Est Magazine #8

ISSUE #8 2013

style

stRIPPED Bare

THE ART OF SIMPLE LIVING

MELBOURNE

173-177 Barkly Avenue Burnley VIC 3121 P 03 9429 8888 F 03 9429 6966 SYDNEY

PYD Building 197 Young Street Waterloo NSW 2017 P 02 8396 8700 F 02 9690 2804 BRISBANE

72-78 McLachlan Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 P 07 3251 4333 F 07 3257 2155 PERTH

153 Broadway Nedlands WA 6009 P 08 6389 1366 F 08 6389 1466

Relax and rejuvenate in your home Sky Line Sauna by Effegibi.

Full glass frontage provides natural light, without compromising traditional sauna benefits. With integrated audio and colourtherapy, the complete furniture piece is easy to install in any room of your home.

Visit our working displays in Melbourne & Sydney showrooms.

rogerseller.com.au

Contents

5 Editors Letter

8 TREND REPORT

20 Shop Ed’s Picks

22 SHOP FASHION

Big Things

Going Green

Style Simplicity

Date Night

24 Real or Replica No 18 Bentwood

30 NETHERLANDS Going To Plan

41 GET THE LOOK Natural State

42 FRANCE Mulhouse Makeover

57 GET THE LOOK Dream Home

58 ENGLAND London Bound

72 Australia Drawn To Detail

87 GET THE LOOK Significant Others

88 Atelier Judy Kaufmann

92 Travel Arabian Dream

106 Food Spanish Skewers

115 DIGITAL LOVE Insta-Fashionista

American Oak in French Grey Architecture by Fiona Winzar Architects

9 Almeida Crescent, South Yarra, Victoria. Telephone: (03) 9826 3611

www.royaloakfloors.com.au

Editors Letter Welcome to our first issue of 2013.

We have big things planned for Est Magazine this year and we are taking the year for rejuvenation and renewal VERY seriously. With lots of exciting news to share in the coming months, we promise you’ll be first to know of all our plans. We may even need your advice on a few ideas and hope you can share your thoughts with us.

We have asked our favourite Dutch creative team, Anouk B and Marjon Hoogervorst to style a trend report based around the Pantone colour for 2013, Emerald Green and give us an idea of how we can incorporate the hue most commonly used to stimulate growth, clarity and above all, balance. I for one, can certainly use a little more of this in my life. Can’t we all?

Former InsideOut magazine Editor and current Temple & Webster Editorial Director, Karen McCartney takes us on a personal tour of her favourite London haunts for shopping, sipping and sightseeing.

‘Lover of the Light’ from West London band, Mumford & Sons, about hope and starting over. It will get you into the right headspace.

We feature homes from the French city of Mulhouse, Amsterdam and Melbourne - all of which share a common thread - simplicity. You might notice this is a bit of a theme we are drawn to at the moment - the trick is trying to live by it.

We’d love to hear from you - your loves and hates, your ideas and predilections - we are open to it all!

Enjoy

Sian MacPherson Editor in Chief

est GLOBAL LIVING WITH AN AUSTRALIAN TWIST

Editor in Chief Sian MacPherson sian@estmagazine.com.au

Creative Director Lynda Evans lynda@estmagazine.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL FOOD Sarah Edgar, FASHION Khaseem Warren, INTERIORS Tamie Freier, TRAVEL Joanna Swanson, PHOTOGRAPHY Marjon Hoogervorst, Tara Pearce, Toby Scott, Victoria Simson, Georgina Skinner, Julien Fernandez, STYLING AnoukB, Kara Rosenlund SUB EDITORS Emily Evans, Neville Evans WORDS Amandine Berthon, Elizabeth Anile LAYOUT Hayley McGill

PHOTO Marjon Hoogervorst Glasses from de Mooiste Muren

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Marjon Hoogervorst STYLING AnoukB

ENQUIRIES

Editorial editorial@estmagazine.com.au Production production@estmagazine.com.au Advertising advertising@estmagazine.com.au SOCIAL karen@estmagazine.com.au

CONNECT

est REGULAR TREND REPORT

going

green PHOTOGRAPHY Marjon Hoogervorst | STYLING AnoukB

Looking to nature to lead the way, we use the Pantone colour for 2013, Emerald Green, to recharge and revitalize our spaces.

Nina Campbell wallpaper, Lindform Sweden Plate and Glasses from de Mooiste Muren

As a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity we can all benefit from injecting a little of the hue into our lives.

OPPOSITE PAGE Bird Necklace from &Klevering THIS PAGE Sanderson paint from Woodland Shadow

Whether it be in a living form like using plants as artworks, or by taking nature as a reference and using wallpaper emblazed with a bamboo print, green can work into any design scheme harmoniously and effectively.

THIS PAGE Glass from de Mooiste Muren, Vases from Lindform Sweden and Kelim Plaid OPPOSITE PAGE White Bird from &Klevering, Print Fabric by Karin Sajo, Blue fabric from Casamance and Teaspoon bag including tea spoons

The current trend in using ‘green’ materials like cardboard and recycled paper, works best when mixed with materials sourced from the earth such as metal, marble and timber to create you own personal sense of green living.

OPPOSITE PAGE Glasses from de Mooiste Muren THIS PAGE Sanderson paint from Woodland Shadow, Teapot from Hollandsche Waaren, Little Stool & Glasses from de Mooiste Muren and White vase from Couture

Whatever your predilection for design – you don’t have to green wash to inject vibrancy and feel good factor - but rather add a little - or a lot - to balance and enhance your space.

Beetle from &Klevering and Little Stool from de Mooiste Muren

Sanderson paint from Woodland Shadow

A-esque Suede Bangles

Haven by Chris Bellamy

STYLE Simplicity Edited by Sian MacPherson

The start of the new year has us brimming with hopes and aspirations. I am looking to start the year with a little simplicity in style and structure, mixed with a bit of well worn comfort to gently ease into the new year - and a famous red head to fire up some creative inspiration.

Hay Archive Hill

Equipment Slim Silk Shirt

est REGULAR SHOP

Grace iTunes Audiobook

Hay Curiosity Box

Comme Des Garcons Sneakers

Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S Camera

Dolce&Gabbana Pour Femme & Pour Homme

DATE NIGHT

Make him blush !

MCQ Butterfly Intarsia Knit

Edited by Khaseem Warren

Ahhh…men…bless their cottonblend socks… they put up with our penchant for baggy trousers, clogs and messy pony tails, with such lovely acceptance, so why not dress to impress- him!-for one measly night?? You never know your luck!! And then we can all get back to normal in printed leggings, smock tops & our beloved nanna knickers!

Job done.

Gianvito Rossi Leather Pumps

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

Fleur of England Dash of Lime

est REGULAR SHOP

Acetate and Snakeskin Sunglasses

The Row Norick Leather Pencil Skirt Viktor & Rolf 3/4 Dress Dolce & Gabbana Lace Bodysuit

Dolce & Gabbana ‘Miss Charles’ Bag

Skaist-Taylor Cropped Jacket

est REGULAR REAL OR REPLICA

Real or Replica PHOTOGRAPHY Toby Scott | STYLING Kara Rosenlund

No. 18 BENTWOOD WORDS Lynda Evans & Sian MacPherson | THONET No. 18 BENTWOOD Innerspace

© THON ET PHOTO

The eponymous Bentwood cafe chair with its double hoop backrest and circular seat was designed in the 1850’s by Prussian-born cabinet maker Michael Thonet (1796 - 1871). Thonet experimented with the steaming and bending capabilities of wood. Using only 6 pieces of wood, 10 screws and 2 washers, Thonet created a symbol for seamless design.

The Bentwood fit the bill of a new dawn in furniture production. The industrial revolution saw traditional handcrafting and bespoke ateliers give way to manufacturing on a much larger scale inside factories with mechanical, standardised step and repeat assembly methods. In addition to Thonet’s clever design evolved an ingenious distribution model - the ability to disassemble the product and flat pack it for delivery.

rockers, stools and sofas, seats that are moulded and embossed or finished with handwoven cane, or covered with leather or fabric.

In 1842, Thonet was granted a patent for his process of bending wood laminates and by the late 1850s, had developed Chair No. 14, the bentwood dining chair, which was to achieve sales of fifty million by 1930.

We love that the Thonet company still exists and is managed to this day by the 5th generation of Thonets in Frankenberg, Germany where the production and corporate headquarters was founded in 1889.

Today the bentwood technique is widely used and extensions of Thonets original designs abound.

Variations include armrests, open back or backrest,

And a little tip to remember - its Thonet - just like Moet and Target - you pronounce the T not the ay!

With a myriad of finishes, the classic traditional finish of dark oak, walnut, natural timber and black remain firm favourites in cafes around the world. The Bentwood has seen a recent revival in the new millennium with an array of custom paint colours now available along with a natural timber sock detail.

How to spot the difference between a real and replica Thonet Bentwood Chair We studied the No. 18 Thonet, a variation of the No. 14, considered to be the definitive Bentwood chair. Here’s our run down on how to spot a dead set fake.

MAKERS MARK If you want to get as close to an original Thonet Bentwood as possible look for the Thonet makers mark on a label or carved into the timber.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Licensed designs of Thonet are made in original European Thonet factories such as in Radomsko, Poland and Brno, Czech Republic, where historic moulds and techniques are still used today. Knockoffs often adopt the original Thonet Bentwood shape but are simply laminated timber. In some instances the unique wood bending technique is not used.

MATERIALS Bentwoods are made with solid European Beech that is steamed and bent into shape. Solid wood with a laminate surface clearly isn’t “bentwood”.

SHAPE The original Thonet design is elegant, refined, light weight yet sturdy. Reproductions are often mis-proportioned, badly assembled, poorly finished and wobbly.

PRICE Locally a No. 18 originating from Thonet’s original factories made to the exacting specifications of Michael Thonet’s unique and original design retail for around $206 +gst. Lamintated timber fakes that retail for as little as $129 warrant no comparison.

RESALE Like most authentic designer furniture a certifiable original in outstanding condition will hold its value. Rare Thonet Bentwood designs, in particular those from the 1800’s often fetch astonishing prices at auction.

‘Never has anything been created more elegant and better in its conception, more precise in its execution and more excellently functional.’

August Thonet 1925

Classic cafe style is all down to simplicity. Clean lines, crisp linen and authentic Bentwoods are effortlessly chic and timeless in style.

Thonet No 18 Bentwood chair in dark oak by Thonet Australia available at Innerspace | Paint by Murobond in Ebony | Pyramid Cutlery by Georg Jensen | Cup and Saucer by Marc Newson Collection by Noritake | Glassware Picardie Tumblers by Duralex | Paris Bistro base and tabletop

by Cafe Culture | Portia vinyl flooring by Andersens.

est FEATURE NETHERLANDS

Going to plan PHOTOGRAPHY Marjon Hoogervorst

STYLING AnoukB | WORDS Sian MacPherson

White, crisp, clean and stylishly functional are not words you would normally see ascribed to a space inhabited by notorious doyennes of Amsterdam’s red light district. In fact looking about the present day family home of Eva van Dongen, Freek Tromp and children Fynn 3 and newborn baby Luz, it is clearly the polar opposite to anything that would resemble a madam’s boudoir.

Once home to twin sisters Louise and Martine, the main characters in Dutch IDFA documentary ‘Ouwehoeren” about the intriguing world of ‘paid love’, the renovated house bears no hallmarks of its previous tenants.

Eva, a freelance architect and designer, was drawn to the architecture of the 1920’s ‘Amsterdam School’ style home based in the Rivierenbuurt. The home is situated in the Plan Zuid area of Amsterdam, a highly regarded urban expansion plan carried out in 1917 by Dutch architect H.P Berlage, concerned with destroying the segregation of social classes.

“The contrast of order and symmetry of Plan Zuid with the anarchist housing of the adjacent older neighbourhoods - such as The Pijp - is enormous. Plan Zuid is built in a strict but harmonious pattern of main roads and closed

blocks. In The Pijp each house has a different size and different rhythm” explains Eva. Casting an eye around the home it is clear that it was Eva’s love for order and symmetry that drew her to the area. As founder of Orphan Socks, an online store that specialises in homewares that are of “exceptional ordinariness”, Eva’s aesthetic is particular and exacting in its style. Favouring well made, balanced design over transient trends and established names, Eva’s home is testament to her passion for refined simplicity and style.

Having bought the once neglected home from an elderly couple in 2006, Eva quickly set about renovating the entire interior, complete with new kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and installing much needed central heating. The priority to renovate was based upon building a quiet and peaceful home for the young family to grow in. “The house is our personal nest that feeds our needs” says Eva.

The kitchen table is their favourite place to gather for meals or a coffee when entertaining.

During spring and summer the balcony doors are thrown open and chairs are drawn to the window to stick legs out in the sun and drink in the outdoors.

An Eames Lounge Chair is Eva’s preferred coffee nook, while the Eames RAR Rocking Chair brings back memories of feeding Fynn as a baby. A newly purchased HAY Grandmother chair in black now serves as baby Luz chair for gentle lulling. Eva’s decorating advice is to start with a simple base where all personal items, children’s toys and daily debris can easily find a home without looking messy. In other words less is more.

With great restaurants, cafes and parks all within walking and biking distance from their doorstep, Eva finds it hard to contemplate having to search for a larger home with more space for fast growing children. For now, though its seems this cozy nest is quite content.

est REGULAR GET THE LOOK

Mountain Peak Cashmere Blanket at Donna Wilson

Natural State

Eames Plywood Chair at Nest

Edited by Sian MacPherson

Ikea Tisdag Lamp

The soul of the home can be found in the detail.

Cubebot at Orphan Socks Vedel Birds at Great Dane

Muuto Dot Hooks at Safari Living

Hay Tray Table Areaware Iphone Alarm Dock

Mulhouse makeover

PHOTOGRAPHY Julien Fernandez | WORDS Elizabeth Anile & Amandine Berthon

“When I was a boy I used to walk in those streets and I loved watching these old-style façades. I swore to myself I would one day live in one of those houses,” Hervé Ziegler-Munck says, wistfully. Cut to the present and Hervé is living in a house he “used to dream of” with his wife Sandrine and two children Paul, 6 and Fleur, 4, in a classic French house built in the late nineteenth century in Mulhouse, a city in eastern France.

The decision to purchase the property was met with little resistance from Sandrine, a fashion and jewellery designer for Meresine. ‘’We were looking for a classical house still in its original condition. All the houses we had visited had been transformed’’, says Sandrine.

The selling point for the couple was the fact the original classical features had been retained, creating a unique fusion between old and new world charm.

The couple decided they wanted to integrate every corner of the house into their lifestyle, including the hallway, which Sandrine feared could become a “dull passing place.” ‘’For us it’s a living area as any other room. Our little ones enjoy playing there, dancing and putting on their shows,” she says.

The focal point of the house is the dining room, mainly because of what the space represents; a meeting spot for friends and family to gather and chat over meals.

The table was handcrafted by Hervé’s father and can seat up to 12 guests.

“We have up to four or five big dinners a month.

Our home is always wide open to friends passing through.’’

It was really important for Hervé and Sandrine to ensure features such as the natural wood floor, ceiling mouldings and the beautiful staircases were incorporated into the new design.

That’s not to say there wasn’t a lot to be fixed - think dated floral wallpapers and textured carpet from the 1950s.

They decided to paint everything from the floor to the ceiling white, only leaving the wooden parquet floors on the ground floor in tact. ‘’We are fond of white for the brightness and the purity it brings,’’ Sandrine says.

The stark colour palette allows the various furnishings such as a kitsch religiosity collection,

pendant lamps made with Alsacian bottles and rows of Japanese lanterns painted by Hervé, do the talking. ‘’I appreciate the objects to create an atmosphere and a style and not the other way round. It becomes the ideal frame to set the scene. I can change the style and the atmosphere of a room by modifying the decoration much more easily than if I had to repaint the walls,” says Sandrine.

The neutrality of the colour scheme allows items like these to stand out, like little pieces of art with their own stories to tell.

What sets the design of the house apart from many other modern interpretations of classic houses is the way Sandrine and Hervé let their personality shine through every aspect of their home.

They celebrate the rich history of the house, all the while bringing its beauty into the 21st century.

est REGULAR GET THE LOOK

Toadstool Lamp

Bambi Lamp

play house Round Felt Carpet

Edited by Tamie Freier

Create spaces where little ones and big kids alike are inspired to play, dance and put on a show.

Big Dot Cushion

Skull Candle

Cloche Dome Bertoia Side Chair

Japanese Washi Tape

est REGULAR GUEST EDITOR

london bound

EDITED BY Karen McCartney | PHOTOGRAPHY Georgina Skinner

Magazine maven, Karen McCartney is regarded as one of Australia’s most successful design magazine editors, and it has to be said, one of the nicest. With her keen eye for design and exacting taste in style, Karen’s lilting Irish accent and mischievous sparkle in her eye leaves us in a trance whenever we meet.

Studio of designer Lee Broom, during London Design week 2012

Karen McCartney at Ten Bells

est REGULAR GUEST EDITOR

Hailing from the UK and having worked in the areas of design, art and style in several continents over the past 20 years, the founding editor of Inside Out and publisher of architecture books, 50/60/70 Iconic Australian Houses: Three Decades of Domestic Architecture and 70/80/90 Iconic Australian Houses, Karen was our number one go to when it came to exploring London.

Karen’s new role at Temple & Webster as Editorial Director ensures she keeps her fingers on the pulse of homewares trends worldwide. Here she gives us an exclusive tour of her most loved stores, bars and hotels in her old stomping ground, London.

Duke of Cambridge

duke of cambridge Gastro Pub This is no ordinary gastro pub.

Driven by the passion of its owner, Geetie Singh for organic, seasonal produce, it is the first and only gastro pub certified by the Soil Association.

The menu changes daily depending upon what is available, with 80% of produce sourced from the Home Counties. Home baked bread and icecream are made on the premises and if you can’t make the trip to the UK to sample the cuisine, Geeties’ Cookbook: Recipes from The Duke of Cambrdge Organic Pub, featuring her signature hearty British fare, is available on Amazon.

rough luxe Hotel I have never stayed here but love the mix of raw, stripped back walls, great art and luxury bed linen. The brainchild of extraordinary designer Rabih Hage. A stay here is on my ‘to do’ list.

Duke of Cambridge

Labour and Wait

Abigail Ahern

Duke of Cambridge

Abigail Ahern

Abigail Ahern

Abigail Ahern

atelier abigail ahern Homewares Abigail Ahern has recently visited Australia spreading her design philosophy of moody, troubled wall colours and an expressive decorating style that mixes textures, objects, colours and patterns with extreme confidence.

The shop is your chance to buy a slice of her style from ceramics to cushions, throws, mirrors, lights and surprising decorative objects that you didn’t even know you needed.

ten bells

Abigail Ahern

An East End pub Beside a rather beautiful Nicholas Hawksmoor designed church, in London’s Spitalfields sits the infamous Ten Bells. Infamous, because rumour has it that two of Jack The Ripper’s victims were regulars.

Although refurbished, the original Victoria tiling and murals depicting weavers adorn the interior.

As it is on the corner of Fournier Street, where artists Gilbert & George live, who knows who you might meet over a pint.

Abigail Ahern

Labour and Wait

Labour and Wait

Labour and Wait

labour and wait Household goods A beautiful green-tiled expub in Shoreditch is the perfect context for a shop that concentrates on household items, hardware and kitchen utensils that are universally wellconstructed and designed with an emphasis on longevity and simplicity. Many items are sourced from like-minded overseas manufacturers and it is difficult to leave the shop without shelling out 15 pounds on a pleasing unvarnished wood and bristle clothes brush made in England from 5th generation brush makers.

st john’s bread & wine Restaurant Situated opposite London Spitalfields market it is a perfect destination after a drink in the nearby Ten Bells. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner it serves simple, quality fare in an unpretentious setting. Sharing of dishes as they come from the kitchen is encouraged.

Labour and Wait

Mint

Mint

mint High End Homewares A trip to Lina Kanafini’s shop in South Kensington is a must for me every time I visit London and it never, ever disappoints.

The word ‘eclectic’ is much bandied about but here it finds genuine expression. Pieces chosen from big name designers and freshly minted graduates sit side-by-side. The pieces often display a level of craft – with all concepts artfully executed. You need to take time to look through the cabinets filled with objects and don’t forget the basement level.

ryantown Paper artworks I have a soft spot for the talented, and much copied, Rob Ryan as he kindly produced a tea towel design as a reader gift for Inside Out’s 10th Birthday. Now his designs adorn his own range of plates, mugs and stationary.

Mint

Mint

Mint

twentytwentyone

twentytwentyone

twentytwentyone

twentytwentyone Designer furniture The business started out retailing quality vintage mid-century modern furniture and I started my collection buying from them in the Nineties. It is now a design store with a great contemporary collection.

scp Designer furniture A great design store with established furniture designers such as Matthew Hilton and Donna Wilson (perhaps most famous for her folk-inspired textiles) to new experimental designers such as Gareth Neal.

purl

twentytwentyone

Bar I was taken here by Saska Graville, author of the “London Style Guide’ (Murdoch Books) so I knew it would be good. Purl feels like a secret and its dark, decadent interior and delicious alcoholic concoctions make for a heady combination. Booking essential.

DRAWN

to detail

PHOTOGRAPHY Tara Pearce | STYLING Tamie Freier | WORDS Sian MacPherson

Moving from a period home in Melbourne’s bayside suburb of Hampton, to a newly built house in the inner east suburb of Malvern, took some recalibrating for the Cooney family and the way they lived.

est FEATURE AUSTRALIA

Natasha, along with husband Simon, and children Oliver 16, Archer 11, Henry 8, Martha 7 and Lola 4 made the decision to move away from the relaxed beachy lifestyle to be closer to the children’s schools. Understandably, with five children to get to school on time every morning, cutting down on travel time was a major priority.

“Taking on a new build, and moving into a new area to make a family home with four children, and a new baby on my hip, was a bit overwhelming” admits Natasha.

Fortunately Natasha knew what she was looking for when it came to imbuing the home with style.

“I saw an image of a bathroom by Leibowitz and McLachlan in a magazine and it had the exact feel that I was trying to create so I made contact”, she explains.

Designers Taryn Glick (Liebowitz) and Tamie Freier (McLachlan) were called upon to keep Natasha on track. “I loved their work and it was quite different to anything I had seen coming out of Melbourne” says Natasha

“I really believe you have to identify what style is truly you, and stick to it. I knew what it was I liked and what I wanted. Tamie helped me to pull it together and find those special pieces that just finished it off perfectly”.

Number one on the priority list was getting the colour palette right. Dulux Antique White in half strength was used throughout to create a warm light, effectually washing the home with a gentle calming ambience. Colour was added through artworks and furnishings for character and visual interest.

Coming home to find Natasha hard at work colour coding the wall to wall bookshelf in the living room had Simon worried about his wifes mental state, but the family now appreciate the method in her madness of her day long task.

In the kitchen, inspiration for the design scheme was taken from Belgian furniture company, Flamant. Porters Paint in colour Sable was used on kitchen cabinetry and door hardware sourced through Mother of Pearl and Sons.

Industrial pendant lighting above the Carrara marble bench also help to inject personality into the space.

The finish of the timber front doors was a mistake that is now a much loved feature. Upon arriving home to see the doors were stained the wrong colour, Natasha asked that they be stripped back immediately. Removing the stain has lead to an aged patina look which the family now loves. “I don’t think we could have got them looking like they do if we had consciously tried� says Natasha.

Charlotte Coote interiors was a go-to resource for fabulous furniture finds from the loose linen upholstered sofa in the living room to the painted white timber bench seat in the hallway.

When pressed to pick her favourite element of the design scheme, Natasha is quick to name the Nautic pendant lighting from Tigger Hall in the hallway entry.

However, it’s the fireplace that has proven to be a real surprise to the family. Having never had a gas fireplace before, the Cooney’s were sceptical about its charm – but the ease and convenience means it is used all the time. As a result the fireplace has become the real hub of the home drawing everyone around its warmth.

With a single mission to create a comfortable home for a busy and active family, Natasha has achieved her vision - the perfect home for both nurture and recharge. Mission accomplished.

est REGULAR FOOD

Cotton Love Glass Lamp

others Pink Mandala Canvas

NUD Light

significant Edited by Tamie Freier

Rabbit Lamp

Rose Street Trading Co Coffee Table

The soul of the home can be found in the detail.

Jasper Morrison Low Tables Weatherboard Elm Chest

Jar of Garlands

est REGULAR Atelier

Judy Kaufmann Barcelona based, freelance illustrator and designer, Judy Kaufmann draws inspiration for her illustrations from what she doesn’t understand, what she doesn’t know and what she definitely is not.

The naivety of her drawings depict a childlike curiosity and intrigue that belies Kaufmann’s sophisticated drawing technique marrying both illustration and graphic design. Kaufmann’s latest foray has been into the homewares market with the recent release of printed cushion covers. We are particularly loving the Andy Warhol print for a bit of whimsy and chutzpah. Currently working with a major US brand - we think you might just get to know Ms Kaufmann’s work a little more intimately very soon.

In 3 words describe your artistic style. Detailed, colourful, patterned.

What project are you working on right now?

I’m working on some patterns for a large retail company in the US (I can’t name them yet), sketching for a book by a New York City designer, and on a new Spanish project. The project consists of a social networking site for people with all kinds of illnesses, and I am working on illustration of some of their articles.

Where do you dream about visiting? Colombia and Venezuela, a trip for a few months couldn’t be bad.

What would you be if you were not an artist?

I would loved to have had the talent to be a contemporary dancer.

What else do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? I do so many things besides working...

I love to travel, hang out with friends, attend my contemporary dance classes, cook new recipes, go to concerts of bands that I have never heard before, swim in summer, ride my bike, go to the market to buy veggies, go to the cinema a few times per week, talk with my sister on the telephone, etc.

What would you consider your greatest achievement? To have achieved the quality of life that I aspired to have, with my boyfriend who is also freelance. I’m glad to live in a city like Barcelona, which allows me this: for example the freedom to move everywhere by bike!

I only feel comfortable when... I’m not being told what to do!

Tell us a little secret about yourself that no-one knows. I’m working on a secret project with my alter-ego.

est REGULAR TRAVEL

Arabian Dream

Looking for a thrill, something different, new and exotic we decided to embark on an Arabic adventure. Our goal; to unwind, relax and simply to indulge in ultimate luxury.

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY Joanna Swanson

desert oasis Swept away by the idea of bedouin tents, romantic dinners watching the sunset over red-golden sand and exotic wildlife, our destination was an hours drive from Dubai.

The adventure started while driving to Banyan Tree Al Wadi as the majestic desert opened up in front of us and we passed camel after camel lolling about. Quite the contrast from the pine trees and moose one might spot whilst driving in Sweden.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi is set on over 100 hectares, of which 60 hectares are nature reserve, in the tranquil Wadi Khadeja. The desert wildlife is up close and personal with Arabian gazelles and oryxes roaming the resort allowing guests to interact and observe these gentle, gorgeous creatures. This sure is a magical place to discover the desert, whether it be a guided morning hike through the natural reserve, sand boarding down the perfect dunes or a peaceful camel ride during the sunset.

Our 250 square metre tented pool villa is what real luxury in the desolate desert looks like. I instantly found my self unwinding as I stepped out onto our vast private deck, taking in a few deep breaths, listening to the quiet and gazing at the spectacular views. It almost felt surreal that we were going to be spending three long, lazy, sun-kissed days in this sanctuary.

...a magical place to discover the desert

The true treasures of the villa were our stunning infinity pool and the enormous bathroom, or rather a spa room. I dreamed of what it would be like to have a bathroom of this size at home, our own intimate retreat. The entire villa was striking with canopied ceilings, heavy silky drapes, a giant bed covered in Egyptian cotton linens and endless pretty lanterns creating a comfortably seamless experience.

To wash away our jet lag we spent some quality time rejuvenating in the Rainforest hydrotherapy spa. A dreamy experience like no other with 16 different revitalising experiences including an aromatherapy steam room, sole therapy cross current walk, an ice igloo, a tropical rain shower and a vitality pool stretching over almost 4000 square metres. Truly nurturing for the mind, body and soul. I also indulged in a 90 minute massage that allowed me to drift even further away from reality. The award winning spa of Banyan Tree Al Wadi is pure exotic escapism.

desert meets sea We were told that we would not be able to get to our next destination without a 4x4 vehicle.

As the endless desert sand starts to fade, and the mountains rise ahead we were happy to be seated in the back of an SUV. Just as it seemed we were utterly lost we started to climb a dirt road up the dramatic Hajar Mountains, with many tight turns and steep drops. Once at the top our oasis came into view. If you are a thrill seeker or an adrenaline-junkie, the resort offers you the option to paraglide into check-in, 500 metres below.

Six Senses Zighy Bay is tucked in beneath rugged mountains and overlooks a long private beach on the northern Musandam Peninsula in Sultanate of Oman. About a 2 hour drive from Dubai. The villas are stone structures with flat, woven roofs and are a blend of old Omani traditional style and sustainable luxury with sensitive local, rustic chic-decor, blended with a modern twist.

We are utterly smitten by Zighy Bay.

There is a vast program of activities to enjoy for both adults and children. Everything from hiking to Arabic cooking to boat trips and feeding goats, cup cake making and movie nights on the beach. But with multiple day-beds on the terrace, a wonderful lounge area, a private pool, an outdoor shower and our own private butler ready to deliver anything at a moments notice, it was tempting to simply get cozy and stay in our peaceful haven all week.

There are several dining options but the one that simply blew our minds was Sense on the Edge, a stunning venue perched high atop the mountains overlooking Zighy Bay, under the star dressed sky. The laid back ambience is in perfect harmony with dozens of lit candles, soft music and exquisite modern cuisine. Every month during the full moon Sense on the Edge switches off the lights, honouring their ongoing commitment to protect the planet, allowing guests to eat under the moonlight.

An important part of Six Senses is their commitment to the environment and efforts to create awareness. Their monthly Earth Hour at Sense on the Edge is only one of the many ways guests can see their engagement. It is their authentic focus, eco friendly approach and the environment that create the fishing village feel and charm of Zighy Bay. The resort takes every step possible to minimise its environmental footprint. For example they filter and purify their own water in stylish reusable bottles, there is a wonderful herb garden and bikes are the main transportation for both guests and staff. All adding to the peaceful atmosphere. As I biked through the resort - or village as I liked to call it - I daydreamed of a simpler life with less technology, shorter to-do lists, cleaner eating and a deeper connection to my being.

To make sure my body and mind were completely rebalanced before heading back to reality I took part in late afternoon guided

Omani traditional style and sustainable luxury

meditations and yoga classes at the spa. But the part that really touched my soul was our strolls along the deserted beach beneath the towering peaks. My whole being was in sync when I looked out over the glittering Gulf of Oman as the Champagne-blonde sand slipped between my toes. Every walk was an energy boost, giving me strength to make it through yet another long, dark Swedish winter. We are utterly smitten by Zighy Bay. GETTING AROUND You can rent a car at the airport in Dubai but we preferred to have a driver since we did not want to get lost in the desert. All the hotels offer transfers to and from Dubai but it can be a little costly. After quite a bit of research we used German Rent a Car. They were prompt, and drove safely.

WHEN TO GO The best time to travel is from November to March when it is sunny but not scorching. The air is a little cooler and clearer and temperatures are around 25-30C. May to August is oppressively hot and hazy.

est REGULAR FOOD

Si m ple Spanish

These quick to cook tasty morsels of goodness will be a big hit at your next BBQ. Perfect for those that live by the motto of simple and stylish, you’ll be praised for your culinary prowess by one and all.

PHOTOGRAPHY Victoria Simson | RECIPE Sarah Edgar

spanish seafood skewers with crunchy herb salad Serves 2 You will need: 1 large piece of calamari, scored 6 Prawns 1 Chorizo sausage, sliced 6 Bamboo skewers (or metal if you prefer) 1 Cup of basil leaves 1 Cup of flat leaf parsley 1 Cucumber, peeled, halved and sliced 1 Celery stalk 1 lemon, juice only 1 lime, halved For the dressing: 1 Tbsp of sherry vinegar 2 Tbsp of olive oil Salt and Pepper

These skewers can be cooked on the BBQ or a grill plate, if using a BBQ soak the skewers in water before grilling to ensure they don’t burn.

Score the calamari across each way to make small diamonds then slice into thin strips and cut in half. Add to a bowl with the juice of one lemon, a splash of olive oil and some salt and pepper and leave to marinate covered for 15 minutes.

Roll up each piece and add to skewer, following with a piece of chorizo a prawn and another piece of calamari to finish.

caramelised pineapple with rose petals Serves 2 You will need: 1 Pineapple 1 Punnet of raspberries 1 Handful of mint leaves ½ Cup of slivered almonds, toasted 1 Tbsp of maple syrup 1 lime, juice only 1 Tsp of rose water 1 Tbsp of rose petals (available from good food stores) 1 Tbsp of mascarpone

Slice the pineapple into 1cm thick rounds, remove any skin and add to a bowl with the rose water, maple syrup and lime juice to marinate for five minutes.

Repeat until all are complete and add to a hot grill plate or BBQ, cooking for roughly 3-4 minutes on each side until everything is cooked through and slightly charred.

Heat a grill plate to a medium heat and once hot all the pineapple rounds, grill for 3-5 minutes until the maple syrup starts to caramelise. Turn and cook for a further few minutes, meanwhile toast the almonds in a pan until just golden.

Finely slice the celery and cucumber and halve the tomatoes and add to the herbs. Combine well with the vinegar, olive oil with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Add the cheeks of the lime to the grill for 1 minute and serve.

Once the pineapple is cooked, stack on a plate and drizzle with any extra juice.

Scatter over the raspberries, mint leaves and toasted almonds and finish with a dollop of mascarpone and some rose petals.

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est REGULAR LOVE

@manrepeller

@elinkling

@meganhessillustration

Insta-fashionista These uber stylish fashionistas will have you sighing at their wardrobe, laughing out loud at their antics and craving their creativity. Live vicariously through instagram - if only for a little while.

MEGAN HESS is a Brisbane-born, Melbournebased Art Director turned illustrator. With a client list that includes Vanity Fair, TIME, Vogue, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Dior, Guerlain, Rolex, Bvlgari, HBO, Bloomingdales, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman and Candace Bushnell she has established herself as one of the worlds most sought after fashion illustrators. We were thrilled to discover she’d signed up to instagram and equally thrilled to catch a glimpse of what makes this gal tick…

ELIN KLING created one of the world’s largest fashion blogs – Style by Kling and recently sold it’s collaborative spin-off - NOWMANIFEST to Conde Nast. These days Elin is the Fashion Director of her own critically acclaimed magazine STYLEBY. No matter what hat she’s wearing this busy entrepreneur, fashion director, face of Louis Vuitton, fashion-blogger, magazine editor - has the world in her palm. Who wouldn’t want to follow her on instagram?

LEANDRA MEDINE is the New York based author of The Man Repeller blog and is laugh-out- loud funny. Her instagram feed is a visual record of man repelling from “acid-washed harem pants to enormous shoulder pads”. We love Leandra for reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously, and that no man should deter you from following your true fashion bliss. Man Repeller is addictive.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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