As we enter a new year, brand new hospitality ventures and unique collaborations await. For those inclined to travel, add Melbourne to your list, as The StandardX—sister hospitality concept to The Standard—opens its first outpost in the buzzy Australian city. In a little collaborative splash, Maison Kitsuné has partnered up with luggage brand Samsonite, which sees the Parisian label’s iconic print plastered all over long-lasting, durable suitcases. Meanwhile, heritage whisky house Bowmore will soon be introducing some of its rarest spirits to the Southeast Asian market. Below, find the latest of lifestyle news in Vogue.
All-new hospitality concept TheStandardX opens its first hotel in Melbourne
The Standard is all set to welcome its rebellious younger cousin to the fray. The newest kid on the block? The StandardX. Conceptualised to emulate the same spirit of the former, this new iteration caters to the more practical, modern traveller. Think intuitive, well-meaning hospitality without any pretense, or minimalist rooms with no frills.
Come February, The StandardX will open its first outpost in Melbourne, in the post-industrial enclave of Fitzroy where nostalgic record stores, secluded literary haunts and notorious party spots are in abundance. To hold up a mirror to its surrounding locale, the hotel’s interiors similarly brim with creative spirit. Its contemporary aesthetic is furnished with the creations of various local artists, from Sarah Smalltown’s macramé work to the photorealistic art of Dane Lovett. Dining options are also thoughtfully-curated to encapsulate the buzz of the cool new address; running the gamut from a rooftop getaway serving delectable Mexican fare to the cataclysmic Bang, an all-day Thai concept meant to feature bolder street flavours and techniques.
Book a stay at The StandardX Melbourne here.
Lululemon launches its softest fabric yet
Lululemon has long been known for buttery-soft and lightweight activewear crafted from its proprietary Nulu fabric. Now, with its first foray into bodywear, the brand introduces Ultra Soft Nulu, a luxurious reiteration of its signature material. Launching with a selection of timeless basics, the new Wundermost collection is made for lounging in. The pieces hug your form gently (don’t expect shaping or cinching with these) and flow with your body, lending to a seamless, second-skin feel. Each Wundermost item—from the high-neck sleeveless bodysuit to the scoop-neck bralette—is double-layered for extra coverage, so you can wear them on their own without feeling exposed. Of course, they are also perfect for slipping on as inner-wear or under a sweatshirt when you travel—you might be hard-pressed to find anything more genuinely comfortable.
Shop the Wundermost collection here.
Maison Kitsuné collaborates with Samsonite on a luggage capsule
Samsonite’s newest luggage collection comes with a distinct brand of playfulness and style, courtesy of Parisian fashion house Maison Kitsuné. Fusing Samsonite’s utilitarian practicality with Maison Kitsuné’s design sensibility, the new pieces are both chic and functional—perfect for the stylish frequent flyer. Each item features Maison Kitsuné’s signature ‘Camo Fox’ print in black or grey, and comes with a fox luggage tag or bag charm for an extra touch of quirk. Available in check-in and cabin sizes, each suitcase is complete with an integrated three-digit TSA lock and anti-theft zippers for enhanced security, and Aero-Trac suspension wheels for ultra-smooth journeys.
Shop the collection here.
The rarest of Bowmore’s aged whiskies come to Southeast Asia
In its name, Bowmore harkens back to the shores of its origins. ‘Bodha mor’ translates to a large tidal rock, a nuanced reference to the black reefs that line the shores of Lochindaal, the whisky house’s coastal home were it has been crafting, developing and refining its time-honoured whisky making techniques to perfection since 1779. In 2024, avid connoisseurs in the region can delight in the knowledge that a number of the house’s rarest expressions will be made more easily accessible to the Southeast Asian market. The selection includes Bowmore 30-Year-Old—an exceptional single malt whisky that melds a rich, fruity aroma with the brand’s distinctively subtle smokiness—which will make something of a perfect housewarming gift. Spirit devotees may also wish to keep their eyes peeled for the highly-covetable Bowmore Timeless 1969, which captures the curious essence of an era now five decades past.
The 2023 editions of Bowmore Timeless Aged 29 Years, Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection Edition #3, 22-Years-Old, Bowmore 30-Year-Old, Bowmore 40-Year-Old, and Bowmore Timeless 1969 will be available for sale in 2024.
