Latest news with #LegoStarWars
Time Out
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Australia's first official Star Wars café is coming to the Melbourne Museum this winter
Calling all Jedis! If you or someone you know is a major Star Wars fan, then in the words of Yoda: very good news, we have. Australia's first official Star Wars café will be opening its doors at Melbourne Museum on June 7, a one-of-a-kind pop-up to delight children and adults alike. While it's a pity it couldn't have opened on May the 4th to coincide with the day the nerds among us say to each other "May the fourth be with you", we couldn't be more excited to board this culinary spaceship. Museums Victoria has worked together with both Disney and Lucasfilm to bring the immersive eatery – an idyllic lunch spot to grab a blue milk and a bite to eat before or after you've viewed the museum's Lego Star Wars exhibition – to life, with fans of all ages set to feel like they're dining in a galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars Galactic Café invites visitors to dine aboard the Corellian Star Cruiser, and while we're not quite sure yet what to expect, promotional images suggest the presence of Stormtroopers – so remember to bring your light saber! We've also got intel on the menu, which features kooky options like the vegan Sorgan Burger (a chickpea and kale patty stacked with greens, avocado and pickles inside a potato bun), the Vietnamese-inspired Naboo Garden Vermicelli (a noodle dish featuring plump prawns, fresh herbs, nuoc cham, shallots and a sprinkling of toasted peanuts), and a zingy Outer Rim chicken katsu. Gluten-free options are available, and for a salty side, try the Asteroid Fields golden sweet potato wedges and sour cream. Whatever you do, don't skip dessert: a rich bitter chocolate parfait with sponge and crushed Oreos (Death Star by Chocolate) or a Chewie gingerbread cookie. And it wouldn't be a true Star Wars dining experience without blue milk, so you can also expect the iconic Tatooine beverage here. "Combining world-class hospitality with the timeless appeal of the Star Wars galaxy, the Star Wars Galactic Café offers Melbourne Museum's visitors yet another way to engage with this premier exhibition, in a cosmically cool atmosphere," said Museums Victoria CEO and director Lynley Crosswell. The Star Wars Galactic Café will open at Melbourne Museum on June 7 from 10.30am to 3.30pm daily. More than 2000 people have already snapped up a table, so if you don't want to miss out – make a booking here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:
Tatler Asia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
5 times Star Wars' ‘Andor' mirrors real-world history in the most visceral way
We're not referencing any particular moment; we're referencing the human condition. It's about the fact that human beings are always the same. The circumstances change, but the behaviour doesn't. - Tony Gilroy, 'Andor' showrunner and screenwriter - Although Gilroy has dismissed speculation that he drew direct parallels to current world events, he has acknowledged that ' Andor is like a catalogue of a couple of thousand years of repetitive cruelty and oppression.' 'If you look at history, every 50 or 100 years, the same things happen. People rise up, people are oppressed, and the cycle continues,' he told Variety , noting that he drew inspiration from various historical events and figures while also referencing films like The Battle of Algiers and This Land is Mine for visual and thematic influence. Don't miss: 10 most expensive Lego Star Wars sets to bring home on Star Wars Day We unpack some of the thematic connections that make the series feel urgent, relevant, and deeply human–demonstrating that even in a galaxy far, far away, everything remains painfully familiar. Authoritarianism and fascism Above 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas has acknowledged how historical events like the rise of the Third Reich shaped the Empire (Photo: WikiCommons) Above Imperial uniforms and Darth Vader's imposing black attire deliberately echo those of the Nazi Schutzstaffel (Photo: Pinterest) Originally conceived during the Richard Nixon administration in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Star Wars creator George Lucas has consistently acknowledged how fascism, authoritarianism, and real-world historical events–particularly the rise of the Third Reich–shaped his vision of the Empire. In fact, this historical grounding was embedded in the franchise's visual DNA from the beginning. Clear examples include the Empire's stormtroopers, whose name derives from Hitler's Sturmabteilung (SA), the original paramilitary organisation under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party of Germany. Similarly, Imperial uniforms and Darth Vader's imposing black attire deliberately echo those of the Schutzstaffel (SS), the 'political soldiers' of the Nazi Party. Photo 1 of 2 The Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) represents an amalgamation of the Gestapo, the Stasi and KGB (Photo: Lucasfilm) Photo 2 of 2 The ISB monitors populations, and suppress dissent through propaganda and brute force (Photo: Lucasfilm) Above Denise Gough portrays the ambitious ISB agent Dedra Meero (Photo: Instagram / @andorofficial) Above Ben Mendelsohn reprises his 'Rogue One' role as Orson Krennic (Photo: Instagram / @mandoade_77) These parallels, of course, persist in the Andor series, which is set during the height of Imperial control in the canonical timeline. While iconic characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker are notably absent, the series deepens these established connections, providing richer insights into the mechanisms of authoritarian rule through its portrayal of the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB). Read more: From 'The Last of Us' to 'The Fantastic Four': First Steps': Pedro Pascal is dominating the spotlight As the Empire's internal intelligence, surveillance, and secret police apparatus, the ISB represents a chilling amalgamation of real-world organisations such as the Gestapo (Nazi Germany), the Stasi (East Germany), and the KGB (Soviet Union). Highly bureaucratic, deeply paranoid, and ruthlessly efficient, the ISB employs advanced technology and intricate administrative systems to monitor populations, and suppress dissent through propaganda and brute force–in an effort to maintain the Emperor's iron grip across the galaxy. A revolutionary heist Above The guerilla-style operation to seize the Imperial payroll from a heavily fortified garrison (Photo: Instagram / @andorofficial) In season one, the pivotal Aldhani Heist marks a watershed moment not only for Andor but for the entire Star Wars saga–representing the first coordinated strike by what would eventually evolve into the Rebel Alliance. The story arc saw Andor join Vel Sartha (portrayed by Faye Marsay) and her ragtag rebel crew embedded on Aldhani–consisting of Cinta Kaz (Varada Sethu), Taramyn Barcona (Gershwyn Eustache Jr), Arvel Skeen (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther) and their Imperial insider Lieutenant Gorn (Sule Rimi)–for a covert but audacious operation to seize the Imperial payroll from a heavily fortified garrison. See also: Doing the impossible: How the Rural Doctors Movement started a healthcare revolution in Thailand A heist designed to shock the Empire, provoke a response, and show the galaxy that resistance is possible, it is inspired by the infamous 1907 Tiflis bank robbery orchestrated by Joseph Stalin–whom Gilroy quipped Luna's Andor looks like–and his Bolshevik comrades against Tsarist Russia. Above Yeveran Square, where the Tiflis robbery took place in 1907 (Photo: WikiCommons) The historical robbery in Tiflis (present-day Tbilisi, Georgia) aimed to finance revolutionary activities against the Russian Empire. The Bolsheviks successfully seized approximately 300,000 rubles–equivalent to roughly US$1 million at the time–by launching a precisely timed attack on a bank transport using explosives and firearms, resulting in numerous casualties. Furthermore, both operations feature small, determined groups executing calculated, high-risk missions against seemingly invincible imperial powers; reflecting tactics employed by various 20th-century revolutionary movements, particularly leftist guerrilla organisations that utilised asymmetric warfare and strategic strikes to destabilise established regimes. Don't miss: Netflix: The best true crime shows you need to watch Labour and immigration Above Narkina 5 inmates were labour prisoners exploited for industrial production (Photo: Lucasfilm) Following the events on Aldhani in season one, Andor is abruptly apprehended–quite literally–by a KX-series security droid, one of which will eventually become his trusted companion in Rogue One . While hiding out on Niamos, he is falsely convicted and sent to serve time in the Imperial prison complex on Narkina 5, the sterile, electrically enforced Imperial prison complex, where inmates are reduced to little more than production units, forced to work twelve-hour shifts to assemble mysterious mechanical components (for the Death Star) under the constant threat of electrocution for failing to meet quotas. Read more: Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman weighs in on drug policy reform, higher education and overcoming challenges The prison's hyper-regimented environment and systematic dehumanisation present an unflinching depiction of forced labour systems–not as aberrations, but as deliberate tools of Imperial control, while prisoners are psychologically manipulated into monitoring one another, clinging to the false hope of eventual 'release.' Above Uncomfortable parallels in Soviet gulags and Nazi conentration camps (Photo: WikiCommons) Narkina 5's meticulous efficiency and disregard for human dignity finds uncomfortable parallels in Soviet gulags–established in 1918 after the Russian Revolution, where hope was weaponised as control, and labour prisoners exploited for industrial production; before they were systematically exterminated, much like the prisoners in Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War. Andor echoes this grim historical reality through the off-screen mass execution of inmates on another level, following an accidental readmission that revealed the facility's 'recycling' system of transferring prisoners between levels instead of releasing them. See also: Behind Anora: The Oscar-winning story of love, chaos and Sean Baker's bold vision Above Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Wilmon Paak (Muhannad Bhaier), and Brasso (Joplin Sibtain) end up as undocumented labourers in Mina-Rau (Photo: Lucasfilm) Later, when Andor's allies from Ferrix–Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Wilmon Paak (Muhannad Bhaier), and Brasso (Joplin Sibtain)–end up as undocumented labourers in Mina-Rau in season two, the show draws a clear parallel to the modern-day plight of migrant workers. Performing essential labour while living in constant precarity, these characters mirror real-world migrants who face the threat of deportation, lack of legal protections, and limited recourse against exploitation. Above Migrant labourers routinely endure wage theft, hazardous working conditions, and systemic exploitation (Photo: WikiCommons) Much like the Empire's approach to maintaining control and suppressing dissent, these conditions reflect the lived experiences of undocumented workers in countries, such as the United States, and the Middle East–particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where Amnesty International reports have recently revealed migrant workers facing serious abuses. Despite forming the backbone of key industries such as agriculture, construction, and food service, migrant labourers routinely endure wage theft, hazardous working conditions, and systemic exploitation–vulnerabilities that are magnified by their immigration status, which dramatically restricts their ability to advocate for fair treatment or improved conditions. Don't miss: Malaysian social enterprise Pinkcollar is driving ethical recruitment for migrant workers forward Protests and massacres Photo 1 of 2 Maarva Andor (Fiona Shaw) galvanising the people of Ferrix against the Empire (Photo: Lucasfilm) Photo 2 of 2 The Imperial forces were caught off guard in Ferrix's seemingly unassuming uprising (Photo: Lucasfilm) When push comes to shove for the meek and powerless, something is bound to break; and this nuanced exploration of the cycle of oppression and resistance in Andor reaches its crescendo during the finale episode of season one, when the people of Ferrix gather for Andor's surrogate mother Maarva's (Fiona Shaw) funeral. Long suffering under Imperial occupation, Ferrix citizens use the ritual of mourning as an act of defiance, catching Imperial forces completely off guard in their uprising. While the Ferrix funeral riot bears particular resemblance to the funeral of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in East Jerusalem in 2022–when Israeli forces attacked mourners carrying her coffin–this climactic sequence in the season finale resembles large-scale civil unrest, akin to crackdowns like the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre. Demonstrators in Beijing, who gathered initially with hopes for dialogue and reform, discovered that authoritarian regimes ultimately resort to overwhelming force when their authority is challenged. The Chinese government deployed tanks against unarmed students, killing hundreds to thousands of civilians–a complete death toll that remains unknown to this day. Read more: From frustration to force: activist and ecofeminist Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar on redefining climate justice in Malaysia Photo 1 of 2 Tension between the Empire and the local population escalate dramatically, culminating in the tragic and pivotal Ghorman Massacre (Photo: Lucasfilm) Photo 2 of 2 The Ghorman resistance party portrayed by predominantly French-speaking actors, evoking parallels to the French Resistance, and emphasising their role as a passionate but ultimately doomed insurgent community (Photo: Lucasfilm) Throughout season two, audiences sense the proverbial penny in the air that is bound to drop in the most brutal way when Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn, who reprises his role from Rogue One ) focuses on Ghorman–a culturally rich but politically volatile planet reminiscent of historic textile cities like Milan and Turin–due to the city-planet's abundance of kalkite, a resource tied to the construction of the Death Star. Tension between the Empire and the local population escalates dramatically over the next few episodes, culminating in the tragic and pivotal Ghorman Massacre–a dark turning point that establishes Ghorman as a symbol of sacrifice and resistance that 'will burn, very brightly,' just as Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) anticipated. This fictional massacre evokes unmistakable parallels to South Africa's Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, during a peaceful demonstration organised by the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), a splinter group from the African National Congress (ANC). The police claimed some demonstrators began stoning officers and armoured vehicles, and opened fire with submachine guns on the crowd. The allegations were challenged when notably, many victims were shot in the back, indicating they were fleeing when fired upon. See also: The nature of resilience: Jane Goodall remains steadfast in her commitment to protecting the natural world One of the most violent and pivotal events in South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, the shooting resulted in the deaths of 69 people, including women and children, and wounded over 180 others. While the event led to increased repression in the country, it also galvanised greater international condemnation with some activists moving towards armed resistance. Casualties and catalysts Above Complex individuals whose humanity gradually erodes through systematic indoctrination (Photo: Instagram / @andorofficial) Adding another level of nuance to Andor 's storytelling is the unyielding examination of how seemingly ordinary individuals become cogs in the machinery of oppression through a lifetime of Imperial conditioning. Rather than focusing on the Empire's highest echelons, Andor offers a glimpse into the psyches and lives of mid-level enforcers. Characters like Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) aren't merely cartoon villains but complex individuals whose humanity gradually–if it hasn't already–erodes through systematic indoctrination. Above Meero (Gough) is steeped in Imperial conditioning (Photo: Instagram / @andorofficial) Above Kyle Soller portrays Syril Karn in the 'Andor' series (Photo: Instagram / @andorofficial) Meero, who reveals in a later episode of season two that she grew up in the Imperial Kinder-block, is steeped in Imperial conditioning and justifies her actions through blind adherence to protocol. Meanwhile, Karn, when an enlightening revelation strips him of his institutional identity, he wanders purposelessly through Palmo Square in Ghorman until he fixates on Andor– the one person who gave meaning to his otherwise mundane life as a deputy inspector on Morlana One at the start of the series–desperate to restore his sense of belonging. Above Front row, left to right: Hermann Göring, Rudolf Heß, and Joachim von Ribbentrop at the Nuremberg trials (Photo: WikiCommons) Above Adolf Eichmann in the glass booth during the 1961 Eichmann trial, where he received a death sentence (Photo: WikiCommons) These characters serve as chilling illustrations of what Hannah Arendt termed 'the banality of evil' in her coverage of the Eichmann trial in the 1960s against Nazi SS officer Adolf Eichmann, who was primarily responsible for implementing the Final Solution. 'A man who drifted into the Nazi Party, in search of purpose and direction, not out of deep ideological belief,' as Arendt described Eichmann–and, by and large, the many Nazi officers who claimed they were 'simply following orders' during the Nuremberg Trials in the 1940s; the historian and philosopher noted how ordinary people can commit harmful acts simply by not questioning their actions or the situations they face. Don't miss: Justice Centre Hong Kong's Lynette Nam on navigating the legal challenges in empowering refugees Above Senator Mon Mothma's (Genevieve O'Reilly) political awakening is analogous to notable world leaders following sociopolitical calamities (Photo: Instagram / @andorofficial) Yet amid this oppression, while calamity serves as a destroyer in crushing ordinary people, it simultaneously forges extraordinary leaders from them. Following the canonical atrocity that is the Ghorman Massacre, Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) is pushed to publicly denounce Emperor Palpatine on the Senate floor in front of senators who have sworn allegiance to the Empire. Catalytically, she also helps establish the Rebel Alliance that becomes the collective protagonist of the original Star Wars trilogy. Above Nelson Mandela's (left) leadership began following the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 (Photo: WikiCommons) Mothma's political awakening is analogous to Nelson Mandela's leadership following the Sharpeville Massacre, when armed forces killed and injured protestors demonstrating against the apartheid-era passing laws to restrict their movement. Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) shifted from non-violent protest to armed resistance shortly after, recognising the limits of peaceful protest under apartheid–marking a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement. Read more: These Asian social justice champions are leading the fight for human dignity Ultimately, while Andor successfully showcases what Gilroy and many others have observed about humanity–the circadian rhythm of authoritarianism that resurfaces every few generations–it also reveals how resistance invariably emerges as part of the cyclical nature as well. Though all the bad is bound to happen again, so will all the good. That is the sliver of hope one can take away from a momentous series like Andor –and what are rebellions, if not built on hope? Both seasons of 'Andor,' 'Rogue One' and other 'Star Wars' films and series are now streaming on Disney+ NOW READ From Merdeka 118 to the Blue Mansion: Malaysia's most spectacular film locations that have captivated international cinema 8 movies that sold more toys than tickets Millennial movies: the low-key traumatic films responsible for a generation's paranoia
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Parents race to nab £22.50 Lego set for less than a fiver – and they're stunned when they find out where it's from
IT'S most definitely not the first place you think of when it comes to buying cut-price kids' toys. So one delighted shopper was thrilled when she came across a Lego set for just £4.99 - in Farmfoods. 2 The Jade rabbit Lego set retails for £22.50 on Amazon Credit: facebook/extremecouponingandbargainsuk 2 But one shopper found it for just £4.99 in their local Farmfoods Credit: facebook/extremecouponingandbargainsuk Emma took to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group on Facebook to share her budget find. "This Lego set is only £4.99 in Farmfoods - same set on Amazon is over £20!" she wrote. She also shared snaps of the set on the Amazon website, and her Farmfoods receipt showing that she'd bought it for less than a fiver. The set is the Jade rabbit Chinese Mid Autumn festival celebration one, which features a rabbit, a moon cake and a bright yellow moon. "Eating moon cake is one of the traditions of the festival, and this model opens to reveal egg yolk and 2 smaller rabbits inside," a description of the set reads. "With a bright yellow moon and clouds in the background, LEGO Jade Rabbit makes a fun display piece." It's intended for children aged eight and above. "I spend a couple hundred a month on Lego, so I wanted to get something in the lower price range this time (my idea of budgeting lol), and this did not disappoint!" one review on the Lego website reads. "One of my cheapest sets, but easily one of my favourites. It really didn't take THAT long to build, but I really enjoyed building this one, and I love how much there is to this set, especially for how little it costs. "And the fact you can open it is super cool. Glad I got this limited edition set while I could, it's a great purchase." Lego Star Wars available for free in latest Amazon Prime giveaway "I've always loved rabbits. especially within the backdrop of Chinese culture," another wrote. "This set is brimming with intricate details, beauty, and cuteness." "Which Farmfoods was this from?" one person asked in the comments section on Emma's Facebook post. To which she replied that she'd bought it at the store in Kettering. "Do all Farmfoods have this kind of stuff or just the bigger ones?" someone else questioned. "Never seen any in my local." How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. "They're in mine, and mine's tiny!" another replied. "These are all £5 each at Farmfoods," someone else said, sharing a picture of the three sets they'd found - the Jade rabbit, a pinata and a BrickHeadz Avatar one. While another commented: "I got the Disney set for £19.99 the other day - plus Avatar for £4.99. "This was Barnsley."
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Parents race to nab £22.50 Lego set for less than a fiver – and they're stunned when they find out where it's from
IT'S most definitely not the first place you think of when it comes to buying cut-price kids' toys. So one delighted shopper was thrilled when she came across a Lego set for just £4.99 - in Farmfoods. Advertisement 2 The Jade rabbit Lego set retails for £22.50 on Amazon Credit: facebook/extremecouponingandbargainsuk 2 But one shopper found it for just £4.99 in their local Farmfoods Credit: facebook/extremecouponingandbargainsuk Emma took to the "This Lego set is only £4.99 in Farmfoods - same set on Amazon is over £20!" she wrote. She also shared snaps of the set on the Amazon website, and her Farmfoods receipt showing that she'd bought it for less than a fiver. The set is the Jade rabbit Chinese Mid Autumn festival celebration one, which features a rabbit, a moon cake and a bright yellow moon. Advertisement Read more Shopping stories "Eating moon cake is one of the traditions of the festival, and this model opens to reveal egg yolk and 2 smaller rabbits inside," a description of the set reads. "With a bright yellow moon and clouds in the background, LEGO Jade Rabbit makes a fun display piece." It's intended for children aged eight and above. "I spend a couple hundred a month on Lego, so I wanted to get something in the lower price range this time (my idea of budgeting lol), and this did not disappoint!" one review on the Lego website reads. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive "One of my cheapest sets, but easily one of my favourites. It really didn't take THAT long to build, but I really enjoyed building this one, and I love how much there is to this set, especially for how little it costs. "And the fact you can open it is super cool. Glad I got this limited edition set while I could, it's a great purchase." Lego Star Wars available for free in latest Amazon Prime giveaway "I've always loved rabbits. especially within the backdrop of Chinese culture," another wrote. "This set is brimming with intricate details, beauty, and cuteness." Advertisement "Which Farmfoods was this from?" one person asked in the comments section on Emma's Facebook post. To which she replied that she'd bought it at the store in Kettering. "Do all Farmfoods have this kind of stuff or just the bigger ones?" someone else questioned. "Never seen any in my local." Advertisement How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. "They're in mine, and mine's tiny!" another replied. "These are all £5 each at Farmfoods," someone else said, sharing a picture of the three sets they'd found - the Jade rabbit, a pinata and a BrickHeadz Avatar one. While another commented: "I got the Disney set for £19.99 the other day - plus Avatar for £4.99. "This was Barnsley." Advertisement
Tatler Asia
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Mother's Day 2025: 7 well-designed gifts to honour the most important women in your life
2. cc-tapis Rebus rugs by India Mahdavi Above cc-tapis Rebus rug by Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi (Photo: Instagram / @cc_tapis) Above Each rug is both artwork and object balancing abstraction and symbolism (Photo: Instagram / @cc_tapis) Bring some colour into her home with these Rebus hand-knotted rugs by cc-tapis, in collaboration with acclaimed Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi. Bridging the realms of fine art and interior design, and forming a visual language that is both cryptic and playful, Mahdavi crafts a design puzzle that balances abstraction and symbolism. Don't miss: Architecture for Dogs: Innovative spaces reimagined for canine companions Above Fade effect achieved through alternation of wool threads in varied saturations (Photo: Instagram / @cc_tapis) Above Saturated colours and bold, unexpected forms offer fresh insight with every glance (Photo: Instagram / @cc_tapis) Each rug functions as both artwork and object, with translated words, phrases and ideas converging through saturated colours and bold, unexpected forms–a figurative language that invites interpretation, offering fresh insight with every glance. Produced in the cc-tapis atelier in Nepal, the Rebus collection showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Its distinctive fade effect, achieved through careful alternation of wool threads in varied saturations–resulting in a palette that is both subtle and striking. Read more: Home tour: A nature-inspired lakefront retreat in Canada blends quiet luxury with seasonal beauty 3. Lego Art Vincent Van Gogh–Sunflowers wall art set Above The Lego wall art set captures the brilliance of Van Gogh's painting in 1889 Arles (Photo: Lego) What better flowers to get your mum than those that last forever? And which blossoms speak better of permanence than Vincent Van Gogh's iconic Sunflowers ? Created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam–which holds the world's largest Van Gogh collection, including the original Sunflowers painting–this three-dimensional buildable interpretation by Lego captures the brilliance of the work the artist painted in Arles in 1889. See also: 10 most expensive Lego Star Wars sets to bring home on Star Wars Day Photo 1 of 3 Van Gogh's iconic use of light, shade and layered yellow hues come to life (Photo: Lego) Photo 2 of 3 16 sunflowers with adjustable petals (Photo: Lego) Photo 3 of 3 A printed tile bearing Van Gogh's signature (Photo: Lego) Featuring 16 sunflowers with adjustable petals, a removable frame, a printed tile bearing Van Gogh's signature, and a hanger element for elegant wall display–see how Van Gogh's iconic use of light, shade and layered yellow hues come to life as you spend quality time with mum in constructing the 2,615-piece composition. Don't miss: Lego Art meets Van Gogh: Inside the revolutionary 'Sunflowers' design 4. Pern Baan OTS Chair by Office of Tangible Space Above A reinterpretation that blends sculptural form with artisanal process (Photo: Pern Baan) Above Bridging high-precision metalwork with traditional craftsmanship in Thailand (Photo: Pern Baan) The OTS Chair by Pern Baan–a Thai-American furniture brand founded by Robert Sukrachand–and New York–based studio Office of Tangible Space is a bold reinterpretation of the classic dining chair that blends sculptural form with artisanal process. Crafted in Thailand, a country whose design culture bridges high-precision metalwork with traditional handcraft, the chair features a powder-coated steel frame in graphic green or soft cream, and paired with a handwoven cotton cord seat and an open base that maintains a visually lightweight yet grounded presence. Read more: 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture 5. Sage Living Starlight Ori side table Above Inspired by the geometric folding design of origami (Photo: Sage Living) Relive your shared childhood memories with mum with Sage Living's Starlight collection–a furniture series that draws inspiration from childhood memories of paper folding or origami. Designed by co-founders Keerthi Tummala and Ram Kabadi, the collection celebrates the magic of folded design, where clean lines and thoughtful construction evoke nostalgia–those moments when boats, cranes, and airplanes came to life through simple creases and folds. See also: Home tour: A luxurious multigenerational home near New Delhi showcasing homegrown materials Capturing the essence of origami through masterful integration of traditional Indian craftsmanship, the Ori side table features honey onyx and silver pyrite stone pieced together with Pietra Dura inlay techniques–the slicing and cutting of materials into different shape sections, before assembling back together seamlessly. Set atop highly reflective chrome legs, the geometric forms and clean lines reflect paper folding's elegant simplicity, creating a captivating illusion that is both visually intriguing and practical in functionality. Don't miss: Rikke Frost revolutionises Danish design at Carl Hansen & Søn 6. Pratesi Botanica bedding collection Above Pratesi captures the romance of the Italian countryside in bloom (Photo: Instagram / @ Above The Tre Righe hand-embroidery set against Egyptian cotton percale (Photo: Instagram / @ Designed to elevate every moment of rest for your mum, the Botanica collection by Italian luxury linen and bedding brand Pratesi captures the romance of the Italian countryside in bloom–winding buds, florals and soft dappled light. Woven by artisans in Italy, the collection features a rich tapestry of flowers set against a base of Egyptian cotton percale, evoking the timeless charm of la dolce vita . The bedding caps off on a luxurious hand-embroidered note with Pratesi's celebrated three-line embroidery–the Tre Righe , and the brand's subtle emblem nestled among the vines. Read more: 5 interior designer tips for kid-friendly bedrooms that grow with your children 7. King Living Sleep+ Mattress and bed Above Every layer of the King Living Sleep+ Mattress is engineered for customisable support, enhance airflow and wick away moisture (Photo: King Living) Exceptional rest is important to all mothers, and whether your mum prefers firm support, cloud-like softness or something in between, the modular and customisable Sleep+ Mattress by King Living may be what is needed for a restful night of uninterrupted sleep. See also: 5 ways to create a luxurious bedroom that promotes uninterrupted sleep Each component can be interchanged, allowing you to configure your ideal sleep surface–such as the Comfort Layer with five different configurations to suit your preferred sleep position and firmness level, and the mesh-encased Spring Base with KingCell pocket coil springs that provide targeted support and pressure relief. Besides that, every layer of the Sleep+ Mattress is engineered to enhance airflow and wick away moisture–not to mention, removable to clean or vacuum–creating a cool, clean sleep environment within the zipped cover. Photo 1 of 4 The King Living Horizon Bed features a floating-style platform and a grand bedhead (Photo: King Living) Photo 2 of 4 The mounting points for the side wings and smart accessories are tastefully concealed (Photo: King Living) Photo 3 of 4 The Jasper Bed is another of King Living's range of beds that blends form and function (Photo: King Living) Photo 4 of 4 The King Living Jasper Bed comes with integrated lighting, shelves, under-bed storage and wireless charging (Photo: King Living) Furthermore, complete mum's new sleeping sanctuary with King Living's range of beds that blends form and function: Horizon Bed features a floating-style platform and a grand bedhead that conceals mounting points for side wings and smart accessories, whereas the Jasper Bed comes with integrated lighting, shelves, under-bed storage and wireless charging so everything is within reach. NOW READ 8 inspiring Asian female architects to know Georg Jensen unveils Lituus: Danish designer's sculptural vases transform flower care 5 iconic hotels in film: Where architecture becomes the star
