing the shifting priorities and emerging opportunities for Australian craft and design.
There is great satisfaction stumbling across District Brewer on noiseless Brewer Road. Having opened in early 2015, the brunch haven that has brought Bentleigh locals experimental yet reliable food. Over the last decade, Bentleigh has emerged as a hospitable suburb. What used to be an area filled with dry cleaners, Asian supermarkets and real estate agents, is now full of competitive cafes and restaurants. District Brewer, adds another layer of value. International influences have given the cafe's menu its edge. Chicken is crumbed in Panko, and mushrooms are topped with gremolata crème fraiche. The menu is also rich in interesting ingredient fusions; the eggs Benedict ($18) comes with a miso baba ghanoush and curry hollandaise. If that's not cultural integration, we're not sure what is. The dishes appear delicate, but are unassumingly hearty. The black forest Bircher ($13) is exactly what it sounds like: adventurous. Made up of macadamia, pistachio, cherry labneh and a chocolate soil, it's actually dessert disguised as breakfast. An avocado and feta smash with a poached egg ($17) is given a fresh twist with the addition of watercress, polenta and mint, and the option to add cured salmon. But if there's one dish the cafe should be proud of, it's the Mexican breakfast, made up of jalapeno fritters, avocado, corn salsa, queso fresco (fresh cheese) and a fried egg. What's even more pleasing is that breakfast is served all day, everyday. At the forefront of District Brewer sits a teal La Marzocco coffee machine, reiterating the cafe's liveliness. It also tells customers that coffee — made with beans from Canterbury's The Mailing Room here — is treated with the utmost respect. If you're making your way via public transport, you may build up a sweat on the 15-minute walk from Bentleigh Station. Luckily, there's an outdoor courtyard planted on synthetic turf where you can relax and sip on something refreshing. Cold-pressed juices ($6) and Vietnamese iced coffees ($6) are also on the menu to revive customers during the scorching days to come.
Now that the sun is out, loading up your schedule with events will help shake off the winter blues. That's easily done at Gemini — a thriving all-day eatery, food pantry and bottle shop, with the much-loved venue featuring a host of good times on its October agenda, from long lunches to cocktail celebrations. Conceived as a meeting point for the curious and the convivial, Gemini is the ideal spot to revel in the release of The Madrusan Cocktail Companion on Tuesday, October 14. Created by Michael and Zara Madrusan — the former owners of acclaimed cocktail bar, The Everleigh — you're invited to sip on two signature cocktails made in collaboration with The Gospel Whiskey and Melbourne Gin Company, served with a snack inspired by the book's 2800-plus recipes. Gemini also has a pair of wine tastings to savour in October, with Kyneton-based collective POOL Wines offering a free community event jam-packed with low-intervention wines on Saturday, October 11. Then, on Wednesday, October 22, Giant Steps is in the house showcasing the Yarra Valley producer's latest release. Here, you'll sip on some delightful drops and chat to the team responsible for crafting them. This month is also packed with weekly events that are sure to prove alluring to locals. On Thursdays, it's Neighbourhood Night, featuring $35 steak frites with sauce du jour. Meanwhile, round out the week with Sunday Sessions, headlined by a $35 martini and fried chicken combo from 12pm–5pm. Plus, Gemini's Happy Hour is a strong one, offering $3 oysters, $10 wines and $15 cocktails from 5–6pm, Wednesday–Saturday.
The world won't end in April, but video game and television fans will be whisked off to an irradiated wasteland just by sitting on their couches. Here, living inside luxe vaults has been the way of life for two centuries; however, it's no longer a reality for Lucy (Ella Purnell, Yellowjackets). So goes the plot for the new Fallout streaming series that's following 2023's The Last of Us from mashed buttons to TV. This one comes via Prime Video, dropped its first teaser last year, and has now unveiled a full look that shows that it's sticking closely to its source material. The streaming platform has also announced that Fallout will arrive earlier than initially planned, by a day — so you'll be watching on Thursday, April 11, 2024. It's been almost three decades since Fallout first hit computers back in 1997, with three released sequels, a fourth on the way and seven spinoffs all following. The live-action television take doesn't just star Purnell, but also a swaggering Walton Goggins (I'm a Virgo) as bounty hunter The Ghoul, plus Kyle MacLachlan (Lucky Hank) as Overseer Hank. Here, it's a post-apocalyptic future, where everything went pear-shaped 200 years back. Hence living in vaults, because a hellscape filled with mutants, wild west vibes and plenty of violence awaits outside those cosy confines — as the optimistic Lucy, daughter of Hank, who oversees Vault 33, is about to find out. On the surface, Goggins' The Ghoul has a secret past — and Aaron Moten (Emancipation) also has a pivotal part as Brotherhood of Steel soldier Maximus. The retrofuturistic dystopian series features Moisés Arias (Samaritan), Sarita Choudhury (And Just Like That...), Michael Emerson (Evil), Leslie Uggams (Extrapolations), Frances Turner (The Boys), Dave Register (Heightened), Zach Cherry (Severance) and Johnny Pemberton (Weird: The Al Yankovic Story) as well — plus Rodrigo Luzzi (Dead Ringers), Annabel O'Hagan (Dear Edward) and Xelia Mendes-Jones (The Wheel of Time). For The Last of Us, HBO enlisted a creative force from one of the US premium cable network's past hits in Chernobyl's Craig Mazin. Prime Video has done the same with Fallout, but with Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy — who also executive produced Prime Video's own The Peripheral. As well as executive producing with Joy, Nolan directs the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) are similarly among Fallout's executive producers, as well as the series' writers and co-showrunners. And yes, Bethesda Game Studios has a hand in finally bringing the games to the screen. Check out the full trailer for Fallout below: Fallout will start streaming via Prime Video from Thursday, April 11, 2024. Images: courtesy of Prime Video.
Chances are, no matter how many drinks you downed on ANZAC Day, you didn't wake up with a penguin in your bed. That is, unless you're one of these three guys. In a wild night dubbed 'The Hangover come to life', three allegedly intoxicated tourists broke into the Gold Coast's Sea World Australia this past weekend. Once inside, they took the opportunity to go for a dip with the dolphins, take a video or two, and - oh yeah - kidnap a penguin. The unsuspecting penguin, named Dirk, had an even rougher go of it. Released by one of the three (panicked) men early Sunday morning, Dirk took to a nearby shark-infested waterway. Once chased out of his watery haven by a menacing shark, he out-waddled a curious dog before being rescued by passersby. Dirk has since by safely returned to Sea World, and to his lady penguin, Peaches. The three jokesters may not get off so lucky. They have released the phone-captured video of their drunken prank in hopes of demonstrating their 'non-malicious' intentions; even so, they are currently facing charges. https://youtube.com/watch?v=6ze6HKOiCNQ
The Footscray Night Market is back this festive season to fulfil every food-lovers dream. Taking place every Friday night from December 3–24, the markets will showcase a diverse range of cuisines at the weekly event. Here, you can discover flavours from around the world, and check out live entertainment and music in the Footscray Railway Reserve gardens — and, with children's entertainment also on the lineup, it's easy for the whole family to have fun. Each week, the markets will showcase a different theme to celebrate Melbourne's multicultural landscape. The first week will kick off with delicious African cuisine. Enjoy rich flavours, then watch complimentary performances from African artists from the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Then, on Friday, December 10, Footscray will celebrate the diverse flavours of Asia — complete with Bollywood beats and lion dances. The next week, on Friday, December 17, the markets will return home with an Australian showcase of Indigenous food offerings, plus a smoking ceremony. On Christmas eve, the final event will embrace some festive cheer with a European-style market. Celebrate the festive season with carols and gift stalls — and Santa Claus himself is even rumoured to make a special guest appearance. The Footscray Night Markets is free to attend, and offers the perfect spot to make memories with the whole family this summer. For more information, visit the website.
Nosferatu. The Wolf Man. Frankenstein. All three names are icons of classic horror cinema. All three are headed back to the big screen in 2025. The entire trio are also making a comeback with impressive directors leading the charge, with Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Northman) giving Nosferatu a new spin, Leigh Whannell moving from The Invisible Man to Wolf Man and Guillermo del Toro behind the latest iteration of Mary Shelley's masterpiece (to the surprise of no one who has seen the Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Nightmare Alley and The Shape of Water helmer's past movies). Nosferatu will hit picture palaces first — and, in true Eggers fashion, it's keen to unnerve. So, what happens when the acclaimed filmmaker directs his attention to the second-most famous name there is in vampire tales for his fourth feature? If both the initial teaser trailer and just-dropped new sneak peek for Nosferatu are anything to go by, embracing a twist on Bram Stoker's Dracula is set to turn out chillingly. More than a century has passed since the initial Nosferatu flickered across the big screen, a German Expressionist great that adapted Stoker's story with zero authorisation, hence changes such as its count being named Orlok. The film has been remade before, with Werner Herzog (The Fire Within: A Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft) giving viewers 1979's Nosferatu the Vampyre. Now, Eggers is sinking his teeth in — and visibly loving it. The new Orlok: Bill Skarsgård, fresh from action-star mode in Boy Kills World but pivoting back to creepy villains, just swapping IT and IT: Chapter Two's Pennywise for another insidious pop-culture figure. In the two looks at Eggers' Nosferatu so far, the writer/director plays coy with his monster, but not with Orlok's impact. "My dreams grow darker," cries Lily-Rose Depp in the initial trailer, trading the nightmare of The Idol for the gothic horror kind as Ellen Hutter. Joining Skarsgård and Depp is a stacked cast of fellow big names, including Willem Dafoe enjoying another stint in gothic mode after Poor Things and returning to Nosferatu after his Oscar-nominated performance in 2000's Shadow of a Vampire, where he played Max Schreck, the IRL actor who played Orlok back in 1922. Nicholas Hoult jumps from dancing with Dracula in Renfield to more undead eeriness, and Emma Corrin (A Murder at the End of the World), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy) and Ralph Ineson (The First Omen) all also feature. In the US, audiences have a silver-screen date with Nosferatu on Christmas, but viewers Down Under will see the film from Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Check out the full trailer for Nosferatu below: Nosferatu releases in cinemas Down Under on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Images: courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
Gone are the days of crashing on your own filthy camp stretcher at Splendour, padlocking up every tenty inch at Falls or nursing a crick floor-torn neck at Meredith. Belgian music festivals have changed the festival accommodation game with this brand new pop-up hotel design, so you'll never want to take the townbound shuttle again. Structured around a Japanese-style capsule hotel design, the prototype pods have been popping up at Belgian music festivals of late, prompting winsome looks from poor ol' regular stuck-in-the-mud campers. Adorably dubbed B-and-Bee, the design is the winner of a recent competition in Belgium that sought out sustainable entrepreneurship bright ideas. Often also the case at Australian festivals, Belgian festival campers aren't the most environmentally friendly of guests; leaving their cheap tents in a heap post-festival for someone else to deal with. The B-and-Bee team, led by Diana Schneider, Raf Schoors, Tim Ruytjens and social entrepreneurs at Compaan and Labeur, wanted to combat this regular trashing of resources. "It’s an ecological nightmare," Schneider told Wired. "We wanted to provide a sustainable sleeping option." The B-and-Bee honeycomb structure kicks a few goals, both sustainably and as a space-saving device. Attempting to reduce the spatial footprint, maintain cushiness and privacy while accommodating as many festivalgoers as possible is no mean feat. Using a stacked, tesselated design was the key. "We were looking for the most effective way to stack cells so they strengthen each other," says Schneider. "If you stack a square on top of each other the structure won't strengthen itself, whereas if you stack hexagons, they fit into each other and stabilise the structure." Slipping into a tiny, capsule space might sound a tad claustrophobic for some campers, but the B-and-Bee pods actually measure 1.7 metres wide by 1.45 metres tall, with a king-sized bed that's able to transform into a seat. You've also got power in your pod to charge that receptionless phone of yours, along with a light — camping's most underrated ally. While the combs are still in prototype phase, the team are hoping to have the structures geared up for next year's northern hemisphere summer festival season. Fingers crossed for a southern export, these little hives would go down a treat with yoga mat-weary Australian festivalgoers. Via Wired.
UPDATE, September 17, 2020: Captain Marvel is available to stream via Disney+, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. From the vibrance of Black Panther to the desolation of Avengers: Infinity War, 2018 was a milestone year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The superhero franchise ushered viewers into a thriving new world, then destroyed much of the MCU's existing realm. It also surpassed its 10th year and clocked up its 20th movie, too. Now comes a landmark event that should've arrived far sooner: the sprawling series' first film about a female protagonist. But cause for excitement soon becomes cause for shrugged shoulders with the average and underwhelming Captain Marvel. In terms of representation, the importance of simply seeing the iconic character on screen can't be underestimated. It's about damn time, honestly, especially after DC Comics beat Marvel to the punch with Wonder Woman. And the well-cast Brie Larson makes an engaging, inspiring Captain Marvel — a self-assured, no-nonsense hero who shines brightly and won't let anyone get in her way, but is also caring, tender and supportive when it comes to the people who matter. The movie also makes history behind the lens thanks to Half Nelson and Mississippi Grind's Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, with Boden becoming the MCU's first female director. Still, a generic film about a kick-ass female hero finally getting her due is still just that: generic. Before Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) becomes the universe's latest potential saviour, she's a woman waiting for action on the planet of Hala. Trained by Starforce commander Yon-Rogg (Jude Law), and told by the Kree civilisation that she's bound for bigger things, she's itching to use her powers — glowing hands that shoot beams of light — but can only control them when she's also able to control her emotions. Then a dangerous mission goes awry, sending the intergalactic soldier hurtling to earth. It's 1995, so she crashes through the roof of a Blockbuster, goes incognito in a Nine Inch Nails shirt, and a fresh-faced, eye patch-free Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) doesn't quite know what to make of the situation. The fact that Danvers is being followed by shape-shifting extraterrestrials, called Skrulls, complicates matters considerably, as do the vague flashes of a former life as a US Air Force pilot that she can't otherwise remember. The film throws more characters at its eponymous figure, such as a long-lost best friend (Lashana Lynch), a mentor (Annette Bening) with a link to Danvers' past and a Skrull (Ben Mendelsohn) with an Aussie accent (aliens can sound like they're from anywhere, after all). Mendo can never be described as routine, however seeing him pop up in another unchallenging Hollywood role cuts to the heart of Captain Marvel's struggles. So too does the movie's competent but unmemorable action scenes, standard visuals and overall texture for that matter. Apart from championing a female Marvel protagonist in a big and thoroughly deserved way, little about the film feels unique. That includes its throwback vibe (swapping Guardians of the Galaxy's 70s and 80s schtick for the 90s), fish-out-of-water narrative (classic Thor), and buddy-comedy laughs (as seen recently in Thor: Ragnarok and Spider-Man: Homecoming). Plus, while there's always room for a cute cat, even the scene-stealing Goose isn't that far removed from the mischievous tree known as Groot. Captain Marvel also falls victim to a curse that has plagued DC films more than the MCU. There's a reason that this tale is reaching screens mere weeks before Avengers: Endgame, with Captain Marvel serving up an origin story and slotting a key puzzle piece into place just in time for the next big flick. The same was true for Black Panther's pre-Infinity War release, but where the franchise's visit to Wakanda offered a vivid diversion from the Marvel playbook, this dalliance with Danvers always seems overly calculated. When the film isn't laying the groundwork for its immediate follow-up, it's diving into the series' past to explain things that don't need explaining — as a movie from a galaxy far, far away, aka Solo: A Star Wars Story, did last year with similarly passable but unremarkable results. And when Captain Marvel wants to evoke a warm, happy mood, it leans heavily and noticeably on 90s nostalgia. TLC, Hole, Garbage, No Doubt and Nirvana music cues, while welcome, have rarely felt so forced. Indeed, at times Captain Marvel plunges further than generic, coming off as a wasted opportunity. There's much that hits the mark, including the refreshing focus on friendship instead of romance, as well as the can-do female empowerment message. But there's also much about this MCU instalment that contentedly treads in familiar footsteps, dresses up the recognisable in barely different packaging and avoids embracing a distinctive flavour of its own. As the comics have made plain for more than four decades, when Carol Danvers soars, she flies high and blazes her own path. And yet, perhaps laying the groundwork for Endgame, the film that finally brings her to the big screen seems happy just to let her show up, rather than allowing her to make a real impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LHxvxdRnYc
While older Aussies might be more familiar with bat tennis — from back in the days when it was played around primary schools — the US-born game of pickleball has become far more popular. That's even more true throughout January when the Australian Open returns to Melbourne, and bars and hotels all over the city set up pop-up courts. And this year, the city has got a heap to choose from. [caption id="attachment_986676" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rooftop at QT[/caption] You've got a court up at the Rooftop at QT — which was first played on by Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrios and Frances Tiafoe earlier this month — that's been put together in partnership with Red Bull and The National Pickleball League. This pop-up pickleball court is open every day until Monday, March 3, but those seeking glory (and prizes) should rock up from 4–8pm from Thursday–Sunday. Winners score a round of free Red Bull cocktails and the very best performers have the chance to win an exclusive AO Live Red Bull experience, complete with an overnight stay at QT Melbourne. If one rooftop pickleball location isn't enough for you, you can also head over to Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street for more of the same action. Up at this sun-soaked space, you'll find another court open until Friday, February 28. The space is available to non-hotel guests throughout this period, but the best time to arrive is between 4pm and 9pm. This is when the crew gets out the DJ decks and serves curated cocktails at the adjacent Chateau La Gordonne rooftop lounge. [caption id="attachment_986576" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya[/caption] Lastly, the Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya crew has also joined the pickleball action in 2025, setting up a court on level one. Here, you can battle out with mates while sipping sake cocktails and barrelling through epic sushi platters. This has been set up in collaboration with the National Pickleball League, so do expect a top-quality court and all the gear needed to have a proper game. [caption id="attachment_986678" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hilton Melbourne[/caption] [caption id="attachment_986572" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ichi Ni Nana Izakaya[/caption]
With spring well and truly underway, morning temperatures are getting slightly more bearable and good ol' summer feels like it's inching closer every day. And what better way to celebrate, than with a brand new beachside gelato store? Already a firm neighbourhood favourite in both Hawthorn and Collingwood, Piccolina Gelateria has spawned a third location in St Kilda The new Acland Street store sports a Hecker Guthrie-designed fitout like its siblings — the design a playful nod to the 1950s in Southern Italy — but it'll also has a few key differences tying it into this new locale. A big, open facade embraces St Kilda's streetside buzz, with gelato-hued interiors offset by a glorious serving bench of square-cut Italian tiles. Here, you can get your mitts on 20 of Piccolina's all-natural handmade gelati, as well as four granita varieties. And prepare to go a little bit nuts with the chocolate and hazelnut — Piccolina St Kilda is kitted out with its own liquid chocolate fountain, drizzling signature house-made Nutella-style sauce 24 hours a day. Piccolina St Kilda is now open at 137 Acland Street every day from noon till late. Images: Carly Ravenhall.
Thanks to the ever-growing array of streaming platforms vying for your eyeballs — and the always-expanding catalogues of films and TV shows hosted on each, too — picking what to watch when you're settling down on the couch is rarely a simple exercise. Before winter is over, Australians will have another option to choose from, with new streaming service Paramount+ launching on Wednesday, August 11. The platform will actually rebrand the existing 10 All Access streaming service, with parent company Viacom CBS Australia and New Zealand bringing it into line with the global Paramount+ subscription offering that launched in America in March this year. For an $8.99 per month subscription fee, viewers can expect to scroll through — and try to pick between – more than 20,000 episodes and movies. That'll include films and series from Showtime, CBS, BET Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon, as well as from Paramount Pictures, the Smithsonian Channel and Sony Pictures Television. If you're the kind of viewer that loves rewatching your favourite flicks, you'll be able to head to Paramount+ to stream movies from the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones, Transformers, Jackass, Batman and Dark Knight Trilogy franchises. Austin Powers in Goldmember, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Grease and Good Will Hunting will also be available on the service. And, on the TV front, existing series such as The Good Fight, The Twilight Zone, Why Women Kill, Charmed and SpongeBob SquarePants will find a new home. Paramount+ is betting big on new television shows being a big drawcard, though, so you can expect to add a heap of titles to your must-watch list. The new series of Dexter is one of them — and so is the Chiwetel Ejiofor (The Old Guard)-starring TV adaptation of The Man Who Fell to Earth; The First Lady, which sees Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) play Michelle Obama; Anne Boleyn, with Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) as the titular figure; and page-to-screen adaptation The Luminaries. New Australian dramas Five Bedrooms and Last King of The Cross are also destined for the platform, as are Melbourne-shot comedy Spreadsheet and coming-of-age feature film 6 Festivals. The list goes on, including spy drama Lioness, a TV adaptation of video game Halo and The Offer, a scripted drama about on the making of The Godfather. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eaw6mUV3c6o In the US, Paramount+ will also stream Paramount Pictures' big cinema releases — such as A Quiet Place Part II and Mission: Impossible 7 — between 30 and 45 days after they hit cinemas. Whether that'll also happen in Australia from August is yet to be revealed. Paramount+ will launch in Australia on Wednesday, August 11, rebranding the existing 10 All Access streaming platform, with subscriptions costing $8.99. For further information, head to the Paramount+ website.
If you're in Melbourne or southeast Queensland and you're a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda, rejoice: your next chance to enjoy the musical talent's work is on its way in 2025. Hamilton has already done the rounds, including seasons in the Victorian capital and Brisbane. Next, it's time for another of Miranda's big Tony Award-winning shows to take to the stage locally — and his debut smash, too. Both Comedy Theatre and HOTA, Home of the Arts are set to turn into New York City's Washington Heights for seasons of In the Heights. Initially staged in 2005, then leaping to off-Broadway in 2007, then playing Broadway from 2008–11 (which is where it nabbed those 13 Tony nominations and four wins), Miranda's first stage sensation spends its time with Usnavi, a bodega owner from the Dominican Republic who dreams of going back — and who also sports a crush on Vanessa, who aspires to move out of the neighbourhood. Miranda himself originated the role of Usnavi, scoring a Tony nomination for his efforts. In Australia for this run, which began in Sydney in 2024, Ryan Gonzalez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) has stepped into the part. When the show heads to Melbourne from Friday, August 1 and then to the Gold Coast from Friday, September 12, fellow Moulin Rouge! The Musical alum Olivia Vásquez is playing Vanessa. Alongside Gonzalez, she's joined by Richard Valdez (All Together Now — The 100) as the Piragua Guy — another character that Miranda has brought to life personally, this time in the 2021 film version of In the Heights. On the stage and on-screen, the production not only follows Usnavi and Vanessa's connection, and their respective hopes for the future, but also the residents of Washington Heights, their family ties across multiple generations and their friendships. The soundtrack — which helped In the Heights win Best Musical and Best Original Score Tonys — as well as the vibe and mood bring together salsa, soul, rap, hip hip, merengue and street dance. If you're keen to watch the movie — or rewatch — in the interim, it stars Anthony Ramos (Twisters) as Usnavi and Melissa Barrera (Abigail) as Vanessa, as well as Leslie Grace (The Thicket), Corey Hawkins (The Piano Lesson), Jimmy Smits (East New York), Stephanie Beatriz (A Man on the Inside) and Olga Merediz (Spellbound). In the Heights 2025 Australian Dates From Friday, August 1 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne From Friday, September 12 — HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast In the Heights is playing Melbourne from August 2025 and the Gold Coast from September 2025— head to the production's website for more details and tickets. Images: Daniel Boud.
Glen Bagnara knows a thing or two about opening a treasured neighbourhood bar, as one of the minds behind Hemingway's Wine Room and Prahran's Bar Bianco. For this next trick, he's transformed the basement beneath his daytime diner Clementine to create a moodier and altogether more playful bar: Castlerose. The new bar is giving luxury hidden underground European bar energy. After entering via a black spiral staircase found towards the edge of Clementine, you'll find a small dark room filled with a few intimate leather banquettes, timber tables and stools by the black marble-topped bar. Architect Co:Aika has also subtly added in design features from the early to mid 20th century, imparting an elegant old-world feel that's also reflected in the food and drink offerings. Fine champagne is served in vintage-style coupe glasses. Classic European cocktails come in intricate stemware. An old-school cheese cart is wheeled around for anyone who wants to handpick wedges of local and imported cheeses that'll change regularly. But the most playful aspects of the dining experience are those with supper club touches. It's that themed and immersive kind of dining that always puts a smile on diners' dimly lit faces. At Castlerose, the confit duck comes wrapped up like a cigar, served in a wooden cigar box with an ashtray of olive dust. And the duck rillettes come in a sealed tin, ready to be peeled open and enjoyed with fig jam, cornichons and slices of toasted baguette. Head Chef David Yuan is making these fun dishes, but isn't depending too much on theatrics. Beneath it all, he's serving up classic European fare that leans more on the luxury end of the dining spectrum. Think: wagyu steaks, lobster rolls and top-quality charcuterie. With the introduction of Castlerose, Clementine regulars can keep things going beyond its daytime opening hours, sneaking downstairs for a little late-night luxury. Find Castlerose at 67 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne, open Wednesday–Saturday from 4pm till late. For more information, head to the venue's website. Images: Alex Squadrito.
It isn't always easy to satisfy fans of pastels and symmetry, brand-new Australian cinema, one of Japan's greatest filmmakers, a buzzy Euphoria and The White Lotus star, Succession, the internet's boyfriend and heartfelt animation all in one go. Or devotees of acclaimed Iranian directors, kaiju flicks, NBA superstar Stephen Curry, John Wick-style revenge tales, and wild commentaries on America's recent political landscape using clips from Wayne's World and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, either. But, when you're a cinema celebration hitting 70 years old as Sydney Film Festival is in 2023, ticking all those boxes is just another annual program. Of course, there's no such thing as an ordinary or routine SFF lineup. Whether you're a diehard cinephile or a more casual moviegoer, this festival has always spoiled viewers for choice, making sure there's truly something among its selection each year for everyone. In 2023, Festival Director Nashen Moodley's carefully curated bill kicks off with one of the most exciting Aussie films of the year arriving straight from Cannes, then includes Wes Anderson's latest doing the same — and throws in new work from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Sydney Sweeney, Sarah Snook, Paul Mescal and Pixar, plus much, much more. When SFF's milestone 70th fest officially opens on Wednesday, June 7, launching a program that'll screen 239 films from 67 countries until Sunday, June 18 — with 90 narrative feature films and 54 documentaries, and also notching up 37 world premieres and 123 Australian premieres — it'll do so with Warwick Thornton's The New Boy. The Cannes-selected title is his first film since 2017's stunning Sweet Country, and sees him team up with none other than Cate Blanchett. 2023's Tár Oscar-nominee plays Sister Eileen, who runs a monastery and home to orphaned boys in the 1940s, which is where the titular nine-year-old (newcomer Aswan Reid) is sent. Also among the cast: Deborah Mailman (Total Control) and Wayne Blair (Seriously Red). The New Boy is also vying for the festival's annual prize alongside 11 others, in what marks the official competition's 15th year. Other contenders span Aussie documentary The Dark Emu, about Bruce Pascoe's book; Bad Behaviour, the feature directorial debut of actor-turned-filmmaker Alice Englert (You Won't Be Alone) starring Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick); Kore-eda's Monster, the prolific helmer's latest after fellow recent SFF titles Shoplifters and Broker; and Celine Song's first effort Past Lives, telling a bittersweet romance about two childhood friends (Russian Doll's Greta Lee and Decision to Leave's Teo Yoo) who briefly reunite after decades apart. From the competition highlights, there's also Cobweb from South Korean A Tale of Two Sisters talent Kim Jee-woon; the animated Art College 1994 from Have a Nice Day's Liu Jian; Finnish great Aki Kaurismäki's (The Other Side of Hope) Fallen Leaves; and Afire, a Berlinale Silver Bear for Undine and Transit's Christian Petzold, which was part of the fest's first lineup announcement for 2023. Yes, Anderson's Asteroid City is on the 2023 SFF program, too, bringing the filmmaker's now-trademark sensibilities and aliens together at last — and a characteristically massive cast filled with every famous actor ever or thereabouts. Also set to flicker across Sydney's screens is the Sweeney-starring whistleblower docudrama Reality, Snook in Sundance-bowing Australian psychological thriller Run Rabbit Run, the Mescal-led (and Aussie-shot and opera-inspired) Carmen and Pixar's what-if-elements-had-feelings newbie Elemental. Jafar Panahi's (Tehran Taxi) Venice Special Jury Prize-winner No Bears was announced earlier as well, but remains a SFF must-see — and the kaijus come via Shin Ultraman, which springs from the creators of Shin Godzilla and Neon Genesis Evangelion. NBA fans will want to see Stephen Curry: Underrated, and the vengeance arrives via SXSW hit The Wrath of Becky (well, one of SFF's 2023 flicks about vengeance). And Soda Jerk return to the fest after Terror Nullius screened in 2018, this time with Hello Dankness and its chaotic yet cutting survey of US politics from 2016 onwards. Movie lovers should already be eagerly anticipating SFF's already-revealed Jane Campion retrospective, with the filmmaker herself in attendance — and Indian screen icon Amitabh Bachchan also earns his own program strand. But the new features keep coming, too, including in the fest's returning strands. Seasoned attendees should already be well-acquainted with SFF's ten-film focus on female directors from Europe, selection of movies about music, weird and wonderful horror and genre flicks, family-friendly fare, celebration of filmmaking talent with disability and titles from First Nations creatives, all back in 2023. Other specific standouts range from comedy Biosphere, about the last two men on earth; to Passages, from Love Is Strange's Ira Sachs; and also German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Submergence) heading to Japan with Perfect Days. Plus, there's assassin thriller Kennedy by Gangs of Wasseypur's Anurag Kashyap; literary thriller The Lesson, which stars Richard E Grant (Persuasion), Julie Delpy (On the Verge) and Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters); and historical drama Chevalier, with Kevin Harrison Jr (Cyrano) playing 18th-century Black composer Joseph Bologne. Cinemagoers can similarly look forward to Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winner A Thousand and One, the obviously film-loving I Like Movies, environmentalist tale How to Blow Up a Pipeline, talk show-set horror Late Night with the Devil and the self-explanatory tribute Cannes Uncut. Also, SFF has added a new Independent in Spirit section that's all about indie films by up-and-coming Australian directors, which is where The Big Dog will get comedic about a stockbroker with a financial domination fetish, Sunflower will spin a Melbourne-set queer coming-of-age tale, Birdeater will follow a bride-to-be attending her fiancé's buck's party — and more. As for where you'll be heading to get your festival fix this year, SFF is back at The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Australian Museum and Art Gallery of NSW. Sydney Film Festival 2023 runs from Wednesday, June 7–Sunday, June 18 at various Sydney cinemas — head to the festival website for further information and tickets.
Fancy warming up your winter by watching Lizzo hit the stage? Don't we all. That's this July's hottest ticket Down Under, at both 2023's Splendour in the Grass — where the rapper, singer and flautist is the only announced headliner so far — and on her own arena tour of the country. And the latter is proving such a hit that more dates have already been added. General ticket sales for Lizzo's Aussie tour only start on Wednesday, March 29, but the pre-sale period has seen her Sydney and Melbourne gigs sell out already via pre-sales. Cue two new concerts — one in each city — although, in sad news for Brisbanites, there's still no sign of a stint in the Sunshine State. Still, if you're keen to see the 'Tempo', 'Juice', 'Truth Hurts' and 'Rumors' singer doing her own shows in New South Wales and Victoria, this news is as good as hell. Lizzo's solo gigs are tied to her 2022 album Special, including, of course, Grammy Record of the Year-winning single 'About Damn Time'. But attendees can expect to hear hits from 2019's CUZ I LOVE YOU as well — and an overall set filled with dance-ready beats. Joining Lizzo on all dates as a special guest is Tkay Maidza, which means two must-see talents for the price of one. While a Lizzo tour is always a welcome announcement, fans in Brisbane will still note the usual Splendour setup — that is, when someone plays the fest and does their own gigs around it, Brissie is considered close enough to Byron to not warrant a separate stop. The Live Nation pre-sale for the new Sydney and Melbourne gigs runs until 10am local time on Wednesday, March 29, with general sales for all shows kicking off at 11am local time also on Wednesday, March 29. LIZZO — THE SPECIAL TOUR 2023: Friday, July 14 — RAC Arena, Perth Monday, July 17–Tuesday, July 18 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sunday, July 23–Monday, July 24 — Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Wednesday, July 26 — Spark Arena, Auckland Lizzo will tour Australia and New Zealand in July 2023. The Live Nation presale runs until 10am on Wednesday, March 29, with general sales from 11am Wednesday, March 29 — with all times local. For further details, head to the tour website.
Whether you share your life with a tail-wagging puppy, a cat that sleeps all day, a vocal parrot or a colourful little fish, if you're a pet owner, you can show your love for your chosen companion in a variety of ways. You can attend a boozy art class and paint a picture of them. Firmly fitting in with the times, you can get their photo plastered across a mask. And, in another pitch-perfect 2020 option, you can also buy a jigsaw puzzle emblazoned with their cute little face. Smoochy Poochy is the Australian company helping you piece together a portrait of Fido, Fluffy, Polly or Nemo — and, while you can obviously opt for whatever kind of personalised puzzle you like, why wouldn't you want one of your pet? Think of it this way: you've already spent so long gazing at them because they're just so adorable, and you've well and truly committed their face to your memory in the process, so this should be the easiest jigsaw that you've ever done. A number of sizes are available, which means that you can decide just how much of a challenge you're after. If you're eager to go big, you can opt for a 1000-piece puzzle that measures 50.2 centimetres by 76 centimetres, which is the largest size. Otherwise, you can pick between 12, 30, 35, 60, 88, 100, 120, 180, 200, 300 or 500 pieces. Prices range from $28.95 for the smallest puzzle, up to $59.95 for the largest. And if you'd like to provide more than one photo for a single puzzle — as uploaded via the company's website — you can. Smoochy Poochy will even create the collage for you, for free if it uses four or fewer photos, and at an extra price for five or more pictures. Smoochy Poochy's personalised pet puzzles are available to order via the company's website.
Planning your next adventure? Leave behind the bustling streets of Melbourne for regional Victoria's incredible wealth of picturesque hiking trails. After a long day spent trekking the dusty trails, you'll need somewhere to kick off your hiking shoes and get some much-needed R&R. Fortunately, there's no shortage of amazing eco-friendly cabins and off-the-grid spots to immerse you deep within Victoria's forests and valleys. Hit the road and take on that challenging hilltop climb — here are four luxurious cabins that will ensure you rest in comfort. From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. While regional holidays within Victoria will be allowed from May 31, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans. [caption id="attachment_717086" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] THE BUCKLAND Mount Buffalo National Park offers some of Australia's most scenic trails, and the Buckland Studio Retreat puts you right in the middle of all the action. Overlooking the alpine forest and granite cliffs, the cabins feature the full gamut of modern amenities, including double rain showers and free-standing baths that offer private hillside views. Breakfast is served as you look out across the stunning 40 acres of rugged bushland that these cabins stand on. You'll also have access to nearby hiking trails, including the Bungalow Spur Walk and a walk that reaches Mount Buffalo's summit. After you've built up an appetite from your hike, Bright's eateries are just a ten-minute drive away, like Tomahawks — a cosy bar and restaurant set in the middle of town. CLIFFTOP AT HEPBURN Designed by architect Robin Larsen, the Clifftop at Hepburn boasts seven remarkable cabins that will take your rural retreat to the next level. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal views across the rolling bushland toward neighbouring cliff faces. With unconventional amenities like Lord of the Rings pinball machines and eclectic Japanese massage chairs, each cabin presents a bespoke design that blends perfectly into the hillside landscape. Nearby Daylesford and Hepburn Springs present some spectacular day-long hikes, or you can refresh yourself straight from the source at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. SANTOSA COTTAGE Located just outside Melbourne's busy outer suburban streets and in the green township of Sassafras, Santosa Cottage is a charming private retreat. Surrounded by lush fernery, this two-storey cottage includes a roaring wood fire for those chilly nights and a set of French doors that open out onto a deck where you can sit among the trees. Plus, Sassafras Village is comfortably within walking distance and home to quaint cafes for your coffee and cake fix. Spend your days roaming the Dandenong Ranges National Park and its scenic hiking trails that are suitable for any level of fitness. [caption id="attachment_717084" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] DULC HOLIDAY CABINS From rock climbing to horse riding and abseiling, Halls Gap has no shortage of activities for nature lovers to enjoy. Its most luxurious cabin stay is Down Under Log Cabins, aka DULC, which provides a great base to explore the wider Grampians region. Combining a rustic vibe with contemporary features, this series of single and two-storey cabins slots comfortably into the landscape with wooden floors, log walls and an abundance of natural light. Sustainably built, each cabin features a gas log fire, sleek spa baths and espresso machines for your morning caffeine boost before you hit the trails. While visiting this particularly popular part of the Northern Grampians, you'll have the opportunity to admire wonderful views across the range from Boroka Lookout. Or hop over to MacKenzie Falls and spy one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Santosa Cottage.
This year, as we are wont to do, we ate a lot of meals. We ate mussels and Mexican in Sydney, sushi and salted caramel in Melbourne and fried chicken and Frankenstein foods in Brisbane, as well as some excellent meals on our travels. But, when it comes down to it, at the end of 12 months of noshing, there are only a few truly memorable meals that spring to mind immediately — the ones that were so good, we gushed about them for the next three weeks and nagged our partners/colleagues/friends to return with us ASAP. Here are the dishes burned into our taste memory — if their respective eateries still list them on the menu, book a table immediately. ROUGAMO (CHINESE BURGER) AT XI'AN BIANG BIANG, SYDNEY What if I told you one of Sydney's most memorable burger experiences can be found at a Chinese restaurant in Haymarket? That's right, this year Xi'an Biang Biang introduced us to 'rougamo', aka the world's oldest 'hamburger'. Originating in the Shaanxi province of China, this ancient meat sanga is made from a flaky pastry pocket stuffed with juicy pork shreds. It's soft. It's crunchy. It's everything. Expect warm fatty juices to run down your arm and awkward stares from strangers when you go to lick it off. Let's just say, we can see why it caught on. — Erina Starkey, Sydney food and drink reviewer KANGAROO AND CROCODILE, CALYPSO DREAMS AT MOMOFUKU SEIBO, SYDNEY Puffed kangaroo tendon and crocodile soup aren't things you'll usually see at Seiobo. But neither is Jock Zonfrillo. The native-ingredient wizard, from Adelaide's Orana, helmed the kitchen alongside head chef Paul Carmichael for one night in October, dishing up creative Caribbean dishes with Australian twists. The night began with the above — the broth was rich, the puffed tendon light and tangy — and ended with a dessert of buttermilk and eucalyptus. If you see this elusive pair on a lineup together anytime in the future, I recommend you make a reservation, tout de suite. — Samantha Teague, editorial manager A post shared by Marco Fanuli (@marco_fanuli) on Sep 24, 2017 at 12:41am PDT TEA SANDWICH AT AFRICOLA, ADELAIDE I had dreams about this sandwich on the night after I first tried it. It's a simple yet exceedingly delicious creation: crispy roasted chicken skin on crustless white bread with flat-leaf parsley and a generous lick of chilli mayonnaise. Served with a dish of hot drippings from Africola's signature peri peri chicken (usually spiked with Bourbon if chef Duncan Welgemoed is lingering behind the bar), no less. It's the ultimate hangover cure, which they need to start packaging up and shipping around the country. — Samantha Payne, Sydney contributor WAFFLE-COATED SATED CARAMEL ICE CREAM AT ANNAM, MELBOURNE Salted caramel remained as popular as ever this year and new Vietnamese restaurant Annam was all over it. When I visited in November I revelled in a glorious six courses finished with an an epic waffle and coconut-battered deep-fried ice cream, drizzled in salted caramel sauce. Achieving that moreish balance between salty and sweet this was the perfect way to finish the feast — the modern twist on a Chinese restaurant favourite has easily been one of my fave dishes of 2017. — Ashleigh Whitehill, Melbourne contributor A post shared by Samantha Teague (@teaguese) on Oct 23, 2017 at 4:33am PDT SCALLOP, HAM AND PEAS AT SASAKI, SYDNEY This is what happens when Yu Sasaki recreates pea and ham soup. The head chef and owner of our best new Sydney restaurant of 2017 used prosciutto jelly, scallops and pea shoots to create an Instagram-friendly, edible yin yang symbol that transported its eaters to snotty childhood winters. The restaurant's menu changes frequently, so this is no longer on offer, but there are many other next-level dishes — like the Japanese Madeleines — to enjoy. — Samantha Teague CHICKEN PARMA SPRING ROLLS AT LITTLE BIG HOUSE, BRISBANE Of all of the culinary hybrids cooked up by foodie Dr Frankensteins, Little Big House's might be the most unexpected: chicken parma spring rolls. They're also one of the tastiest, from the oh-so-crispy pastry to the succulent sauced-filled filling. And to think we've all been eating them separately for all of these years. — Sarah Ward, weekend editor KINGFISH SAN CHOY BAU AT ESTER, SYDNEY Most Ester regulars will be familiar with its famed kingfish and mandarin dish, but if you're lucky enough to see kingfish san choy bau on the menu, order it immediately. A recurring special on the menu, the Ester team basically pick the flesh off the roasted kingfish head (which would have gone into the bin otherwise) and then roll it up in a lettuce head with mint, cress and delicious spicy sambals. — Tahlia Phillips, business director A post shared by Jamie // JamJam (@jamjam.li) on Dec 9, 2017 at 6:32pm PST SMOKED MUSSELS AT DEAR SAINTE ÉLOISE, SYDNEY As overall winner of Concrete Playground's best new Sydney bar of 2017, it's no surprise I indulged in one of my favourite meals sitting at the long copper bar of Dear Sainte Eloise. The dish that, for me, carries the succinct menu selection is the smoked mussels on toast ($14). Like bruschetta from the sea, the briny broth is slurpable and the mussels are plump and succulent. The combination of crunchy carrots and fresh parsley with the shellfish is supremely well-balanced — much like Dear Sainte Éloise itself. Pair it with a expertly recommended glass of white from the extensive 350 plus wine list and you'll know exactly why this laneway spot has quickly secured a place in sydney food-loving hearts. — Marissa Ciampi, Sydney contributor PORK BELLY SALAD AT AGRARIAN KITCHEN, HOBART They say you don't win friends with salad but when the salad in question has chargrilled pork belly and a perfectly poached egg, which, when broken, runs through the freshest mixed leaves I've ever eaten, you might want to rethink that statement. Everything the Agrarian Kitchen uses on their menu comes from their on-site garden and farm giving the food this incredible energy and life to it. A must-visit if you're in Tassie. — Samantha Payne HUITLACOCHE AT CHULA, SYDNEY Fungus fans, this one's for you. Potts Point eatery Chula is dishing up a superb "Mexican pizza" called the tlayuda de huitlacoche. This intriguing dish sees a crispy tortilla base topped with refried beans, Oaxacan cheese and blistery black clumps of corn smut (yep, smut). Both a disease and a delicacy, this unusual Mexican ingredient reveals pungent earthy flavours with a funky kick of blue cheesiness. If you like truffle, you need to give huitlacoche a try. — Erina Starkey PANI PURI AT TONKA, MELBOURNE By no means a new dish, but my first pani puri experience — and it delivered becoming something I continued to chase throughout 2017. Tonka's fragrant, slightly warm aromatic water is addictive poured into those crispy parcels filled with potato, mung bean, tamarind chutney and dates. — Quinn Connors, partnerships editor A post shared by Lauren Vadnjal (@lrnvdnl) on Mar 1, 2017 at 4:06pm PST GLUTEN-FREE LAMB RAGU PAPPARDELLE AT KINDRED, SYDNEY Back when I was diagnosed as coeliac in the early 2000s I used to eat rice cakes and tiny pieces of toasted gluten-free bread and think that this was my life now. Slowly, it got better; restaurants started to bring in sans-gluten supermarket spaghetti as an alternative and stopped serving burgers in lettuce cups (mostly), but we still hadn't hit the gluten-free golden age. So I personally don't think it was overdramatic to shed a tear when this bowl of pappardelle was placed in front of me at Kindred — not only was it GF, but the Cleveland Street restaurant makes it fresh in-house, just the same as its regular pastas and breads. It was a special pasta moment and I have returned to Kindred multiple times to relive it. — Lauren Vadnjal, deputy editor PORK BELLY CONGEE AT EITHER OR, SYDNEY Well thought out in design, drinks and food, Either Or serves a menu of Asian-inspired breakfast favourites. The pork belly adobo congee is a clear winner, featuring umami flavours and served with mushrooms, micro greens and a poached egg on top. — Quinn Connors A post shared by Vicky Hanlon (@vicsta.gram) on Dec 22, 2017 at 5:11pm PST CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM LAYER CAKE AT BEATRIX, MELBOURNE When things get tough, eat cake. The best way to eat a takeaway slice of Nat Paull's infamous Beatrix chocolate sour cream layer cake is straight out of the box on the walk back to North Melbourne Station. It's an old favourite of mine that never, ever disappoints — the buttercream frosting is cloud-like in texture and moreish at the same time, while the dried raspberry crumble on top finishes off with a sharp, sweet aftertaste. — Nathania Gilson, Melbourne contributor VEGAN PATATE PIZZA AT GIGI'S, SYDNEY While Sydney's New York-style pizza scene is somewhat dwindling, rising from the ashes of the woodfire is a healthy crop of simpler pizza restaurants using fewer (but better) ingredients. Newtown's Gigi's has gone one step further and is making fully vegan Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified pizzas in traditional Neapolitan style. Physical restraints would be required to hold me back from finishing the patate pizza with thin-sliced roasted potato, garlic, rosemary and black truffle pâté. Pair it with a natural wine and Gigi's rocket, radicchio, apple, pistachio and cinnamon salad. Plus, you can feel good about supporting the plant based ethical eating movement over pizza and wine. — Kitti Smallbone, Sydney photographer
When a film goes by the name The Dressmaker, expecting a fashion frenzy is understandable. Of course, the Jocelyn Moorhouse-directed, Kate Winslet-starring movie delivers much more than that. It also serves up a quirky yet satisfying combination of western, comedy, drama, thriller, revenge and romantic elements, as well as a showcase of Australian acting talent; however there's no denying the pivotal role the feature's stunning costumes play. Those celluloid-stopping haute couture creations come courtesy of award-winning designers Margot Wilson and Marion Boyce, and they're getting their moment to shine outside of the cinema. Yes, you'll need to trek to Barwon Park Mansion to gaze at these fabulous threads — but given that the film is set in a dusty town in country Victoria, venturing 90 minutes out of Melbourne via car feels rather fitting. There'll you find the jaw-dropping costumes that graced Winslet's feisty heroine Tilly Dunnage, alongside more than 50 Parisian-inspired designs worn by the likes of Sarah Snook, Rebecca Gibney, Sacha Horler, Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving. For the sartorially savvy, learning how the intricate pieces were created and getting a first-hand glimpse of their detail and artisanship is all part of the experience. And for those keen on turning their visit into an event, we recommend timing your trip to coincide with a curator's tour, a '50s-style afternoon tea, an after-dark shindig complete with a pop-up bar, or a Sunday garden party.
Maybe you've kicked off the new year with some changes to your usual work schedule — or perhaps your uni timetable is going to look a little different? Whatever the reason, if you're now catching public transport outside of the busy peak times, you'll soon score yourself a discounted fare, along with that improved shot at nabbing a seat. For three months starting Sunday, January 31, Public Transport Victoria is slashing the price of off-peak tickets for metropolitan trains, trams and buses by 30 percent. The aim is to encourage more passengers to travel during quieter times of the day. To automatically get the new reduced rate, you'll need to be using the pay-as-you-go Myki Money system — as opposed to the Myki Pass, which is paid up front — and you'll have to touch on and off on your bus, train or tram. The discount is only valid for weekday trips between 9.30am–4pm or after 7pm, and only applies if you're travelling solely within Zone 1, or both Zone 1 and 2. Weekend and public holiday fares will be charged at the usual rate, as will rides entirely within Zone 2. [caption id="attachment_706052" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Myki reader, Beau Giles via Flickr.[/caption] The off-peak discount comes after Public Transport Victoria announced last year that it would not be rolling out its usual annual fare price increase on January 1, 2021. That decision came in recognition of the tough year had by Victorians in 2020, with fares remaining at the same rate as last year for the next 12 months. Public Transport Victoria's temporary off-peak discount applies for three months from Sunday, January 31. For more details, head to the Public Transport Victoria website.
Give your festive season a Frenchy chic twist at Alliance Francaise de Melbourne's annual French Christmas Market, which is set to take over the organisation's St Kilda mansion on December 9 and 10. They've assembled a lineup to tempt Francophiles, gift hunters and market-lovers alike, showcasing a vibrant array of French homewares, jewellery, artisan goods, food, wine and even secondhand books. There'll be face-painting, balloon twisting and magic shows for the littlies, plus ample opportunity to flex your own creative muscles, with the likes of cocktail demonstrations, polymer clay workshops, and a French spirits and aperitifs masterclass. If it all leaves you feeling extra inspired, you can even get a taste of Alliance Francaise's language lessons at one of the weekend's free trial classes. Entry to the market is free all weekend as well, with the fun running from 10am to 5pm on both days. Image: Alliance Francaise.
When it comes to leaders in Melbourne's food scene, The Mulberry Group's founder Nathan Toleman has been right up there for well over a decade. When the city was undergoing somewhat of a cafe renaissance, he founded Three Bags Full, Top Paddock, The Kettle Black and Higher Ground. These were and continue to be some of Melbourne's best brunch spots. After conquering the cafe world, he set his sights on the dinner and late-night drinks trade in Melbourne's CBD, launching Dessous and Hazel. Dessous is still one of the best bars in Melbourne, and Hazel is one of the city's top restaurants. And now, Toleman's putting all of his learnings into two new neighbouring sites in Abbotsford that'll cover all your day- and night-time needs when it opens in June this year. Little Molli will be part deli, cafe and pantry, and Molli will be a sleek wine bar and bistro. Open from 8am every day, Little Molli will be serving locals a selection of loaded sangas — think smoked pork shoulder with whipped cod roe on To Be Frank's legendary focaccia and ciabatta. As it transitions to later in the afternoon, Little Molli will offer an extensive range of charcuterie and cheeses, plus a carefully chosen selection of wines by the glass that'll pair well with whatever's hitting the food menu. [caption id="attachment_868652" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hazel[/caption] Hazel Head Chef Aleksis Kalnins is heading up both kitchens, giving great attention to Molli's dishes that are said to "sidestep the everyday wine-bar fare". Small and large plates will include eats like pork neck skewers straight from the Josper oven with a rich date puree; whole alpine trout coated with a horseradish emulsion; and pork rice crispies. "As an Abbotsford local myself, I want Molli to be the kind of place I've been missing," says Kalnins. "Really high quality and creative, but not pretentious. The food would be simple enough not to scare my mum and technical enough to make my chef friends wonder how I did it." Kayla Saito — who spends most of her time dreaming up Hazel's and Dessous' ever-changing beverage lineup — has designed a drinks list that's said to be "relaxed but thoughtful", with a deep sustainability ethos. Saito will work closely with the kitchen when fermenting some funky tipples and aims to ensure that Molli takes food waste issues seriously. Wines will lean away from the old-world varietals, aiming to be different yet unpretentious. Molli and Little Molli are still under construction, but Addition Studio is bringing plenty of light into the space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Warm, natural tones and wood finishes will keep things simple and lean into those classic bistro vibes, while a large rooftop garden with city views will open for special events. Toleman has high hopes for Little Molli and Molli, hoping to make them institutions just like so many of his previous venues. Given his track record, we feel pretty sure he'll nails these, too. Little Molli and Molli are slated to open in June this year at 20–30 Mollison Street, Abbotsford. Little Molli will be open 8am–5pm every day, and Molli will open 5-11pm on Wednesdays, 12-11pm Thursday–Saturday, and 11.30am–4pm on Sundays. Images: Tim Harris
Northside stalwart Dr Morse is moving into a new era in 2025, with a refreshed dining experience designed to bring the food and drink up to par with the dance floor. And it's not the only venue getting a boost, with much-loved Northside Group spots like Bodriggy Brewing Company and Albion Hotel Collingwood also getting taken to new heights. In charge of this revolution is executive chef David Boyle, who brings his expertise from the helm of Farmer's Daughters to give each venue a unique culinary identity. On the agenda, Bodriggy Brewing Company will continue to showcase bold Latin-American flavours, as Albion Hotel Collingwood shifts towards an English pub concept with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. With the venue's fit-out already lending itself to the theme by featuring tartan carpets and cosy wood panelling, this updated dining style is an effortless match. Yet the biggest change of all is happening at Dr Morse. Coinciding with the venue's 12th anniversary, a substantial renovation will welcome the launch of Bistro Disco – a New York Italian-inspired eatery. Featuring a heavily refreshed menu primed for lunches and dinners, expect a fresh range of deli sandwiches and pasta specials throughout the week. After-dark, family-style dishes will focus on quality produce across primi plates, antipasto and several rich pasta creations. Highlights include focaccia made with extra virgin olive oil and Bodriggy beer alongside lasagne ravioli with grass-fed beef, free-range pork, bechamel and house sugo. Meanwhile, sweet treats like torta caprese make for the ideal finish. The beverage offering has also received a shake-up, with Tyler Dent (Aru, Firebird, Mr West) and Patrick Maxwell (Cookie) curating an extended wine list and playful cocktail selection inspired by European sensibilities. Guests will encounter an apéritif vermouth program alongside classic cocktails like ice-cold martinis and sours. One special creation is the Torta Della Nonna – a punch featuring roasted pine nut bourbon, Strega, lemon and croissants. Ushering in this change is a substantial renovation. Owner and builder Anthony Daniels has refreshed the space with warm, mid-century charm, where custom-made banquette seating and tanned timber panels pair with a tiled bar and vintage lighting. A lowered wall in the dining area also helps connect inside and out, making for a seamless flow between the dining area and the bustling beer garden. Plus, dedicated DJ decks in the bistro help amplify the new vibe. "Our goal was to create a space that feels inviting, and comfortable to spend time in," says Daniels. "It's all about maintaining a fun, flexible energy while staying true to the distinctive charm Dr Morse has always been known for." Dr Morse is now open at 274 Johnston St, Abbotsford. Head to the Facebook page for more information.
If you're doing your best to be an eco-conscious citizen, but find yourself stuck, bagless, at the checkout way too often, you're not alone. At least now, when you've again forgotten your reusable bag and are staring down the barrel of yet another purchase of a 15-cent plastic number, you could have a different, more planet-friendly option. Supermarket joint Woolworths has kicked off a new trial offering recyclable paper bags in 21 of its stores nationwide. Stores — including Marrickville Metro and Bondi in Sydney, Melbourne's St Kilda and the QV Centre, and Pacific Fair and Surfers Paradise in Queensland — are now offering customers the option of packing their groceries into 20-cent paper bags, which are made from 80 percent recycled paper. They're also a breeze to recycle in your regular curbside collection. The trial will be used to gauge customer demand and Woollies says it'll be monitoring feedback closely. In the meantime, all Australian Woolworths stores will continue to offer the 15-cent reusable plastic bags, as well as those signature green Bag for Good varieties priced at 99 cents. The reusable plastic ones can be recycled through the REDcycle collection bins found in-store, though plenty of us can probably attest to the fact that most of them end up collecting dust under the sink. As for the supermarket chain's sturdier green counterparts, they'll continue to raise much-needed funds for the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. If one of yours gets damaged, Woolies will even replace it for free, regardless of how long ago it was purchased. The company says it has cut over three billion single-use plastic bags from circulation since it began phasing them out across its stores in June 2018. Here's which Woolworths stores are trialling the paper bags: Bondi, NSW Coogee, NSW Double Bay, NSW Marrickville Metro, NSW Neutral Bay, NSW Paddington, NSW Rose Bay, NSW Rouse Hill, NSW Rozelle, NSW Town Hall, NSW Cairns, Qld Pacific Fair, Qld Surfers Paradise, Qld Armadale, Vic Black Rock, Vic Burwood Brickworks, Vic Hawksburn, Vic Hawthorn, Vic QV, Vic South Yarra, Vic St Kilda, Vic
As we all launch into the start of a brand-new decade, one much-loved, coffee-slinging local also happens to be notching up a pretty significant 15th birthday. Yep, long-running South Melbourne cafe and roastery St. Ali is turning the big 1-5 — and throwing a free New Year's Day street shindig to celebrate. The inaugural St. Ali x Feels Good Laneway Party will be giving a big thumbs up to community, serving a jam-packed program of tunes, eats and family-friendly fun. If you're feeling fresh, it's kicking off early at 7am, as some special guests crash the kitchen to whip up a few tasty menu additions. You'll catch the likes of Curtis Stone's grilled lamb ribs with leek and ash yoghurt, some Middle Eastern delights from Shane Delia and even a limited-edition collaboration croissant courtesy of Lune. There'll be a 9am Yoke Yoga class, a range of roving performers, and pop-up stalls from favourites like Vinterloper, Colonial Brewing Co, Starward Whisky, Sofi Spritz and Piccolina Gelato. Then, the tunes will be dished up from noon, with acts like Ali Barter, Hvncoq and Finding Figaro happily easing you into 2020. RSVP via Facebook and you'll be in with a shot at winning the ultimate New Year blessing: a La Marzocco home coffee machine and grinder, and 15 months worth of St. Ali coffee.
Masters of Aussie-made juniper spirits of the rare and unusual kind, small batch distillery Four Pillars have added another offering to their tasty, boozy range. While their rare dry, spiced Negroni and bloody Shiraz varieties remain favourites for plenty of reasons, they're now serving up their first pre-mixed bottled cocktails. Meet the Improved Hanky Panky, an amber concoction that screams warm weather drinks — that is, the type that go down smooth and easy while you're sitting back in the sun. It's a collaboration between Shaun Byrne of Maidenii and Gin Palace, and Four Pillars' own Sam Ng. After Byrne gave the distillery a few Maidenii vermouth barrels, they used them to age a batch of Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin, then aged the results in old chardonnay barrels, and finally added in vermouth, Fernet-Branca and absinthe. Yes, that's quite the alcohol-filled creation, and it's now available for $32 per 200ml bottle — which holds three cocktails — or $90 for a three-pack. Four Pillars suggests serving it neat over ice with a few slices of orange as a garnish. We suggest that it's the excuse to down a few refreshing beverages, not that gin lovers need a reason.
For pet owners, spoiling your chosen animal companion is easy at the best of times. When it's winter — and when the country has spent months indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic — stocking up on cute, cosy pet accessories is even less difficult than usual. Who doesn't want their schnauzer to look both snappy and snuggly, and their shih tzu to look rather nifty, too? Plenty of pet-loving shops have been willing to help, including The Iconic and Big W, with both releasing dapper pet lines this year. Now, Petstock has released a new range aimed at cooler conditions, keeping your four-legged friend looking and feeling luxe as the frostier weather settles in. Sure, most dogs are happy cuddling up in a regular old blanket, and many a cat loves jumping in an average, ordinary box. That's all well and good — or you can opt for plush beds that match your indoor decor. And, you can dress up your pooch in chunky jumpers, shiny parkas, sporty jackets and wool-lined coats, with petwear starting at $19.99. Spanning coordinated leads and collars as well, Petstock's new lineup is designed for pets of the barking kind. Of course, if you want to try to get your meowing pal into one, then best of luck to you. Petstock's winter range is currently available to purchase in-store and online, with contactless click and collect purchasing available.
You could be forgiven for initially thinking that Chris Jordan's collections of digital photographs were nothing more than faded photos of iconic pieces of art. But on closer inspection, Jordan's photo of Botticelli's The Birth of Venus is actually made up of very small images. On even closer inspection, those very small images are actually plastic bags. The work is accompanied with this description: 'Depicts 240,000 plastic bags, equal to the estimated number of plastic bags consumed around the world every ten seconds'. Jordan's photos are made up of images of everyday items we consume everyday. Or, rather, we overconsume everyday. Some pretty scary statistics about consumption become the starting point for both his idea and the composition of the photo. And so it follows that Jordan's photo of Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Tatte is actually made up of images of 400,000 plastic bottle caps. His take on Van Gogh is made up of images of plastic lighters. Jordon also also creates his own images; a bust made up of 32,000 images of Barbie dolls - equal to the number of elective breast augmentation surgeries performed monthly in the US in 2006 - and a moon made up of 29,000 credit cards - the amount of personal bankruptcy filings every week in the US in 2010 - also feature in the collection. https://youtube.com/watch?v=f09lQ8Q1iKE
It was accurate with side-splitting hilarity in The Thick of It and In the Loop, as packaged with heartache in Benediction and in the world of Doctor Who in-between: Peter Capaldi is one of Scotland's most fascinating actors today. Without a "fuckity bye" uttered, any poetry quoted or a tardis in sight, Criminal Record also uses his can't-look-away presence to excellent effect, casting him as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty, one of the eight-part Apple TV+ series' two key detectives. There's an intensity to Capaldi that's long served him well and, as seen since the show first arrived in January, it's unsurprisingly pivotal in the first role in his four-decade career that has him playing a police officer. His stare alone on-screen has been known to make others wither; in Criminal Record, folks on both sides of the law are trying to avoid that glare, except Capaldi's Torchwood co-star Cush Jumbo. By day, the no-nonsense Hegarty is a force to be reckoned with on the force. By night, he moonlights as a driver, seeing much that lingers in London as he's behind the wheel. In his not-so-distant past is a case that brings Detective Sergeant June Lenker (Jumbo, The Good Fight) into his orbit — a case that she's certain is linked to a distressed emergency call by someone attempting to flee domestic abuse. The mystery woman says that her partner has already committed murder, gotten away with it, sent another man to prison for the crime in the process and now brags about it. Hegarty contends otherwise, vehemently and gruffly. No matter how many times she's warned off, Lenker is determined to discover the truth, find her potential victim, ascertain whether someone innocent is behind bars and learn why every move that she makes to dig deeper comes with professional — and sometimes personal — retaliation. The events in question saw Errol Mathis (Tom Moutchi, PRU) incarcerated for 24 years for the brutal 2011 killing of his long-term girlfriend Adelaide Burrowes (Ema Cavolli, Doctors), with Hegarty leading the charge in sending him away for murder. Lenker is not the only one asking questions. For over a decade, Errol's mother Doris (Cathy Tyson, Boiling Point) has been protesting his innocence, aided by lawyer Sonya Singh (Aysha Kala, The Doll Factory). Although believing the official story, Adelaide's son Patrick (Rasaq Kukoyi, The Kitchen) — who was just six when his mum died, and in the other room as she was attacked — is understandably struggling to move on. But Errol confessed and isn't keen on dredging up the past. To Lenker, however, little adds up, and it isn't just Hegarty's insistence that she leave the case alone that sparks a myriad of questions. The elder cop has cronies DS Kim Cardwell (Shaun Dooley, Saltburn) and DS Tony Gilfoyle (Charlie Creed-Miles, Gunfight at Dry River) on his side, willing to do whatever it takes to get Lenker to drop her inquiries. They'd describe themselves as "old-school". To everyone else, their prejudice and bigotry is as apparent as their sense of entitlement. Lenker isn't one to back down, though, from both trying to find the woman on the other end of the 999 call and getting to the bottom of Adelaide's death. Indeed, she's so focused that work is all that she's thinking about even when she's at home with her partner Leo (Stephen Campbell Moore, Masters of the Air) and pre-teen son Jacob (Jordan A Nash, Breeders) — and when her mother Maureen (Zoë Wanamaker, Black Ops), who doesn't trust the law regardless of that her fact that her daughter has a badge, is around. Two police officers sit at Criminal Record's centre, but creator and writer Paul Rutman (Next of Kin) clearly hasn't crafted an odd-couple cop show. With Shaun James Grant (a TV first-timer) and Jim Loach (The Tower) directing, plus Ameir Brown (Champion), Thomas Eccleshare (Witness Number 3) and Natasha Narayan (Rutman's Next of Kin co-creator) also scripting, this is still largely a two-hander — and saying that it couldn't be better cast is an understatement. Capaldi is already someone who makes every moment that he's on-screen better. So is Jumbo, which makes watching them face off as riveting as television gets. Passive aggression oozes from the frame when Hegarty and Lenker first confront each other. Tension drips throughout the series relentlessly, but with particular vigour whenever its key cops are in close proximity. Criminal Record doesn't waste time keeping audiences guessing about who's dutifully taking to their role as part of the thin blue line and who's among policing at its most corrupt. Instead, it lets two people that are both meant to be on the upstanding end of the law-and-order divide clash, surveying the damage that ripples not just through the fuzz but also the community. That said, this isn't a simple good-versus-evil scenario between fellow officers. Diving into the complexities is as much the show's remit as unfurling a whodunnit. Accordingly, there's no doubting that Hegarty and Lenker both take their jobs seriously. And, there's zero questioning that each thinks that the choices they're making — and have made — are for the best. There's no seeing past how Hegarty has managed to adapt, either, surviving in his post by saying the right things yet retaining a problematic attitude. There's also no avoiding the complications that are a daily part of the gig as well, or the systemic barriers, or the way that the force handles both gender and race. As it primarily walks in Lenker's shoes, there's similarly no escaping the microaggressions that come her way constantly. If she pushes a colleague to help, she's going too far. If she complains about a racist remark from Hegarty, she's told that she's looking for issues. As Lenker continues to probe, to refuse to take no for an answer and not accept Hegarty's claim that everything is above board, the senior cop even advises her to check her own unconscious bias. While twists and mysteries are layered into the show's narrative, they regularly come second to Criminal Record's thematic willingness to tear into what policing should be, can be and often is — and what that means for women and people of colour, both in general and when endeavouring to improve the constabulary from within. Criminal Record isn't just a supremely well-cast procedural that's home to extraordinary performances, then — it's also weighty. And, as this slickly shot series works through its episodes, a matter-of-fact air doesn't only emanate from Capaldi and Jumbo. Rutman and company don't look away from the sincerity of Lenker's wish to truly protect and serve, the desperation to combat law enforcement's most-abhorrent impulses and the bitter disappointment every time that the worst proves true. The series also spies how entrenched the problems that Hegarty and his sidekicks represent are, and how deeply they fester. It does all this while ensuring that viewers can't look away — from its stars, story or heartbreaking, infuriating intricacies. Check out the trailer for Criminal Record below: Criminal Record streams via Apple TV+.
The team behind recently refurbed The Royce purchased The Lyall back in 2021 and immediately started planning its makeover. The vision was to make it feel less like your usual hotel in Melbourne and more like a series of townhouses or Parisian-style apartments all connected to one another. And they seem to have done a pretty bang-up job, achieving just that. Sat on the leafy Murphy Street just off Toorak Road, you could easily mistake it for yet another luxury home in South Yarra. It doesn't scream 'hotel'. This flows throughout the new space, designed by the DKO team, who've also worked on Archer's Restaurant at Marriott Hotel Docklands and Pullman Melbourne on the Park. The lobby feels more like a luxe living room than hotel, decked out with a marble fireplace, plush seating and views through to the Japanese Maple Garden. The 49 rooms and suites are clearly hotel accommodations — there's no getting past that — but the views over either the quiet street lined by homes or the internal garden do help it feel more like a mini apartment. Guests can choose from balcony rooms, a collection of suites that vary in size, and a lavish penthouse suite with two fireplaces and an expansive outdoor terrace. Each is decked out with dark-stained Tasmanian oak furniture, grey marble bathrooms and plenty of luxury amenities. Some even have deep bathtubs looking out over the street. Director of Interiors at DKO Michael Drescher notes how "the inspiration for this transformation is drawn from the idea of a European pied-à-terre, combining Australian and European furniture to create a blend of comfort and style. The approach exudes quiet luxury, emphasising high-quality, minimalist pieces that possess timeless appeal." This is further reflected in the hotel's restaurant and wine bar, which will be open to the public. Here, contemporary Australian cuisine will be served from breakfast through to dinner, accompanied by an extensive international wine list. Everything at The Lyall is fairly understated but clearly luxurious. The Lyall will welcome its first guests on Thursday, March 14 and can be found at 16 Murphy Street, South Yarra. For more information, head to the hotel's website.
It's safe to say Rei Kawakubo, founder of Japanese label Comme des Garçons, is up there among the fashion world's most influential designers. Kawakubu launched the seminal label back in 1969 and held its debut show in Paris in 1981 — now, a selection of the trailblazer's best works will be brought together for Australia's first exhibition dedicated to Comme des Garçons, on show at NGV International from Thursday, October 31. Visitors to Collecting Comme will have the chance to get up close and personal with over 65 of Kawakubo's visionary outfits, in a roll-call of highlights plucked from over 40 different collections. They'll be complemented by a further 13 standout designs by two of Kawakubo's protégés: Junya Watanabe and Tao Kurihara. It's an impressive haul of groundbreaking fashion, with many pieces donated by collector Takamasa Takahashi and others on loan from his personal collection. Looking back across almost five decades of Kawakubo's celebrated design work, Collecting Comme speaks to a pretty incredible career, defined by a penchant for the experimental and a subversive approach to fashion and beauty. [caption id="attachment_748303" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Comme des Garcons, Tokyo, Rei Kawakubo, born 1942: Jumper, top, skirt and apron pouch, 1982 Holes collection autumn-winter. Collection of Takamasa Takahashi.[/caption] Revisit the oversized, textural and asymmetrical designs of early 80s Comme des Garçons, including purposely distressed garments like 1982's infamous hole-and-dropped-stitch Sweater from the Holes collection. Later works show how Kawakubo adopted punk elements and unconventional fabrics to question perceptions of women's social roles and redefine taste, while proposing a new relationship between our bodies and clothes. You'll even spy three designs from 1997's radical Body Meets Dress-Dress Meets Body collection — a runway show memorable for the polyurethane bulges unashamedly visible beneath the models' garments. More recent works include a bright red sculptural stunner from 2014 collection Blood and Roses. Collecting Comme is just the latest fashion-focused exhibition to hit the state, with the NGV home to 150 haute couture pieces for The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift earlier this year, and Bendigo Art Gallery currently showing Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion. Collecting Comme is on display at NGV International from Thursday, October 31, 2019, until Sunday, July 26, 2020. Top images: Comme des Garcons, Tokyo, Rei Kawakubo, born 1942: Cape, dress and shoes 1999 Transformed Glamour collection autumn-winter; Jacket, blouse and skirt 2005 Broken Bride collection autumn-winter; Jacket, bra, dress, hat, socks and shoes 2008 Bad Taste collection autumn-winter; Half dress and shorts 2012 Crush collection spring-summer. Collection of Takamasa Takahashi.
From luminous coral to majestic jellyfish, the deep blue ocean is home to no shortage of natural masterpieces. And some of its most luminous critters are about to be celebrated with their own dedicated digital exhibition when Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium unveils its latest multi-sensory attraction: Submerged. The aquarium's debut outing into the digital realm, Submerged will run from mid-February until December, taking centre stage while Sea Life's sprawling Oceanarium display is undergoing renovations. The immersive all-ages exhibition invites you to explore the fascinating depths of the bioluminescent underwater world, where organisms produce and emit light using chemical reactions. Expect breathtaking, hyperrealistic displays of colour and light, depicting phenomena like glittering beaches scattered with spawning creatures, and the tiny firefly squid that light up the deep waters off Japan. The aquarium's offering will look a little different in 2023 thanks to the Oceanarium's upgrade works and closure, though this striking interactive exhibition will be here to offer a big dose of ocean magic in its place. Alongside Submerged, you'll also be able to catch numerous other displays and installations, starring creatures like fish, turtles, penguins, jellyfish and sharks. Pinjarra the saltwater crocodile will also remain on show for those who want to say g'day. Access to Submerged is included in the cost of a general aquarium ticket. Submerged will be on show at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium from mid-February until December. You can find out more and grab tickets over at the website.
Melbourne-born lingerie label Kat The Label emerged from founder Kate Nixon's love for lace. In 2015, the then-fashion design grad started handsewing vintage-inspired lace bralettes in her Byron Bay home and sharing them on Instagram — leading to her designs being worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner. After trading solely online for all that time (apart from the brand's head office and small retail space in Cremorne, Victoria), Kat The Label is finally getting a flagship store as gorgeous as the lingerie it houses, and you can find it on High Street, Armadale. Stepping into the Armadale boutique is like being enveloped in an intimate bubble. Velvet drapes, brushed aluminium and carpeted surfaces give the space a soft feel, courtesy of Angus Edward Interior Design. On the opening weekend of 7–8 November, browse the collection while sipping on complimentary iced lattes and matchas in Daily Iced takeaway cups — available from 10am–1pm. Brides-to-be can book a dreamy, powder-blue bridal boudoir for one-on-one fittings, complete with bubbles and bespoke accessories — a little indulgence to get you ready for the big day (or night!). Kat the Label stylists are on hand to help you find the perfect lace or silk set that you can personalise with a playful embroidery service; think something cheeky like initials or the wedding date. Alongside signature designs, find lacy black and white delicates from a bridal collab with influencer Jacquie Alexander, plus spicy options like garters and fishnets. Images: Supplied
It might be the middle of winter, but that hasn't deterred Melbourne's newest frozen dessert destination from coming in hot. Opening in Hawthorn over the weekend, Kōri is the new boutique Japanese ice creamery from LuxBite's Bernard Chu and Young Chef of the Year 2022 finalist Joane Yeoh. It's a truly sweet meeting of minds, with Yeoh's resume spanning the likes of Tokyo's Chocolate Academy and Michelin-starred restaurant Narisawa, and her collaborator a longtime legend of the Melbourne dessert scene. [caption id="attachment_864293" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannon McGrath[/caption] Kōri is scooping over 20 hand-crafted ice cream flavours, both dairy- and plant-based, with a penchant for the bold and innovative. Classic Japanese flavours are reimagined with locally-sourced ingredients, with seasonal creations to sit alongside year-round signatures on the menu. On the starting lineup, you'll find heroes like matcha and pistachio, hojicha (roasted green tea) and hazelnut, chestnut and rum, strawberry shortcake and a frosty take on the Japanese custard dessert 'purin'. Meanwhile, dairy-free diners can look forward to options like yuzu, fuji apple and vanilla tofu. And you can bet there'll be wild new flavours constantly hitting the menu, fresh from the brainstorming minds of Chu and Yeoh. [caption id="attachment_864291" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Shannon McGrath[/caption] The Glenferrie Road space itself also pays homage to Kōri's Japanese influences, with a striking fitout by leading Melbourne studio Architects EAT. Bold orange and pink hues down one side of the room have been carefully played against the sleek metal and neutral tones of the other, giving the illusion that you're stepping into some 2D art poster. Find Kōri Ice Cream at 659 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. It's open from 12–10.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and from 12–11pm Friday and Saturday. Top Image: Shannon McGrath
There are many things that are great about The Great, and the fact that it tells you what to exclaim whenever you're enjoying it, just received good news about it or simply can't stop thinking about it is one of them. For two seasons so far, this historical satire has bandied about "huzzah!" like it's the only word worth saying. And, come May, it'll do so again when its third season finally drops. The Great was renewed after its second batch of episodes arrived late in 2021, and now season three finally has a release date. Mark Saturday, May 13 in your diary for your next binge — following the rise and reign of Catherine the Great, including her marriage to and overthrowing of Emperor Peter III, with only the slightest regard for the actual facts, this show has a concept that's all killer, no filler, after all. [caption id="attachment_771188" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ollie Upton /Hulu[/caption] Season three will once again feature Elle Fanning (The Girl From Plainville) as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult (The Menu) as Peter, and again step into their chaotic life together. Their nuptials have always been tumultuous, but season two threw everything from attempted murders to mass imprisonments at the couple — and kept disrupting their dynamic as Catherine continued to work towards the name that's a part of history, and also inspires the show's title. So, this time around, expect more of Peter figuring out what it means to play First Husband, and Catherine expanding her influence and reputation beyond just Russia. That, and visions of Peter's late father (Jason Isaacs, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris), life lessons, attempts to build a new country and the usual scheming. While the series has always been supremely confident in its blend of handsome period staging, the loosest of historical realities and that savage sense of humour (it does spring from Oscar-nominated The Favourite screenwriter Tony McNamara, after all), it felt even more comfortable in its skin during its second season. And smoother, too, yet just as biting. So, hopefully that will remain the case in season three as well, all while it keeps seesawing tonally and proving as sharp as a shot of vodka — or several. Fanning and Hoult will be joined by returning co-stars Phoebe Fox (The Aeronauts), Adam Godley (Lodge 49), Gwilym Lee (Top End Wedding), Charity Wakefield (Bounty Hunters), Douglas Hodge (I Hate Suzie Too), Sacha Dhawan (The Prince), Bayo Gbadamosi (War of the Worlds) and Belinda Bromilow (Doctor Doctor), too, because this is a show with a phenomenally great cast. There's no trailer for The Great season three as yet, but you can check out the trailer for season two below: The Great season three will be available to stream in Australia via Stan from Saturday, May 13.
There is nothing, nothing more purely joyous as hurtling down an epic plastic lane covered in soap bubbles and hose water. Slip 'N' Slides have pride of place in some of our Paddle Pop-dotted, sunburn-ridden backyard memories, but all is not lost to the slippery realms of memory. This year, a giant Slide 'N' Slide is coming to your city, with Nova's Slidestreet confirmed for Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne this summer. Created by the team behind Perth's ice skating pop-up, Winterland, the Slidestreet is inspired by the urban slide created by UK artist Luke Jerram. With its successful Perth run under its belt, the 315 metre-long Slidestreet is heading to Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens on January 24 and Sydney’s Centennial Park on Australia Day, January 26. Melburnians, you lucky, lucky bunch, you could also be casually getting the world's longest slide in February — permit permitting. At $15 +BF a slide, it's a teeny bit exxy for something you could DIY with a little help from Bunnings, but sometimes you just have to hand over the cashola for novelty bragging rights. And if you thought an entire event could be created around the humble Slip 'N' Slide, you're bang on. The whole day will feature food trucks, icy summer treats, DJs, pop-up bars — yep, the whole bloody works. We're guessing this is to give the sad, sad, slideless spectators something to do while their ticket-holding friends have All The Fun. Importantly, according to the Slidestreet rules, Go Pro selfie poles are NOT allowed on the slide. Slidestreet is heading to Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens on January 24 and Sydney’s Centennial Park on Australia Day, January 26. Tickets start at $15 +BF a slide, available here.
You're busy, we get it. You've got work to do, friends to see, grandparents to call and a pile of dirty clothes which won't wash itself. Sounds like you are in need of a refresh, my friend. And, no, that doesn't mean you have to find a new job, give up lactose or join the F45 cult — nothing that drastic. All it takes is a few little changes — some minor tweaks — and you can get a whole lot more out of your week. We've put our heads together with our mates at Coopers Dry to bring you seven easy wins to help get you inspired and feeling great all week long. [caption id="attachment_593141" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Emily Davies.[/caption] MONDAY: EAT YOUR LUNCH AT A PARK After spending all morning staring at a screen, eating your lunch al desko can be downright depressing, or, if you get crumbs all over your keyboard, totally infuriating. With spring now in full swing, why not bundle up your tucker and take it to the park. Trust us, even a sad sandwich tastes better in the sun. Not only will you get a good dose of vitamin D, but taking the lunchbox away from the inbox can do a world of good for your mental health, helping you stay happy and productive all afternoon. If you're super keen, pack a blanket, cutlery and a thermos of iced tea and have a legit picnic — it'll feel like you're on a mini-holiday from work and that's a massive win. TUESDAY: BAKE SOME COOKIES Are you looking to win friends and influence people? Forget reading that self-help book, bake cookies instead. An offering of soft-centred biscuits can be a great way to fast track your relationships, whether it's with new colleagues, disgruntled housemates or noise-complaining neighbours. Just a simple plate of chocolate-studded rounds can convey a range of sentiments, from "sorry for downloading that virus on your computer" to "thanks for not shutting down my 3am kick ons". As well as filling the home with delicious vanilla and choc smells, an evening of baking can be highly therapeutic after a long day at work. As can eating the raw dough, a very easy win. WEDNESDAY: MISS YOUR TRAIN ON PURPOSE While it may ensure you get your toe in the door exactly on time, catching the 8.13am train to work can make for a pretty stressful start to the day. Lengthy queues, crowded platforms and people encroaching on personal space is enough to put anyone in a snarky mood. Instead, try switching up your commute and catch a less-packed earlier or later service. Not only will you score a seat for your troubles, but you'll also have a quicker trip. And, depending on what time you hop on, it'll be cheaper, too. Opal, myki and Go cards all offer off-peak discounts. THURSDAY: ENJOY BREAKFAST IN BED Who said breakfast in bed was just for loved-up couples or mums on Mother's Day — we can all get in on the action. Instead of sitting in the kitchen like a schmuck, take that fresh fruit salad back to your kingdom of cushions for the horizontal brekkie that you know you deserve. You don't need an excuse. It doesn't have to be a special occasion (Thursday is good enough) nor an elaborate breakfast, in fact, it might be a little easier on the sheets if you go for a vegemite toast rather than full-on egg soldiers. And, as a pleasant side effect, you might even find it's easier to get up in the morning knowing that there's always the possibility to get back in. FRIDAY: HOST A MOVIE MARATHON Need to unwind after an exhausting week? Nothing says complete and utter relaxation like a movie marathon. While you could always head out to a ticketed showing, what's even easier and cheaper is to host one yourself. Not only have you got the obvious trackie pants advantage, but you also get to choose what you watch or don't watch. That means you can enjoy all of the Star Wars films sans The Phantom Menace because no one needs to sit through that — pick and choose as you please. We suggest whipping out some classics, like Home Alone, Independence Day (trust us) or The Breakfast Club because everybody loves a bit of cheese. SATURDAY: THROW A POTLUCK PARTY Dinner parties are magnificent things. There's nothing more glorious than tucking into a homemade meal with friends, exchanging stories through mouthfuls of mash and enjoying ice-cold beers straight from the fridge. What's not so great is crafting the dinner party menu, shopping and paying for the ingredients, then spending your day cooking like crazy until you're too stressed out to enjoy your own flambéed crepes. To share the love (and cooking load), host a potluck dinner party, where everyone contributes a dish. It's a great way to experience a whole bunch of different cuisines and cooking styles. Just grab a case of beers, and you're all set. SUNDAY: DO A SPRING CLEAN No more excuses, it's time for a good old fashioned spring clean. Not only will you find a multitude of long-lost chargers, but you might even find your sanity along the way — you'll be surprised how truly free you will feel after untangling those cables. If you can't decide whether or not to keep those ski pants that've been collecting dust for the past five years, consider the KonMari method: hold the item close to you and ask, "does this spark joy in my heart?". It's a surefire way to get rid of any unnecessary items (which you should then take to a charity shop). Having a cold hard look at your hoarding habits might just inspire you to start consuming a little more responsibly, which is always a good thing. Pro tip: if you need a little bit of motivation, it never hurts to get your best four-legged friend involved. It's a proven fact that pooches help calm the nerves. So when it all seems a bit overwhelming, pause for some pats and break it down area by area. Kick off your 'easy wins' by enjoying a Coopers Dry, or two, with your mates.
When Interface asked Francois Chambard what kind of art he could devise from carpet tiles, these critters were his response. He and 29 other designers and architects put their carpeted creations up for auction, raising $16,000 for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA). Interface organised the auction to mark the official opening of its new showroom in New York City, an 8,000 square foot space that looks over the Empire State Building. Other designers invited to contribute included David Ling, Harry Allen, Russell Groves, Joey Shimoda and D.B. Kim, and over 400 prominent industry members comprised the crowd. Peter Greene, the Vice President of marketing of Interface’s American arm, expressed the company’s enthusiasm. “The galvanizing impact that DIFFA brings to our design community is overwhelming, and Interface is excited it could join with the organization as we put out the welcome mat to our new Big Apple showroom . . . We’re delighted the proceeds of this event could help swell DIFFA’s coffers a bit more and at the same time let us welcome architects and designers into our new space with a fun occasion that also gives back in a meaningful way.” Interface is not only the world’s largest supplier of carpet tiles, but also one of the most socially conscious corporations on the stock exchange. Anyone who’s seen Canadian documentary The Corporation may remember the role played by then CEO Ray Anderson in representing the potential for an ethical approach to business. When Anderson passed away in August 2011, headlines proclaimed him ‘the greenest CEO in America’. Images: gBlog [Via boing boing]
It might be one of Melbourne's most historic movie theatres, but Palace Westgarth will be embracing the new-school this summer, as it kicks off its 2017-18 al fresco cinema series. Launching this Saturday, December 2, the Capi Outdoor Cinema will make use of the Art Deco icon's backyard and rear wall, operating with high-definition headphones and rocking seats for 30 moviegoers. The courtyard space has been decked out with vibrant murals and upcycled furniture. Open all day, it's sure to be a comfy spot for pre- or post-film hangs as well. The program takes its cues from the rest of the Palace family, so expect a solid mix of art-house, new release and independent titles, kicking off at dusk each night. Upcoming films include the heartwarming Wonder, mega blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dark comedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, and Oscars hopeful The Post. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper cinema-going experience without some top-notch drinks and snacks, so you'll find a tidy selection of toasties, cheese boards and choc tops, boutique wines and beers, and bottled cocktails from The Everleigh Bottling Co. Find Capi Outdoor Cinema at Palace Westgarth, 89 High St, Northcote. Grab your tickets here.
While making a good first impression when you finally meet the parents isn't always easy, finding somewhere perfect to share a meal for the first time should be a breeze — Melbourne has an abundance of great dinner spots that'll set the tone and have you in their good books in no time. From world-class fine dining to contemporary gastropubs and casual eateries that still pack a punch, there's bound to be somewhere in Melbourne that suits whatever taste or table you're after. To make discovering these joints even easier, we've enlisted the help of American Express to create what we're calling The Shortlist. To do so, we've done a deep-dive on our directory and come up with a selection of the best dining spots that aren't too loud, show you're a respectable candidate for the love of their child and also accept your Amex. Now, worry less about where you're taking the 'rents, and start preparing your responses to those landmine questions. You know they're coming. Got yourself in another dining situation and need some guidance? Whatever it is, we know a place. Visit The Shortlist and we'll sort you out.
There are plenty of ways to describe something that's fun while it lasts, but finishes up prematurely. And yes, many of them could be followed by "title of your sex tape". So, with US TV network NBC announcing that beloved sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine will come to an end after its next season, we're sure you're going to be thinking about Jake Peralta's favourite retort for a while. We're sure the phrase will be uttered at least once in the show's final batch of episodes, too, with Brooklyn Nine-Nine due to wrap up with a ten-episode eighth season. Those final instalments won't air until either the second half of 2021 or the first half of 2022, so you have some time to come to terms with the news — and to prepare to say goodbye to Peralta (Andy Samberg), Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) and Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). And yes, even to farewell Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) as well. In response to the announcement, showrunner Dan Goor said that "ending the show was a difficult decision, but ultimately, we felt it was the best way to honour the characters, the story and our viewers". This definitely isn't a noice development, but if you've been following news headlines over the past year, ending B99 shouldn't come as much of a surprise. In response to 2020's Black Lives Matter protests — and their efforts to raise awareness about police brutality after the death of George Floyd — the first four scripts for the show's eighth season were scrapped. Several cast members, including Samberg, also spoke publicly about rethinking B99's approach in light of the events. https://twitter.com/nbcbrooklyn99/status/1359958366433341440 When the series ends, it'll do so after 153 episodes of Brooklyn-set antics, all based around the fictional 99th precinct — with quite a few Halloween heists thrown in. And, it'll cap off a tumultuous run for the show off-screen, because B99 was threatened with being axed for its entire first five seasons, and was even cancelled in May 2018. That move was made by Fox, its original American network; however, after an outcry followed, rival US channel NBC picked up the series just 31 hours later. It first committed to a sixth season of cop comedy, then picked it up for a seventh, and later renewed it for an eighth before that seventh season even aired. Whenever any B99 news hits — happy or sad — there are plenty of appropriate ways to mark this development. You could break out a sorrowful yoghurt, Terry Jeffords-style. If you're more like Captain Raymond Holt, perhaps you'd like to treat yourself to a trip to a barrel museum. You could also channel your inner Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti) and dance about your distressed feelings, you could organise your entire house as you know Santiago would, or you say cheers to Peralta by watching Die Hard over and over. Brooklyn Nine-Nine will come to an end after its next — and eighth — season. The show's final ten episodes will air sometime either in the second half of 2021 or the first half of 2022 — we'll update you when more details are announced.
Think of Thornbury and you probably don't think of the surf — after all, it's over ten kilometres to the nearest beach, and at least an hour's drive from any surfable ones. This landlocked reality did not stop Zak Koniaris from opening up a shrine to all things surf on Thornbury's Victoria Road over two decades ago (and another in Newport soon after). Then known as Zak Surfboards, the store became more than just a place to pick up surf equipment and apparel — it helped to foster a community of surfers from all over Melbourne. The store rebranded in 2020 to Melbourne Surf Board Shop, and continues to stock everything you need to take on the waves, from surfboards (both new and secondhand) and board parts to towels and sunscreen. If you get your kicks from something a little more land-based, Melbourne Surf Board Shop also stocks a great range of skateboarding equipment. Image: Daniel Fuge
Wine — a four-letter word that can open up a whole world of possibilities. Yep, learning about wine (and, of course, drinking it) brings up fun facts about travel, food, agriculture, history, science and more. But, if your eyes glaze over when you peruse the shelves at your local bottle-o — or you think carbonic maceration is the name of a heavy metal band — we've got five easy (and not boring) ways for you to up your vino knowledge. To do so, we've teamed up with online wine retailer Vinomofo. If you've ever felt out-of-place when your uncle talks about terroirs and tannins, you'll soon be sneaking "did you know that the pressure in a bottle of champagne is about the same as in a semi-trailer tyre?" into everyday conversation. [caption id="attachment_787704" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Klook[/caption] GO ON A GUIDED TOUR IN AN AWARD-WINNING WINE REGION Let's start with a fun one: wine tours. In Australia, we have over 100 different grape varieties grown across 65 distinct regions. So if you prefer hands-on learning, there are plenty of incredible and award-winning vineyards right on your back doorstep. Klook's big red bus tour of the Hunter Valley in NSW and Daylesford Wine Tours, which runs day tours of Victoria's wine regions, are both great ways to experience wine with the winemakers in an up-close setting. Not to mention they're a good excuse to get out of the city for a weekend getaway. GET SCHOOLED BY THE EXPERTS Thanks to last year's unprecedented times, there are now many options available to people who want to learn about wine, either online or in person. Sydney Wine Academy (TAFE) hosts online wine courses that are accessible nationwide, including wine sensory evaluation bootcamps and courses on mastering wine from Australia and New Zealand. Or, you can opt for a 25-minute private virtual wine tasting with Handpicked, where you'll be guided through three to six of its drops in the comfort of your own home. Otherwise, join in a Wine School event with legendary Sydney sommelier and owner of Fix Wine Bar, Stuart Knox. [caption id="attachment_768003" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bibo[/caption] HEAD TO A WINE-THEMED EVENT Even when the source material seems a little dense, learning about wine should be fun. Enter Grapes of Mirth by way of comedian and radio personality Merrick Watts and event manager Jason Nikolas. The comedy and wine festival travels around the country and is designed to bring conversation, laughter and fun into wine regions. We also recommend keeping an eye on what's happening in your local area for specialised wine events, such as like Sydney restaurant Bibo's wine trivia nights, The Ugly Duckling's Wine and Cheese Sundays in Melbourne and a bubbles and oyster pop-up at Brisbane's Cloudland. READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE Even professional wine lovers need help sometimes. Thankfully, there's no shortage of fantastic resources you can turn to when you want to know what's going on in the world of wine. Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding and José Vouillamoz is considered a staple for any wine nerd, while Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack's Wine Folly is a fantastic book for beginners wanting to understand the ins and outs of where, when and how wine is made (the infographics are second to none). More recent titles like Wine All the Time by Marissa A. Ross and Which Wine When by Bert Blaze and Claire Strickett are excellent resources to have on hand when you want to know what wines work with burgers or when to use a decanter. GET YOURSELF A PERSONALISED WINE SERVICE For those who have no idea where to start, Vinomofo has your back thanks to its curated selection of wines. The in-house buying team carefully chooses the wine to guarantee quality and exciting vino across the website. The online wine slinger also has a superb selection of mixed cases to help you go on an adventure to find out what wine styles you might like. For those wanting a little extra hand-holding, you can jump online or on the phone to have a one-on-one chat with Vinomofo's wine dealers, who'll guide you to your next drop. And, not that you need anymore convincing, but right now Vinomofo is celebrating its tenth lap around the sun with its biggest giveaway ever. From Monday, April 12 through to Tuesday, April 20, you can buy any wine online and go in the running to win $1000 wine credit, with one winner drawn every day over the course of the promotion. That's a lot of dollars to put towards your wine knowledge journey. Vinomofo's Birthday Week runs from Monday April 12–Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Head to the website and buy any wine and you'll go in the running to win a $1000 wine credit. See terms and conditions here. New to Vinomofo? Enter code VINO to get $30 off your first order plus free shipping.
It's long been an inner-northwest favourite for eats and drinks, but come Saturday, April 2, food truck park the Ascot Lot will be showing off its creative side as well. From 12pm, it's firing up to host the inaugural North West Arts Fest — a jam-packed day of live art, installations and design pop-ups celebrating local creative talent. Head along for free to check out digital art from the likes of BBJ and Loughie W, along with live mural installations by artists including Kitt Bennett, Danny Koles, and Digable Goods x Another Good Studio. Plus, fashionable folk can shop a range of vintage threads at a Hand-Me-Down Heat pop-up store. As always, the day will be soundtracked by tunes from The Lot's resident spinners, multiple bars will be serving a range of liquid offerings, and there'll be a slew of food trucks for when that appetite kicks in. [caption id="attachment_848718" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Hand-Me-Down Heat[/caption]
Melbourne's city streets are the canvases for works of art. Around every turn you'll find tributes to beloved artists and brilliant street murals from our own local greats. One famous artist from the history books who would've adored the pop of the city, with its nods to rock, pop and advertising, is Andy Warhol — the mind and paintbrush behind the famous 'Campbell's Soup Cans' (1962). In partnership with LEGO Art, who've included a tribute to Andy Warhol's 'The Marilyn Diptych' in its latest range of products designed for adults, we've picked out five places in Melbourne where you can spy pop art-inspired street art that we believe Warhol himself would have loved. From the large-scale Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat mural on Easey Street to the famous Skipping Girl and, of course, AC/DC Lane. Under metropolitan Melbourne's stage four restrictions, you can only leave your house to buy essentials and for exercise. Bookmark this for when you can explore your city again. [caption id="attachment_781662" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wikimedia Commons[/caption] KEITH HARING MURAL, COLLINGWOOD The Keith Haring mural on Johnston Street in Collingwood was an art project Haring undertook himself with Collingwood Tech when he visited Melbourne in 1984. Collingwood Tech is no longer at the location, but Haring's legacy (the artist passed away in 1990) remains. The New York-based artist was a believer of breaking down barriers of high and low art; he worked with the community to paint the wall and today it's one of only 31 known murals of Haring's that's survived the ages. The Collingwood mural is so precious it is part of a conversation project to restore it to its original glory. Warhol, being a great lover of pop art and a contemporary of Haring, would have loved this mural for all its vibrancy and colour within the urban cityscape. KEITH HARING AND JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT MURAL, COLLINGWOOD If you're on Easey Street in Collingwood, it'd be hard to miss the 11-metre-tall, 30-metre-wide mural paying tribute to American artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The piece was painted in 2019 by ten of Melbourne's best street artists — including Heesco, Conrad Bizjak, Chehehe, Ling, Dvate, Phibs, Sabeth and Duke — and features the two artists in black and white portraits surrounded by vivid, abstract line work. Warhol and Basquiat had a renowned friendship during their time — one that bemused the art world — and even saw them collaborate on artworks. We think Warhol would have enjoyed this tribute to his pop art pals for its striking looks and dominant position in one of Melbourne's coolest suburbs. [caption id="attachment_781727" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt Adnate[/caption] DJIRRI DJIRRI DANCERS MURAL, SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL The Sidney Myer Music Bowl Box Office has received a fresh coat of paint this year with a new mural of performers from the Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri women's dance group. The mural features close-up portraits of Djirri Djirri's singer Jedda Peden and lead dancer Dharna Nicholson-Bux, and it was created by local spray paint street artist Matt Adnate. Adnate's brushstrokes can be seen on large-scale murals right across the city, and he often works with and honours First Nations people within his works. This new mural is following suit by representing Indigenous singers and dancers on the building known for hosting entertainment and art. We think Warhol would love this mural as he was a big fan of working with celebrity portraits, and though the Djirri Djirri dancers have a local fanbase, this mural helps to extend that deserved spotlight even further afield. [caption id="attachment_781548" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Wikimedia Commons[/caption] SKIPPING GIRL VINEGAR SIGN, VICTORIA STREET The Skipping Girl, also known as 'Little Audrey', is a much-adored animated neon sign along Victoria Street in Richmond, which depicts a young girl skipping over the word 'vinegar'. Audrey first came onto the scene in 1936, when the sign was erected above a vinegar factory in Abbotsford. She then did a brief stint in Altona, before being relocated back to Victoria Street in 1970 where she's skipped ever since. If you head to the shopping haven Victoria Gardens, you'll see her right across the road. Warhol, being a huge lover and critic of the intersection between advertising and art, would've loved the Skipping Girl as she brightly lights up the city skyline while not-so-subtly encouraging us to buy some vinegar. [caption id="attachment_781550" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] AC/DC LANE AC/DC Lane — formerly known as the very dry Corporation Lane — was given its name change in October 2004 as a tribute to the Aussie rock band, and our city's passion for rock 'n' roll. Now, the laneway is host to a range of street art — large and small — including pieces depicting musicians and fictional characters. You'll even spot a poster of AC/DC guitarist Angus Young there. And, until recently, the laneway housed the city's beloved late-night haunt for cheap espresso martinis and live gigs, Cherry Bar, which has reopened in a new location on Little Collins Street. It's no doubt that Warhol, being a lover of rock 'n' roll — he even managed and produced the seminal rock band The Velvet Underground — would love the lane for its embodiment of everything rock, as well as its symbolism for a city that's always put live music first. Discover more about the new LEGO Art range, here. Top image: Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat mural by P1xels.
A big serve of movie star magic is coming to Canberra this summer; though thankfully you won't need to avoid any film crews or hordes of screaming fans. Rather, it's all happening thanks to the National Film and Sound Archive's exclusive new exhibition Australians & Hollywood, running from Friday, January 21–Saturday, July 17. This blockbuster showcase is set to celebrate Australia's many contributions to the silver screen, both in front of and behind the camera. It invites you to dig in and relive all the best, most iconic bits of Aussie cinema via an intriguing collection of costumes, props, behind-the-scenes footage and screenings. You'll see personal treasures from homegrown cinematic icons including Baz Luhrmann, Mia Wasikowska, Eric Bana and Paul Hogan, alongside scores of movie artefacts. Think art concept books for Romeo + Juliet, the customised steering wheels featured in Mad Max: Fury Road, the clapperboard from 2021 sci-fi epic Dune and more. And once you've explored the collections, you can continue your cinematic adventure by catching one of the National Film and Sound Archive's regular film nights dedicated to Aussie flicks. Book your timed visit to check out Australians & Hollywood here — it'll be open daily from 10am–4pm, as well as Friday nights throughout summer. Top images: 'Lion', by Mark Rogers; 'Extraction', Jasin Boland courtesy Netflix; 'The Prom', Melinda Sue Gordon courtesy Netflix; 'Romeo + Juliet'.
