Featured
Grocon’s Daniel Grollo to sell rare collection of Hermès furnishings
‘In a quarter of a century ... I’ve never seen a furniture and objets d’art collection like this come to market,’ says the chairman of auction house Leonard Joel.
- Steve Meacham
This one’s for Her Majesty: Inside the annual royal swan count
The AFR’s London correspondent attends the annual tally of the royal flock, and finds a glorious pageant of almost self-parodic English eccentricity.
- Hans van Leeuwen
How to add a second screen to your computer, cheaply
There are plenty of ways to gain some extra vision so that, even if your physical workspace is cramped, at least your digital workspace won’t be.
- John Davidson
Six collectable cars that could fetch world-record prices
The hearts of cashed-up motoring enthusiasts are racing ahead of the auction of collectable Porsches, Maseratis, Ferraris and more at Monterey Car Week.
- Tony Davis
Robots channel Olympians to create Zen-like art in a Tokyo park
Fuelled by athletes’ data and animated by cyborgs, a dynamic installation by UK artist Jason Bruges is delighting locals and visitors.
- Dan F. Stapleton
This Month
The wineries making grand statements with design
Dramatic architecture is creating points of difference, building brands and driving vineyards as a tourist destination.
- Paul Best
When it comes to bras, Gen Z wants to show them off
The granddaughter of pioneering lingerie maker Simone Pérèle, Stéphanie, is ready to outfit a new generation who have a decidedly relaxed approach to underwear.
- Lauren Sams
This exec loves playing Aussie rules football, broken bones and all
Kicks aren’t always straight and play can be scrappy, but Sparro’s Morris Bryant says his weekend games get him outside his usual bubble.
- Life & Leisure
July
Rare Chinese treasures collected by once penniless migrant up for sale
Behind one of the year’s most compelling auctions is the story of how Hsiao Chung Lung came to own a museum-quality cache of artefacts going back 4000 years.
- Steve Meacham
Meet the wine sellers thinking inside the box
The partners behind new brand Hey Tomorrow are out to prove good wine in environmentally-friendly casks is the way of the future.
- Max Allen
Champion or exploiter of women? Helmut Newton’s subjects tell all
The German photographer rose from tragic beginnings to the heights of glamour, capturing females like never before. A new documentary turns the lens around.
- Lauren Sams
This flagship phone’s microscope is a stroke of genius
I’ve been exploring my living-and-working quarters in a new way, looking at them from a whole new angle that has somehow made them feel much, much larger.
- John Davidson
Ferrari’s Portofino M is a relaxed hardtop convertible
This car is a reminder of how good it is to have an open sportster that turns into a secure hardtop coupe in just 14 seconds.
- Tony Davis
Cult designer Phoebe Philo is back, and women everywhere are cheering
The former creative director of Celine, who amassed an adoring following designing clothes for “real life”, has long harboured ambitions to run her own label.
- Lauren Indvik
The pandemic pivot creates unique travel paths
The Louise moves on with new owners, Coral Expeditions grows more familiar with Western and South Australia, and summer ski jumping is televised from France.
- Fiona Carruthers
Delta interrupts sale of luxury apartments atop David Jones
One-bedroom units are on offer for $1.9 million, four-bedders for $13.5 million at the audacious development carved out of Sydney’s famous department store.
- Dan F. Stapleton
Snowboarding solo is like being in business, says this boss
Family, friends and self – 1800BUGGIES’ Pip Jewson likes to cover all bases and compartmentalise his frozen adventures for maximum fun and effect.
- Life & Leisure
Mazda delivers jolt to electric car market with its first EV
The company’s quality matches several much more premium brands, but will buyers pay more for a green vehicle that looks just like its petrol predecessor?
- Tony Davis
Porsche Panamera gets a facelift with the new Turbo S
The latest version of the company’s biggest sedan is spacious, comfortable, smooth, stunningly quick and no longer the awkward-looking thing it once was.
- Tony Davis
- Opinion
- Opinion
Don’t lose your cool with Nanoleaf’s warming lights
The company’s first foray into making Wi-Fi-controlled illuminations that look like they are made from wood works and doesn’t work – at the same time.
- John Davidson
How the pandemic has turned the home into a self-contained universe
From bushfire bunkers to COVID-safe sanctuaries, the shortlisted residences in this year’s Houses Awards tackle pressing issues head on.
- Dan F. Stapleton
Design trends come and go – Sue Carr’s vision has never wavered
A master at creating calm and focused interiors, the designer who eschewed curtains and cushions is celebrating 50 years in the trade.
- Stephen Todd
Why a Spanish grape variety might be the next big thing in Aussie reds
Mencia is perfect for both cellaring and making the ‘drink now’ wine that is so of the moment. That versatility could make it as successful as tempranillo.
- Max Allen
How to host the world’s most glamorous party as a pandemic rolls on
At the centre of the glitz that was the Cannes Film Festival, Swiss jewellery house Chopard reigned supreme as its creations adorned stars and guests alike.
- Divya Bala
- Opinion
- Electric cars
Mercedes-Benz electrifies its smallest SUV
The EQA 250 sport utility vehicle is solid, quiet and has high-quality finishes. But it’s another adaptation of a petrol car, with all the inherent compromises.
- Tony Davis
