Locals
We chat with the makers, creators, and visionaries we’ve encountered on our journeys. The locals who are actively shaping the culture of the places we love to explore, and whose passion and presence make these places truly special.
Marie Macon Maison Macon&Lesquoy
Maison Macon&Lesquoy creates hand-embroidered fashion accessories—brooches, patches, bracelets—and clothing, designed with a mix of elegance, boldness and humour, spanning everything from Parisian icons to playful collaborations. We speak with founder Marie about her love for Paris and how the city, and travel more broadly, provide endless inspiration for her embroidery.
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Marco Finanzio, Umberto Espresso Bar & Gigi Rooftop A family business built on history, connection and great food
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Maria Nilsson, Atmosea A decade of designing surfwear for women who love the ocean
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Cass Hynes, Old Maids & Saint Maries Two beloved venues bound by community and good wine
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Jackson McLaren, Art Guide Bookstore Championing independent arts publishing in the back streets of Northcote
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Alex Iordanov, Alex Bake 3057 French-inspired baking with a sense of place (and humour)
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Oscar O’Shea, Candy A genre-defying space for coffee, music and emerging artists
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Nathan Schofield, Bear’s Wine Bar A cosy wine bar built on personal connection (and excellent potato cakes)
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Thibault Sizun, Restaurant Janine Creating a neighbourhood institution in the heart of Batignolles, Paris
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Wal Foster, Bush Icecreamery Indigenous ingredients and vibrant tropical fruits in beautiful combinations
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Ben Devlin, Pipit Restaurant Fine dining shaped by a sense of place
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Elika Rowell, Jamsheed Wines Building community through great wine and genuine hospitality
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Jamal Nicoll, Peaches Wine Bar Honest hospitality shaped by community and creativity
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Kiril Shaginov, Mörk Chocolate From passion project to chocolate institution
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Simeon Lord, Shotkickers From hatted chef to live music champion
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Sandra & Josh, Whitebark Creating a word-of-mouth venue that celebrates Australian cuisine
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Francis Van Maele, Red Fox Press Remote island life, worldwide artistic reach
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Liz Turner, Plantsmith Nurturing plants and relationships through a love of nature
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Carine & Michael, Northern Git A Thornbury institution supported and shaped by community
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Angela Wood, Kyneton Ridge Estate Trading city life for vines in the Macedon Ranges
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