The T Australia List

The T Australia List: 6 Things to Have On Your Radar This Week

Autumn is here, and with it the March T Australia List, including Rockpool’s latest addition to a new exhibition at Bundanon.

Article by Karen Leong

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celine perfumePhotograph courtesy of the brand.

Travel With: Fragrance Accessories Fit for First Class

Celine has unveiled its Haute Parfumerie collection, taking notes from high perfumery, for all your travel needs this season. The hero scent from the range, Parade, finds inspiration in the “great dandies” – from 19th century literati to the pop and rock music sensations of the 60s – and features an infused patina and a powdery couture trail. For those with travel on the brain, Celine has also released a selection of couture accessories: refillable travel sprays ($460) and calfskin leather casings ($490).

Bundanon Exhibition

Visit This: An Exhibition Bridging Humans and the Natural World 

Bundanon’s 2025 program is a striking cross-collision between human and non-human worlds. The ambitious multi-artist exhibition, “Thinking Together: Exchanges with the Natural World”,  features new commissions by contemporary artists Robert Andrew, Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan, and Keg de Souza, presented alongside video works by Sorawit Songsataya and Tina Stefanou, and paintings by Martu Artists of central Western Australia. “Thinking together is an exhibition that encourages audiences to reflect on our connections to the natural world and all that we can learn from it,” says Sophie O’Brien, the head of curatorial and learning and Bundanon. “These commissions naturally arise out of the Bundanon landscape itself, based on the site visit each artist has made. The artists each have a practice that engages deeply with collaborative research, communal making or community building, alongside a desire to affect social change and to protect – and connect to – the natural environment around us.”

“Thinking Together: Exchanges with the Natural World” runs from March 1 to June 8, 2025. bundanon.com.au.

Cecilie Bahnsen North Face
Photograph courtesy of the brand.

Shop This: The North Face x Cecile Bahnsen

Cecile Bahnsen is no stranger to collaborative capsules, and this season the brand has teamed yo with technical wear experts The North Face for a collection that fuses the formers’ femme design perspective with the latters’ take on the great outdoors. Formally debuting during Bahnsen’s spring summer 2025 runway show last September, the range will be available to shop in Australia from March 14, 2025. From the vault, select pieces include the reimagined Mountain Jacket, sculptural Mountain Dress, and two iterations of the Basecamp Duffel and Glenclyffe Boot. With breathing fabric and Bahnsen’s attention to detail, the capsule combines the hyper-femme and the weather-resistant in mono shades.

The North Face x Cecilie Bahnsen collection will be available on March 14 and available to shop at Incu Sydney City and Melbourne QV locations. incu.com.

Photograph courtesy of Rockpool.
Photograph courtesy of Rockpool.

Dine Here: A Lounge Atop a Sydney Institution

The view from the top of Rockpool Bar & Grill has never looked more appetising, courtesy of its latest addition: Rockpool Lounge. Perched above the formal restaurant, housed within a former bank building, the lounge is a post-dining haven-turned-bacchanalian chamber. Dreamed up by Hunter St. Hospitality, libations are helmed by bar manager Leonardo Zuccardi Merli. There will be live music and plushy seats to sink back into, while guests sample bite-sized and heavier entrees by executive chef Santiago Aristizabal. Open ’til late, rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au.

Trudon_1
Photograph courtesy of the brand.

Shop This: An Autumn Scent for the Home 

As the descent into the autumnal months continues, Trudon’s latest release Altaïr is a new collection of seismic scent and design. Sensual, with a hint of peony, the fragrance recalls the heat of the dessert, and was dreamt up by perfumer Émilie Bouge. Conceived to be portal to a far away destinations laden with wood, floral buds, and amber, the collection is poured into amber-coloured handcrafted glass. From the Classic Candle (270g) to the Great Candle (3kg) and diffusers, each is a sculptural object of art, bringing warmth and depth to interiors, and is emblazoned with Trudon’s signature emblem. From $169, trudon.com.au.

SFTM x Adidas

Wear This: A Footwear Hybrid in Moss Green and Suede

The latest hybrid in footwear is Song For The Mute’s reimagined Adidas Superstar, where shelter and solitude coincide in a singular silhouette. A nomadic iteration of the iconic Superstar style, brought to life in shades of moss green and suede, The SFTM x ADIDAS 005 also features a matching tracksuit, shepherd-inspired knits and tees. The inspiration? None other than Goat Yoga. Available from March 13, songforthemute.com.

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For Nikki Campbell, The Future of Sir. Looks Bright

The co-founder and creative director of womenswear label Sir. reflects on the brand’s 10th anniversary and her favourite shades from its debut eyewear collection.

Article by Victoria Pearson

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NIKKI HERO_t listThe co-founder and creative director of Sir. Nikki Campbell. Photograph courtesy of Sir.

Founded in 2014, women’s ready-to-wear label Sir. has played a role in defining modern Australian style with its signature minimalist, resort-focused aesthetic and desk to dinner to disco separates. As the brand marks a decade in business, its expansion into brick-and-mortar retail coincides with the launch of its debut eyewear collection – a six-piece edit of gender neutral sunglasses, crafted in varying shades of Italian Mazzuchelli acetate. Here, T Australia caught up with Sir.’s co-founder and creative director Nikki Campbell to discuss the brand’s retail evolution, its foray into eyewear, and how she and her team celebrated its Glenmore Road boutique opening (pretzels were involved).

sir_the t australia list
Campbell, left, at the opening of Sir.'s Glenmore Road boutique in Sydney's Paddington.

Sir. was founded in 2014 — congratulations on reaching this incredible 10-year milestone in 2024. Looking back on this journey, what has driven you to continue opening more retail stores, and how does this expansion set your brand apart?

“We started as a digital-first brand, and were really considered when the time came to think about opening our own retail space. Our store locations have been strategically placed on iconic shopping precincts, known for their vibrant community and creativity, which we lean into when concepting the look and feel for each store.”

Glenmore Road is such an iconic retail destination in Sydney. While preparing the boutique, which launched late last year, were there any nearby stores or cafes you particularly enjoy visiting?

“Glenmore road is a Mecca for all things great – literally. We love MECCA coffee for a morning Matcha and MECCA beauty, always!”

Tamsin has worked on some of Australia’s most stunning projects. What is it about her work you were initially drawn to, and how was the experience of collaborating with?

“We have always admired Tamsin’s style, it really resonated with how we look at interiors personally. She understood our vision for bringing the Sir. world into a physical sense from the moment we met.”

Sir. has expanded into eyewear — do you have a favourite pair from the new collection?

“We both love The Speed – a modernist classic built for wearability.”

Photograph courtesy of Sir.
sir. sunglasses_2
Photograph courtesy of Sir.
sir. sunglasses_3
Photograph courtesy of Sir.

Let’s talk books — do you have any beachside book recommendations?

Coco Mellors’ “Cleopatra and Frankenstein” and “Blue Sisters”.

Finally, how did celebrate the opening of the boutique?

“A shiny celebration! We hosted friends in store to toast to the new space and the following day we marked it with our wonderful customers, handing out 10 William Street’s iconic pretzels alongside a giveaway of our brand-new eyewear.”

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The T Australia List: Alice McMullin of McMullin On the Melbourne Design Studio She’s Excited About

The creative director of the Australian design and furniture studio discusses the new collection and a recent collaboration with Double Rugs.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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Founder and creative director Alice McMullin. Photograph courtesy of McMullin.

In recent years, we’ve seen a softer side to contemporary furniture. Hard-edge mirrors have been moulded into wave-like shapes and lamp stands are more often squiggly than straight. Sculptural objects in the home not only add character and texture to a space but can also contribute to a sense of calm. Australian design studio McMullin (formerly McMullin & Co.) makes a compelling case for this claim.

The brand is a whimsy of neutral colours and pleasing textures, spanning across furniture and homewares. Founded by Alice McMullin in 2018, it began with a limited selection of curated pieces, born from a lifelong passion for considered and sustainable design — and a commitment to moving away from mass-production. Six years on, this core belief remains central to the brand.

McMullin
The Curved Bed Head. Photograph courtesy of McMullin.

Last month, McMullin underwent a rebrand, refining its name — and identity — from McMullin & Co. to better reflect its ongoing commitment to the art of purposeful living. To mark this milestone, the brand launched the Uniko collection: a departure from its beloved bedheads, introducing the luxurious Barnaby Bed and signalling a new chapter in its journey. Each piece in the Uniko collection — from the Arlo Mirror to the elegant Felix Light — is thoughtfully crafted to both elevate and ground the home. Further expanding its offerings, McMullin also collaborated with Double, the Australian brand known for machine-washable rugs, on a collection featuring ethically sourced, natural-fibre rugs made from New Zealand wool.

T Australia caught up with Alice McMullin to discuss the new direction, where she shared her recommendations for the T Australia List.

Do you have a favourite piece from the “Ukino” collection? If so, what makes it special to you?

I do love the Winslow couch. It has a remanence of a couch my grandparents had in the ’70s. They had such an effortless style, I can’t help but be drawn to it.

McMullin
Winslow Sofa, $4,499.00. Photograph courtesy of McMullin.

You recently collaborated with Double, has this partnership been in the works for a while?

We have been working on our collaboration with Double Rugs for over a year now, testing fibres, texture and colours to make sure it looks and feels like a designer rug, whilst maintaining its durability. It was really important that it could withstand high traffic and cope with children being children! Which includes things like food and paint coming into contact with it at some point. It can be washed and come out looking just as you bought it.

Awa Almond New Zealand Washable Wool Rug, $930.00. Photograph courtesy of McMullin.

Are there any up-and-coming Australian designers or local labels that you’re excited about right now?

I’ve been loving Melbourne design studio, Without Studio. Typically, I am not big on colour and pattern however they have swayed me as they have a sophisticated, effortless way of doing it.

Upturned, a project by Without Studio. Photograph courtesy of Without Studio.

Your showroom is in Marrickville. Are there any restaurants or cafes in the area that you love to frequent?

Super Freak for food, it’s always so fresh and they have nailed the interior. I am also loyal to our neighbours at Two Chaps Cafe for a morning coffee.

When it comes to family holidays, what’s your go-to destination?

I’ll forever love the Coromandel Firth in New Zealand. You can’t beat a classic NZ batch or weekender as you call it in Australia and there really is nothing better than collecting pipi’s, mussels and catching Flounder.

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The T Australia List: Five Things to Have on Your Radar This Week

From a European-inspired bar in Brisbane by a Melbourne hospitality heavyweight to an oversized hand-knit scarf from Kiwi designer Wynn Hamlyn.

Article by Alice Jeffery

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The view from Isla, South Coogee, SydneyThe view from Isla, South Coogee, Sydney. Photography by Nic Gossage.

Covet This: An Oversized Hand-Knit Scarf

Wynn Hamlyn's oversized scarf is hand-knit and finished with a zip closure. Photography courtesy of Wynn Hamlyn.
Wynn Hamlyn's oversized scarf is hand-knit and finished with a zip closure. Photography courtesy of Wynn Hamlyn.

New Zealand designer Wynn Crawshaw has been pushing the boundaries of modern wardrobes for more than a decade. His latest collection for Wynn Hamlyn takes inspiration from the world of ballet and all of its poised, pared-back grace. Staying true to the label’s hallmark hand-made innovation, knitwear continues to be a focus, including this dramatic scarf. 

The oversized design is fitted with a zip-front closure, which allows for versatile wear. Let it hang long over the body, layered with the matching jumper (which is available exclusively at Incu). You can also unzip and wrap it as many times as needed around the neck to shield you from arctic elements. wynnhamlyn.com/

Stay Here: A Cliff-Top Getaway in Sydney That Feels Far, Far Away

The warm-toned kitchen (L) and bar area (R), including a record player, at Isla.
The warm-toned kitchen (L) and bar area (R), including a record player, at Isla. Photography by Nic Gossage
The lounge room opens onto the terrace at Isla
The lounge room opens onto the terrace and provides breathtaking views across Wedding Cake Island. Photography by Nic Gossage.
Two of the bedrooms at Isla.
Two of the bedrooms at Isla. Photography by Nic Gossage.

Uninterrupted views to the horizon. Warm interiors with tile-clad finishes. And a terrace featuring a plunge pool and pizza oven. You’d be forgiven for thinking this holiday house was in the south of Italy, not South Coogee. And that’s the whole point.

Isla has been designed to make the most of the ocean on its doorstep. Owners Andrew and Alison Campion transformed a noughties beach house into a Mediterranean-meets-South American retreat in one of Sydney’s more-chilled beachside suburbs. There’s leather Togo Fireside sofas in the lounge (and no TV), a cascading Garbo pendant light by Mariyo Yagi in the entryway and four bedrooms, each fitted out with its own personality. “We’re encouraging this slow-down, drop-out moment,” Andrew shares. “We meticulously curated a blend of vintage and new decorative pieces, creating a unique narrative”. 

The couple worked with interior designer Louise Liu of Studio Liu to deliver a design concept centred around the late Australian artist Brett Whitely’s interpretation of water. The moods of the sea have a lasting impact on anyone who stays at Isla – whether they’re lucky enough to catch a full moon rising over the glass-like water or settle in for a show of ferocious seas during summer storms.

The house sleeps 10 people, making it the perfect booking for a family gathering or special occasion with friends. Perched on a headland just off the Coogee to Bondi coastal track, its moments away from the iconic Wylie’s Baths, as well as a playground of eating and drinking. islasyd.com/

Eat Here: A European-Inspired Bar in Brisbane With River Views

Bar Miette has a European-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.
Bar Miette has opened in Brisbane with a European-inspired menu and a terrace with views over the river. Photography courtesy of Bar Miette.

Supernormal is synonymous with Melbourne’s dynamic dining scene. Now, residents of the Sunshine State are set to enjoy the spoils of chef-restaurateur Andrew McConnell and partner Jo McGann’s celebrated venue with the opening of the restaurant’s sequel site on the banks of the Brisbane River.

But alongside Supernormal’s flavours from Tokyo, Shanghai, Seoul and Hong Kong (including the infamous lobster roll) comes a Euro-inspired sister venue: Bar Miette. The all-day cafe and wine bar is the perfect spot for Scandi-inspired breakfast plates and house-made crumpets, as well as Campari and soda served alongside salty snacks as the sun sets behind the Storey Bridge. Other savoury menu highlights include slow cooked marinated octopus with potato, local king prawns dressed in a spiced rouille sauce and a milk bun stacked with mortadella, salted butter and smoked maple syrup.

The fit-out by ACME Studios makes the most of the riverside location – while there’s only 16 seats inside, there’s room for 70 more on the adjacent terrace. The red-topped tables and woven cafe seats bring home the continental vibes. barmiette.com/

Drink This: An Aperitif Flavoured by Creamy Pistachio and Australian Prosecco

Zonzo's Cicchio Pistacchio Spritz is made in the Yarra Valley
Zonzo's Cicchio Pistacchio Spritz is made in the Yarra Valley. Photography courtesy of Zonzo Estate.

Nothing says European summer quite like an icy spritz. Whether you’re heading overseas this winter or not, you can bring a splash of la dolce vita into your life with Zonzo’s recently-released Cicchio spritz. The sage green-hued aperitif is flavoured with notes of honey, melon and pistachio. With a creamy texture on the palette – partly thanks to Zonzo Estate’s Prosecco Di Aria – it’s a very sippable addition to your wine fridge.

Chill a bottle, serve over ice and toast the end of Dry July. The flavour profile pairs well with cheese and salty snacks or can be enjoyed on its own. zonzo.com.au/

Gift This: A Curvaceous Resin Vase

Dinosaur Designs’ Moss collection is filled with unique resin pieces, including the Valley vase in five colours
Dinosaur Designs’ Moss collection is filled with unique resin pieces, including the Valley vase in five colours. Photography courtesy of Dinosaur Designs.

Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy of Dinosaur Designs looked to the verdant, undulating elements of a moss garden as inspiration for the brand’s latest collection. Resin is a key material for the Sydney label, applying it across a range of artful homewares and jewellery. 

Fans of biophilic design – the act of bringing outdoor elements inside – will resonate with the Valley vase’s organic elegance. The vase comes in five colours, including this season’s signature mottled moss green. The handmade nature of these pieces means you might notice nuanced finishes to be adored. They make the perfect housewarming present or a token to celebrate certain milestones. dinosaurdesigns.com.au/

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The T List, Curated by the Founder and Creative Director of Wynn Hamlyn

Wynn Crawshaw shares a T List, specific to his home country, that highlights the role nostalgia plays in the brand and also his every day.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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Wynn Crawshaw, the creative director and founder of Wynn Hamlyn.Wynn Crawshaw, the creative director and founder of Wynn Hamlyn. Photography by Nicole Brannen.

Rory William Docherty, Maggie Marilyn, and Harris Tapper are notable slow fashion labels that have seamlessly integrated into Australia’s fashion landscape in recent years. Although originating from across the Tasman, they are among a line-up of names that we would gladly claim as our own.

Prominent in this line-up is Wynn Hamlyn, founded in 2014 by creative director Wynn Crawshaw. Over the past decade, Wynn Hamlyn has captivated the fashion world with collections that blend playful innovation with classic techniques.

The label is beloved for evoking feelings of nostalgia, resonating with audiences regardless of their origins. This was particularly evident after his debut at Australian Fashion Week in 2023. The collection paid homage to his alter ego “Wynn Diesel,” featuring flame patterns and racing motifs paired with 90s grunge accessories such as speed dealer sunglasses. A standout piece, frequently seen on Australian streets this season, is the flame knit sweater in cream and red as well as black and green.

The flame sweater from Wynn Hamlyn's motor racing-inspired collection, shown at Australian Fashion Week 2023.
The flame sweater from Wynn Hamlyn's motor racing-inspired collection, shown at Australian Fashion Week 2023. Photograph courtesy of Wynn Hamlyn.
The limited-edition Crinkle Maxi Dress from the Capsule 02 collection
The limited-edition Crinkle Maxi Dress from the Capsule 02 collection. Photograph courtesy of Wynn Hamlyn.

Continuing with a nostalgic theme, Wynn Hamlyn’s latest collection revitalises archival pieces. The first release included three limited-edition sweaters, each handcrafted and hand-stitched from 100% merino wool in mismatched colours, embodying the concept of making the old new again. The subsequent release introduced a crushed crinkle brown flower print reimagined on relaxed silhouettes such as maxi dresses, long sleeve shirts, and maxi skirts. A similar, summery print adorns a high neck zip sweater, perfect for adding a splash of colour to winter wardrobes. Additionally, a vibrant red looped design showcases the label’s artisanal craftsmanship, complemented by new denim pieces.

While Wynn Crawshaw has carved out a special place in Australia’s fashion scene, T Australia recently had the opportunity to chat with him about the places and things closer to home. Below, he shares a New Zealand-leaning T List: 

How has your New Zealand heritage shaped your creative vision?

WC: Growing up in New Zealand’s countryside in the Bay of Plenty has shaped my sense of design to blend practicality with a touch of nostalgia and innovation.

The Bay of Plenty is located on the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is renowned for its stunning coastline, abundant marine life, and fertile agricultural lands. This picturesque region is celebrated for its vibrant citrus orchards, pristine beaches, and as a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures, including whale watching and exploring geothermal wonders.

The sunny city of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. Photograph courtesy of Tourism New Zealand.

Are there any local designers or collections that you are coveting right now?

WC: I’m really into Auckland’s young designer, Jacob Kalin, who’s doing some cool things with denim.

Jacob Kalin is based in Auckland. Like many of T Australia’s favourite New Zealand designers, Kalin is celebrated for his innovative and sustainable fashion designs, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. His work often features locally sourced and upcycled materials.

A behind the scenes shot of the designer Jacob Kalin in his studio, crafting some jeans.
A behind the scenes shot of the designer Jacob Kalin in his studio, crafting some jeans. Photograph courtesy of Jacob Kalin's Instagram / @jacobkalin_

Is there an underrated food spot in Auckland that you love?

WC: One of my favourite spots in Auckland is the Lebanese Grocer, the best place for authentic Lebanese food.

The Auckland spot is beloved for its authentic Middle Eastern spices, fresh produce, and traditional Lebanese delicacies, all meticulously sourced and selected by chef Elie Assaf. Located next door is Lebanese Grocer coffee which offers an array of baked goods.

The Greenhouse at the Lebanese Grocer.
The Greenhouse at the Lebanese Grocer. Photograph courtesy of Instagram / @lebanesegrocer.

Where is your ideal holiday destination?

WC: Fiji is our chosen spot for our next family holiday. It’s close, on the same time zone as Auckland, and perfect for a quick getaway.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji. Photograph courtesy of Likuliku Lagoon Resort.

Do you have a favourite album?

WC: Right now, I can’t get enough of Larry June’s album, The Great Escape. It’s my current go-to.

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The T Australia List: Four Things to Have on Your Radar This Week

From a Sri Lankan restaurant in Melbourne with unlimited hoppers to a powerful new novel from the Miles Franklin Award-winning author Shankari Chandran.

Article by Hollie Wornes

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Hopper Joint opened on a leafy street in Prahran in March this year. Photograph by Annika Kafcaloudi / courtesy of Hopper Joint.

Covet This: A Laundry Sack-Inspired Tote With Origami-Style Folds

The Yu Mei "Tom" style tote
The Yu Mei "Tom" style tote has been elevated with a premium croc-embossed cowhide with origami-style folds to keep the base structured. Photograph courtesy of Yu Mei.

When Jessie Wong, the founder of the luxury leather goods label Yu Mei, visited Paris last year, she noticed that Parisians wore elegant pieces daily, not just on special occasions. This observation encouraged her to reinvent the label’s beloved “Tom” style tote, originally inspired by the ultimate holdall: a laundry sack.

“Previously, we had only released the ‘Tom’ shape in natural canvas, primarily used as a beach bag,” Wong tells T Australia. “I loved the idea of translating a casual shape into a luxurious fabrication like embossed croc. The style highlights the relaxed drape of the croc skin, which is not often done.”

The result is a premium weekender in sleek black with burgundy accents. But its appeal extends beyond its ability to elevate even the daggiest of airport outfits. The bag’s triangular pattern, exaggerated  with origami-style folds, is translated from hard wearing, utilitarian items like plastic supermarket shopping bags, which are specifically designed to bear weight. Heavy travellers rejoice!

Eat Here: A New Sri Lankan Restaurant in Melbourne With Unlimited Hoppers

The set menu curries at Hopper Joint.
Hopper Joint offers a $45 set menu with a selection of two curries, sambols and unlimited hoppers per person. Photograph by Annika Kafcaloudi / courtesy of Hopper Joint.
The interiors at Hopper Joint.
The Melbourne restaurant is the latest venture from Entrecote’s Jason Jones and esteemed interior designer Brahman Perera. The space has been decorated with ornaments passed down from Perera’s grandparents. Photograph by Annika Kafcaloudi / courtesy of Hopper Joint.

It’s hard to believe that Hopper Joint, the new Sri Lankan diner by Entrecôte’s Jason Jones and esteemed interior designer Brahman Perera, only opened in Prahran earlier this year. The homey atmosphere, created by the familiar scent of Nang Champa incense and aromas drifting from the open kitchen, lends it an air of timelessness – making it feel like something of an established institution.

The tables aren’t set with cutlery, so make use of the grand, golden basin at the front of the room. Here, it’s all about unlimited hoppers – and guests are encouraged to eat them the traditional Sri Lankan way: with their hands (the menu provides guidance on the best hygiene practices).

Choose from up to nine different curries as part of the $45 set menu, varying in proteins and spice. The room is somewhere you’ll want to linger for a while – a dimly-lit space fit out with greenery and ornaments passed down from Perera’s grandparents such as an old walking stick. And the desserts are worthy of your time. Choose from Mango Fluff, a fresh and fruity take on a traditional dessert made by Perera’s grandmother, a housemade ice cream sundae, and golden dumplings which, in their first iteration, were coined by Perera’s mum Sushila as “shithouse”. If you’re fortunate to visit on the right night, she’s often wandering the restaurant to tell you the tale – and just how much they’ve improved.

Shop Here: Zimmermann Takes up Residency Inside a Renowned Parisian Department Store

The store.
Zimmermann's latest venture into Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche exudes the essence of a sunny coastal escape. Photograph courtesy of Zimmermann.

At the FDS: The Innovators show during Australian Fashion Week, sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, founders of the eponymous label Zimmermann, were celebrated for their remarkable journey from their days at Australia’s premier design school. The brand has undoubtedly achieved significant success, with over 56 Zimmermann stores worldwide. Now, it has expanded its footprint with a four-month residency at the renowned Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche.

Paying homage to the label’s Australian roots, the space exudes the essence of a sunny coastal escape. Abstract sculptures of shells and palm trees, alongside digital water displays and a soothing soundscape of rolling waves, bring this vision to life. At the heart of the concept store is the Le Bon Marché capsule collection, which offers a number of styles designed for an easy-wearing Euro summer wardrobe. Iconic silhouettes are reimagined in new prints and fabrics ranging tiered skirts, billowy sleeves and chic swimwear. There is also a range of pareos, hats, and scarves crafted from with Zimmerman’s signature tropical prints.

Read This: A Powerful New Novel From the Miles Franklin Award-Winning Author Shankari Chandran

The novel "Safe Haven" and the author
From left: The novel "Safe Haven" is the latest from the Miles Franklin award-winning author of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, Shankari Chandran. The author Shankari Chandran. Photograph courtesy of Ultimo Press.

Australian Tamil author Shankari Chandran set a high standard with her Miles Franklin award-winning novel, “Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens”. Despite its whimsical cover and inviting title, the book delves deep into complex social issues like race, trauma, and structural inequality. Chandran’s strength lies in her ability to spotlight these issues with unwavering honesty while crafting a captivating and warm narrative through the multifaceted characters living and working in a nursing home in modern-day Western Sydney.

Her latest novel, “Safe Haven,” delivers a similarly powerful impact. It follows the journey of Sister Fina, a Tamil nun who boards a boat to Australia seeking asylum. Sister Fina is dedicated to aiding refugees held at Port Camden, a remote island outpost. The story opens with her slipping in the blood of a 14-year-old boy who has just succeeded in his suicide attempt. This trauma, one of many, compels Sister Fina to speak out about the detainees’ treatment at the detention centre, drawing media attention and an investigation. The story sheds light on Australia’s shameful treatment towards humans seeking asylum while maintaining an underlying warmth, much like “Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens”. “Safe Haven” yet again demonstrates why Chandran is one of Australia’s most impressive contemporary authors, her words resonating long after the final page.

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