SCENTS AND THE CITY
Smelling like the city might conjure nose-wrinkling recollections, like the unpleasant odour of exhaust fumes, restaurant kitchen grease or overflowing rubbish bins. But during Melbourne’s pandemic lockdowns, Sophie Marcoux honed in on the far more romantic and aromatic side to her city, developing a line of scents dedicated to the place she loved and missed. Ficifolia fragrances include Intermission (a warm and spicy ode to Melbourne’s theatres), Rose Street (a floral celebration of eclectic Fitzroy) and Out of Office (a juicy, spritzy reminder of post-work drinks along the Yarra). To delight your olfactory senses, take $190 to ficifolia.com
ANIMALIA PARAPHERNALIA
*David Attenbrough voice* Behold the majestic presence of Kiwi brand Hej Hej’s large linen scrunchie, its clever design mimicking stripes common to the animal kingdom. Nothing tames wild and unruly tresses quite like this oversized hair accessory, known around the world for its gentle yet powerful hold. Bring one home for $29. hej-hej.co
RING AROUND THE MOGGIE
As adorable as they are, real-life moggies don’t tend to make themselves useful (if only they could do taxes or mop the floor). But for $39, you could get your paws on a rather handy cat ring-holder by Sydney artist Esther Baggott. Adopt one of your own at minkymooceramics.etsy.com
CERAMIC NICETIES
For a guy who spent seven years as the design director of Kenzo in Paris (how glam!), Melbourne-based Kiwi artist Ben Mazey now crafts ceramic pieces that are surprisingly earthy, homey and nostalgic. Take this rippling flag wall sconce – a nifty resting place for your candles. Ogle his artistic projects over on Instagram @benmazey, if ya fancy.
SERVED WITH LOVE
If you want to show your dinner guests how much you adore them, try wearing your heart on the extremely lovely linen napkins you use to set the table. We’d fall head over heels for anyone who popped these colourful beauties next to a yummy meal. Made by London table linen brand Summerhill & Bishop, which was founded in the ’90s by two mates, this set of six will set you back $304 at clothandclaystudios.com
