Vibe Check: Brisbane’s wellness, lifestyle and beauty news you might have missed this week
From boutique buzz to lifestyle loves – and the hidden gems in-between – Vibe Check is your finger on the pulse to what’s hot and happening in the world of beauty, design and fashion in Brisbane. When we checked the vibe this week, here’s what we found …
La Burns to open in New Farm later this month
New Farm’s wellness scene will soon get a whole lot spicier with the announcement of a new modern movement studio opening at the tail end of the month. La Burns will be located on Little Lane (the home of Idle Bakery) and will focus on non-heated mat-only classes with a ten-person class size, ensuring everyone’s form is correct and there is no hiding in the background. Founded by Zac Lazerac and Nikki Black (well-known in the Newstead community for their popular wine bar and cafe Niky) alongside business partner Larissa, the team will bring over nine years of pilates experience and dietetics to the mat. They offer various styles of pilates sessions to prioritise flow, form and intentional movement, where every movement sculpts, strengthens and, of course, burns (so you know it’s working). Designed in collaboration with Studio Doma, the minimalist space will feature terracotta-hued walls, cork floors, a statement feature wall and ample mirrors. For the first few months, La Burns will be running a ‘Saturday Service’ event which includes free 30-minute express classes from 7:30–10:00 am. Don’t forget to check out La Burns Instagram page for the official opening date and word of any community collaborations and events announcements.
The New Trend reveals first Queensland boutique at The Calile Hotel
The New Trend (TNT) has marked its long-awaited debut in the Queensland market, softly opening its James Street boutique at The Calile Hotel last month. Since launching in Melbourne in 2017, TNT has played a pivotal part in redefining women’s luxury wear, blending international favourites like The Attico, Coperni and Wardrobe NYC with leading local names such as Christopher Esber, Alemais and ESSE Studios. The James Street flagship is designed by AKI Studio with custom contributions by Australian artisans Sarah Nedovic and Simone Tops, both adding artistic elements to give the space a sense of warmth and expression. TNT is both a shopping destination and a celebration of local design. Step inside prepared for your wardrobe to thank you.
HOT TEC’s cheeky yet clinical approach to skincare treatment
In August, New Farm welcomed HOT TEC, a shiny new tech-forward skin clinic that’s flipping the script on skincare. With a nurse-led team and science-backed treatments, this skin, laser and wellness haven is delivering maximum results at its minimalist New Farm destination. HOT TEC’s gender-neutral menu offers everything from facials and health injections to hair removal and balding treatments, all supercharged with global-grade tech equipment and the clinic’s bold and inclusive approach. Having already made a splash with Korean lifting facials, HOT TEC is dazzling Brisbane beauties with its no-fluff approach and slightly naughty personality. Visitors can treat themselves to clean and quick hair removal with the help of high-tech equipment like the Alma Soprano Titanium laser or see instant glow-up results with NAD+ and B12 injections delivered by nurses. With no memberships required, HOT TEC’s no judgement salon is located on Merthyr Road and ready to guide you through your skincare journey.
Frend Collective’s retro streetwear party
Streetwear fiends Frend Collective are hosting a sweet pop-up in November showcasing bold and nostalgic pieces from their current and upcoming collections. Frend Collective’s pop-up will take place on Thursday November 13 at The Refinery’s newly renovated warehouse, with swish fits and a night’s worth of entertainment on the cards. A live DJ will keep the beats bumping and the energy high while Fellr provides essential fizzy hydration for browsing. With a custom classic 1977 Corvette on display and old-school video games on hand, Frend Collective is going all out to bring a retro atmosphere to Newstead to celebrate its 2025 season.
Makras Optical brings refined style and in-depth care to James Street
An elevated optical boutique has hit James Street with a simple mission – to help you see the world not as it is, but as you are. Makras Optical, founded by therapeutically endorsed optometrist Michael Makras, is Brisbane’s newest home to cutting-edge eyewear, blending refined sensibilities with a scientific approach. Each frame has been thoughtfully curated by Michael himself, using his clinical expertise and decades of experience across the UK and Australia to bring a sense of integrity and daring craftsmanship to the eyes of Brisbane. With a focus on uncompromising care, Makras Optical utilises state-of-the-art technology to detect and monitor eye conditions. From wide-field Optos retinal scans and OCT imaging to high-resolution retinal photography, Makras is making its name through early detection, precision diagnosis and personalised treatment. Makras Optical stocks several brands including RAEN, Cutler and Gross, Ottomila and DITA, chosen for their boundary pushing ways and dedication to artistry – meaning you won’t find anything ordinary lining the shelves here.
A laidback luxury showroom from MCM House just opened in Fortitude Valley
Sydney-based interior design brand, MCM House, has arrived in Brisbane to continue its key mission — to help people transform their homes into sanctuaries. Located on Fortitude Valley’s Wickam Street sits the flagship’s bold red exterior, with the showroom laid across multiple levels. Inside, the brand’s signature features of timber textures, oversized linen sofas and its newest outdoor Dell’Oro collection compliment Queensland’s relaxed urban lifestyle. Over the last three years, MCM House has opened seven spaces across Australia, including Byron Bay and Noosa. With its rapidly growing reputation as a cornerstone of home design, MCM House’s new Fortitude Valley showroom invites Brisbane to explore the brand’s classic and effortlessly cool furniture range.
Alter Albion’s simple yet sophisticated wedding experience
You no longer need to break the bank to get hitched, as Alter Albion, a new wedding venue destination specialising in subtle but special ceremonies opens its doors in Brisbane. With registered Celebrants, stylishly simple interior and a seamless experience, couples can tie the knot on a budget, an experience that emphasises love and sincere connections. With many packages on offer, couples can have a complete wedding ceremony with 50 of their nearest and dearest for $995. Alter Albion’s registration process is simple and easy, so much so that you and your significant other only need to show up to the venue 10 minutes before saying ‘I do’. Afterwards, couples can get photos taken at beautiful locations across the site and head to the nearby Craft’d Grounds for their reception. Alter Albion’s new era of wedding experiences has been designed with couples in mind, who are craving connection and meaning over excess.
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