A NEW CHAPTER FOR AN ICONIC (& VERY COMFORTABLE!) ARMCHAIR
Luxury furniture house Maker&Son has joined forces with Sydney’s Studio ALM for a bold collaboration that reimagines “the most comfortable chair in the world.”
2 min
Luxury furniture brand Maker&Son, renowned for its deep-seated armchair often described as the most comfortable in the world, has announced its first-ever collaboration – a partnership with Sydney’s Studio ALM.
The project redefines a classic by offering something new: the ability to reinvent the chair through interchangeable covers, without changing its timeless essence. It is a meeting of permanence and play, rooted in craftsmanship but alive with creative experimentation.
For this collaboration, Studio ALM took its cues from a broad spectrum of cultural influences.
The bold textiles and colour stories of Australian designers Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson provided a starting point, along with the graphic dynamism of Sonia Delaunay and the irreverent French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
That spirit of pattern and fearless colour was further energised through ZigZag Zurich, the Swiss textile brand whose Memphis-style ethos and community-driven design added a contemporary spark.
The results are fabrics that are far more than decorative. They are graphic and textured, charged with energy and intent. Merino wools and cottons appear alongside hand-dyed cottons created by rural cooperatives in Senegal, giving each piece a global resonance.
Among the designs are Mayen by Kleopatra Moursela, evoking alpine landscapes through geometric harmony; Gate and Japan by Nathalie Du Pasquier and George Sowden, founders of the Memphis movement; Rimini One by Sophie Probst, a modern celebration of weaving and colour; Senegalese Patchwork, exclusive hand-dyed cottons; Karo by ZigZag Zurich, a vibrant pink checkerboard; and Shake Your Move by Milanese designer Federico Angi, which combines precision with playful rhythm.
The collaboration is also available through the brand’s showrooms and selected online platforms. For Maker&Son, the partnership reinforces its position as a brand synonymous with soulful comfort, meticulous detailing and natural materials.
For Studio ALM, it marks another chapter in its ongoing mission to surprise and spark delight by weaving together art, craft and design from across the globe.
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GAC unveils Australian specifications for its all-electric AION V SUV, combining global design and next-gen battery technology.
2 min
The wait is over. GAC has confirmed the Australian specifications for its all-electric medium SUV, the AION V, available in Premium and Luxury trims.
The model, available in more than 20 markets worldwide, combines progressive design with advanced EV engineering, offering a long-range, fast-charging alternative that redefines what Australian drivers can expect from electric mobility.
BUILT ON INNOVATION
Selling more than two million vehicles in China last year, GAC has emerged as a leader in new-energy mobility, drawing on decades of research and development and collaborations with Toyota and Honda.
Underpinning the AION V is GAC’s proprietary 400 V electric architecture, a densely packed 75.26 kWh battery, and extensive use of lightweight aluminium. The result: a 510 km WLTP range and fast charging from 30 to 80 per cent in just 16 minutes.
Its 150 kW motor produces 210 Nm of torque, while a heat-pump air-conditioning system improves overall power efficiency — hallmarks of the brand’s real-world engineering approach.
SAFETY FIRST
At the heart of the AION V’s safety credentials is the Magazine Battery 2.0, GAC’s patented technology designed for exceptional durability and fire resistance even under extreme conditions.
The SUV also meets i-Size, the latest international standard for child seat compatibility — reinforcing its credentials as a smart and secure family choice.
DESIGN WITHOUT BORDERS
Developed through GAC’s global design network, with studios in Milan, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the AION V reflects the brand’s internationally influenced aesthetic.
Muscular proportions, a bold waistline and distinctive “dragon claw” lighting give it a confident, athletic stance, while inside, the cabin offers a calming, minimalist environment anchored by a 14.6-inch central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Soft-touch materials, a panoramic glass roof with electric sunscreen, and 4 mm acoustic glass deliver a serene, premium ambience.
REFINED PRACTICALITY
Space is generous, with class-leading rear legroom of up to 1.1 metres and the ability to recline the front seats into a queen-bed configuration. A smart-sensor tailgate and 978-litre cargo capacity (rear seats folded) ensure practicality keeps pace with luxury.
The Luxury trim adds standout features, notably a 6.6-litre refrigerator hidden in the central armrest that cools to –15 °C or warms to 50 °C, and eight-point massage seats for driver and passenger.
READY FOR AUSTRALIA
Cheney Liang, Deputy General Manager of GAC Australia, said: “We’ve already delivered the AION V in over 20 countries worldwide, and we’re delighted that Australians can now experience this exceptional, feature-rich SUV for themselves.
“Whether choosing the Premium or Luxury model, every AION V represents the very best of modern electric powertrain technology, combining this with the safety, comfort and everyday practicality that truly make a difference in Australian life.”
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