Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote, founders of Sir The Label, on Ayers Rock and painting

12 May 2020

Best friends Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote do everything together, having founded Sir The Label, a favourite for its feminine dresses, worn by the likes of Olivia Munn, Kate Hudson and Michelle Williams, the dynamic blonde duo also live together near bustling Bondi Beach in Sydney. Taking a break from designing their next collection (you can shop the most recent one at Superette), we asked Coote and Campbell to join forces and share what’s keeping them motivated.

Our personal style can be defined as: Relaxed, classic and minimal.

The last thing we bought and loved was: New Levi’s jeans, ready for chunky sweaters and denim all winter.

An unforgettable place we visited was: Ayers Rock, we went in February and stayed at Longitude 131. We had the most amazing and magical experience right here in Australia.

Next place we’d like to go to: South West Australia. We have friends living in Yallingup and would love to explore further. We are focusing on seeing what we can here at home.

An object we would never part with is: A Matcha whisk. It’s an everyday essential!

On our wish list is: A Sarah Ellison console for home at the moment, we are really focusing on our home space this year.

Our favourite app is: At the moment, Nike Run Club. Let’s see how long that lasts.

An indulgence we would never forgo is: Chocolate. Dark chocolate gojis are a favourite at the moment.

If we had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, it would be: Paris. From the vintage markets to amazing boutiques, it is our favourite place in the world to shop.

Our style icons are: Julie Pelipas, Princess Diana, Lauren Hutton. Just to name a few…

The best book we’ve read in the last year is: How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell. It seems timely but turned out being so much more than just the title. We highly recommend it.

We can’t miss an episode of: Normal People, we only started the series two days ago and cannot stop.

In our fridge you’ll always find: Olives, Chilli, Taramasalata, Carrots, Eggs and Chocolate. The essentials.

Our favourite room in our house is: Dining room, it looks out over the ocean and is filled with all our favourite art.

We recently discovered: Painting. We have been getting very creative in quarantine and rekindled our love for painting.

The one artist whose work we would collect is (if price is not an issue): Let’s dream big. Atelier Brancusi.

The last meal out we had that truly impressed us was: We had a long lunch at Bert’s [Paddington, Sydney]. The food, the wine, the sunshine, the people! Cannot wait to go back.

The podcasts we listen to are: The Daily, daily! And anything Goop.

The beauty product we can’t live without is: Our skincare routine, we both visit Solstice Skin here in Bondi regularly and absolutely can’t live without Hayley and her products.

The best gift we ever received was: A surprise trip to Bedarra Island in QLD with our closest friends. They all surprised us at the airport, and we had 3 days on a remote island with no Wi-Fi. Definitely one to remember.

The last music we downloaded was: Our Stay at Home with SIR playlist on Spotify.

We have a collection of: Books!! Fiction, Non-fiction, travel, photography, art – it’s never ending.

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Visually compelling reasons why you need coloured marble in your home

12 May 2020

While Carrara marble has long been the stone of choice for its clean palette and versatility, a new breed of colourful slabs is encouraging us to indulge in something a bit more playful.

In the vibrant Bondi beach home by Tobias Partners, pictured above, the desire to avoid any interior design clichés of being ‘by the sea’ led to an unlikely mixture of terrazzo flooring flanked by a red and white stone plinth in the living room. Its clever application lent the space an air of sophistication while maintaining a relaxed, laid-back feel.

North Bondi Residence by Tobias Partners

In the bathroom of the same project, candy floss coloured floor-to-ceiling marble walls provide a show-stopping backdrop while rendering the washroom simultaneously bold and feminine.

Art Deco Revival by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects

Graduating out of the powder room to places where a saturated marble can be an unexpected touch, such as the continuous use of jade granite that sees a kitchen island blend into the flooring in De Cotiis Architects’ Marble House, this robust new movement is proving that unusual marble hues really have no bounds.

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This chocolate frozen banana bites recipe will be your go-to snack hack

11 May 2020

If, like us, you find yourself craving a snack come 3pm (ok, 11am), you’ll know how hard it is to steer clear of the sweet treats. A few nuts and seeds suddenly turns into some fruit, chips, half a block of chocolate — hell, why stop there, we’ll start the clean eating tomorrow. It’s difficult, to say the least. So, to help those of you who also have no willpower, or would just like a healthy snack alternative, here’s a little frozen dark chocolate banana bite recipe. The trick lies in just having a couple.

Ingredients
1 block of dark chocolate (we love Whittaker’s Fair Trade Dark Ghana)
4 almost ripe bananas

Optional
Crushed nuts (such as peanuts)
Peanut butter

Method
Break up the chocolate block into pieces and melt in the microwave or a bain-marie, being careful not to let it burn. While melting, slice bananas into 2cm thick slices. Remove the chocolate from the heat. Now, you can choose to make mini banana sandwiches with peanut butter (see pic above) or leave as single pieces. Take a toothpick and dip each banana slice into the chocolate (we like to cover ours completely), then, either sprinkle with crushed nuts or just place onto a baking paper-covered tray and pop into the freezer. Once frozen (about an hour) empty into a zip lock bag and return to the freezer. Be a legend and take them to work for your colleagues to enjoy. Or give them to the kids, they’ll be playground royalty that day.

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An unmistakable beach retreat with a minimalist finish and maximum appeal

PHOTOS Tom Blachford | 8 May 2020

If you arrived at one of interior designer Mim Fanning’s most recent projects blindfolded, when the mask finally slipped you would easily be able to identify your location to the authorities, but with the attention to detail in this brilliant beach house, would you really want to be found?

Perched moments from the rocky beach of Sorrento in Victoria, Fanning focused on subtle ways of referencing the raw elements of the outdoors by taking a minimalist route, where tactile furnishings and textured finishes enliven the restrained backdrop.

The generous living space, expansive dining table and substantial kitchen island, all emerged from Fanning’s long experience creating beach retreats and showcase homes in Australia. Her business Mim Design is celebrating 20 years of operation, with a strong clientele that return for her relaxed and refined approach.

“We are finding our clients also want to focus strongly on the family ‘hub’,” Fanning said in a recent interview. “Creating spaces that keep the family together, whether around a large open fire or centralised dining space; gone are the days where rumpus and theatre rooms have been added. It is all about family time and socialising together in one space.”

The flow between the inside and outdoors is regulated by sliding glazed walls, with the symmetry acknowledging the mid century styles at work throughout the home. With incredible views, inside and out, there’s no need for a blindfold ever again,

www.mimdesign.com.au

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Designer Alice McCall on black diamonds and Zoë Kravitz

8 May 2020

At this time of years designer Alice McCall would usually be busy putting together a knockout show for Australian Fashion Week but with the event on hiatus we asked her to reveal her inspirations and influences. A career that started with styling in London rapidly progressed to her launching her own label in Australia in 2004, which veers from sharp-edged street cool to Valley of the Dolls excess. Available at Superette, McCall’s latest collection offer dashes of disco glamour. We shimmied her out from beneath the mirror ball to get these answers.

My personal style can be defined by: My personal style is very eclectic and driven by my emotional mood of the day. Sometimes I will be an eighties power woman, sometimes I will have a Stevie Nicks seventies Woodstock vibe. The art of creative self-expression through dress is something I have always loved and is very important to me in my aesthetic and in my designs. It is the footprint of the brand’s DNA, being very eclectic and quite diverse.

The last thing I bought and loved was: Fantastic Valentino and Balenciaga sunglasses and a pair of Musier Paris Mary Jane platforms, which are very nineties Kate Moss style.

An unforgettable place I visited was: When I was around 16 years old, I visited the centre of Australia to Uluru. I would love to go back there again one day.

Next place I’d like to go to: South America.

An object I would never part with is: First I would say my children but they aren’t objects. It would have to be my crystal collection. They are energetic and spiritual objects.

On my wish list is: I am a big vintage shopper. Vintage pieces are always on my wish list. But at the moment I have my eye on a pair of Paris Texas snake skin boots.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Amazing vintage pieces from Rose Bowl markets [Pasadena, US].

My favourite app is: I hate to state the obvious but it is Instagram. It allows me to directly connect with creatives that I want to collaborate with.

An indulgence I would never forgo is: Freedom, for me it is so important to have that unbounded creative freedom and it is something I never want to let go of.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Brooklyn and Manhattan.

My style icon is: It changes regularly, but I’ll forever love Francoise Hardy, Lisa Bonet and Brigitte Bardot.

Francoise Hardy, Lisa Bonet and Brigitte Bardot

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: A book on psychedelics. How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan.

I can’t miss an episode of: I have recently started watching Zoë Kravitz on High Fidelity. It is an easy watch and she is so effortlessly cool.

In my fridge you’ll always find: Sparkling water and fresh veggies.

My favourite room in my house is: My bedroom, it is almost like a Parisian apartment. My bedroom and bathroom are all in one. I have the view of the ocean and it is the perfect place to meditate and unwind, it’s my sanctuary.

The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: Most definitely I rely on my children and my sisters.

The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Francis Bacon.

Francis Bacon, Three Studies for a Crucifixion, 1962, 78 x 57 inches (198.1 x 144.8 cm) each, Oil with sand on canvas, three panels

I recently discovered: Facebook marketplace, a fantastic place for vintage furniture finds.

My favourite website is: I love Farfetch, we are stocked on it, but they have a really good balance between high end brands and new cutting edge international brands.

The last meal out, I had that truly impressed me was: Pace in LA. It has understated Italian American food.

The best gift I ever received was: My children and black diamonds.

The beauty product I can’t live without is: I love a blush from M.A.C, particularly their Mineralize Blush and the Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation.

The podcasts I listen to are: Russel Brand and anything he recommends, he always has guests on his show that are motivational and esoteric.

The last music I downloaded was: David Bowie, The Man Who Sold The World. I love that Nirvana covered this – it’s equally as good.

If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: A child psychologist.

I have a collection of: Crystals and killer designer heels.

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Luxury realtor and artist Andrew Wall on design inspirations, artists to admire and what paradise looks like

7 May 2020

Alongside his father Graham and brother Ollie, Andrew Wall has sold many of New Zealand’s most prestigious properties through their family business Wall Real Estate. His unerring eye for design is also applied to his work as an artist. Here, the fan of unbridled creativity and supporter of local talent shares a few of his favourite things.

My personal style can be defined by: Monochromatic simplicity. Black tees, jeans and sneakers primarily.

The last thing I bought and loved was: The Toio lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, from ECC. It’s such a fun idea, taking a headlamp from an American car, supported by a fishing rod stem. Hilarious.

An unforgettable place I visited was: DIA Beacon. My idea of paradise.

Next place I’d like to go to: Marfa, Texas.

Donald Judd, 15 untitled works in concrete, 1980-1984. Permanent collection, the Chinati Foundation, Marfa, Texas.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Cashmere from Doran and Doran.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: The golden triangle of Milano.

My favourite app is: Shazam.

An object I would never part with is: My Jonathan Zawada table.

Marble table by Australian designer Jonathan Zawada

The design that inspires me is: Peter Zumthor. The buildings, person and books.

An indulgence I would never forgo is: Fine red wine.

I can’t miss an episode of: Wild Kratts — my son Teddy’s favourite cartoon. (We’ve seen them all, at least 10 times over).

In my fridge you’ll always find: Antipodes sparkling water, Whittaker’s dark chocolate and Pals Vodka Hawke’s Bay Lime and Soda.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Azabu – so, so good.

On my wish list is: A Yona Lee, from Michael Lett.

My favourite room in my house is: Wherever the best art is at the time.

I recently discovered: Solitude is a great equaliser and it’s fun working with what you’ve got.

The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My business partners, Graham and Ollie, my family…My greatest joy is definitely my beautiful boy Teddy.

My style icon is: Marcello Mastroianni.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Herzog and DeMeuron : Natural History.

My favourite website is: wallrealestate.co.nz and scrapwall.com (lol PLUG).

A gadget I can’t do without is: Is a wristwatch a gadget?

The podcasts I listen to are: Stones Throw Records, Simon Pound’s Business is Boring and old self improvement stuff

The best gift I ever received was: Luke Jacomb glass work.

The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Glass work from Larry Bell, if I had the space, or Roni Horn. One of her glass ‘tablets’ would be amazing.

The grooming product I can’t live without is: All Aesop.

The last music I downloaded was: Four Tet.

If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: A raconteur.

I have a collection of: New Zealand art of our generation.

www.wallrealestate.co.nz

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This delicious recipe for Banana Tarte Tartin is a guaranteed winner

7 May 2020

Gourmet kitchen gurus Miele have enlisted leading chef Mark Rawlins to man their spectacular steam ovens and advise home cooks on nutritious and delicious meals during these unusual times. Using his experience honed in Michelin star restaurants and local eateries, Rawlins will next week appear live on Miele’s Facebook page, as well as uploading recorded tutorials to up your cooking game. Just look out for the list of ingredients required every Friday and prepare to impress the family with four recipes each week.

In the meantime we have a sneak preview of what’s on offer with a dessert recipe that focuses on tantalising your tastebuds. This steamy Banana Tarte Tatin is almost as pleasurable to say as it is to eat. Follow Rawlins’ lead, get set and go.

Banana Tarte Tatin with Milk Chocolate Sauce
Serves 6 – 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cooking Program: Miele Moisture plus oven, Miele Steamer

Ingredients
Tarte Tatin
75g butter
100g brown sugar
750g puff pastry, store bought
6 – 8 bananas, yellow with no brown spots, sliced 2cm thick rounds

Chocolate sauce
200ml cream
100g milk chocolate

To serve
Ice cream of choice

Method
1. Add butter and sugar to an 26cm ovenproof frying pan and heat on induction setting 6 until bubbling and then continue cooking for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. With pre-rolled pastry, layer the sheets on top of each other and roll to a size that overlaps the frying pan. Cut to size. Rest in the fridge for 10 minutes.

3. Arrange the bananas in the pan until full.

4. Place pastry over the bananas and tuck down into the base of the pan, make a couple of slits in the middle of the pastry for steam to escape.

5. Place the frying pan in the oven and select Moisture Plus at 180°C on Fan Plus and bake for 30 minutes, releasing a burst of steam immediately, until a deep golden crust has developed.

6. Allow to cool for 5 minutes then place a large plate that covers the frying pan on top and flip over, be careful of any caramel by using a tea towel to protect yourself.

Chocolate sauce
1. Add chocolate and cream to a glass bowl and cover with foil.

2. Steam at 65c for 20 minutes then stir to combine, alternatively heat in 30 second bursts in the microwave until melted. keep warm.

To serve
Add your ice cream of choice.

www.mieleexperience.co.nz

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Jodhi Meares, founder of The Upside on buddhas and Jimi Hendrix

6 May 2020

Fashion entrepreneur Jodhi Meares is adept at taking a positive view on life, meditating her way to happiness and working her way to success as the founder of activewear label The Upside available online and at Superette. Having started out as a model, Meares cut her design teeth at swimwear brand Tigerlily before branching out into patterned leggings, cool crops and more relaxed loungewear with The Upside. Here the momentarily grounded jet setter takes us through the mood board of her life in 2020.

My personal style can be defined by: Part beatnik, part boho, part rock and roll.

The last thing I bought and loved was: A pair of sandy suede Acne cowboy boots.

An unforgettable place I visited was: The Kimberley’s in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Next place I’d like to go to: Ibiza, to practise yoga and chill.

An object I would never part with is: My great grandmother’s Buddha.

On my wish list is: Anything from the new Acne collection. Their creative director, Johnny Johansson is genius.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: Some pieces from The Upside’s latest collection, Roma Fortuna. Inspired by the Romany nomadic people who travelled from India over 1500 years ago, they brought a rich tapestry of heritage, prints and colours to the rest of the world. Think paisley, block prints and beautiful colours.

The design (building, person, item) that inspires me is: Architecture. I love any style from Gothic onwards, and I love any super old buildings that are have been taken over by nature with crawling vines and trees.

An indulgence I would never forgo is: Champagne.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Paris, the 3rd arrondissement [Northern Marais] because it’s authentically Parisian and a great place to discover new brands.

My style icon is: Jimmy Hendrix.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: A Movable Feast by Ernest Hemingway.

I can’t miss an episode of: Curb your Enthusiasm.

In my fridge you’ll always find: Champagne and ingredients for Pasta Arrabiata.

My favourite room in my house is: The kitchen.

I recently discovered: Myself in isolation.

The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: John Prine, a country folk singer and songwriter who recently passed away at 79. I’m obsessed with his music right now.

My favourite website is: elephantjournal.com

The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): CJ Hendry.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Sean’s Panorama in Bondi Beach. Always impressive and one of my favourites.

The best gift I ever received was: My baby sister recently had a daughter and that has been the best gift ever. I’m smitten.

The beauty I can’t live without is: Really good shampoo and conditioner. I love Oribe and great natural vegan skincare, I recently discovered Biossance which I also love.

If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: I would love to have been an artist or writer.

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ECC’s Andy Thorburn on George Clooney and Italian design

5 May 2020

Having grown up working for the family business ECC, founded by his great grandfather George Levett Thorburn in 1909, Andy Thorburn has his finger permanently attached to the pulse of design’s next big thing. Working with such brands as Tom Dixon, Minotti and Magis, craftsmanship and quality are an innate part of Thorburn’s life but that’s not to say that he doesn’t enjoy life’s simpler pleasures. Here he reveals his love for Milan and an unexpected preference for KFC.

My personal style is: I’m a fan of George Clooney but I would describe my own style as sophisticated, modern and classic.

The last thing I bought and loved was: Air Pods Pro – absolute game changers.

An unforgettable place I visited was: The Dolomites [Italy] for a family Christmas in 2019. It was something that I will never forget.

Next place I’d like to go to: A tour of the south island. There is so much of NZ I haven’t seen and now seems like the perfect opportunity to do so.

An object I would never part with is: My watch.

On my wish list is: A dinner out at the Engine Room with my close friends.

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was: No clothes have been purchased in iso but I have purchased a deep fryer which has got me through some pretty tough times.

The designer who inspires me is: Christian Liaigre.

My favourite app is: Nike Running app – turns out it can be used for walks as well as runs.

An indulgence I would never forgo is: KFC – I’m quite partial to a Ponsonby road drive through.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city it would be: Via della Spiga, Milan.

My favourite room in my house is: The pool area. It’s where we’ve created great memories with friends and family – with some Minotti furniture as a backdrop.

The best gift I ever received was: A limited edition Marcel Wanders book, Rijks, Masters of The Golden Age. It’s gigantic.

My style icon is: Myself.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Honestly, I can’t say I’ve read a book in years.

I can’t miss an episode of: The Blacklist – if you haven’t watched it, get watching.

In my fridge you’ll always find: Peroni. There’s nothing like finishing the day with a cold one.

I recently discovered: Circuit training. I absolutely hated it at first, but it really sets you up for the day.

The one artist whose work I would collect is (if price is not an issue): Callum Innes

The people I rely on for my wellbeing are: My Friends. I am incredibly lucky to have a tight-knit group of friends.

My favourite website is: Covid19.govt.nz and ECC, of course.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: New Years Eve 2019 at Matignon in Paris.

A gadget I can’t do without is: My phone – it’s like my third arm.

The podcasts I listen to are: I have never listened to one!

The grooming product I can’t live without is: I am a fan of ASAP skin products.

If I wasn’t doing what I am, I would be: Probably back in the corporate world.

On my wish list is: A contemporary house on the water.

I have a collection of: Shoes – The Thorburn boys have a serious problem.

www.ecc.co.nz

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This home is a masterclass in modern refinement, turning luxe living on its head

PHOTOS Anson Smart | 5 May 2020

The configuration of two-storey houses usually follows the time honoured tradition of living and entertaining rooms on the entry level and bedrooms and bathrooms concealed in the privacy of upstairs but in-demand Australian architect Madeleine Blanchfield was not about to let convention stand in the way of her vision. Having a more than willing client, herself, helped the project proceed, with Blanchfield keen to maximise light and the views of surrounding trees for her own family home.

&Tradition Little Petra Lounge chair from Cult Design

With an award-winning practice in Paddington, and 10 years under her designer belt as associate director of the highly influential Burley Katon Halliday, Blanchfield has a refined aesthetic that balances serenity and strong visual interest, that eases the eye rather than creating conflict. On a steep block near the rough surf of Bronte Beach, that balance was achieved by placing the bedrooms on the entry level and the living space on top, offering views of the surrounding trees.

Nature is also present on the entry level, with the garden an important part of the relatively modest home, with Blanchfield having gained her reputation for creating some of Sydney’s most spectacular large houses. Vibrant creepers, hardy succulents and carefully curated garden beds can all be seen from the bedrooms.

Knoll Saarinen Womb chair from Studio Italia

Knoll Saarinen side tables from Studio Italia and Art work by Camie Lyons

A dynamic curved staircase links the levels, with all the bedrooms opening off the functional focal point. Blanchfield eliminated extraneous corridors to maximise the feeling of space, which is carried through upstairs, where sliding panels can repurpose the functionality of rooms.

The key furniture pieces are executed with an ease that only comes from a trained eye, with a result that immediately shows Japanese influences.

“I’m very interested in Japanese architecture,” Blanchfield has said. “The simplicity of Japanese houses – both contemporary and from the last century – is beautiful. They are honest, layered, detailed and manage to convey complexity of design with an overall purity and calmness. Spaces are fundamentally linked to ritual and beauty; they are flexible and embody a powerful and controlled relationship between the exterior, the landscape and the interior space. I believe we can learn a lot from their examples.”

Here those learnings all come into play, delivering a masterclass of contemporary refinement fit for a truly modern family.