A NEW CHAPTER FOR AN ICONIC (& VERY COMFORTABLE!) ARMCHAIR

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.

Italian fine wines are gaining momentum among Australian collectors and drinkers, with new data from showing a surge in interest driven by value, versatility and a new generation of producers.

Long dominated by France, the premium wine conversation is beginning to shift, with Italy increasingly positioned as a compelling alternative for both drinking and collecting.

According to Langtons, the category is benefiting from a combination of factors, including its breadth of styles, strong food affinity and more accessible price points compared to traditional European benchmarks.

“Italy has always offered fine wine fans an incredible range of wines with finesse, nuance, expression of terroir, ageability, rarity, and heritage,” said Langtons General Manager Tamara Grischy.

“There’s no doubt the Italian wine category is gaining momentum in 2026… While the French have long dominated the fine wine space in Australia, we’re seeing Italy become a strong contender as the go-to for both drinking and collecting.”

The shift is being reinforced by changing consumer preferences, with Langtons reporting increased demand for indigenous Italian varieties and lighter, food-first styles such as Nerello Mascalese from Etna and modern Chianti Classico.

This aligns with the broader rise of Mediterranean-style dining in Australia, where wines are expected to complement a wider range of dishes rather than dominate them.

Langtons buyer Zach Nelson said the category’s versatility is central to its appeal.

“Italian wines often have a distinct, savoury edge making them an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines,” he said.

The move towards Italian wines also comes as prices for traditional French regions continue to climb, particularly in Burgundy, prompting collectors to look elsewhere for value without compromising on quality.

Italy’s key regions, including Piedmont and Etna, are increasingly seen as offering that balance, with premium wines available at comparatively accessible price points.

Nelson said value is now a defining factor for buyers in 2026.

“Value is the key driver for Australian fine wine consumers… Italian wines are offering exactly that at an impressive array of price points to suit any budget,” he said.

The category is also proving attractive for newer collectors, offering what Langtons describes as “accessible prestige” and a more open entry point compared to the exclusivity often associated with Bordeaux.

Wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Nebbiolo-based expressions are increasingly being positioned as entry points into cellar-worthy collections, combining ageability with relative affordability.

At the same time, a new generation of Italian producers is reshaping the category, moving away from heavier, oak-driven styles towards wines that emphasise site expression and vibrancy.

“There’s definitely a ‘new guard’ of Italian winemaking… stripping away the makeup… to let the raw, vibrating energy of the site speak,” Nelson said.

Langtons is also expanding its offering in the category, including exclusive access to wines from family-owned producer Boroli, alongside a broader selection spanning Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily and Tuscany.

The company will showcase the category further at its upcoming Italian Collection Masterclass and Tasting in Sydney, featuring more than 50 wines from 23 producers across four key regions.

For collectors and drinkers alike, the message is clear: Italy may have been overlooked, but it is no longer under the radar.

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.”

Italian wines are emerging as a serious contender for Australian collectors, offering depth, rarity and value as French benchmarks continue to climb.