Beosound A9 'Catalyst' from Bang and Olufsen
If I had a dollar for every time I've thought, "I wish an Australian surfboard designer would collaborate with a major Danish speaker company" I wouldn't have enough to afford the Beosound A9 Catalyst, but boy, I'd have at least 50 cents to my name. Bang & Olufsen has worked with designer Hayden Cox to create a limited edition version of the Beosound A9 - that big-disc-on-legs speaker you've probably seen around. If Hayden's name seems familiar, it's because he designed the very distinctive resin shelves at the Gallery Shop at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, designed by Akin Atelier. Back to the speaker: it features an interchangeable printed speaker cover and custom-developed legs crafted from translucent resin which has been hand-cast and shaped using Hayden's specially formulated material and process.
When I say this is limited edish, I mean it: they're only making four. So run, don't surf.
Array sofa from Bachli
Snøhetta and MDF Italia have reimagined the conventional sofa with Array, a modular system that balances flexibility, comfort and sustainability. Array's slim, interconnected modules are engineered for easy disassembly, and as Snøhetta's Seppe van Heusden notes, the design allows for repair, replacement and recycling, meaning an extended lifespan, reduced waste and warm fuzzies. The lightweight base is made using injection-moulded recycled materials, while the removable bio-foam covers contain 51% recycled content.
On Display: The Story of Artbank, Australia's Most Visible Art Collection
I didn't fully appreciate the work of Artbank until I commissioned a story on Edition Office's work on their Collingwood premises back in 2018. Since 1980, Artbank has supported living artists through its acquisition and leasing model, with over half its 11,000-work collection on public display at any time. As inaugural director Graeme Sturgeon notes, "It's more accurate to describe Artbank as a library of art." This new book marks Artbank's 45th anniversary, tracing its unique role in embedding contemporary Australian art into everyday life. This richly illustrated publication features artwork highlights, archival material, and personal reflections from artists, clients, and gallerists - including Tony Albert and Roslyn Oxley - exploring the collection's impact and legacy. The book launches alongside exhibitions in Sydney and Melbourne from 8 August 2025, bringing the publication's themes and stories into physical form.
Noire rug from Miss Amara
This collection of rugs is crafted in part from recycled PET bottles, transforming plastic waste into a soft, durable rug that mirrors the look and feel of viscose, but with lower maintenance and natural stain resistance. The collection features a sophisticated palette of jewel tones - navy, terracotta, and turquoise - balanced by versatile neutrals like beige and caramel. The result is a richly textured weave that feels both refined and enduring.
Loose Thread lamp from Volker Haug
Part of the Und Messing collection - an accumulation of disparate designs sharing a common sentiment - the Loose Thread lamp is available as a table or floor lamp. Designed by Melbourne lighting designer Volker Haug, the light is wrapped in an angular sheet of aged brass, sitting atop three slender legs. It is simple, yet striking and just one of the treasures in the Und Messing collection.
