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SIT: In these highly impractical yet ridiculously stylish modernist chairs.

Sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are also the most uncomfortable. Take modernist chairs, for example. While trawling through vintage furniture pages on Instagram, we discovered that impracticality was a common theme among chair designs of the ‘60s and ‘70s. A time when lines were blurred between art and design, and innovation was of the essence, the mid-century era produced some pretty uninviting yet truly iconic chairs. 

Check out our four faves below. 

1. Hyaline Chair, Fabio Lenci 
With its plush, undulating leather seat, this chair looks as though it would be somewhat comfortable were it not encased within two claustrophobic glass panels. The Hyaline Chair was conceived in the ‘70s by Italian furniture designer Fabio Lenci, best known for his statement pieces that combined a comfortable material like leather with glass, perspex or steel. Can you imagine curling up on this one with a good book and hot cuppa? No, neither can we. 

2. Wassily Chair, Marcel Breuer
Envisioned by the legendary Marcel Breuer, the Wassily Chair is a modern classic that forever changed the course of contemporary furniture design when it emerged in the 1920s. Today, the chair is experiencing a huge cultural resurgence, popping up more and more frequently on the likes of Pinterest and Instagram. Inspired by the frame of a bicycle (a famously very uncomfortable vehicle) this inimitable creation is all leather straps, brushed chrome and elemental lines – a bold and decidedly architectural addition to the modern living space. 

3. Ring Chair, Maria Pergay. 
First thing’s first: a chair built from sharp, cold and rigid stainless steal was never made to be sat on. This chair should be regarded as an exquisite and timeless piece of art, not furniture. Glad we cleared that up. Coined Ring Chair, this alluring composition is one of Maria Pergay’s most iconic pieces – inspired by the process of peeling an orange with a single cut. One of the first designers to embrace industrial materiality in her work, Pergay’s decades-long career has been defined by an incessant love affair with stainless steel. We adore it, just don’t make us sit on it.  

4. Ekstrem Armchair, Terje Ekstrom
Apparently, this chair is more comfortable and ergonomic than its appearance may suggest. From Norwegian furniture designer Terje Ekstrom, Ekstrem Arm Chair (translating to ‘extreme arm chair’) is defined by a sculptural, somewhat humanoid form that is said to support a range of sitting positions, softened by wooden upholstery and polyurethane foam. A study in unconventional beauty, this unique composition is a true icon of the late ‘70s design movement. 

REMEMBER: International travel is back. A distant memory, revived.

Ahh, international travel. How we’ve missed thee! Following the announcement that borders will be re-opening from November, we’ve already started blocking out dates in 2022, practising our Spanish and dusting off old copies of the Lonely Planet Travel Guide. We can’t believe our fantasies of Sicilian sunsets, hikes through the rockies and piping hot ramen in Tokyo izakayas are finally looking like they might actualise. If, like us, you couldn’t be more excited to pass through the pearly gates of T2 on the way to the airport, be sure to peruse our list of dream travel destinations for the year ahead. We were starry-eyed putting this one together.  

Sicily, Italy
The largest Island in the Mediterranean, something about Sicily is calling our names. Perhaps it’s the natural landscape – a vision of volcanic mountain ranges, sparkling coastline, biodiverse nature preserves and rocky canyons replete with crystal clear swimming holes. Or maybe it’s the history – an island swept with byzantine mosaics, elaborate villas, Norman palaces, baroque architectural masterpieces and fascinating archaeological remains. 

If we dig deep, however, it’s definitely the food that’s beckoning us. Siciliy is home to some of world’s most ancient and well-loved recipes, centred predominantly on island-grown produce and freshly-caught fish. The idea of tucking into a plate of pasta alla Norma or Sarde a beccafico before strolling down the esplanade with an ice cold gelato is quite literally the stuff of dreams.

Cape Town, South Africa
Swapping continents for moment, Cape Town has been on our bucket list for a while now. Coined the ‘Mother City’ by locals, South Africa’s capital is an exhilarating and historic melting pot of cuisines, cultures and landscapes. Table Mountain is its best known attraction, a majestic rock formation revealing panoramic views of the peninsula if you’re game enough to climb it (there’s also a cable car if you want to avoid the gruelling hike). Robben Island, found just off the coast, is another must-visit – a former prison site which is now preserved as a memorial for those who spent years incarcerated there, such as Nelson Mandela. 

Framed by pristine beaches, granite boulders and serene tidal pools, there’s no shortage of opportunities to relax in Cape Town – starting at beloved swimming spot, Camps Bay, where you can watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re in pursuit of arts and culture, the city centre is alive with world-class eateries, rooftop bars, street galleries and neighbourhood markets, forming a thriving urban playground with something for everyone. 

Seoul, South Korea
Squid Game has us obsessed with all things Korea at the moment, which brings us to the next destination on our list – Seoul. One of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, this vibrant metropolis is a hub of culture and creativity, with excitement at every turn. Whether you’re visiting a themed cafe, indulging the senses at a Korean BBQ or devouring traditional Korean dishes within the hustle and bustle of Gwangjang Market, food is one of the city’s biggest draw-cards here. If fashion is more your thing, spend the day browsing high-end boutiques within the affluent Gangam district, or visit Dongdaemun, a 24-hour shopping district designed by Zaha Hadid. 

Throughout the city, striking and architecturally innovative buildings are softened by generously landscaped parklands, providing a beautiful contrast between the natural and manmade. And yet, Seoul’s rich history is still very much alive, felt within centuries-old landmarks including the regal Changdeokgung Palace, traditional Bukchon Village and charming Jogyesa Temple. 

Kyoto, Japan 
The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto has been the source of inspiration for so many works of art, music, film and literature, we figure there must be something uniquely special about the place. Home to over 2000 temples and shrines – including the world-famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha – the city is very much a relic of old Japan. Robed monks and geishas can seen strolling the quaint village streets, where an atmosphere of tranquillity is ever-present, infused by the sweet scent of cherry blossom trees. 

Set away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Kyoto affords its visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves completely in traditional Japanese culture. Sleep on a futon, bathe naked in an Onsen, drink matcha tea in the mornings or learn the art of Japanese cooking from one of the city’s famous cooking classes – there’s something quite magic about it all. And when you’re ready to be catapulted back into the 21st century, Kyoto boasts an array of Michelin-star restaurants, craft beer bars and luxury hotels including the new Ace Hotel, a love letter to the city’s iconic artisan spirit. 

APPRECIATE: A spring stroll through the Botanical Gardens.

What if we told you about a free global event with the ability to transcend borders, lockdowns and just about anything else 2021 can throw of us? For the next year, botanical gardens all over the world are playing host to Seeing the Invisible, an augmented reality art exhibition initiated by the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens in partnership with Outset Contemporary Art Fund. Luckily for Melburnians, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Cranbourne Botanic Gardens are two of the participating locations. 

All 12 gardens are presenting the same exhibition, however, it will be experienced slightly differently against the unique backdrop of each setting. All you need is an app, a charged phone and a couple of hours to explore. 

The exhibition is comprised of thirteen individual works by some of the world’s most prolific and visionary artists including Ai Wei Wei, El Anatsui, Mohammed Kazem and Australia’s own Mel O’Callaghan. Exploring the boundaries and connections between art, technology, and nature, each artwork offers a unique perspective on some of the world’s most pressing and unresolved issues. Unlike many of the virtual exhibitions introduced during COVID, the works can’t be viewed online – you’re required to actually visit the gardens to participate, creating a unique ‘phygital’ experience surrounded by nature. 

EDUCATE: Yourself on Melbourne’s hottest restaurant openings.

One of our favourite things about Melburnians is their ability to create, innovate and think big even in times of incredible hardship. The fact that – after 3 months of lockdown – the streets are overflowing with new restaurants is a testament to the resilience of this beautiful, vibrant, multicultural city. To celebrate our forthcoming freedom, we’ve compiled a list of this year’s hottest and most highly anticipated restaurant openings – from a glamorous bar and kitchen tucked within a boutique city hotel to a lively French bistro amongst the hustle and bustle of Smith Street.

Let’s support these newcomers as well as all our favourite spots that have been hit so hard in the last couple of years. Here’s to a summer of wining, dining and reconnecting with loved ones.

Gimlet at Cavendish House –
Since its grand opening earlier this year, Gimlet has already become a household name among discerning Melbourne foodies. The restaurant takes up residence on the ground floor of Cavendish house, a regal 1920s building on Russell Street, and is led by none other than Andrew McConnell of Marion, Cumulus Inc, Cutler & Co et al. The menu, designed in collaboration with head chef Collin Minds, is an ode to European culinary techniques and fresh Australian produce, complemented by an adventurous cocktail menu and elegant, Art Deco interiors. Perfect for romantic dinners, jaunty after work drinks and everything in between. 

Smith Street Bistrot –
As Scott Pickett super fans, we were over the moon when he unveiled his latest hospitality venture last week – especially when we heard it would have a particularly Parisian focus. Set to open in summer, Smith Street Bistrot will become a Collingwood institution, oozing with joie de vivre and inner-north vibrancy. Offering an express lunch menu complete with Quiche Lorraine, a formal dinner menu flaunting decadent Lobster Thermidor and a hearty list of organic and biodynamic wines, the restaurant is already looking like it might be our summer favourite. 

Society –
From Chris Lucas of Chin Chin, Baby Pizza and Hawker Hall, Society was possibly the most anticipated restaurant opening of 2021 – and it’s certainly living up to the hype. Nestled in the heart of the CBD, the striking venue encompasses four distinct dining areas including Society Dining Room, a supper-club style a la carte restaurant; Lillian Terrace, an elegant yet vibrant brasserie; The Lounge, a resplendent cocktail bar; and Private Dining, a series of immaculately appointed private dining rooms. The common theme amongst all sections is sophisticated design, culinary innovation and world-class service. We’re dying to visit. 

Yakimono –
While Society has had its name up in lights, Chris Lucas has been quietly working on another equally exciting project housed within the same building. Yakimono is a high-energy, charcoal-fired Japanese diner split over two levels, with an electrifying open-plan kitchen at the centre. Immerse yourself in bursting, smokey flavours along with kaleidoscopic interior finishes and buzzing inner-city atmosphere. 

La Madonna –
One of Melbourne’s most dynamic hospitality duos, Danny Natoli and Adrian Li are the co-owners of Zia Rina’s Cucina in Armadale, with resumes spanning Neptune Food and Wine, Tokyo Tina and Saigon Sally. Their latest project, La Madonna, is a sumptuous restaurant and bar on the third floor of Next Hotel, Little Collins Street. Creating a striking impression from the outset, the venue is accessed via a sweeping marble staircase, opening out to an expansive dining and drinking enclave replete with leather booth seats, wooden barrels and glass bottles ageing various spirits. The menu fuses Li’s Hong Kong heritage with Natoli’s Sicilian one, culminating in an innovative dining experience that changes with the seasons.