The September 20 Edition
I clearly recall a time when our cultural cringe was so great we looked outward – largely to Europe – for our cues on fashion, architecture and design. How that has changed, as this week’s Style Edit issue shows, with homegrown creatives producing work which is sought after around the world. In our cover story, Amanda Hooton charts fashion designer Christopher Esber’s rise from his suburban roots, where his mother helped sew beading onto early garments, to being stocked by Harrods, Selfridges, Bergdorf Goodman and Printemps and snapped up by “It” girls such as Zendaya. We also feature interior designer David Flack, whose “palpably Australian sensibility” has seen him develop a global client base. How do you sum up the identifiably Australian aesthetic? I’ll leave that to Flack: “I feel like we really value external references … It’s how you string [them] all together to feel something original – and quintessentially Australian, too.” The growth of our cultural confidence has been exciting to witness. We hope you enjoy a snapshot of it in today’s edition. – Melissa Stevens, editor
‘I need this for Zendaya’: For this Australian designer, everything changed in one week
For years, Christopher Esber battled for his global fashion breakthrough. Then one day in 2019, he pedalled across Paris to deliver a dress.
- Amanda Hooton
Once considered an indulgence, the walk-in wardrobe is now a fashion must-have
A dedicated dressing room used to be an uber status symbol. Now, more style-loving owners are happy to trade finite space for a clothing showcase.
- Stephen Crafti
Troye Sivan’s home put David Flack on the map. Now he’s Australia’s most in-demand stylist
Once a country kid who dropped out of design school because he felt overwhelmed, now Flack couldn’t be cooler.
- Susan Horsburgh
Goodbye leather, hello shredded denim: The surprising finishes inside the latest luxury cars
Plush seats made of recycled Pepsi bottles? Shredded jeans for denim interiors? The materials inside many next-gen vehicles are sustainable and cruelty-free.
- Andrew Chesterton
Camilla and Marc on the rule that saves their sibling partnership
Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman are united not only by their fashion label Camilla and Marc, but a campaign driven by their shared childhood loss.
- Fenella Souter
‘Thou shalt listen’: Aaron Pedersen’s commandments for good acting – and living
The AACTA-winning actor and Arrernte-Arabana man on tapping into awe, Australia’s real problem – and the journey the nation has to go on.
- Benjamin Law
How do I recycle the porn stashes I’m finding in my late parents’ home?
It’s a question that got the Modern Guru thinking about future generations – who may never be able to get rid of their dead folks’ pornographic legacy.
- Danny Katz
Those OTT charms colonising Gen Z handbags? They’re a ‘joyful rebellion’
Likely the stuff of Marie Kondo’s nightmares, the trend for personalised clutter on accessories offers a form of “affordable expression” in an uncertain world.
- Barry Divola
With Neighbours’ exit, the heat is on to remain ‘architects of our storytelling’
Australian soap opera production has played a vital role as a local talent incubator.
- Andrew Hornery
This ’80s style look is making a resurgence for spring
Spring style inspiration: Pedro Pascal, Gigi Hadid and others give fresh cred to old-fashioned favourites and designer flourishes.
- Damien Woolnough
Why the world’s most luxurious watches are getting heavier
When it comes to luxury watches, all that glitters is not gold.
- Frances Mocnik
Step aside hollandaise. Serve asparagus with this herby, creamy French sauce instead
Embrace new-season vegies with a herbaceous salad.
- < 30 mins
- Danielle Alvarez
Why are Australian rieslings so sour?
The dryness and high acidity of Australian rieslings is the main reason they have never been widely loved by the wine-drinking public, writes Huon Hooke.
- Huon Hooke
- Review
- Restaurant Navi
Why this inner-west neighbourhood gem is among Victoria’s finest places to dine
If every suburb needs a good baker, butcher and cafe, perhaps it also needs a perfect little fine-dining restaurant like Navi.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Stonefruit
This exciting spot has turned good NSW country getaways into great ones
Whether you’re in the market for a sandwich or a blow-out dinner with French fizz, you always get good music and great wines at Stonefruit.
- Callan Boys
Can you score a perfect 25 in the Good Weekend quiz?
Trivia buffs: test your knowledge with today’s interactive superquiz.
Other editions
The March 21 edition
Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane
- 11 stories
The March 14 edition
The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend
- 13 stories