Challenge your perspective and elevate your surroundings with this selection of refined masterpieces. From the captivating and colourful to the big, bold, and brilliant, these are the most sought-after pieces to add to your collection.
The first Monday in May carries special meaning for the fashion set, marking the most significant event on the calendar — The Met Gala.
Inaugurated as an annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, The Met Gala has become synonymous with outrageous outfits and iconic celebrity moments. It is an event that has come to capture the imagination of even those completely uninterested in fashion or glamour. And while almost every notable figure in Hollywood receives an invite, from style icons to actors and musicians (and more recently, to TikTok stars) we are left to look on from home — taking on the role of fashion critic to dissect the outfits of those in attendance.
Each year guests are asked to dress to a theme reflecting that of the Costume Institute’s exhibition, and this year, it’s the new spring exhibition, ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’, that plays muse. The associated dress code was ‘The Garden of Time’, taking inspiration from a 1962 short story of the same name by J.G. Ballard, whose narrative centres on a dwindling garden of flowers with the ability to slow down time. Attendees donned their botanic-inspired and dystopian-esque interpretations, some taking the story’s inspiration more literally than others (we’re looking at you, Zendaya), while others leaned into the Sleepy Beauty motif wholeheartedly.
Here, we round up all the best looks from this year’s ‘first Monday in May,’ each of which showcases why this event has become the most significant on the global fashion calendar.
While children’s rooms are often more colourful and chaotic than calm and considered, when it comes to creativity, there’s a place for both. Cultivate a sense of discovery in a space that invites its inhabitants to explore and create in a pared-back setting — providing the canvas for endless imagination.
While you’ll never receive judgement from us for re-watching familiar favourites as the weather cools (we’ve got to find comfort somewhere), there’s something thrilling about discovering a captivating, cerebral or comic new release that gets your mind whirring and provides you with ample water cooler chat. We’ve rounded up an edit of the new films and series that have our attention this week, in a bid to provide you with some inspiration — enjoy.
If you’re looking for a way to escape the every day, we’ve got just the thing. This edit of new coffee table books is perfect for the escapists amongst us — offering hours of entertainment delighting in fashion, art, travel, and more, all without leaving the comfort of your home. From beautiful imagery to intimate details and untold stories, here are six inspiring coffee table books to acquire now.
Seen through the lens of Oliver Pilcher, this captivating visual journey offers an intimate portrayal of the city that never sleeps. Going beyond New York clichés, the book explores everyday moments and features iconic personalities like Zaldy Goco and Françoise Gilot, giving a glimpse into their creative spaces. Here, Pilcher captures the essence of New York’s diversity, showcasing the metropolis’ sprawling, iconic cityscape through the eyes of artists, writers, designers and chefs who call it home. A vibrant celebration of dreams and possibilities in The Big Apple, New York Chic is a must-have for any well-curated bookshelf.
Take a journey to the most unique, unknown, and remarkable hotels around the world in Secret Stays; an evocative new tome that presents 22 of the world’s most secretive spots. Illustrated by extensive, captivating imagery that celebrates the past and present of each property, within this book you’ll find secluded abbeys, ancient manors, modern homes, larger-than-life mansions, Japanese machiya town houses, and more, accompanied by anecdotes and meaningful insight into the history and best-kept secrets of the properties on the pages.
Delivering behind-the-scenes access to the red carpet looks that made global headlines, Barbie: The World Tour documents the outfits chosen by stylist Andrew Mukamal for Margot Robbie while promoting her groundbreaking film, Barbie. Shot by fashion photographer Craig McDean, Robbie is captured in dazzling outfits, from Schiaparelli to vintage Chanel, showcasing how cleverly Mukamal brought Barbie’s lauded fashion to life. Celebrating the cultural moment of the movie and 65 years of the doll’s captivating legacy, this book is perfect for fashion and Barbie fans alike.
Touted as the definitive exploration of Bulgari’s history of horology and jewellery-inspired creativity, this incredibly detailed and visually stunning book spans over a century of Swiss-Italian watchmaking achievements. Authored by Bulgari’s foremost specialists, Bulgari: Beyond Time comprises captivating illustrations and conversations with key figures, delving into Bulgari’s iconic watch collections to reveal the profound emotional connection each timepiece holds. Insightful essays from global luminaries add depth and cultivate a conversation about the future of watches. Bulgari’s commitment to forging meaningful links across centuries and even, beyond Earth itself.
In this vibrant monograph, explore the tapestry of Julian Schnabel’s artistic universe and his penchant for transforming everyday materials into compelling art. From broken plates to unconventional surfaces like market stall covers, Schnabel’s creativity is famously limitless, and this book offers an intimate portrait of the artist’s unique eye. Whether directing award-winning movies or crafting sculptures, Schnabel’s urgency to infuse life into his work is palpable throughout, making this edition a comprehensive celebration of his multifaceted oeuvre, and a collectable piece indeed.
Chronicling 150 years of maritime excellence, this book (penned by marine journalist Kevin Koenig) celebrates Benetti’s enduring legacy of luxury yacht construction, delving into its evolution from wooden sailing ships to cutting-edge giga-yachts and featuring iconic vessels like El Caran and Nabila. Via exclusive content and unseen photographs, Benetti gives insight into collaborations with renowned designers and prestigious clientele (including Zlatan Ibrahimović), each page reinforcing the brand’s commitment to Italian craftsmanship and sustainability.
Always on-trend, a trench is essential for transeasonal dressing. But not all styles are the same.
From oversized to classically cinched, these are the coats to consider this autumn.
From alluring anthologies and moving memoirs to page-turning novels that will keep you up past midnight, these are the books worthy of your attention.
Fourteen Days
by Various Authors
Set in a Lower East side tenement in the midst of Covid lockdowns, stranded strangers become friends, and neighbours become community in this heartwarming serial novel. Crafted by literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Celeste Ng, Fourteen Days reveals how, beneath the loss, the pandemic ultimately led to a stronger sense of community and connection.
The Truth About the Devlins
by Lisa Scottoline
A tale of family, justice, and the lies that tear us apart, this pulse-pounding new thriller is a sinister look at the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. When TJ, the family disappointment, finds himself with a chance to prove his worth after his ostensibly perfect brother commits a murder, he ends up entangled in a lethal web of deception that forces him to face his demons.
The Cemetery of Untold Stories
by Julia Alvarez
Set to become an instant classic, this inventive new novel by literary icon Julia Alvarez tells the tale of a writer laying to rest her litany of untold tales. Alma Cruz buries the characters whose lives she tried and failed to bring to life; but they have other ideas, and her literary cemetery quickly becomes a mysterious sanctuary for the characters’ true narratives.
Funny Story
by Emily Henry
This joyful novel tells the tale of a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common: their failed marriages. When Daphne is jilted by her husband after discovering he’s in love with his best friend, she winds up roommates with the only person who could possibly relate: the best friend’s ex. The resulting saga is both hilarious and heartwarming.
All Fours
by Miranda July
In this lively tale of one woman’s quest for a new kind of freedom, an artist struggling with her identity at middle-age embarks on a journey of reinvention. Interrogating the sexual, romantic, and domestic life of a 45-year-old at a crossroads, All Fours is a brave and bold account of life lived as a woman, told in July’s signature bawdy and irreverent prose.
In Ascension
by Martin MacInnes
This inquisitive epic charts the astonishing story of a microbiologist who makes an extraordinary discovery that forces into focus everything she thinks she knows about life on our planet. With compassion and curiosity, In Ascension encourages introspection and illuminates matters of the heart, promising an unforgettable journey.
Butter
by Asako Yuzuki
In this blistering, often unsettling and undeniably sharp novel inspired by the convicted con woman and serial killer, ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, Asako Yuzuki explores obsession, misogyny, romance and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan. Through an unexpected bond between a journalist and her subject, Yuzuki tells a riveting tale that is both provocative and thought-provoking.
Wandering Stars
by Tommy Orange
Orange presents a captivating follow-up to There There, delving into both the past and future, skilfully exploring the repercussions of historical events like the Sand Creek Massacre and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School across a multi-generational tale. Alternating between moments of devastation and wonder, Wandering Stars is a captivating journey for the ages.
The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir
by RuPaul
Ru Paul’s remarkable life unfolds from his formative years as a queer Black youth in San Diego to his exploration of identity within the vibrant punk and drag communities of Atlanta and New York. Along the way, he discovers enduring love with his husband and embraces sobriety, ultimately leading to his own self-acceptance.
Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring
by Brad Gooch
Acclaimed biographer Brad Gooch charts the life of iconic American Artist, Keith Haring — from his initial chalk line scrawls on the subways of New York in the early 80s to the emblematic artist’s untimely demise, Radiant offers a tender glimpse into the magic of a visionary and timeless icon.
Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story
by Leslie Jamison
In her debut memoir, Jamison explores the intricate realms of motherhood, marriage, and familial bonds with poignant precision. Through vivid storytelling, she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and the healing potency of art in an introspective odyssey — offering a profound reflection on the journey to wholeness.
Cuckooland
by Tom Burgis
Crafted in propulsive prose that reads more like a thriller, Cuckooland tells an astonishing story of secrets and lies that reveals how fragile that truth can be. From the best-selling author of Kleptopia, this impressively well-reported work of non-fiction explores how globalisation and technological revolution have combined to imperil the foundation of free societies.
No Judgement
by Lauren Oyler
In her signature sharp, and addictive prose, best-selling novelist and essayist Lauren Oyler unpacks the role of cultural criticism in our ever-changing world, encapsulating a host of issues with tenderness and precision, delivering a masterful work of cultural criticism as only she can.
Table for Two
by Amor Towles
In a collection spanning six short stories and one novella, Amor Towles interrogates topics from the male ego to fate, and the pivotal role compromise plays in modern marriages. The novella, set in the midst of Hollywood’s golden age, tells the story of the indomitable Evelyn Ross who makes a snap decision that alters her life forever.
Maktub
by Paulo Coelho
One of the greatest writers of our time delivers yet another glimmering anthology of stories and parables that unlock the mysteries of the human condition. Addressing the quandaries of the universe — Maktub inspires a journey of faith, self-reflection, and transformation as Coelho taps into universal truths about humanity.
Like Love
by Maggie Nelson
Like Love offers a vibrant collection of essays spanning two decades of insightful work. From profiles to critical essays, Nelson explores themes of love, friendship, and queer issues, alongside tributes to cultural icons, offering a window into her personal evolution while exploring the impact of art and artists on her life.
The denim double-up is proving its high fashion potential this season with a raft of chic, timeless, and versatile pieces to carry you from this season to the next. From playful 90s-inspired bags and accessories to must-have jeans in a myriad of washes and silhouettes, and the oversized jackets and shirts sure to add a contemporary edge to any outfit, here, we round up the pieces our editors are coveting this season, each deserving of a place in your seasonal wardrobe.
You needn’t think your seating can only be rendered in the usual neutral tones. Add a hint of vibrancy to your space by, instead, selecting a sofa, stool or chair in the deep, serene hues of blue. Befitted to most spaces and sure to add a touch of modern luxury to your home, blue — in all of its myriad shades — is sure to endure.
Where I started: Waiting tables at St. Petersburg Restaurant in Parnell (aged 16).
Where I am now: Founder of Bayside Rum Co. & Bar Manager at Ahi.
It was sitting in an accounting class, reading a cocktail manual behind his course notes that Egor Petrov first realised, definitely, that hospitality had his heart. When I ask him where it all began, he tells me that his earliest memory of appreciating flavours was as a child, exploring his grandparents’ expansive garden. “We’d get out of the car at my grandparent’s house and run straight into the garden, picking raspberries, smelling herbs and exploring all of the fruit and vegetables they grew. I found it fascinating,” he recounts. It’s little wonder, then, that Petrov’s first job was in a restaurant, waiting tables at St. Petersburg Restaurant in Parnell. “My first customers were on a hens do, and they all totally loved me,” laughs Petrov, “I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured it out pretty quickly.”
After school, Petrov liked the idea of working for a luxury hotel, so set his sights on Melbourne where he secured a job as a concierge at The Hilton. The atmosphere of a hotel, he tells me, was great, but the corporate structure didn’t suit him. He returned home and landed a role at Showcase Hospitality, before moving over to The Britomart Hospitality Group, and it’s within these businesses that he found his groove in the industry and built a solid foundation for all that followed. After running a few bars in the city, Petrov was offered an incredible opportunity as the Beverage Director of a social & dining destination in Dubai — which then led to a job with Sean Connolly as part of the pre-opening team at his Dubai Opera eatery, before moving on to become the head of beverage for Dubai’s largest hospitlaity group, which counted Burj Khalifa as one of its many establsihments. Petrov remained there for several years before heading back home during Covid to start his rum company, Bayside Rum Co.
“With Bayside Rum Co. I’m able to use all of the skills I’ve accumulated across my career, and knowledge of the industry [to make something] that I’m proud of.”
The accumulation of a vast career spanning multiple countries, establishments, and roles set the foundation for Petrov’s own spirits company, but, despite his extensive experience, network of contacts, and incredible insight into the inner workings of a hospitality business, it’s still been a steep learning curve. “Starting a business isn’t easy, but the growth has been incredible,” says Petrov. “I’m doing it all on the side while maintaining my role as the bar manager at Ahi, so it’s busy to say the least,” he continues, “But really fulfilling, too.”
Running Bayside Rum Co. and having full control over production has allowed Petrov to really harness his creativity and tap into his passion for incredible produce (something that began all those years ago in his grandparent’s garden), and experiment with fermentation — another interest of his, to create something truly unique. “Drinks have always been how I’ve channelled my creativity. With Bayside Rum Co. I’m able to use all of the skills I’ve accumulated across my career, and knowledge of the industry — paired with my personal interests, to make drinks that I’m proud of,” he tells me.
The advice he’d give to someone starting out is to stay curious and not be afraid to ask questions. “Working in a bar, you meet so many people — take the time to get to know them, as you never know what might come from a conversation,” he says “That, and prioritise your health from the beginning. There’s a real temptation working in a bar or restaurant to burn the candle at both ends, but that will only lead to poor health and resentment,” says Petrov. “If you want to succeed, and last the distance, taking care of yourself is key.”
Despite only being 34, Petrov has so much behind him, but when you ask — he’ll tell you this is just the beginning. With big plans to expand on Bayside Rum Co.’s offering this year, with two new rums in the works that he hopes will set the brand apart on the world stage, and the introduction of his incredible house-fermented sodas and cocktails at Ahi, Petrov is a prime example of how much hospitality has to offer those willing to earn their stripes.
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