Covet This: An Oversized Hand-Knit Scarf
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
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
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
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
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/