The March 28 edition
We’ve long had a habit of claiming the global success of any individual whose link to Australia might be slightly nebulous or tangential. From Russell Crowe to Naomi Watts – or even, more recently, New Zealand’s Kate Hawley, after she won a Best Costume Design Oscar for Frankenstein – we are not averse to celebrating these Aussie-adjacents as one of our own. Conversely, we can sometimes be quite unaware of an Australian accomplishing great things on the international stage. Case in point: author Natasha Lester, the subject of today’s cover profile. When Katrina Strickland pitched Lester for our Style Edit issue, my ignorance quickly turned to interest. Since winning Western Australia’s 2008 Hungerford Award, Lester has had a dozen books published, one of which landed on The New York Times’ bestseller list. The biggest market for her “historical mythological fiction” is the US, but she has also been widely published across Europe. Her stories have been translated into 21 languages. As Strickland writes, Lester is one of the most successful Australian authors many of us have only vaguely heard of. I suspect that may not be the case much longer. – Melissa Stevens, editor
The 30-minute timer trick: The productivity hack behind Natasha Lester’s 12 novels
The Perth writer’s books celebrate 20th-century women who’ve done incredible things and promptly been forgotten – and it’s earned her a global readership.
- Katrina Strickland
Nike lost its iron grip on the world of sport — this is how the brand is clawing it back
Focusing on fashion sales rather than shoe innovations has cost Nike dearly in recent years. Now its CEO is racing to regain the public’s tick of approval.
- Kim Bhasin
‘As an outsider, I saw something different’: The finance boss shaking up Australian fashion
Early in Marianne Perkovic’s banking career, a chance meeting taught her about the power of people in fashion. Now, she’s the industry’s most powerful woman.
- Damien Woolnough
‘I feel like I’m having my 20s in my 50s’: the furniture maker remaking her life after divorce
Tasmanian furniture-maker Laura McCusker’s “grand design” for life changed after her divorce. But she’s still going against the grain.
- Luke Slattery
It was a summer morning and Jenny Kee was running late to visit fellow artist Linda Jackson. It saved her life
The fashion designers and artists have been collaborators for more than 50 years. Together, they introduced Australian fashion to the world.
- Lauren Ironmonger
At school, Reko had some ‘really awful’ experiences with art teachers. Now he drives a Porsche
Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie on shifting from his working-class roots, what empowers him – and what outrages him.
- Benjamin Law
There are two secrets to making lamingtons. One involves calling a friend
A blue-ribbon lamington-maker shares her key tips to solving the world’s other great cube puzzle.
- Jane Cadzow
Do your homework: Top tips for buying a pre-owned watch
Circling a specific model on the second-hand watch market? It’s a risk, but it helps to immerse yourself in the details.
- Luke Benedictus
Autumn style: Structured ’80s silhouettes, precise tailoring and high-impact accessories
Celebrities show how to wear the season’s most versatile fashion pieces, 21st-century power-dressing – and a little Charlie-Brown-inspired brightness.
- Damien Woolnough
How do I convince my new partner to get a kick out of footy songs?
The combination of music and footy must result in the greatest of all human achievements – namely, the AFL club team song, advises our Modern Guru.
- Danny Katz
Spiced eggplant, tomato and chickpea stew with garlic yoghurt
Celebrate the humble eggplant in this comforting stew.
- < 30 mins
- Danielle Alvarez
- Review
- Bar Local Drop
This all-day wine bar and its handwritten little black book has our reviewer hooked
Lunch, dinner or snacks and drinks at Bar Local Drop can stretch happily from “a quick one” to “one more” to “we might as well”...
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Arno Deli
The 50 combos at this Italian-inspired panino shop are all ‘killers with delicious fillers’
More than 50 sandwich options have been created for tiny regional paninoteca and wine bar Arno Deli.
- Callan Boys
Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?
Other editions
The June 13 edition
Our next football superstar is here | Capturing beauty in 360-degree detail | A planner and protester on bridging differences | Tasma Walton on dicey topics
- 10 stories
The June 6 edition
The Style Edit | Cinema icon Tony Leung | Kate Ceberano on staying in the game | Vintage fashion’s new moment | Sartorial tricks from the celebrity realm
- 16 stories